A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hiroshima vs. Te Anau for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima 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.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a memorable, meaningful, and park-filled city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Hiroshima 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. Many visitors also come to Te Anau because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food and hiking. See Te Anau travel costs.

Hiroshima and Te Anau: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Home to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Hiroshima or Te Anau?

Both Te Anau and Hiroshima have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Hiroshima is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping, while Te Anau attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Te Anau is more touristy than Hiroshima and is known for being the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Hiroshima is famous for being the sight of the world's first atomic bomb detonation.

How is Hiroshima different from Te Anau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hiroshima
Te Anau

Hiroshima is renowned for its museums and history. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Hiroshima are world-renowned. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was built to commemorate the victims of the world's first nuclear attack. The park also serves as a sight to promote long term peace. In the park you'll find the Peace Memorial Museum, the Memorial Cenotaph, the Atom Bomb Dome, and the Flame of Peace. Other sights in Hiroshima include the Itsukushima shrine, the Hiroshima Castle, and Mitaki-dera Temple.

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 Hiroshima or Te Anau? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hiroshima
Te Anau

Dining out at restaurants in both Hiroshima and Te Anau can be an enjoyable experience.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Hiroshima. There are many local dishes that you'll find in restaurants around town. Some of the best dining areas are around Hiroshima Station and in downtown Hiroshima. Make sure you try the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, the local oysters, and tsukemen.

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 Hiroshima or Te Anau Better for Nightlife?

Hiroshima
Te Anau

Hiroshima is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Hiroshima. The city has many hidden pubs and traditional Japanese bars. The most vibrant nightlife scene is in the Chugoku-Shikoku district, particularly around Nagarekawa Street.

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 Hiroshima or Te Anau Better for Hiking?

Hiroshima
Te Anau

Te Anau is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.

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.

Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Hiroshima or Te Anau?

Hiroshima
Te Anau

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

Hiroshima is well-known for its shopping. There are outlet malls as well as morning markets, that make for interesting shopping. Head to old Sanyodo Road to shop where the locals shop and for international brands head to Hondori Central Shopping District.

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 Hiroshima or Te Anau More Beautiful?

Hiroshima
Te Anau

Te Anau is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Hiroshima is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Te Anau because of it's amazing beauty. The town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, world class national parks, and spectacular views.

Hiroshima is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hiroshima or Te Anau Better for Families?

Hiroshima
Te Anau

Te Anau is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Te Anau is an extremely popular town to visit for families. 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.

Hiroshima is a family-friendly place to visit. Tragedy often comes to mind when you think of this city, as it was the sight of the first atomic bomb detonation. Older kids will learn a lot from a visit, but it may be a bit overwhelming for younger kids. There are still many things to do with kids of all ages in the city though, such as feeding the koi fish at Shukeien Park or visiting the floating Itsukushima shrine.


Is Hiroshima or Te Anau Better for Couples?

Hiroshima
Te Anau

Te Anau is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Hiroshima makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There is plenty of nature and green space in the city. Couples will enjoy visiting the Hiroshima Castle or wandering through the gardens such as Shukkeien or the Hiroshima Botanical Garden.

Is Hiroshima or Te Anau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hiroshima
Te Anau

Te Anau is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Te Anau is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Hiroshima. There are many hostels around town and plenty of things to see an do.

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

Hiroshima
Te Anau

Hiroshima is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Hiroshima has some very good public transit options. There's a good tram and streetcar network around town as well as a ferry connecting the city to Miyajima Island. There are also buses around town.

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 Hiroshima or Te Anau a more walkable city?

Hiroshima
Te Anau

Hiroshima is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Hiroshima is a very walkable city. If you base yourself in downtown Hiroshima, you can explore many areas on foot.

Te Anau is generally not very walkable. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Te Anau or Hiroshima?

How long in Hiroshima or Te Anau?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hiroshima and Te Anau. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hiroshima, and 1-3 days is enough time in Te Anau.

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


  • How many days in Hiroshima or Te Anau? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hiroshima 2-3 
    Te Anau 1-3

One day in Hiroshima or Te Anau?

In Hiroshima, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This city 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. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Te Anau has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Hiroshima or Te Anau?

In Hiroshima, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hiroshima has to offer.

Te Anau is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Hiroshima or Te Anau?

Hiroshima is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Hiroshima or Te Anau?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hiroshima. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hiroshima. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Te Anau is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Te Anau or Hiroshima?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hiroshima is $126, while the average daily cost in Te Anau is $118. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Hiroshima and Te Anau in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hiroshima $67
    Te Anau $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hiroshima $134
    Te Anau $88
Compare Hotels in Hiroshima and Te Anau

Looking for a hotel in Hiroshima or Te Anau? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Hiroshima


Hotels in Te Anau


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Hiroshima Hotel Prices and Te Anau Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hiroshima $10
    Te Anau $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hiroshima

Also for Hiroshima, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Shared Departure Transfer : Hiroshima City to Hiroshima Airport: $128
  • Shared Arrival Transfer : Hiroshima Airport to Hiroshima City: $128
  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Port to Hiroshima Airport (HIJ): $164
  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) to Hiroshima Port: $182
  • Private Transfer Hiroshima Airport: $292
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Hiroshima International Airport to Hiroshima City: $272
  • Iwakuni Airport to/from Hiroshima City Private Transfer: $244
  • Hiroshima City: Private Transfer to/from Hiroshima Airport: $189

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Te Anau

Also for Te Anau, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Lake Marian Guided Hike with Transfers, Lunch & Morning Tea: $184
  • Te Anau to Invercargill Small Group Transfer: $53
  • Kepler Water Taxi Transfer across Lake Te Anau: $17

Is it cheaper to fly into Hiroshima or Te Anau?

Prices for flights to both Te Anau and Hiroshima change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hiroshima $52
    Te Anau $46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hiroshima

For Hiroshima, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hiroshima Night Walk & Traditional Okonomiyaki Dinner Tour: $52
  • Okonomiyaki Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $59
  • Food and Culture Guided Walking Tour with Dinner: $82
  • Dinner Cruise on HANAIKADA (Raft-Type Boat) with Scenic View of Miyajima: $100
  • Bar Hopping Food Tour: $103
  • Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour: $105
  • Private Japanese Cooking Class in Hiroshima with Machiko's Family: $108
  • Hiroshima Peace Bicycle Tour and Okonomiyaki Dinner: $113
  • Best of Hiroshima Food Tour: $182
  • Best of Hiroshima Food Tour: $221
  • Private Nature, History, and Food Tour: $629

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hiroshima $5.58
    Te Anau $47

Tours and Activities in Hiroshima

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hiroshima.

  • 1 Day Tour Onomichi Temples Exploration and Saijo Sake Tasting: $175
  • 1-Day Miyajima Sightseeing Tour: $186
  • 1-Day Tour: Hiroshima Hidden Gems & Highlights: $161
  • 2 Hour Private Morning Tour Highlights in Peace Memorial Park: $103
  • 2-Hour Private Hiroshima Morning Tour: $103
  • 3 Hour Nanaura Tour around Miyajima with Lunch Box: $264
  • 30 Minutes One Way Cruise from Miyahama Onsen to Miyajima: $119
  • 4 Hour Private Hiroshima City Walking Tour: $95
  • 7 hours Private Customizable Walking Tour in Hiroshima: $300
  • Abacus & Calligraphy Experience Near Hiroshima Peace Park: $21
  • Abacus & Calligraphy Experience Near Hiroshima Peace Park: $20
  • Amazing Private City Tour with a Local Guide: $135

Tours and Activities in Te Anau

For Te Anau, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Award Winning Milford Sound Full Day Tour & Cruise from Te Anau: $128
  • Champagne Sightseeing Cruise on Lake Te Anau: $98
  • Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Te Anau: $214
  • Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise from Manapouri: $201
  • Epic Milford Guided Tour from Te Anau: $142
  • Evening Champagne Cruise on Historic 1935 Motor Yacht.: $84
  • Fiordland: Jet Boat & Nature Walk Experience from Te Anau: $119
  • From Doubtful Sound Coach & Cruise: $216
  • From Milford Sound Coach Tour and Cruise: $119
  • From Milford Sound Coach, Cruise, and Walks: $173
  • From Milford Sound Cruise & Scenic Coach Tour: $126
  • From Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Day Trip: $133

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hiroshima $12
    Te Anau $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Hiroshima

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Hiroshima:

  • Visit behind the Scenes: Hiroshima Saijo Sake Brewery Tour: $124
  • Half-Day Saijo Tour Sake Tasting and Brewery Tour in Hiroshima: $131
  • Private Goma Fire Ritual, Lunch & Sake Brewery Visits : $200


When comparing the travel costs between Hiroshima and Te Anau, we can see that Hiroshima is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Hiroshima is in Asia and Te Anau is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Hiroshima or Te Anau?

Hiroshima has a larger population, and is about 550 times larger than the population of Te Anau. When comparing the sizes of Hiroshima 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.