A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lake Tekapo vs. Airlie Beach for Hiking, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Lake Tekapo or Airlie Beach?

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 Lake Tekapo and Airlie Beach. 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.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a basic, small, and remote town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Lake Tekapo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking. See Lake Tekapo travel costs.

Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a laid back, slow-paced, and idyllic town. The famous beauty of Airlie Beach is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Airlie Beach travel costs.

Lake Tekapo and Airlie Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lake Tekapo or Airlie Beach?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Airlie Beach than Lake Tekapo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Airlie Beach is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Lake Tekapo is more popular for its small town charm. Airlie Beach is more touristy than Lake Tekapo and is known for its tours and transportation that visit the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands. Also, Airlie Beach is famous for the Airlie Beach Lagoon. Lake Tekapo is well known for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky.

How is Lake Tekapo different from Airlie Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lake Tekapo or Airlie Beach?

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

Airlie Beach offers a few options for museum-goers. Oceanfront beauty is what this town is all about, so you won't find much is the form of museums and manmade landmarks.

Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Lake Tekapo or Airlie Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Airlie Beach is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Airlie Beach area. There's a good selection of restaurants in town that offer everything from freshly caught local seafood to fine dining or casual. Try to pick a place with a view.

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 Lake Tekapo or Airlie Beach Better for Nightlife?

Airlie Beach is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

Airlie Beach has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The town has a number of nightlife venues that include DJ hosted parties, beachfront cocktail lounges, and mellow local bars.

The nightlife scene is quiet 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 Lake Tekapo or Airlie Beach Better for Resorts?

Airlie Beach is terrific for its resorts. However, Lake Tekapo is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Airlie Beach for its luxury resorts. There's everything from posh resorts and luxury hotels to family-friendly campgrounds. There are also hostels that cater to the budget crowd.

Lake Tekapo is not a resort destination.

Is Lake Tekapo or Airlie Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Airlie Beach is terrific for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Lake Tekapo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Airlie Beach. You can't snorkel right off the shore because the water is murky and mucky, but there are excursions that will take you to the Great Barrier Reef. There are many day cruises that will take you out on the reef to several sights where you may see beautiful coral, sea turtles, or even reef sharks.

Lake Tekapo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lake Tekapo or Airlie Beach Better for Beaches?

Airlie Beach is terrific for the beach. However, Lake Tekapo is not a beach destination.

Airlie Beach offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Near town there are world class beaches that range from secluded and idyllic to those lined with luxury resorts. For an escape, head to Hideaway Bay or Dingo Beach. If you don't want to leave town, there's also Airlie Beach, which is right off the Main Street. You likely won't want to swim here, but you can enjoy a picnic. Whatever beach you chose, do confirm that there's a stinger net.

Lake Tekapo is not a beach destination.

Is Lake Tekapo or Airlie Beach Better for Hiking?

Airlie Beach is terrific for its hiking experiences. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Airlie Beach is well-known for its hiking and trekking. You'll find many incredible hiking trails in the area. Conway National Park is a great place to hike through the rainforest and Conway State Forest is another nice spot.

Many visitors go to Lake Tekapo for the hiking trails. 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 Lake Tekapo or Airlie Beach?

Airlie Beach is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for shopping.

Many visitors go to Airlie Beach to go shopping. Head to the town's main street for your typical souvenir shops and holiday stores.

Shopping in Lake Tekapo can be found for those interested. There are a couple of shops where you can pick up basic necessities.

Is Lake Tekapo or Airlie Beach More Beautiful?

Airlie Beach is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Airlie Beach is one of the main draws. Serving as a gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, this town is surrounded by some of the world's most idyllic landscapes.

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 Lake Tekapo or Airlie Beach Better for Families?

Both Lake Tekapo and Airlie Beach are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Lake Tekapo is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Airlie Beach is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy playing in the Airlie Beach Lagoon, visiting the markets, or hanging out at the local beaches or playgrounds. If you're hoping to swim in the ocean, be very aware of the season and the conditions.

Is Lake Tekapo or Airlie Beach Better for Couples?

Airlie Beach is terrific for couples. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Airlie Beach is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples often use this as a gateway to the stunning Whitsunday Islands. The dining scene is good and there are countless outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. There are also many different resorts in the area.

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 Lake Tekapo or Airlie Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Airlie Beach is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Airlie Beach is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. If you're hoping to visit the Whitsunday Islands, then is a good place to base yourself as a backpacker. It has a decent selection of hostels and there are a number of restaurants and other dining options.

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

Airlie Beach is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Airlie Beach, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a public bus that runs from Proserpine to Shute Harbour. The main bus station is near the city center and the main beach.

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 Lake Tekapo or Airlie Beach a more walkable city?

Airlie Beach is a great destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Airlie Beach is a very walkable destination. The town itself is walkable, but the surrounding area is hilly and requires a car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Airlie Beach or Lake Tekapo?

How long in Lake Tekapo or Airlie Beach?

Both Lake Tekapo and Airlie Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Airlie Beach than in Lake Tekapo. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Lake Tekapo, and 4-7 days is enough time in Airlie Beach.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Airlie Beach 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 Airlie Beach.

One day in Lake Tekapo or Airlie Beach?

In Lake Tekapo, many people enjoy the that this remote town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the idyllic town of Airlie Beach. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Lake Tekapo or Airlie Beach?

Lake Tekapo is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the idyllic destination of Airlie Beach. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Lake Tekapo or Airlie Beach?

You'll find around the basic destination of Lake Tekapo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the laid back town of Airlie Beach. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Lake Tekapo or Airlie Beach?

Lake Tekapo is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Airlie Beach. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this town.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lake Tekapo and Airlie Beach, we can see that Airlie Beach is more expensive. And not only is Lake Tekapo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Airlie Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Airlie Beach 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 Lake Tekapo Expensive? and Is Airlie Beach Expensive?.