A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Taupo vs. Airlie Beach for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Taupo or Airlie Beach?

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

Should I visit Taupo or Airlie Beach? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Taupo

Taupo is a striking, stunning, and otherworldly town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Taupo is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Taupo travel costs.

Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a laid back, slow-paced, and idyllic town. The famous beauty of Airlie Beach is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Airlie Beach travel costs.

Taupo and Airlie Beach: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less charming
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Taupo or Airlie Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Airlie Beach. Although Taupo and Airlie Beach are popular destinations, Airlie Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Airlie Beach is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Taupo attracts visitors for its skiing, food, and small town charm. Taupo is famous for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes. Airlie Beach is famous for its tours and transportation that visit the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands. It is also well known for the Airlie Beach Lagoon.

How is Taupo different from Airlie Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Taupo or Airlie Beach Better for Skiing?

Taupo
Airlie Beach

Taupo is very popular for snow skiing. However, Airlie Beach is not a skiing destination.

Taupo is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around 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.

Airlie Beach is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Taupo or Airlie Beach?

Taupo
Airlie Beach

Neither Taupo or Airlie Beach offer quality museums and landmarks.

Taupo offers a few options for museum-goers. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Airlie Beach. Oceanfront beauty is what this town is all about, so you won't find much is the form of museums and manmade landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Taupo or Airlie Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Taupo
Airlie Beach

Taupo is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Airlie Beach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Airlie Beach has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a good selection of restaurants in town that offer everything from freshly caught local seafood to fine dining or casual. Try to pick a place with a view.

Is Taupo or Airlie Beach Better for Nightlife?

Taupo
Airlie Beach

It's hard to distinguish whether Taupo or Airlie Beach has a better nightlife scene.

Taupo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Airlie Beach has a few options to choose from. The town has a number of nightlife venues that include DJ hosted parties, beachfront cocktail lounges, and mellow local bars.


Is Taupo or Airlie Beach Better for Resorts?

Taupo
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Taupo is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Airlie Beach is a great choice. There's everything from posh resorts and luxury hotels to family-friendly campgrounds. There are also hostels that cater to the budget crowd.

Taupo is not a resort destination.

Is Taupo or Airlie Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Taupo
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a must-visit destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Taupo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Airlie Beach a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. You can't snorkel right off the shore because the water is murky and mucky, but there are excursions that will take you to the Great Barrier Reef. There are many day cruises that will take you out on the reef to several sights where you may see beautiful coral, sea turtles, or even reef sharks.

Taupo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Taupo or Airlie Beach Better for Beaches?

Taupo
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach 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 Airlie Beach. Near town there are world class beaches that range from secluded and idyllic to those lined with luxury resorts. For an escape, head to Hideaway Bay or Dingo Beach. If you don't want to leave town, there's also Airlie Beach, which is right off the Main Street. You likely won't want to swim here, but you can enjoy a picnic. Whatever beach you chose, do confirm that there's a stinger net.

Taupo is not a beach destination.


Is Taupo or Airlie Beach Better for Hiking?

Taupo
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

People visit Airlie Beach specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. You'll find many incredible hiking trails in the area. Conway National Park is a great place to hike through the rainforest and Conway State Forest is another nice spot.

Many visitors go to Taupo for the hiking trails. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Taupo or Airlie Beach?

Taupo
Airlie Beach

Shopping is a popular activity in both Airlie Beach and Taupo.

Taupo offers some nice shopping areas. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

Airlie Beach has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to the town's main street for your typical souvenir shops and holiday stores.

Is Taupo or Airlie Beach More Beautiful?

Taupo
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Airlie Beach is one of the main draws. Serving as a gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, this town is surrounded by some of the world's most idyllic landscapes.

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


Is Taupo or Airlie Beach Better for Families?

Taupo
Airlie Beach

Taupo is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Airlie Beach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Taupo is very family-friendly. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Airlie Beach is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy playing in the Airlie Beach Lagoon, visiting the markets, or hanging out at the local beaches or playgrounds. If you're hoping to swim in the ocean, be very aware of the season and the conditions.

Is Taupo or Airlie Beach Better for Couples?

Taupo
Airlie Beach

With fun activities for couples, both Taupo and Airlie Beach make for a amazing place to visit.

Taupo makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

For those traveling as a couple, Airlie Beach has plenty to offer. Couples often use this as a gateway to the stunning Whitsunday Islands. The dining scene is good and there are countless outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. There are also many different resorts in the area.

Is Taupo or Airlie Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Taupo
Airlie Beach

Taupo is very popular for backpackers. Also, Airlie Beach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Many backpackers visit Airlie Beach. If you're hoping to visit the Whitsunday Islands, then is a good place to base yourself as a backpacker. It has a decent selection of hostels and there are a number of restaurants and other dining options.


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

Taupo
Airlie Beach

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Taupo and Airlie Beach.

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.

While Airlie Beach offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a public bus that runs from Proserpine to Shute Harbour. The main bus station is near the city center and the main beach.

Is Taupo or Airlie Beach a more walkable city?

Taupo
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Airlie Beach is a very walkable town. The town itself is walkable, but the surrounding area is hilly and requires a car.

Taupo is a somewhat walkable town. 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 Taupo Worth Visiting? and Is Airlie Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Airlie Beach or Taupo?

How long in Taupo or Airlie Beach?

Both Taupo and Airlie Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Airlie Beach than in Taupo. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Taupo, and 4-7 days is enough time in Airlie Beach.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Taupo than Airlie Beach 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 Taupo.


  • How many days in Taupo or Airlie Beach? Ideal Length of Stay
    Taupo 2-3 
    Airlie Beach 4-7

One day in Taupo or Airlie Beach?

In Taupo, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this otherworldly town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Airlie Beach, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this idyllic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town 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 Taupo or Airlie Beach?

Taupo is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the skiing. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Airlie Beach. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

Five days in Taupo or Airlie Beach?

You'll find shopping and skiing around the stunning destination of Taupo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the skiing. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Airlie Beach is a fun place to experience. In Airlie Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife and food 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.

A week in Taupo or Airlie Beach?

Taupo is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Airlie Beach, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this idyllic 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.


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


Which place is cheaper, Airlie Beach or Taupo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Taupo is $128, while the average daily cost in Airlie Beach is $165. 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 Taupo and Airlie Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Taupo $62
    Airlie Beach $59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Taupo $124
    Airlie Beach $118
Compare Hotels in Taupo and Airlie Beach

Looking for a hotel in Taupo or Airlie Beach? 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 Taupo


Hotels in Airlie Beach


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: Taupo Hotel Prices and Airlie Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Taupo $25
    Airlie Beach $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Taupo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Taupo:

  • Tongariro Crossing : 2 Day PRIVATE TRANSFER Leaving AUCKLAND: $1,101

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Airlie Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Airlie Beach:

  • Transfer from Whitsunday Coast Airport: $17
  • Airport Transfer to Shute Harbour / Renta Yacht / Freedom Shores: $32
  • Established Return Airport Transfer Proserpine to Airlie Beach: $28
  • One Way Airport Transfer: Proserpine-Airlie Beach (or vice versa): $17
  • Private Transfer to/from Shute Harbour: $134
  • Private Transfer to/from Whitsunday Coast Airport: $148
  • Whitsundays: Airport Transfer to/from Airlie Beach: $16

Is it cheaper to fly into Taupo or Airlie Beach?

Prices for flights to both Airlie Beach and Taupo 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
    Taupo $41
    Airlie Beach $55

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Airlie Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Airlie Beach.

  • 3-Hour Sunset Segway Tour with Dinner: $82
  • Whitsundays Segway Sunset and Boardwalk Tour with Dinner: $83

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Taupo $34
    Airlie Beach $161
Typical Entertainment Prices in Taupo

Here are a few typical costs in Taupo for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Bungy Jumping
    $151
  • Jet Boating
    $56

Tours and Activities in Taupo

Here are a few actual costs in Taupo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Marvelous Circus: $22
  • Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Candy Cottage: $22
  • Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Cursed Cabin: $22
  • Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Hunting Lodge: $22
  • Orakei Korako Geothermal Park and Cave Entry Ticket: $28
  • Lake Taupō Māori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise aboard Ernest Kemp: $30
  • Self-Guided Geothermal Tour in Orakei Korako: $30
  • Lake Maori Rock Carvings 10.30 AM 1.5-Hour Cruise: $34
  • Lake 1.5-Hour Maori Rock Carvings 5:00 PM Cruise: $34
  • Lake Maori Rock Carvings 8.30 AM 1.5-Hour Cruise: $34
  • Maori Rock Carvings - Taupo Sailing Adventures - Kindred Spirit: $35
  • Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo: $35

Tours and Activities in Airlie Beach

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

  • Private Airlie Beach Tuk-Tuk Tours: $20
  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise with Sparkling Wine: $45
  • Roundtrip Tour to Cedar Creek.: $45
  • Sundowner Sunset Cruise Airlie Beach: $46
  • Whisper Cruises - One-Hour Turtle Spotting Bay Cruise: $46
  • Airlie Beach Sunset Cruise : $46
  • Airlie Beach Trike Tours: $50
  • Whitsundays Sunset Sailing Cruise: $57
  • Glass-Bottom Boat Tour: $59
  • Airlie Beach Glass Bottom Boat Tour: $59
  • #1 Sightseeing Explorer 3hr tour.: $62
  • Half Day Turtle Tour Sea Kayaking Adventure: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Taupo $13
    Airlie Beach $9.06
Typical Alcohol Prices in Taupo

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Taupo from other travelers:


  • Wine
    $5.03


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

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