A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Tarutao vs. Taupo for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Taupo?

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 Taupo. 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. The beauty of Koh Tarutao is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches and hiking. See Koh Tarutao travel costs.

Taupo

Taupo is a otherworldly, striking, and stunning town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Taupo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Taupo travel costs.

Koh Tarutao and Taupo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Taupo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Taupo. Although Koh Tarutao and Taupo are both popular with visitors, Taupo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Taupo is more popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Koh Tarutao is known for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Taupo is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is popular for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes. It is also home to the Craters of the Moon reserve. Koh Tarutao is popular for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Taupo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Koh Tarutao or Taupo Better for Skiing?

Taupo is an unbeatable place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Koh Tarutao is not a skiing destination.

Taupo is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.

Koh Tarutao is not a skiing destination.

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

Neither Koh Tarutao or Taupo offer quality museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Tarutao. 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.

Taupo offers a few options for museum-goers. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

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

Taupo is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Taupo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.

Koh Tarutao offers some easy restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Koh Tarutao or Taupo Better for Nightlife?

Taupo is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Taupo. It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Koh Tarutao. 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.

Is Koh Tarutao or Taupo Better for Resorts?

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

There isn't the widest selection of resorts in Koh Tarutao, but you'll find a few options to choose from. 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.

Taupo is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Taupo Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Taupo is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Tarutao. 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.

Taupo is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Taupo Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Koh Tarutao and Taupo, and they are superb.

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 Taupo. The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Taupo?

Taupo is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for shopping.

Taupo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

Koh Tarutao has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a small shop at the visitor center where you can pick up simple drinks and snacks.

Is Koh Tarutao or Taupo More Beautiful?

Koh Tarutao is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Koh Tarutao is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Beautiful undeveloped beaches and stunning natural environments make this a truly unique destination.

Taupo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Set against the lake, there is stunning natural beauty in the area and many breathtaking views.

Is Koh Tarutao or Taupo Better for Families?

Taupo is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Taupo is very family-friendly. Set on the edge of Lake Taupo, there are many family-friendly activities in the area like swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also thermal hot springs and in the winter months skiing. Families who enjoy outdoor adventures will find no shortage of options year round.

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 Taupo Better for Couples?

Taupo is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Taupo is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Honeymooners and couples who enjoy romantic scenery, beautiful sunsets, and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this area. You can soak in thermal hot springs and picnic next to beautiful waterfalls. There are also breathtaking hikes and great water activities.

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.

Is Koh Tarutao or Taupo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Taupo is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Taupo, as it is a very popular town for budget travelers. There's plenty of backpacker and hostel accommodation in the area. There are also free outdoor activities and adrenaline-filled adventures that backpackers will enjoy.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

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

Taupo is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Taupo has some public transit options. There are local bus service, the Taupo Connector, that travels around the town center. If you want to get outside of town, you'll need to 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.

Is Koh Tarutao or Taupo a more walkable city?

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

Taupo is a somewhat walkable town. The town is fairly compact, but if you want to efficiently get around and experience everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

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 Taupo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Taupo or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Taupo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koh Tarutao and Taupo. In our opinion, Taupo has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Taupo than Koh Tarutao. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Koh Tarutao or Taupo?

In Koh Tarutao, many people enjoy the that this beautiful destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the beaches. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the stunning town of Taupo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the skiing. 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.

A weekend in Koh Tarutao or Taupo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Tarutao. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the striking destination of Taupo. 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 Taupo?

Koh Tarutao is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Koh Tarutao. Lots of people come for the beaches. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The stunning town of Taupo offers food and shopping. 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 Taupo?

You'll find around the remote destination of Koh Tarutao. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Taupo. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the skiing. 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 G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Tarutao and Taupo, we can see that Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Tarutao is in Asia and Taupo 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 Koh Tarutao Expensive? and Is Taupo Expensive?.