A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surfers Paradise vs. Taupo for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Surfers Paradise or Taupo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Surfers Paradise or Taupo, 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.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a active, ritzy, and glamourous city. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Surfers Paradise travel costs.

Taupo

Taupo is a otherworldly, striking, and stunning town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Taupo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Taupo travel costs.

Surfers Paradise and Taupo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surfers Paradise or Taupo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Surfers Paradise. Although Surfers Paradise and Taupo are both popular with visitors, Surfers Paradise has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Surfers Paradise is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Taupo is known for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Taupo and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. It is also home to the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Taupo is popular for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes.

How is Surfers Paradise different from Taupo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Surfers Paradise or Taupo Better for Skiing?

Taupo is terrific for skiing and snowboarding. However, Surfers Paradise is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Taupo is among the best in the world. Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.

Surfers Paradise is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Surfers Paradise or Taupo?

Surfers Paradise is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Taupo is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Surfers Paradise offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. For the best views of the coastline head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa. It's in Australia's tallest residential tower. You can also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Sea World Marine Park, as well as countless other amusement parks or entertainment centers.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Taupo. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

Is the Food Better in Surfers Paradise or Taupo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Surfers Paradise and Taupo.

Surfers Paradise has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Taupo makes for a great culinary experience. The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.

Is Surfers Paradise or Taupo Better for Nightlife?

Surfers Paradise is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Surfers Paradise is a world class party destination. This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.

If you're looking for night time activities Taupo has a few options to choose from. It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.

Is Surfers Paradise or Taupo Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Taupo is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Surfers Paradise is a great choice. The high-rise skyline is filled with luxury resorts and trendy hotels. Fancy pools and rooftop views make this is a glitzy and lively place to stay.

Taupo is not a resort destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Taupo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Surfers Paradise is a great destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Taupo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Surfers Paradise. There's no shortage of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that leave from the area. You'll see a diversity of marine life and interesting undersea reefs.

Taupo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Taupo Better for Beaches?

Surfers Paradise is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Taupo is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Surfers Paradise. It's at the heart of the Gold Coast, and you'll enjoy two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful surf. The beaches are lined with high rise buildings and there's plenty of energy and amenities for visitors. This is a popular tourist destination and there is no shortage of water sports and other activities along the beaches.

Taupo is not a beach destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Taupo Better for Hiking?

Taupo is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Taupo. The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Surfers Paradise. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

Is the Shopping Better in Surfers Paradise or Taupo?

Surfers Paradise is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Surfers Paradise make it a world-class shopping destination. Beachside markets sell local items. There are also large shopping malls that are filled with international fashion brands and boutique shops that sell unique items.

Taupo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

Is Surfers Paradise or Taupo More Beautiful?

Taupo is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Surfers Paradise is not a destination known for its beauty.

Taupo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Set against the lake, there is stunning natural beauty in the area and many breathtaking views.

Surfers Paradise is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Surfers Paradise or Taupo Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise and Taupo are both fantastic destinations for the whole family.

Surfers Paradise is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. It's filled with activities that kids and adults will enjoy. There's everything from sandy beaches to amusement park rides and entertainment centers. Check out Infinity, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There's also countless minigolf places, kayaking, and other water sports.

Taupo is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Set on the edge of Lake Taupo, there are many family-friendly activities in the area like swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also thermal hot springs and in the winter months skiing. Families who enjoy outdoor adventures will find no shortage of options year round.

Is Surfers Paradise or Taupo Better for Couples?

Taupo is terrific for couples. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Taupo has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Honeymooners and couples who enjoy romantic scenery, beautiful sunsets, and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this area. You can soak in thermal hot springs and picnic next to beautiful waterfalls. There are also breathtaking hikes and great water activities.

Couples visit Surfers Paradise frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Walk along the beach or take in the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There are also many fun-filled adventure activities as well as restaurants and a lively party scene.

Is Surfers Paradise or Taupo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Surfers Paradise and Taupo are both fantastic destinations for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Surfers Paradise, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Backpackers who want fun entertainment, a lively beach scene, and water sports will find their place here. There are also hostels with reasonable rates and plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Taupo is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There's plenty of backpacker and hostel accommodation in the area. There are also free outdoor activities and adrenaline-filled adventures that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Surfers Paradise or Taupo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both Surfers Paradise and Taupo.

Surfers Paradise has some public transit options. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

You'll find some public transit in Taupo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local bus service, the Taupo Connector, that travels around the town center. If you want to get outside of town, you'll need to have a car.

Is Surfers Paradise or Taupo a more walkable city?

Surfers Paradise and Taupo are good when it comes to walkability.

Surfers Paradise is a somewhat walkable city. There are walking and bike paths around town.

Taupo is somewhat walkable. The town is fairly compact, but if you want to efficiently get around and experience everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Surfers Paradise Worth Visiting? and Is Taupo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Taupo or Surfers Paradise?

How long in Surfers Paradise or Taupo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Surfers Paradise and Taupo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Surfers Paradise than in Taupo. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Surfers Paradise, and 2-3 days is enough time in Taupo.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Surfers Paradise than Taupo 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 Surfers Paradise.

One day in Surfers Paradise or Taupo?

In Surfers Paradise, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this ritzy destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the otherworldly destination of Taupo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Surfers Paradise or Taupo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Surfers Paradise. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find food and shopping around the striking town of Taupo. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the skiing. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Surfers Paradise or Taupo?

Surfers Paradise is a fun place to experience. In Surfers Paradise, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Taupo is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Surfers Paradise or Taupo?

In Surfers Paradise, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this ritzy destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Taupo is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the skiing. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

When comparing the travel costs between Surfers Paradise and Taupo, we can see that Taupo is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Surfers Paradise or Taupo?

Taupo has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Surfers Paradise and Taupo, 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.