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

Should you visit Perth or Te Anau?

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 Te Anau can help you decide which place is right for you.

Perth

Perth is a easy-going, isolated, and sunny city. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Perth travel costs.

Te Anau

Te Anau is a pristine, breathtaking, and stunning town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Many visitors also come to Te Anau because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food and hiking. See Te Anau travel costs.

Perth and Te Anau: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Perth or Te Anau?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Perth. Although Perth and Te Anau are popular destinations, Perth has more sights and attractions for tourists. Perth is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Te Anau attracts visitors for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Te Anau is more touristy than Perth and is known for being the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Perth is famous for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location. It is also well known for the Swan Bell Tower.

How is Perth different from Te Anau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Te Anau 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 Te Anau?

Perth is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Te Anau offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The town is about the surrounding outdoor activities but you will find the Te Anau Vintage Machinery Museum and the Te Anau Trout Observatory in town.

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

Te Anau 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 Te Anau. The town makes a great spot to refuel after all of your hiking and outdoor adventures. There are plenty of cafes and food trucks around town where you can enjoy local dishes and a friendly atmosphere.

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 Te Anau Better for Nightlife?

Perth is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Te Anau is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. This is a small town that's focused on outdoor activities, but it does receive a number of tourists, so you'll find a few bars around town where you can hang out.

Is Perth or Te Anau Better for Beaches?

Perth is renowned for the beach. However, Te Anau is not a beach destination.

Perth is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Te Anau is not a beach destination.

Is Perth or Te Anau Better for Hiking?

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

Many people visit Te Anau specifically for its hiking. The town serves as basecamp for Fiordland National Park so there are many amazing hikes and walks in the area. Many of the hikes begin at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre and range in length and the required skill level.

Perth is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Perth or Te Anau?

Perth is a city with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Te Anau has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are shops where you can pick up any outdoor supplies and food items that you may need.

Is Perth or Te Anau More Beautiful?

Te Anau is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Perth is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Te Anau because of it's amazing beauty. The town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, world class national parks, and spectacular views.

Perth is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Perth or Te Anau Better for Families?

Te Anau is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Te Anau is one of the most popular family destinations. The town's proximity to the Milford Sound make it a nice base for families who enjoy spending time outdoors. Kayaking or exploring the Te Anau Glowworm Caves are favorite activities in the area. There's also the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary and many hikes nearby.

Perth is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Is Perth or Te Anau Better for Couples?

Te Anau 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, Te Anau has plenty to offer. The stunning scenery in the area, combined with small town charm, make this is a top couple's destination and a wonderful honeymoon spot. Couples who appreciate nature and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this amazing area.

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 Te Anau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Te Anau is very popular with the backpacker crowd. For such a small town, there are a decent number of hostels and budget accommodation options in the area. The town makes a good base for exploring the region's stunning scenery.

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 Te Anau Better for Students?

Perth is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Te Anau 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.

Te Anau is not popular with students.

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

Perth is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Te Anau 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 limited or non-existant in Te Anau. Public transit in the area is limited and most visitors have their own car or join one of the many tours in the area.

Is Perth or Te Anau a more walkable city?

Perth is a city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

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

Te Anau is generally not very walkable. Exploring the area requires a vehicle and, while there are many hikes in the area, it's not easy to walk to many places. There are tours available for those that don't have a vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Te Anau or Perth?

How long in Perth or Te Anau?

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

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

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

One day in Perth or Te Anau?

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

Even though Te Anau is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Perth or Te Anau?

In Perth, 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. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Perth has to offer.

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

Perth 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.

Te Anau is a fun place to experience. Te Anau is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Perth or Te Anau?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Perth. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Perth. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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.

Te Anau is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Perth and Te Anau, we can see that Perth is more expensive. And not only is Te Anau much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Te Anau would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Te Anau 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 Te Anau.

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

Which is Bigger, Perth or Te Anau?

Perth has a larger population, and is about 700 times larger than the population of Te Anau. When comparing the sizes of Perth and Te Anau, 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.