Comparison · Hobart vs Queenstown · Australia / New Zealand
Hobart vs Queenstown
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: File:Franklin Wharf 2015.jpg : Michael fromholtz derivative work: Georgfotoart, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
Choose Hobart for MONA, Salamanca Market and beaches; choose Queenstown for Bungy jumping and Lake Wakatipu. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 1,719 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 1,719 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Hobart
- December–March
- Best time for Queenstown
- July–August and December–March
Side by side
| Hobart | Queenstown | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Australia | New Zealand |
| Known for | MONA, Salamanca Market and kunanyi/Mount Wellington | Bungy jumping, Lake Wakatipu and Skiing |
| Best time to visit | December–March | July–August and December–March |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $180–$320 | $180–$320 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Expensive |
| Warmest month | January, 22°C (72°F) | January, 22°C (72°F) |
| Coldest month | July, 12°C (54°F) | July, 7°C (45°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 6 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 5 |
| Beaches | Kingston Beach | — |
| Airports | HBA | ZQN |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Hobart for…
MONA, Salamanca Market and beaches. Hobart is Australia's second-oldest capital, founded in 1804 on the Derwent estuary below kunanyi/Mount Wellington. Its Georgian sandstone warehouses at Salamanca Place, the cottages of Battery Point and the working fishing docks make the waterfront easy to…
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Choose Queenstown for…
Bungy jumping and Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown sits on the shore of Lake Wakatipu in Central Otago, ringed by the jagged Remarkables and other peaks of the Southern Alps. The compact town centre is packed with tour shops, restaurants and bars, and it is the base for bungy jumps, jetboats, the…
Top sights compared
| # | Hobart | Queenstown |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | MONA – Museum of Old and New Art | Skyline Gondola and Luge |
| 2 | Salamanca Market | TSS Earnslaw cruise |
| 3 | Salamanca Place | Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge bungy |
| 4 | Battery Point and Arthur Circus | Shotover Jet |
| 5 | kunanyi/Mount Wellington | Queenstown Gardens |
Food compared
| Hobart | Queenstown |
|---|---|
| Tasmanian oysters | Gourmet burgers |
| Scallop pie | Central Otago pinot noir |
| Fish and chips | Lamb |
| Tasmanian salmon | Venison |
Which is cheaper?
Hobart and Queenstown cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $180–$320 in Hobart and $180–$320 in Queenstown (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Hobart on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 1,719 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 10 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Hobart or Queenstown cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $180–$320 in Hobart and $180–$320 in Queenstown (estimates).
+Is Hobart or Queenstown better for a first trip?
Pick Hobart for MONA, Salamanca Market and beaches, or Queenstown for Bungy jumping and Lake Wakatipu.
+How far is Hobart from Queenstown?
About 1,719 km in a straight line.