A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Katoomba vs. Kaikoura for Hiking, Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Katoomba or Kaikoura?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Katoomba and Kaikoura. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Katoomba

Katoomba is a relaxing, breathtaking , and stunning town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty in Katoomba as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Katoomba travel costs.

Kaikoura

Kaikoura is a biologically diverse, unique, and nature-oriented town. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking. See Kaikoura travel costs.

Katoomba and Kaikoura: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Katoomba or Kaikoura?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kaikoura. Although Katoomba and Kaikoura are popular destinations, Kaikoura has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kaikoura is very popular for its food and beaches, while Katoomba attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Katoomba is famous for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains. Kaikoura is famous for its local Sperm Whale population, abundance of marine life, and local crayfish (lobster) recipes. It is also well known for its whale watching trips.

How is Katoomba different from Kaikoura?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Katoomba or Kaikoura?

Katoomba is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Kaikoura is not a good town for its museums and history.

Katoomba offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. For many, the town is used as a base for exploring the Blue Mountains. Scenic World is a great way to take in the highlights. It's also fun to check out the local street art.

While most people don't head to Kaikoura specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There aren't many museums in the area, but it's worth learning more about the region's history with a visit to Kaikoura Museum.

Is the Food Better in Katoomba or Kaikoura? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kaikoura is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Kaikoura makes for a great culinary experience. Seafood lovers will be in heaven in this town! There are many local, freshly caught favorites such as cod, mussels, and crayfish (which is actually lobster). You'll find plenty of casual eateries, including an authentic American diner.

Katoomba has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Many of the restaurants work hard to support local farmers and suppliers. You'll find local ingredients and homemade meals. The restaurant scene is growing, but many restaurants are still affiliated with hotels and tourist attractions.

Is Katoomba or Kaikoura Better for Nightlife?

Both Katoomba and Kaikoura are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Katoomba. It's not known for its nightlife scene, but there are some relaxed places where you can enjoy craft beer or see a show. Katoomba is the hub of nightlife in the Blue Mountains.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kaikoura. This is a small town so the nightlife scene is limited, but there are a few restaurants with bars around town.

Is Katoomba or Kaikoura Better for Beaches?

Kaikoura is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Katoomba is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Kaikoura for it's beautiful beaches. There are many black pebble beaches in the area, which are great for wildlife spotting, but not so good for swimming. Gooch's Beach is one of the most popular, and it's sandier than many of the other beaches. South Bay is another popular area to visit.

Katoomba is not a beach destination.

Is Katoomba or Kaikoura Better for Hiking?

Katoomba is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Kaikoura is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

People visit Katoomba specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Surrounded by the Blue Mountains, this town offers access to some of the area's best hikes. You'll see waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and lush landscapes.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Kaikoura. There are many coastal walks in the area that will take you through a variety of landscapes. This is also a great way to see the many diverse types of wildlife throughout the peninsula.

Is the Shopping Better in Katoomba or Kaikoura?

Both Katoomba and Kaikoura are nice shopping destinations.

Katoomba is a great destination for shopping. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kaikoura. There are local shops where you can pick up some interesting products that are unique to the area.

Is Katoomba or Kaikoura More Beautiful?

Katoomba is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Kaikoura is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Katoomba as well. It's a town surrounded by natural beauty. It offers easy access to breathtaking views and impressive hikes through the Blue Mountains.

Kaikoura is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Katoomba or Kaikoura Better for Families?

Both Katoomba and Kaikoura are amazing family-friendly destinations.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Katoomba is very family-friendly. The surrounding Blue Mountains are filled with activities for the whole family. Scenic World is a highlight with its cable cars and skyway. There are also gardens, hiking trails, and cultural centers. Kids who love trains will enjoy Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Kaikoura is a very family-friendly destination. Kids who love animals will appreciate all of the wildlife in the area. This is one of the best places in the country to see dolphins, whales, and seals. There are world class whale watching trips as well as opportunities to swim with the dolphins and get close to the seals. There is also kayaking, a coastal train, and even sheep shearing. Minigolf is also a fun activity in the area.

Is Katoomba or Kaikoura Better for Couples?

Katoomba and Kaikoura both superb destinations for a couple.

Katoomba is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are world class gardens like the Everglades Gardens, restaurants where you can enjoy high tea with a view, as well as hikes that will take your breath away. For the truly adventurous, there are also helicopter tours.

Kaikoura makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town is all about wildlife, so if whale watching trips, dolphin spotting, and experiencing amazing local wildlife is your thing, then this is your spot! There are also beautiful coastal sights with a dramatic mountain backdrop.

Is Katoomba or Kaikoura Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Katoomba and Kaikoura are superb destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Katoomba. There are hostels in the area, as well as camping opportunities. Backpackers will appreciate the scenic beauty and natural setting.

Many backpackers visit Kaikoura. There are a decent number of hostels in the area and plenty of fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Katoomba or Kaikoura Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Katoomba is a popular place for its public transit. However, Kaikoura is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Katoomba has a few public transit options. There are public buses through the Blue Mountains but it's easier to explore in depth if you have your own car.

Public transit is quite limited in Kaikoura. The town is very small and there is no real public transit in the area.

Is Katoomba or Kaikoura a more walkable city?

Katoomba and Kaikoura both are nice when exploring on foot.

Katoomba is somewhat walkable. The town itself is relatively walkable.

Kaikoura is a somewhat walkable place. There are many coastal walks in the area, which is a great way to soak up the beauty and see the wildlife. The town itself is small and most of the accommodation is along Beach Road, so it's relatively easy to reach places on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Katoomba Worth Visiting? and Is Kaikoura Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kaikoura or Katoomba?

How long in Katoomba or Kaikoura?

It's fun to spend time in either Katoomba or Kaikoura. In our opinion, Katoomba has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Katoomba than Kaikoura. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Katoomba than Kaikoura 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 Katoomba.

One day in Katoomba or Kaikoura?

Katoomba is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The town of Kaikoura offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Katoomba or Kaikoura?

Katoomba is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Katoomba, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Kaikoura is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kaikoura, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Katoomba or Kaikoura?

Katoomba is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Kaikoura is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Katoomba or Kaikoura?

Katoomba is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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. This town offers something for everyone.

Kaikoura is a great place to explore. 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. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Katoomba and Kaikoura, we can see that Kaikoura 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. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Katoomba or Kaikoura?

Katoomba has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Kaikoura. When comparing the sizes of Katoomba and Kaikoura, 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.