A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sapporo vs. Kaikoura for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Sapporo or Kaikoura?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Sapporo and Kaikoura can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Sapporo

Sapporo is a park-filled, snowy, and vibrant city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums. See Sapporo travel costs.

Kaikoura

Kaikoura is a nature-oriented, biologically diverse, and unique town. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Kaikoura travel costs.

Sapporo and Kaikoura: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sapporo or Kaikoura?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sapporo. Although Sapporo and Kaikoura are both popular with visitors, Sapporo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sapporo is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Kaikoura is known for its beaches and hiking. Sapporo is popular for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. It is also home to Odori Park. Kaikoura is popular for its local Sperm Whale population, abundance of marine life, and local crayfish (lobster) recipes.

How is Sapporo different from Kaikoura?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Sapporo or Kaikoura Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Kaikoura is not a skiing destination.

People head to Sapporo specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. There are many great ski areas that are an easy day trip from the center of town. Very close by you'll find Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort and Sapporo Teine is where the 1972 Winter Olympics were held. It's divided into the family-friendly Olympia Zone and the more advanced Highland Zone.

Kaikoura is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sapporo or Kaikoura?

Sapporo is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Kaikoura is not a good town for its museums and history.

Sapporo offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a number of shrines and museums in the city. Make sure you check out Hokkaidō Shrine, Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Sapporo Science Center.

While most people don't head to Kaikoura specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There aren't many museums in the area, but it's worth learning more about the region's history with a visit to Kaikoura Museum.

Is the Food Better in Sapporo or Kaikoura? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Sapporo and Kaikoura both to be excellent destinations.

Sapporo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local cuisine focuses on the world class fishing in the area as well as the great agriculture. Pork is a common meat ingredient and many dishes include ramen, vegetables, or grilled seafood.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Kaikoura makes for a great culinary experience. Seafood lovers will be in heaven in this town! There are many local, freshly caught favorites such as cod, mussels, and crayfish (which is actually lobster). You'll find plenty of casual eateries, including an authentic American diner.

Is Sapporo or Kaikoura Better for Nightlife?

Sapporo is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Kaikoura is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Sapporo offers plenty to do in the evening. The city's nightlife scene is laid back and mostly concentrated in the Susukino area. In particular, King Xmhu is famous for its party nights and wild decor.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kaikoura. This is a small town so the nightlife scene is limited, but there are a few restaurants with bars around town.

Is Sapporo or Kaikoura Better for Beaches?

Kaikoura is a great town for the beach. However, Sapporo is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Kaikoura attract visitors from all over. There are many black pebble beaches in the area, which are great for wildlife spotting, but not so good for swimming. Gooch's Beach is one of the most popular, and it's sandier than many of the other beaches. South Bay is another popular area to visit.

Sapporo is not a beach destination.

Is Sapporo or Kaikoura Better for Hiking?

Kaikoura is a great town for hiking. However, Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Kaikoura for the hiking trails. There are many coastal walks in the area that will take you through a variety of landscapes. This is also a great way to see the many diverse types of wildlife throughout the peninsula.

Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sapporo or Kaikoura?

Sapporo is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kaikoura is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

Sapporo is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping malls are the most popular places to enjoy browsing the stores. This is particularly nice during the snowy winter months when you can escape into the heated malls.

Kaikoura has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are local shops where you can pick up some interesting products that are unique to the area.

Is Sapporo or Kaikoura Better for Families?

Kaikoura is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Kaikoura is an extremely popular town to visit for families. Kids who love animals will appreciate all of the wildlife in the area. This is one of the best places in the country to see dolphins, whales, and seals. There are world class whale watching trips as well as opportunities to swim with the dolphins and get close to the seals. There is also kayaking, a coastal train, and even sheep shearing. Minigolf is also a fun activity in the area.

Sapporo is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many activities for families, any time of year. There's skiing and winter sports in the winter and theme parks and camping in the summer. There's also a Puppet Theater and indoor play areas for when the weather is poor.

Is Sapporo or Kaikoura Better for Couples?

Both Sapporo and Kaikoura are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Sapporo is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy the parks, gardens, museums, and winter sports in the area. A highlight for everyone is a visit to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which features many ice sculptures.

Kaikoura is a very popular place to visit for couples. The town is all about wildlife, so if whale watching trips, dolphin spotting, and experiencing amazing local wildlife is your thing, then this is your spot! There are also beautiful coastal sights with a dramatic mountain backdrop.

Is Sapporo or Kaikoura Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Sapporo and Kaikoura are excellent places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Sapporo. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Kaikoura. There are a decent number of hostels in the area and plenty of fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Sapporo or Kaikoura Better for Students?

Sapporo is a well-known place for students. However, Kaikoura is not popular with students.

Sapporo is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

Kaikoura is not popular with students.

Is Sapporo or Kaikoura Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sapporo is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Kaikoura is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Sapporo can get you to some places easily. Most visitors use the subway system to get around. There are three lines - the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line- all of which pass through Odori Station. The city also has a streetcar and buses.

Public transit is quite limited in Kaikoura. The town is very small and there is no real public transit in the area.

Is Sapporo or Kaikoura a more walkable city?

Sapporo is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Kaikoura is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

Sapporo is a very walkable city. The city center, where you'll find many of the attractions, is walkable. Susukino Station is about a 20 or 30 minute walk from JR Sapporo Station.

Kaikoura is a somewhat walkable city. There are many coastal walks in the area, which is a great way to soak up the beauty and see the wildlife. The town itself is small and most of the accommodation is along Beach Road, so it's relatively easy to reach places on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Sapporo Worth Visiting? and Is Kaikoura Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kaikoura or Sapporo?

How long in Sapporo or Kaikoura?

It's fun to spend time in either Sapporo or Kaikoura. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kaikoura due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sapporo, and 2-4 days is enough time in Kaikoura.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sapporo than Kaikoura 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 Sapporo.

One day in Sapporo or Kaikoura?

Sapporo is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

A weekend in Sapporo or Kaikoura?

Sapporo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sapporo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Kaikoura, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kaikoura has to offer.

Five days in Sapporo or Kaikoura?

Sapporo is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Kaikoura 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.

A week in Sapporo or Kaikoura?

Sapporo is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kaikoura. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Kaikoura. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sapporo and Kaikoura, we can see that Kaikoura is more expensive. And not only is Sapporo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sapporo is in Asia and Kaikoura is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Sapporo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sapporo 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 Kaikoura would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kaikoura than you might in Sapporo.

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

Which is Bigger, Sapporo or Kaikoura?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 2750 times larger than the population of Kaikoura. When comparing the sizes of Sapporo and Kaikoura, 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.