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

Should you visit Perth or Napier?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Perth and Napier can help you decide which place is right for you.

Perth

Perth is a friendly, relaxed, and easy-going city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Perth travel costs.

Napier

Napier is a coastal, relaxed, and character-filled town. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Napier travel costs.

Perth and Napier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Perth or Napier?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Napier than Perth. While Perth is larger than Napier, Napier has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Napier is more touristy than Perth and is known for its many art deco buildings, its beautiful vineyards, and the area's long sandy beaches. It is also home to the art deco architecture. Perth is popular for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location.

How is Perth different from Napier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Perth or Napier?

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Perth or Napier.

Many visitors head to Perth specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are some interesting sights and museums around town like the Perth Mint, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Bell Tower, and Scitech. There's also the Perth Zoo and the Aviation Heritage Museum.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Napier can be an interesting and educational experience. Considered an "Art Deco capital", there are many interesting buildings around town and it's worth taking an Art Deco Walk. The National Aquarium of New Zealand is also impressive as is the MTG Hawke's Bay, which is a museum, gallery, and theater in one. For something a little outside the box, you can visit the Napier Prison, which is New Zealand's oldest place of incarceration, dating back to 1862.

Is the Food Better in Perth or Napier? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Napier is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Napier. With its many wineries and big mix of fine dining restaurants, there is plenty for a foodie to enjoy around town. You'll find restaurants that serve up New Zealand favorites as well as those that experiment with modern and trendy recipes.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Perth. There's a good selection of restaurants with many great international options as well as fine dining and casual. Family-friendly restaurants are also very common.

Is Perth or Napier Better for Nightlife?

Napier is great for nightlife. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Napier for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse and fun. Whether you're looking for a wild party or just want to relax with a drink and some friends, there are plenty of places where you can hang out.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Perth. The city has many nightclubs and music venues. There are also low key pubs and trendy wine bars. Northbridge is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, and this is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars, restaurants, clubs, and cafes.

Is Perth or Napier Better for Beaches?

Perth and Napier are fantastic choices for a beach vacation.

With world-famous beaches, Perth is a very popular vacation destination. There is an 80 kilometer coastline that has beautiful turquoise water and white sandy beaches. Within the city there are 19 beaches that offer snorkeling, swimming, and surfing. Many beaches have any amenity that you might need but it's also very easy to escape the city crowds.

The beaches in Napier are among the best in the world. It's a popular beach destination and you'll find plenty of beaches for swimming, sunbathing, and playing with the kids. You'll want to head out of town to find the best and most beautiful beaches. For hidden beaches and some of the area's best surf, head to Mahia Peninsula. To escape the tourists and hang out with the locals, go to Waipatiki Beach. And for a picnic, Westshore Beach is a favorite. Waimarama Beach is another favorite in the area as well.

Is Perth or Napier Better for Hiking?

Napier is great for hiking. However, Perth is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Napier for the hiking trails. Hawke's Bay is filled with wonderful walks and hikes. There are easy coastal paths as well as mult-day treks around Lake Waikaremoana. It's not hard to find somewhere to stretch your legs and explore the scenery.

Perth is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Perth or Napier?

If you're looking to go shopping, Perth and Napier both offer plenty of good spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Perth. There are weekend street markets where you can pick up local crafts. There are also large shopping malls and trendy high end boutiques with international and local brands.

Napier offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find all of the standard New Zealand retail chains as well antique and boutique shops. With its many Art Deco buildings, the city has character and personality.

Is Perth or Napier Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Perth or Napier.

Perth is a very family-friendly destination. It's a family-friendly city with ropes courses, fruit picking, and many different playgrounds and kid-friendly activities. There's also the Perth Zoo and several kid-friendly museums like the Aviation Heritage Museum and Scitech. Kids will also enjoy spending a day or two at the beach.

Napier is a very kid-friendly city. This coastal city has a waterpark, a waterfall walk, and plenty of beaches where the family can hang out. There's also a waterfront promenade that is filled with water features and playgrounds where the kids can run around. You can also check out Hawke's Bay Farmyard Zoo or on a rainy day head to the Faraday Museum of Technology.

Is Perth or Napier Better for Couples?

Napier is great for romance. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Napier is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Surrounded by vineyards and lined with beaches, this is a great place for a romantic getaway or a honeymoon. Hop on a bike and explore the wineries or enjoy a beautiful hike through nature. There are also adrenaline-filled activities for thrill seekers or fine dining restaurants for the foodies.

Perth makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has many great restaurants and bars. There's also wine tasting and river cruises on the Swan River.

Is Perth or Napier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Napier is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Napier is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a couple of hostels around town and plenty of fun activities like mountain biking or white water rafting that you can enjoy.

It's common for backpackers to visit Perth. While most backpackers don't make it all the way to this isolated city, those that do will be rewarded with beautiful beaches, fun festivals, and an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience.

Is Perth or Napier Better for Students?

Perth is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Napier is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Perth. Students love the low cost of living and the year round climate that is sunny and pleasant.

Napier is not popular with students.

Is Perth or Napier Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Perth is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Napier is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Perth has some public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries that help you get around the city.

Public transit is generally limited in Napier. Public transit to most of the beaches is limited or nonexistent, so you really need a car if you want to get around and see everything.

Is Perth or Napier a more walkable city?

Perth is very good for its walkability. However, Napier is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Perth is somewhat walkable. There are some pedestrian-friendly areas with streets that are fun to explore on foot.

Napier is generally not very walkable. If you stay in town you can walk to cafes and restaurants, but you really need a car if you're planning to visit beaches or explore the area in depth.

For even more information, also check out Is Perth Worth Visiting? and Is Napier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Napier or Perth?

How long in Perth or Napier?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Napier than Perth 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 Napier.

One day in Perth or Napier?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Perth. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Napier, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this character-filled destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the beaches. This town 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.

A weekend in Perth or Napier?

Perth is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Napier. 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.

Five days in Perth or Napier?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Perth. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Napier is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Napier. 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.

A week in Perth or Napier?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the isolated destination of Perth. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the coastal destination of Napier. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Australia, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Perth and Napier, we can see that Napier is more expensive. And not only is Perth much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Perth would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Perth 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 Napier would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Napier than you might in Perth.

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

Which is Bigger, Perth or Napier?

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