A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Coffs Harbour vs. Te Anau for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Coffs Harbour or Te Anau?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Coffs Harbour and Te Anau can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a nature-filled, lively, and relaxing vacation town. Coffs Harbour is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Coffs Harbour travel costs.

Te Anau

Te Anau is a pristine, breathtaking, and stunning town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Te Anau is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food and hiking. See Te Anau travel costs.

Coffs Harbour and Te Anau: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Coffs Harbour or Te Anau?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Coffs Harbour. Although Coffs Harbour and Te Anau are popular destinations, Coffs Harbour has more sights and attractions for tourists. Coffs Harbour is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Te Anau attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Coffs Harbour is famous for its popularity as a holiday destination, diverse marine environment, and the iconic "Big Banana". It is also well known for the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Te Anau is famous for being the gateway to Fiordland National Park.

How is Coffs Harbour different from Te Anau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Te Anau and Coffs Harbour. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Coffs Harbour or Te Anau?

Coffs Harbour is a vacation town with good options for its museums and history. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Coffs Harbour offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town is home to the infamous Big Banana Fun Park. It's a large amusement park that's become recognized for the "Big Banana" at the entrance - which is the first of the "Big Things" found in Australia. The town also has several other landmarks to check out such as the Forest Sky Pier, the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, and the Butterfly House.

Te Anau offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The town is about the surrounding outdoor activities but you will find the Te Anau Vintage Machinery Museum and the Te Anau Trout Observatory in town.

Is the Food Better in Coffs Harbour or Te Anau? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Coffs Harbour and Te Anau offer great local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Coffs Harbour. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants that cater to families, couples, and all types of vacations. There are quaint cafes as well as fine dining restaurants and the cuisine ranges from local seafood to modern Australian favorites, or international treats.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Te Anau. The town makes a great spot to refuel after all of your hiking and outdoor adventures. There are plenty of cafes and food trucks around town where you can enjoy local dishes and a friendly atmosphere.

Is Coffs Harbour or Te Anau Better for Nightlife?

Coffs Harbour is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

Coffs Harbour has a large number of nightlife venues. It's a vacation spot that attracts visitors who want to enjoy the evening activities. The Jetty Strip is popular for its nightlife scene, but you'll find no shortage of bars and pubs in other areas as well.

Te Anau is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. This is a small town that's focused on outdoor activities, but it does receive a number of tourists, so you'll find a few bars around town where you can hang out.

Is Coffs Harbour or Te Anau Better for Resorts?

Coffs Harbour is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Te Anau is not a resort destination.

In Coffs Harbour, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There's a huge range of accommodation types in the area with everything from camping to luxury resorts. There are also budget-friendly hostels and family-friendly hotels.

Te Anau is not a resort destination.

Is Coffs Harbour or Te Anau Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Coffs Harbour is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Te Anau is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Coffs Harbour is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. Scuba diving and snorkeling is popular in the area, as this is where the Solitary Islands Marine Park begins. The area sees a mix of the warm water from the Great Barrier Reef and the cooler waters from around Sydney, so the marine life is diverse. There are sheltered areas that offer snorkeling for all ages and you'll see a great mix of tropical and sub-tropical marine life, as well as both soft and hard corals.

Te Anau is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Coffs Harbour or Te Anau Better for Beaches?

Coffs Harbour is renowned for the beach. However, Te Anau is not a beach destination.

Coffs Harbour is considered to be a world-class beach destination. People come for the beaches, and they won't disappoint. You can enjoy everything from surfing, swimming, fishing, or simply walking and taking in the beauty. Popular beaches in the area include Emerald Beach, Woolgoolga, and the family-friendly Jetty Beach.

Te Anau is not a beach destination.

Is Coffs Harbour or Te Anau Better for Hiking?

Te Anau is very popular for its hiking trails. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Te Anau visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The town serves as basecamp for Fiordland National Park so there are many amazing hikes and walks in the area. Many of the hikes begin at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre and range in length and the required skill level.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Coffs Harbour. There are many national parks and natural areas nearby with excellent hiking and bush walks. The Coffs Creek Walk is a walking and biking path that's in town and connects the city center to many of the top sights that are nearby. Out of town, there's the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk, the Gumgali Track, Sherwood Nature Reserve and Ulidarra National Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Coffs Harbour or Te Anau?

Coffs Harbour is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Coffs Harbour is well-known for its shopping. The city has many shopping centers and markets where you can enjoy leisurely shopping or pick up any essentials that you may have forgotten.

Te Anau has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are shops where you can pick up any outdoor supplies and food items that you may need.

Is Coffs Harbour or Te Anau More Beautiful?

Te Anau is very popular for its scenery and beauty. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Te Anau is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, world class national parks, and spectacular views.

Coffs Harbour is a beautiful place to visit, too. With its beautiful coastline and nice mountain landscapes, there is plenty of beauty to explore. There are also nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries where you can immerse yourself in the natural environment.

Is Coffs Harbour or Te Anau Better for Families?

Both Coffs Harbour and Te Anau are world-class to visit with kids.

Coffs Harbour is an extremely popular vacation town to visit for families. There are great beaches where kids can swim or learn to surf. There are also water parks, including the famous Big Banana Fun Park, as well as amusement parks, nature reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries. Kids and adults alike will enjoy going dolphin or whale watching, or putting on a mask and going snorkeling.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Te Anau is very family-friendly. The town's proximity to the Milford Sound make it a nice base for families who enjoy spending time outdoors. Kayaking or exploring the Te Anau Glowworm Caves are favorite activities in the area. There's also the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary and many hikes nearby.

Is Coffs Harbour or Te Anau Better for Couples?

Te Anau is very popular for romance. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Te Anau is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The stunning scenery in the area, combined with small town charm, make this is a top couple's destination and a wonderful honeymoon spot. Couples who appreciate nature and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this amazing area.

Couples visit Coffs Harbour frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a beautiful city and a popular honeymoon destination. Couples will enjoy the impressive beaches and fun activities. There are places to explore nature as well as restaurants and fun evening activities. There's also great scuba diving and snorkeling at the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Is Coffs Harbour or Te Anau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Coffs Harbour and Te Anau are both great destinations for backpackers.

Coffs Harbour is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of hostels around town as well as great water activities and a lively atmosphere, making this a nice stop off for backpackers.

Te Anau is a great vacation town to visit for backpackers. For such a small town, there are a decent number of hostels and budget accommodation options in the area. The town makes a good base for exploring the region's stunning scenery.

Is Coffs Harbour or Te Anau Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Coffs Harbour is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Coffs Harbour. This is a very car dependent area and public transit is very limit. While there are buses, the area is spread out and you need the freedom of having your own vehicle to explore.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Te Anau. Public transit in the area is limited and most visitors have their own car or join one of the many tours in the area.

Is Coffs Harbour or Te Anau a more walkable city?

Te Anau is a decent place to visit for its walkability. However, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

Te Anau is generally not a very walkable town. Exploring the area requires a vehicle and, while there are many hikes in the area, it's not easy to walk to many places. There are tours available for those that don't have a vehicle.

Coffs Harbour is not a walkable vacation town. Most visitors arrive with a car and you'll struggle to fully experience the area if you don't have your own form of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Coffs Harbour Worth Visiting? and Is Te Anau Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Te Anau or Coffs Harbour?

How long in Coffs Harbour or Te Anau?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Coffs Harbour and Te Anau. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Coffs Harbour than in Te Anau. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Coffs Harbour, and 1-3 days is enough time in Te Anau.

Families should spend more time in Coffs Harbour than Te Anau. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Coffs Harbour, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Coffs Harbour than Te Anau. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Coffs Harbour that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Coffs Harbour than Te Anau if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Coffs Harbour.

One day in Coffs Harbour or Te Anau?

In Coffs Harbour, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This vacation town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Even though Te Anau is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Coffs Harbour or Te Anau?

In Coffs Harbour, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Te Anau. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Coffs Harbour or Te Anau?

Coffs Harbour is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Coffs Harbour has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Te Anau is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Coffs Harbour or Te Anau?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Coffs Harbour. In Coffs Harbour, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Te Anau is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Coffs Harbour and Te Anau, we can see that Coffs Harbour is more expensive. And not only is Te Anau much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Te Anau would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Te Anau and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Coffs Harbour would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Coffs Harbour than you might in Te Anau.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Coffs Harbour Expensive? and Is Te Anau Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Coffs Harbour or Te Anau?

Coffs Harbour has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Te Anau. When comparing the sizes of Coffs Harbour and Te Anau, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.