A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Adelaide vs. Auckland for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Adelaide or Auckland?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Adelaide and Auckland 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.

Adelaide

Adelaide is a welcoming, friendly, and under-rated city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Auckland

Auckland is a adrenaline-filled, thrill-seeking, and cosmopolitan city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Adelaide and Auckland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Adelaide or Auckland?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Auckland than Adelaide. While Adelaide is larger than Auckland, Auckland has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Auckland is more touristy than Adelaide and is known for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. It is also well known for the Sky Tower. Adelaide is famous for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events.

How is Adelaide different from Auckland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Adelaide or Auckland?

Auckland is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Auckland. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Adelaide offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting buildings along North Terrace such as the Parliament House, the State Library of South Australia, and the South Australian Museum. At the Botanic Garden there's the Santos Museum of Economic Botany. Also make sure you check out the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Is the Food Better in Adelaide or Auckland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Auckland is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Auckland. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Adelaide. There's great wine, local restaurants, and charming cafes. You'll find local dishes as well as international flavors around town. The local produce is good and the restaurants offer fresh and delicious recipes.

Is Adelaide or Auckland Better for Nightlife?

Auckland is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Auckland has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

Adelaide has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is filled with rooftop bars, live music venues, and boutique wine bars. Whether you're looking for trendy and luxury or casual and laid back, there are many places to spend a night out.

Is Adelaide or Auckland Better for Beaches?

Both Adelaide and Auckland are considered to be superb beach destinations.

The beaches at Adelaide attract visitors from all over. Part of what makes the city's beaches so great is how accessible they are. You don't have to go far to be at some of the area's best beaches. Glenelg is a family-friendly beach near town. It's also the most popular and most accessible. Brighton is relaxed with cafes and small restaurants nearby. And for seafood, head to Henley.

Many people visit Auckland for it's beautiful beaches. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.

Is Adelaide or Auckland Better for Hiking?

Both Adelaide and Auckland are destinations which offer nice hiking.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Adelaide. Outside of town there are national parks and reserves with hiking trails. You don't have to go far to explore the coastline or bushland in the area.

Auckland offers some nice hiking trails. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.

Is the Shopping Better in Adelaide or Auckland?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Adelaide and Auckland.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Adelaide. Rundle Mall is the most well known shopping area in town. You'll find boutique shops as well as large department stores. Whether you're looking for international fashion brands or something more local, there are many places to explore.

Auckland is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.

Is Adelaide or Auckland Better for Families?

Auckland is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Auckland is a very family-friendly destination. There's a big focus on getting kids outside in the city, so you'll find many outdoor parks and play spaces. Popular activities for families include visiting the Huia Lodge Discovery Centre, going to the Museum of Transport and Technology, and wandering through the botanical garden.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Adelaide. There are kids museums, water parks, playgrounds, and beaches that are fun to explore with children. The city has a family-friendly vibe with kid-friendly restaurants and a welcoming personality.

Is Adelaide or Auckland Better for Couples?

Auckland is a very popular place for romance. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Auckland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic restaurants in the city, as well as spas, cocktail bars, and evening venues. Couples will also enjoy one of the many thrill-seeking activities that New Zealand is famous for.

Adelaide makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. A great date activity is a night at the opera. There are also boat rides, hot air balloon rides, and nice restaurants that make for a fun evening out.

Is Adelaide or Auckland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auckland is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Auckland is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Auckland is high on many backpackers' wish list, and usually they pass through the city at some point during their trip. You'll find a number of hostels in the city that are perfect for socializing and saving money.

Plenty of backpackers visit Adelaide. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but those who venture here will enjoy a great wine scene, beautiful beaches, and lively festivals.

Is Adelaide or Auckland Better for Students?

Auckland is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Auckland. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

Adelaide is popular with students. It's a friendly and affordable city that has a nice student culture. It's very livable and accessible to other interesting places.

Is Adelaide or Auckland Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Adelaide is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Adelaide can get you around easily. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center.

You'll find some public transit in Auckland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.

Is Adelaide or Auckland a more walkable city?

Adelaide is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Auckland is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

Adelaide is a very walkable city. The city is compact and laid out in a grid pattern, so it's easy to explore on foot.

Auckland is generally not very walkable. It is a very car-centric city and it can be challenging to explore on foot alone.

For even more information, also check out Is Adelaide Worth Visiting? and Is Auckland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Auckland or Adelaide?

How long in Adelaide or Auckland?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Auckland than Adelaide 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 Auckland.

One day in Adelaide or Auckland?

The city of Adelaide offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Auckland is a big city with plenty to do. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

A weekend in Adelaide or Auckland?

Adelaide 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Adelaide, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Auckland 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Auckland, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Adelaide or Auckland?

Adelaide 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.

Auckland 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.

A week in Adelaide or Auckland?

Adelaide is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Auckland is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia, The Best 3-Week Tours in Australia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Adelaide or Auckland?

Adelaide has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Adelaide and Auckland, 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.

When is the best time to visit Adelaide or Auckland?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Adelaide or Auckland in the Summer?

Both Auckland and Adelaide are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Adelaide in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Adelaide is a little warmer than Auckland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Adelaide in January average around 22°C (72°F), and Auckland averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Auckland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Adelaide. Adelaide usually receives more sunshine than Auckland during summer. Adelaide gets 330 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Adelaide usually receives less rain than Auckland. Adelaide gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Adelaide or Auckland in the Autumn?

Both Auckland and Adelaide during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Adelaide for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Auckland because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In April, Adelaide is generally around the same temperature as Auckland. Daily temperatures in Adelaide average around 18°C (64°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Adelaide. In the autumn, Adelaide often gets more sunshine than Auckland. Adelaide gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 162 hours of full sun.

Adelaide usually gets less rain in April than Auckland. Adelaide gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Adelaide or Auckland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Adelaide and Auckland. The winter months attract visitors to Adelaide because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.

Adelaide is around the same temperature as Auckland in the winter. The daily temperature in Adelaide averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Auckland fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Adelaide usually receives more sunshine than Auckland during winter. Adelaide gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 141 hours of full sun in the winter.

Auckland receives a lot of rain in the winter. In July, Adelaide usually receives less rain than Auckland. Adelaide gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Adelaide or Auckland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Adelaide as well as Auckland. The beaches are the main draw to Adelaide this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Auckland for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Adelaide is a little warmer than Auckland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Adelaide in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Auckland averages at about 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Adelaide this time of the year. In the spring, Adelaide often gets more sunshine than Auckland. Adelaide gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 192 hours of full sun.

Adelaide usually gets less rain in October than Auckland. Adelaide gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Auckland and Adelaide