A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Tarutao vs. Lake Tekapo for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Lake Tekapo?

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 Koh Tarutao and Lake Tekapo. 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.

Koh Tarutao

Koh Tarutao is a beautiful, undiscovered, and secluded island. With stunning beauty, Koh Tarutao attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches and hiking. See Koh Tarutao travel costs.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a remote, basic, and small town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. With stunning beauty, Lake Tekapo attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Lake Tekapo travel costs.

Koh Tarutao and Lake Tekapo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Lake Tekapo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Tarutao. Although Koh Tarutao and Lake Tekapo are popular destinations, Koh Tarutao has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Tarutao is very popular for its museums and attractions, resorts, and beaches, while Lake Tekapo attracts visitors for its small town charm. Lake Tekapo is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is popular for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky. Koh Tarutao is famous for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting. It is also well known for Crocodile Cave.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Lake Tekapo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Tarutao or Lake Tekapo?

Koh Tarutao is not so good for its museums and landmarks. However, Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

Koh Tarutao offers a few options for museum-goers. This island is all about remote natural settings that will take your breath away, but you won't find anything in the form of temples or museums.

Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Koh Tarutao or Lake Tekapo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Koh Tarutao and Lake Tekapo can be an enjoyable experience.

Koh Tarutao may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are three restaurants on the island that have limited hours so, if possible, it's best to arrive with some snacks. The food is simple and can get repetitive if you eat the same meals several days in a row.

Lake Tekapo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The town is very small with just a couple of restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Koh Tarutao or Lake Tekapo Better for Nightlife?

Neither Koh Tarutao or Lake Tekapo offer decent nightlife.

Koh Tarutao doesn't offer many options. There's a good chance you'll have this island almost completely to yourself. The few restaurants on the island close early and you'll likely head to bed early after taking in the stunning night sky.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Lake Tekapo. This is a very small town and there isn't a real nightlife scene. The night sky is incredible though, and you should absolutely do some stargazing.

Is Koh Tarutao or Lake Tekapo Better for Resorts?

Koh Tarutao is not so good for its resorts. However, Lake Tekapo is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Koh Tarutao offers a few options. You won't find luxury resorts (or any resorts) on the island. What you will find is simple bungalows, or tents available for rent at the ranger stations.

Lake Tekapo is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Lake Tekapo Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao is terrific for the beach. However, Lake Tekapo is not a beach destination.

Koh Tarutao offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. A true island paradise, you'll find isolated beaches here that are so remote that you'll likely have them to yourself for large parts of the day.

Lake Tekapo is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Lake Tekapo Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Koh Tarutao and Lake Tekapo, and they are excellent.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Koh Tarutao. There are hiking trails through mangrove coves, inland through the dramatic vegetation, and up cliffs to impressive viewpoints.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Lake Tekapo. There are many beautiful hikes in the area with some of the most popular being the Mount John Summit Track, the Richmond Trail, and Cowan's Hill Walkway.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Lake Tekapo?

Neither Koh Tarutao or Lake Tekapo offer decent shopping options.

Shopping in Koh Tarutao can be found for those interested. There's a small shop at the visitor center where you can pick up simple drinks and snacks.

Lake Tekapo has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are a couple of shops where you can pick up basic necessities.

Is Koh Tarutao or Lake Tekapo More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of excellent scenery and beauty in both Koh Tarutao and Lake Tekapo.

With stunning beauty, Koh Tarutao attracts visitors from all around. Beautiful undeveloped beaches and stunning natural environments make this a truly unique destination.

Lake Tekapo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. You really want to get out of town and explore the area's stunning natural beauty.

Is Koh Tarutao or Lake Tekapo Better for Families?

Lake Tekapo is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lake Tekapo. Kids will enjoy a visit to Tekapo Springs, which is particularly fun in the winter months. There's snow tubing, ice skating, and, of course, the hot pools. There are also short hikes in the area like the Mount John Summit Walk. Biking, paddleboarding, and kayaking are also popular in the area.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Koh Tarutao. For families who want seclusion, this beautiful island is the place to spend a night or two. There are great beaches, interesting hikes, and kayaks available to visitors.

Is Koh Tarutao or Lake Tekapo Better for Couples?

Koh Tarutao is a great destination for couples. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Koh Tarutao frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For a truly remote experience, couples will enjoy this often overlooked island. There are hikes and isolated beaches that offer romance in its most simple form.

Lake Tekapo is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the stunning scenery, beautiful hikes, and the romantic hot springs. Stargazing is another popular activity in the area.

Is Koh Tarutao or Lake Tekapo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tarutao and Lake Tekapo are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Koh Tarutao. Most backpackers overlook this beautiful island for the more party-oriented destinations of Thailand, but those who spend a night or two here will be rewarded with a truly unique and authentic experience.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Lake Tekapo. It's a small town with a couple of cheap places to stay that backpackers will appreciate.

Is Koh Tarutao or Lake Tekapo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Koh Tarutao is a island with a few options for its public transit. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Koh Tarutao. There are shuttle taxis that travel around the island at fixed times. You can also rent a mountain bike at the ranger stations.

Public transit is quite limited in Lake Tekapo. Public transportation in the area is very limited. If you don't have a car, you'll want to arrange tours to get out and about.

Is Koh Tarutao or Lake Tekapo a more walkable city?

Lake Tekapo is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Lake Tekapo is a somewhat walkable town. The town is small enough to get around on foot, and you can hire a tour to get out into the region.

Koh Tarutao is generally not very walkable. The island is quite large and difficult to explore on foot alone.

For even more information, also check out Is Koh Tarutao Worth Visiting? and Is Lake Tekapo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lake Tekapo or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Lake Tekapo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Koh Tarutao or Lake Tekapo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Koh Tarutao than Lake Tekapo because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Koh Tarutao, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lake Tekapo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Tarutao than Lake Tekapo 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 Koh Tarutao.

One day in Koh Tarutao or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the remote island of Koh Tarutao. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the beaches. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the basic town of Lake Tekapo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Koh Tarutao or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the undiscovered destination of Koh Tarutao. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the small destination of Lake Tekapo. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Koh Tarutao or Lake Tekapo?

The secluded island of Koh Tarutao offers . You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

The small town of Lake Tekapo offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Koh Tarutao or Lake Tekapo?

Many people enjoy the when visiting Koh Tarutao. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Lake Tekapo. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, and The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Tarutao and Lake Tekapo, we can see that Koh Tarutao is more expensive. And not only is Lake Tekapo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Koh Tarutao is in Asia and Lake Tekapo is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Lake Tekapo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lake Tekapo 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 Koh Tarutao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Tarutao than you might in Lake Tekapo.

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