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

Should you visit Adelaide or Wellington?

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 Wellington 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.

Wellington

Wellington is a funky, compact, and laid-back city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Adelaide and Wellington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Adelaide or Wellington?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Wellington than Adelaide. While Adelaide is larger than Wellington, Wellington has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Wellington is more touristy than Adelaide and is known for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches. It is also well known for Zealandia Ecosanctuary. Adelaide is famous for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events.

How is Adelaide different from Wellington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Wellington 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 Wellington?

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Adelaide or Wellington.

Adelaide is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Wellington offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

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

Wellington 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 Wellington. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

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 Wellington Better for Nightlife?

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

Wellington has a large number of nightlife venues. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

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 Wellington Better for Beaches?

Both Adelaide and Wellington are considered to be excellent 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 Wellington for it's beautiful beaches. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

Is Adelaide or Wellington Better for Hiking?

Both Adelaide and Wellington 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.

Wellington offers some nice hiking trails. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

Is the Shopping Better in Adelaide or Wellington?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Adelaide and Wellington.

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.

Wellington is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.

Is Adelaide or Wellington Better for Families?

Wellington 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.

Wellington is a very family-friendly destination. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.

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 Wellington Better for Couples?

Both Adelaide and Wellington are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Adelaide is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Wellington makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

Is Adelaide or Wellington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Wellington is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow backpackers to hang out with.

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 Wellington Better for Students?

Both Adelaide and Wellington are nice destinations for students.

Plenty of students visit Adelaide. It's a friendly and affordable city that has a nice student culture. It's very livable and accessible to other interesting places.

Wellington is popular with students. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

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

Visitors will find excellent public transit in both Adelaide and Wellington.

Public transit in Adelaide is fairly effecient and thorough. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center.

Wellington has some very good public transit options. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

Is Adelaide or Wellington a more walkable city?

Adelaide and Wellington are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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

Wellington is a very walkable city. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

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

Should I spend more time in Wellington or Adelaide?

How long in Adelaide or Wellington?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Wellington 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 Wellington.

One day in Adelaide or Wellington?

With museums and nightlife around the elegant city of Adelaide, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Wellington 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.

A weekend in Adelaide or Wellington?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Adelaide, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Wellington 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 Wellington, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Adelaide or Wellington?

Adelaide, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Wellington 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 Wellington?

Adelaide is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Wellington 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 G Adventures Tours to Australia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Sydney, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Adelaide and Wellington, we can see that Adelaide 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 Adelaide Expensive? and Is Wellington Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Adelaide or Wellington?

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

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 Wellington in the Summer?

Both Wellington and Adelaide are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Adelaide for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Wellington in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Adelaide is a little warmer than Wellington. Typically, the summer temperatures in Adelaide in January average around 22°C (72°F), and Wellington averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Wellington. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Adelaide. Adelaide usually receives more sunshine than Wellington during summer. Adelaide gets 330 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 242 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Adelaide usually receives less rain than Wellington. Adelaide gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Adelaide or Wellington in the Autumn?

Both Wellington and Adelaide during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Adelaide in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Wellington for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In April, Adelaide is generally a little warmer than Wellington. Daily temperatures in Adelaide average around 18°C (64°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Adelaide. In the autumn, Adelaide often gets more sunshine than Wellington. Adelaide gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 163 hours of full sun.

Adelaide usually gets less rain in April than Wellington. Adelaide gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Adelaide or Wellington in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Adelaide and Wellington. Most visitors come to Adelaide for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Wellington because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Adelaide is a little warmer than Wellington in the winter. The daily temperature in Adelaide averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Wellington fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Adelaide usually receives more sunshine than Wellington during winter. Adelaide gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 122 hours of full sun in the winter.

Wellington receives a lot of rain in the winter. In July, Adelaide usually receives less rain than Wellington. Adelaide gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Adelaide or Wellington in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Adelaide as well as Wellington. The spring months attract visitors to Adelaide because of the beaches. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Wellington this time of year.

In the spring, Adelaide is a little warmer than Wellington. Typically, the spring temperatures in Adelaide in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Wellington averages at about 13°C (55°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 Wellington. Adelaide gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 180 hours of full sun.

Adelaide usually gets less rain in October than Wellington. Adelaide gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Wellington and Adelaide