A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shiretoko National Park vs. Tauranga for Hiking, Families, Backpackers, and Couples

Should you visit Shiretoko National Park or Tauranga?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Shiretoko National Park or Tauranga, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine. With stunning beauty, Shiretoko National Park attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Shiretoko National Park travel costs.

Tauranga

Tauranga is a laid back, relaxing, and nature-filled town. With stunning beauty, Tauranga attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Tauranga travel costs.

Shiretoko National Park and Tauranga: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Shiretoko National Park or Tauranga?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tauranga. Although Shiretoko National Park and Tauranga are popular destinations, Tauranga has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tauranga is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Shiretoko National Park attracts visitors for its hiking. Tauranga is more touristy than Shiretoko National Park and is known for its sandy beaches and beautiful walking trails. It is also well known for Mount Maunganui. Shiretoko National Park is famous for its pristine ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and rugged coastline.

How is Shiretoko National Park different from Tauranga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Shiretoko National Park or Tauranga?

Shiretoko National Park
Tauranga

Tauranga is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its museums and history.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Tauranga. There are a number of historic buildings in town like the Elms Mission Station which dates back to 1847.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Shiretoko National Park. This is a beautiful and pristine park, but there are limited amenities and museums in the area. You can hit up the Shiretoko Rausu Visitor Center for information on the region.


Is the Food Better in Shiretoko National Park or Tauranga? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shiretoko National Park
Tauranga

Tauranga is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Tauranga area. You'll find a great mix of restaurants in the town's downtown area. There are international flavors as well as seafood and other local favorites.

While Shiretoko National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are a couple of restaurants on the edge of the park, but if you're planning to do any hiking, it's best to bring your own food.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Tauranga Better for Nightlife?

Shiretoko National Park
Tauranga

Tauranga is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Tauranga. The city is known for its laid back bar scene. There are venues with casual live music as well as pubs where locals and tourists intermingle.

Shiretoko National Park doesn't offer many options. Peaceful evenings and relaxing in nature are the best way to pass the time here, not socializing in a bar.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Tauranga Better for Beaches?

Shiretoko National Park
Tauranga

Tauranga is a well-known place for the beach. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Tauranga. Families and travelers head here for the sandy beaches and water activities. Surfing, kayaking, and fishing are all popular in the area. Some of the most popular beaches include Mount Maunganui Beach, Waihī Beach, and Anzac Bay.

Shiretoko National Park is not a beach destination.


Is Shiretoko National Park or Tauranga Better for Hiking?

Shiretoko National Park
Tauranga

Shiretoko National Park is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Tauranga is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

People visit Shiretoko National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The park is pristine with striking and varied landscapes as well as diverse wildlife. Hiking is the best way to experience the area, and the scenic views, and world class hiking trails are among the best.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Tauranga. The Bay of Plenty is filled with hiking trails that run along the coast or head inland through the mountains. There are forest and bush walks that range in length and skill level and there really is something for everyone.

Is the Shopping Better in Shiretoko National Park or Tauranga?

Shiretoko National Park
Tauranga

Tauranga is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Tauranga to go shopping. You'll find all of the standard shopping malls, retail outlets, and clothing boutiques around town.

Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Tauranga More Beautiful?

Shiretoko National Park
Tauranga

You'll find a similar quality of very good scenery and beauty in both Shiretoko National Park and Tauranga.

With stunning beauty, Shiretoko National Park attracts visitors from all around. The park is among the most beautiful in Japan. It has a scenic natural setting that is particularly nice during the winter season.

Tauranga is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. A mix of beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and other natural environments make this a beautiful destination for travelers.


Is Shiretoko National Park or Tauranga Better for Families?

Shiretoko National Park
Tauranga

Tauranga is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Tauranga is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. Check out the ropes courses at Adrenalin Forest or play in the water at Waimarino Adventure Park. There are also many different walking areas like McLaren Falls Park and Kaiate Falls. Kids will love hanging out at the beach around Mount Maunganui or Papamoa Beach. This is an affordable and kid-family destination for locals and international tourists alike.

Shiretoko National Park is a family-friendly remote,natural,scenic,pristine. Kids who enjoy an outdoor adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are wildlife viewing opportunities as well as mult-day hiking trails. Some parts of the park are challenging to access, so younger kids may be limited in what they can do.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Tauranga Better for Couples?

Shiretoko National Park
Tauranga

Shiretoko National Park and Tauranga are both very good to visit as a couple.

Shiretoko National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature, wildlife, and pristine hiking trails will enjoy a visit to this remote and natural park. There are many great hikes as well as scenic spots that you can explore.

Tauranga makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a romantic destination with great beaches and beautiful waterfalls. You can enjoy a picnic in the park or dine at one of the local restaurants. Kayaking is also a popular activity in the area.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Tauranga Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shiretoko National Park
Tauranga

Tauranga is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Tauranga is a very popular town to visit for backpackers. This is one of the more affordable destinations in New Zealand. There are also a number of backpacker-friendly jobs that make it a great place to base yourself.

Shiretoko National Park is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Multi-day treks are a great way to explore the park and see the parts that are less popular with tourists.


Is Shiretoko National Park or Tauranga Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Shiretoko National Park
Tauranga

Tauranga is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for times when you don't have a car.

Tauranga has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries in the area.

Public transit is quite limited in Shiretoko National Park. While there are buses that travel from Utoro to the east coast, they are infrequent. Your best options for visiting the park are having a private vehicle or joining a tour. Many parts of the park are only accessible by hiking or by boat.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Tauranga a more walkable city?

Shiretoko National Park
Tauranga

Shiretoko National Park and Tauranga both are nice when exploring on foot.

Shiretoko National Park is a somewhat walkable remote,natural,scenic,pristine. It's a vast park with many hiking and cycling trails.

Tauranga is somewhat walkable. There are many walking and cycling paths in the area, but you really need a car to explore the area in depth.

For even more information, also check out Is Shiretoko National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Tauranga Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tauranga or Shiretoko National Park?

How long in Shiretoko National Park or Tauranga?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tauranga than Shiretoko National Park 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 Tauranga.


  • How many days in Shiretoko National Park or Tauranga? Ideal Length of Stay
    Shiretoko National Park 3-4 
    Tauranga 2-3

One day in Shiretoko National Park or Tauranga?

The beautiful remote,natural,scenic,pristine of Shiretoko National Park offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the coastal town of Tauranga. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


A weekend in Shiretoko National Park or Tauranga?

Shiretoko National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Tauranga is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Five days in Shiretoko National Park or Tauranga?

Shiretoko National Park is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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.

Tauranga is a great place to explore. 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

A week in Shiretoko National Park or Tauranga?

Shiretoko National Park is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This remote,natural,scenic,pristine offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tauranga. Most people come for the beaches. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Tauranga or Shiretoko National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Shiretoko National Park Prices
    Japan Prices
    Tauranga Prices
    New Zealand Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Shiretoko National Park $96
    Tauranga $118

The average daily cost (per person) in Shiretoko National Park is $96, while the average daily cost in Tauranga is $118. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Shiretoko National Park and Tauranga in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shiretoko National Park $34
    Tauranga $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shiretoko National Park $68
    Tauranga $148
Compare Hotels in Shiretoko National Park and Tauranga

Looking for a hotel in Shiretoko National Park or Tauranga? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Shiretoko National Park


Hotels in Tauranga


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Shiretoko National Park Hotel Prices and Tauranga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shiretoko National Park $27
    Tauranga $6.75

Is it cheaper to fly into Shiretoko National Park or Tauranga?

Prices for flights to both Tauranga and Shiretoko National Park change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Shiretoko National Park $45
    Tauranga $37

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shiretoko National Park $15
    Tauranga $10

Tours and Activities in Tauranga

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tauranga are as follows:

  • Geothermal Mineral Bathing Hot Pool Experience : $11
  • Explore Mount Maunganui: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Explore Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Mount Maunganui Hot Pools Experience: $16
  • Mount Maunganui: Hot Ocean Water Pools Entry Ticket: $16
  • Mount Maunganui Harbour Sightseeing Cruise: $23
  • Tauranga Harbour Scenic One Hour Historical Boat Cruise : $24
  • Waimarino Adventure Park Supreme Pass Entry Ticket: $34
  • Katikati Avocado Adventure: $35
  • Mount Maunganui: Pohutukawa grove and Beach Walking Tour: $40
  • Mount Maunganui Hīkoi Walking Tour: $42
  • Tauranga City & Scenic Sightseeing 2-hour Tour: $46

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shiretoko National Park $11
    Tauranga $10


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

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