A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hobart vs. Queenstown for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Hobart or Queenstown?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hobart and Queenstown 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.

Hobart

Hobart is a quaint, historical, and charming city. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping. See Hobart travel costs.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a outdoorsy, nature-oriented, and spirited city. The beauty of Queenstown is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the skiing, nightlife, and food. See Queenstown travel costs.

Hobart and Queenstown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hobart or Queenstown?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Queenstown. Although Hobart and Queenstown are popular destinations, Queenstown has more sights and attractions for tourists. Queenstown is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hobart attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Hobart is famous for its quaint historical center, fresh seafood, and nearby hiking and biking trails. Queenstown is famous for its world class skiing, adrenaline-filled adventure sports, and stunning mountain scenery. It is also well known for Kawarau Bridge.

How is Hobart different from Queenstown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Hobart or Queenstown Better for Skiing?

Queenstown is renowned for skiing. However, Hobart is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Queenstown. There are four ski areas that are near the city, and many consider these among the best ski fields in New Zealand. The ski season runs from June until October and the skiing is world class.

Hobart is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hobart or Queenstown?

Hobart is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Queenstown is not a good city for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Hobart. The town has many landmarks and museums such as Port Arthur, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Mawson's Huts Replica Museum, and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. A highlight of the city is Battery Point, which is like an open-air museum. Make sure you explore the Battery Point Sculpture Trail.

While most people don't head to Queenstown specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. People head to this city for its amazing outdoor activities, but you won't find much if you're looking for museums. You can check out the Lakes District Museum though.

Is the Food Better in Hobart or Queenstown? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Queenstown is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Queenstown have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Located in the heart of the Otago wine region, this city has many award-winning restaurants. Local dishes, vegan cafes, and international flavors all make for a cosmopolitan and world class dining scene.

Dining out in Hobart is an experience not to be missed. The town has seen a surge in its culinary scene in recent years. Local chefs like to highlight the regional flavors and ingredients such as octopus, kingfish, abalone, and leatherwood honey.

Is Hobart or Queenstown Better for Nightlife?

Queenstown is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Queenstown for the nightlife scene. This cosmopolitan town has some of the best nightlife in the country. There are laid back pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and live music venues that make for a fun night out.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Hobart. While it's a smaller city, there is still a good mix of local bars, trendy lounges, and elegant wine bars. you'll also find some great venues for live music.

Is Hobart or Queenstown Better for Hiking?

Queenstown is renowned for hiking. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Around Queenstown visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city is ideally located near some of the country's best hiking. There are walks through beech forests, along rugged mountains, and to stunning views. Several of the Great Walks are in the area as well, but if you're looking for something a little simpler, then there are many options also.

Hobart is a popular spot for hiking. The city is surrounded by bushland reserves as well as nearby Mount Wellington. The area offers many diverse hiking and walking trails and there are a wide range to choose from so whatever your hiking level, you'll find something of interest.

Is the Shopping Better in Hobart or Queenstown?

If you're looking to go shopping, Hobart and Queenstown both offer plenty of very good spots.

Hobart is well-known for its shopping. It has some of the best shopping in Tasmania. You'll find a great shopping experience along Elizabeth Street, which is lined with boutiques and quirky shops. The city also has a couple of outdoor flea markets that offers a unique shopping experience.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Queenstown. It's a bustling city with designer brands and boutique shopping. There are also souvenir shops and retail outlets.

Is Hobart or Queenstown More Beautiful?

Queenstown is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Hobart is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Queenstown is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With its mountains and surrounding beauty, this is a breathtakingly beautiful city.

Hobart is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hobart or Queenstown Better for Families?

Both Hobart and Queenstown are very good to visit with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hobart is very family-friendly. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. There are also fruit farms to visit and vineyards to explore in the area, as well as great hiking. For an interactive museum, head to the Tasmanian Transport Museum and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery has some toddler-friendly displays.

Queenstown is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the Queenstown cable car and the Skyline Gondola. After a ride on the gondola, you can even take the luge back down! The city also offers lake cruises, family-friendly farm tours, boat tours, and kayaking.

Is Hobart or Queenstown Better for Couples?

Queenstown is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Queenstown is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The city is known for its adrenaline-filled adventure activities and couples who enjoy a thrill will appreciate the fun. There are also hot springs, boat cruises, and wine tours in the area. One of the most romantic activities is dinner at the Skyline.

Hobart is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy exploring the waterfront and Sullivans Cove. There are also outdoor markets and breweries around town. Botanical gardens and quaint neighborhoods also make this a lovely town to visit.

Is Hobart or Queenstown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Queenstown is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Queenstown is extremely popular for backpackers. With its thrill-seeking activities and nearby skiing, this is a great backpacker destination year round.

Plenty of backpackers visit Hobart. There are a handful of hostels around town and many great hiking trails.

Is Hobart or Queenstown Better for Students?

Queenstown is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Hobart is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Queenstown. There are excellent universities in the area as well as fun activities and a lively energy that students enjoy.

Hobart is not popular with students.

Is Hobart or Queenstown Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Hobart and Queenstown both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Hobart offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a public bus system and many of the buses leave from Elizabeth Street (between Macquarie and Collins Streets) or Franklin Square.

Queenstown has a few public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around town.

Is Hobart or Queenstown a more walkable city?

Hobart and Queenstown are very good when it comes to walkability.

Hobart is a very walkable city. It has a compact city center that many people enjoy exploring on foot.

Queenstown is a very walkable destination. In town, many of the sights and activities can be reached on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Hobart Worth Visiting? and Is Queenstown Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Queenstown or Hobart?

How long in Hobart or Queenstown?

Both Hobart and Queenstown have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Queenstown than in Hobart. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hobart, and 2-7 days is enough time in Queenstown.

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

Couples should spend more time in Queenstown than Hobart. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Queenstown that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Queenstown than Hobart 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 Queenstown.

One day in Hobart or Queenstown?

With museums and nightlife around the quaint city of Hobart, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Queenstown. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hobart or Queenstown?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Hobart, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Queenstown is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Hobart or Queenstown?

Hobart, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Queenstown. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Hobart or Queenstown?

Hobart is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Queenstown. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in Australia, The Best Eco Tours in Australia, The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hobart and Queenstown, we can see that Hobart is more expensive. And not only is Queenstown much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Queenstown would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Queenstown 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 Hobart would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hobart than you might in Queenstown.

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

Which is Bigger, Hobart or Queenstown?

Hobart has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Hobart and Queenstown, 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.