A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Newcastle vs. Dunedin for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Newcastle or Dunedin?

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

Should I visit Newcastle or Dunedin? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Newcastle

Newcastle is a vibrant, high energy, and trendy city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Newcastle travel costs.

Dunedin

Dunedin is a cultural, vibrant, and small city. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Dunedin travel costs.

Newcastle and Dunedin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newcastle or Dunedin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Newcastle than Dunedin. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Newcastle is famous for its bustling harbor, sandy beaches, and coastal walks. It is also well known for the Bathers Way. Dunedin is famous for its wildlife and proximity to the Otago Peninsula.

How is Newcastle different from Dunedin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Newcastle or Dunedin?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Newcastle or Dunedin.

Newcastle offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are some interesting sights around town such as Nobbys Lighthouse. There's also the popular Ocean Baths. These pools offer a nice break from the surf. You can also check out the sights along the Newcastle Memorial Walk. For a history lesson, head to Fort Scratchley.

Many visitors head to Dunedin specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has cultural scene that is centered around both Scottish and Maori heritage. Top sights around town include the Larnach Castle, the Dunedin Railway Station, Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, and the Otago Museum.

Is the Food Better in Newcastle or Dunedin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Newcastle is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Newcastle is an experience not to be missed. It's a moderately sized city, so you'll find a good mix of restaurants. Head to the beachfront if you want fine dining and good seafood. There are also some good breweries and cafes, as well as brunch places and international flavors around town.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dunedin. The culinary scene in town continues to grow and improve. There are local eateries that have charm and character and serve interesting and local dishes.

Is Newcastle or Dunedin Better for Nightlife?

Both Newcastle and Dunedin are high quality when it comes to partying.

Newcastle offers plenty to do in the evening. It's a vibrant city, and the best nightlife can be found in the Honeysuckle Precinct. This is where you'll find the largest number of bars and pubs. Hunter Street is also a cool hangout area where you'll find the hidden gems where the locals hang out. Civic Theatre is the place to see a show.

Dunedin has a large number of nightlife venues. The town has eclectic bars and a diverse club scene that is fun to experience. It has a lively nightlife scene that is driven, in part, by the large student population.

Is Newcastle or Dunedin Better for Beaches?

Newcastle is well known for the beach. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Newcastle is considered a top beach destination. There are a number of beaches in and near the city. Nobbys Beach is the most popular and you'll find families, surfers, and locals hanging out here. Newcastle Beach is also popular with its many restaurants and cafes.

Many people head to Dunedin to enjoy the beach. Many of the beaches are just a short drive from the city center. The surf is surprisingly good and the beaches are fun during the warmer summer months.

Is Newcastle or Dunedin Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Newcastle and Dunedin both have nice trails.

Newcastle is a good destination for hiking. There are many places to enjoy a stroll or hike near town. The most famous walk is the Bathers Way Walk, which runs along the coastline and offers spectacular views. It's particularly nice during the winter whale watching season.

Many people include a hike when visiting Dunedin. There are biking and hiking trails that travel around town and through the surrounding landscapes.

Is the Shopping Better in Newcastle or Dunedin?

Both Newcastle and Dunedin are high quality shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Newcastle. It's gained popularity for its trendy fashions and chic style. You'll find great shopping around town that highlight both local and international brands.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dunedin. The shopping scene is diverse and eclectic with everything from vintage shops to fashion boutiques. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Edinburgh Way, Octagon Entertainment Precinct, Moray Place, and the Warehouse Precinct.

Is Newcastle or Dunedin Better for Families?

Dunedin is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Dunedin is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It's one of the largest cities on the South Island, and there are many educational opportunities and unique experiences available to kids. You can visit the Otago Museum or the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, take a wildlife cruise, or visit the Larnach Castle. You can also take a ride on the Inlander or simply hang out at a playground.

Newcastle is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the long sandy beaches, but there's also a working harbor that you can explore. You can also visit the Newcastle Museum or try one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Newcastle or Dunedin Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Newcastle and Dunedin make for a nice place to visit.

Newcastle is a good city for couples to visit. The city has some great restaurants as well as many coastal walks and a vibrant nightlife scene that couples enjoy.

Dunedin is a nice destination for couples. You can wander through the castle or explore one of the city's markets. There are also romantic restaurants and many opportunities to see wildlife.

Is Newcastle or Dunedin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dunedin is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Dunedin is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are many hostels around town and plenty of activities that keep backpackers entertained.

Newcastle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While it's not Australia's most popular backpacker destination, there are some hostels and a good nightlife scene that are worth checking out.

Is Newcastle or Dunedin Better for Students?

Dunedin is a well-known place for students. However, Newcastle is not popular with students.

Dunedin is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. This is a large student city that is welcoming to international students and a popular place to study.

Newcastle is not popular with students.

Is Newcastle or Dunedin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Newcastle and Dunedin offer nice public transit options.

Newcastle has a few public transit options. There's both a light rail system and a bus system.

Dunedin has some public transit options. There a relatively decent bus system that travels through town.

Is Newcastle or Dunedin a more walkable city?

Dunedin is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

Dunedin is a very walkable destination. Parts of the town are easy to explore on foot.

Newcastle is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Newcastle Worth Visiting? and Is Dunedin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dunedin or Newcastle?

How long in Newcastle or Dunedin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Newcastle and Dunedin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Newcastle than in Dunedin. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Newcastle, and 1-3 days is enough time in Dunedin.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dunedin than Newcastle 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 Dunedin.

One day in Newcastle or Dunedin?

In Newcastle, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Dunedin. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dunedin has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Newcastle or Dunedin?

In Newcastle, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Newcastle has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the hilly destination of Dunedin. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Newcastle or Dunedin?

Newcastle is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the hilly city of Dunedin. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Newcastle or Dunedin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Newcastle. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Newcastle. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Dunedin is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Australia, The Best Budget Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Newcastle and Dunedin, we can see that Dunedin 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 Newcastle Expensive? and Is Dunedin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Newcastle or Dunedin?

Newcastle has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Dunedin. When comparing the sizes of Newcastle and Dunedin, 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.