A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Perth vs. Queenstown for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Perth or Queenstown?

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 Queenstown can help you decide which place is right for you.

Perth

Perth is a isolated, sunny, and friendly city. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping. See Perth travel costs.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a spirited, bustling, and active city. Queenstown is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Queenstown travel costs.

Perth and Queenstown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Perth or Queenstown?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Queenstown. Although Perth and Queenstown are both popular with visitors, Queenstown has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Queenstown is more popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Perth is known for its museums and attractions and beaches. Queenstown is more touristy than Perth and is popular for its world class skiing, adrenaline-filled adventure sports, and stunning mountain scenery. It is also home to Kawarau Bridge. Perth is popular for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location.

How is Perth different from Queenstown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Perth or Queenstown Better for Skiing?

Queenstown is very popular for skiing. However, Perth is not a skiing destination.

Queenstown is among the world's best ski destinations. There are four ski areas that are near the city, and many consider these among the best ski fields in New Zealand. The ski season runs from June until October and the skiing is world class.

Perth is not a skiing destination.

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

Perth is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Queenstown is not a good city for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Perth. 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.

While most people don't head to Queenstown specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. People head to this city for its amazing outdoor activities, but you won't find much if you're looking for museums. You can check out the Lakes District Museum though.

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

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

Queenstown has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Located in the heart of the Otago wine region, this city has many award-winning restaurants. Local dishes, vegan cafes, and international flavors all make for a cosmopolitan and world class dining scene.

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 Queenstown Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Queenstown for the nightlife scene. This cosmopolitan town has some of the best nightlife in the country. There are laid back pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and live music venues that make for a fun night 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 Queenstown Better for Beaches?

Perth is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Queenstown is not a beach destination.

Perth offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Queenstown is not a beach destination.

Is Perth or Queenstown Better for Hiking?

Queenstown is very popular for hiking. However, Perth is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Queenstown specifically for its hiking. The city is ideally located near some of the country's best hiking. There are walks through beech forests, along rugged mountains, and to stunning views. Several of the Great Walks are in the area as well, but if you're looking for something a little simpler, then there are many options also.

Perth is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Perth or Queenstown?

Queenstown is great for shopping. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Queenstown. It's a bustling city with designer brands and boutique shopping. There are also souvenir shops and retail outlets.

Perth offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Is Perth or Queenstown More Beautiful?

Queenstown is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Perth is not a destination known for its beauty.

Queenstown is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With its mountains and surrounding beauty, this is a breathtakingly beautiful city.

Perth is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Perth or Queenstown Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Perth or Queenstown.

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.

Queenstown is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the Queenstown cable car and the Skyline Gondola. After a ride on the gondola, you can even take the luge back down! The city also offers lake cruises, family-friendly farm tours, boat tours, and kayaking.

Is Perth or Queenstown Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, Queenstown has plenty to offer. The city is known for its adrenaline-filled adventure activities and couples who enjoy a thrill will appreciate the fun. There are also hot springs, boat cruises, and wine tours in the area. One of the most romantic activities is dinner at the Skyline.

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 Queenstown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent Queenstown. With its thrill-seeking activities and nearby skiing, this is a great backpacker destination year round.

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 Queenstown Better for Students?

Queenstown is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Queenstown is very popular with students. There are excellent universities in the area as well as fun activities and a lively energy that students enjoy.

Perth is a good city to visit for students. Students love the low cost of living and the year round climate that is sunny and pleasant.

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

Perth and Queenstown both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Perth offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, trains, and ferries that help you get around the city.

Queenstown has a few public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around town.

Is Perth or Queenstown a more walkable city?

Queenstown is great for its walkability. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Queenstown is very walkable. In town, many of the sights and activities can be reached on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Queenstown or Perth?

How long in Perth or Queenstown?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Queenstown 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 Queenstown.

One day in Perth or Queenstown?

With museums and nightlife around the isolated city of Perth, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Queenstown, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this active destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This city 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 Queenstown?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Perth, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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

Perth, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Queenstown is a fun place to experience. In Queenstown, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this destination offers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Perth or Queenstown?

Perth is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Queenstown, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this spirited destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Australia, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Perth or Queenstown?

Perth has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Perth and Queenstown, 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.