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

Should you visit Atami 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 Atami 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.

Atami

Atami is a nostalgic, authentic, and overlooked town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Auckland

Auckland is a adrenaline-filled, thrill-seeking, and cosmopolitan city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Atami and Auckland: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Atami or Auckland?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Auckland than Atami, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Auckland is more touristy than Atami and is known for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. Also, Auckland is famous for the Sky Tower. Atami is well known for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches.

How is Atami different from Auckland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Atami
Auckland

Auckland is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Atami 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Atami. The onsen, or hot springs, have historically been a big draw to this town. Places to experience them include Oedo Onsen Monogatari Atami, Otsuki Hotel Wafukan, and Myoraku-Yu. Other sights around town include Kaminiya Shrine and the MOA Museum of Art.


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

Atami
Auckland

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

Auckland has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Atami area. You'll find an authentic Japanese dining experience here, with a lot of seafood due to the city's coastal location. Popular dishes include sushi, dried fish, and fish boiled in broth.

Is Atami or Auckland Better for Nightlife?

Atami
Auckland

Auckland is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Atami has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The town was once a place to escape the city and enjoy a fun night out, but these days it's a bit quieter and has more of a nostalgic vibe. Head to Yushima Yugijo Yushima Amusement Center for some of the best nightlife in town.

Is Atami or Auckland Better for Beaches?

Atami
Auckland

Auckland is a very popular place for the beache. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

The beaches at Auckland attract visitors from all over. 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.

Atami offers a nice beach destination. The most popular beach in the city is Atami Sun Beach, which is right in town. It's a place to relax in the sun, and there are sometimes fireworks throughout the year.


Is Atami or Auckland Better for Hiking?

Atami
Auckland

Auckland is a city with good options for its hiking trails. However, Atami is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Auckland. 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.

Atami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atami or Auckland?

Atami
Auckland

Auckland is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Auckland is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Atami to go shopping. You'll find a couple of retro shopping streets in town such as Atami Ekimae Shopping Street, Nakamise Shopping Street, and Heiwadori Shopping Street. There are arcades and food stalls where you can sample local dishes.

Is Atami or Auckland Better for Families?

Atami
Auckland

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Auckland is very family-friendly. 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 Atami. The city is a hot springs area, but you can also head to the nearby beaches and other family-friendly activities.


Is Atami or Auckland Better for Couples?

Atami
Auckland

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

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.

Atami is a good town for couples to visit. This is a beach and hot springs resort area, and in historic times it was a honeymoon destination. Today you'll find beaches, hot springs, shopping, and museums to explore, but most visitors use it as a base to explore the nearby areas, as the town itself doesn't have a lot to offer.

Is Atami or Auckland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atami
Auckland

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

Many backpackers visit Auckland. 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 Atami. While there aren't a huge number of hostels in the area, and backpackers often skip over this town, prices aren't particularly high so you should be able to find something affordable.

Is Atami or Auckland Better for Students?

Atami
Auckland

Auckland is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Atami is not popular with 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.

Atami is not popular with students.


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

Atami
Auckland

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Atami and Auckland.

Atami has some public transit options. There are public buses, such as the YuYu Bus, which has two routes and passes by many of the town's attractions.

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 Atami or Auckland a more walkable city?

Atami
Auckland

Atami is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Auckland is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

Atami is a somewhat walkable place. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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 Atami Worth Visiting? and Is Auckland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Auckland or Atami?

How long in Atami or Auckland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Atami and Auckland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Auckland than in Atami. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Atami, and 2-3 days is enough time in Auckland.

Families should spend more time in Auckland than Atami. 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 Atami. 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 Atami 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.


  • How many days in Atami or Auckland? Ideal Length of Stay
    Atami 1-2 
    Auckland 2-3

One day in Atami or Auckland?

The town of Atami offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Each neighborhood in Auckland has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.


A weekend in Atami or Auckland?

Atami is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Atami, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auckland. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Atami or Auckland?

Atami 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Auckland. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Atami or Auckland?

Atami is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the cosmopolitan big city of Auckland. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Auckland or Atami?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Atami is $93, while the average daily cost in Auckland is $149. 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 Atami and Auckland in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Atami $46
    Auckland $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Atami $92
    Auckland $186
Compare Hotels in Atami and Auckland

Looking for a hotel in Atami or Auckland? 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 Atami


Hotels in Auckland


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: Atami Hotel Prices and Auckland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Atami $38
    Auckland $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Atami

Also for Atami, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Izu/ Atami City: Private Transfer to/from Narita Airport: $692
  • Haneda Airport to/from Izu or Atami City Private Transfer: $593

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:


  • Bus from Airport
    $10
  • Airport Shuttle
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland

Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • [Stevong] 24 HRs Auckland Airport Transfer (Hotel <-> Airport): $38
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Auckland HTL-APT (AKL): $58
  • Skip the Wait: Direct Auckland Airport Transfer to Your Hotel-SUV: $75
  • Seamless Auckland Airport Transfers to Auckland CBD: $96
  • Private Van Transfer From Auckland City To Auckland Airport: $89
  • Private Van Transfer From Auckland Airport To Auckland City: $108
  • Private Transfer from Auckland city to Bay Of Islands Cruise Port: $118
  • Private Transfer from Auckland Port to Auckland Airport (AKL): $56
  • Private Transfer from Auckland Airport AKL to Bay Of Islands Port: $118
  • Private Transfer from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Tauranga Port: $149
  • Private Transfer North Shore or Henderson to Auckland Airport AKL by Luxury Van: $120
  • Private Transfer North Shore or Henderson to Auckland Airport AKL by Luxury Car: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Atami or Auckland?

Prices for flights to both Auckland and Atami 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
    Atami $26
    Auckland $28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Atami

For Atami, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Odawara Castle Private Tour with Optional Japanese Dinner: $172
  • Izakaya Dinner and Karaoke Lounge: $172

Typical Food Prices in Auckland

For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Breakfast
    $5.07

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland

For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Auckland:: Japanese Home Cooking: $81
  • Auckland Harbour 3-Course Dinner Cruise with Welcome Drink: $99
  • Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $102
  • Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Atami $8.29
    Auckland $29

Tours and Activities in Atami

For Atami, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • "Explore Atami's Culinary Culture" Walking Tour: $46
  • Exclusive Geisha Experience: $121
  • Hakone one day tour: $178
  • Ninja, Samurai, Odawara Castle Experience: $138
  • Odawara Castle and Town Guided Discovery Tour: $124
  • Sushi and Karaoke Experience in Japan: $241

Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)
    $35
  • Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)
    $128

Tours and Activities in Auckland

For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Auckland Best Top 5 Spots Half day Tour with small group: $138
  • "City of Sails" highlights - private tour with German tour guide: $195
  • 2-Hour Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Tour to Lucas Creek Waterfall: $70
  • 4 Hours Private Tour in Auckland : $255
  • 6 Hours Sightseeing Tour in Auckland: $134
  • Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland: $124
  • All Auckland City Hotels to Cruise Ship / Port: $51
  • America’s Cup 2-Hour Sailing Experience Waitemata Harbour: $120
  • Auckland CBD: Escape Game Adventure: $25
  • Auckland Canyoning Rainforest Adventure: $151
  • Auckland City & Native Forest Experience - Fully Guided Day Tour: $223
  • Auckland City & West Coast Luxury Tour: $212

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Atami $5.88
    Auckland $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland

Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Ultimate Late Night Bar Crawl: $19
  • Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Auckland with 3-Course Vineyard Lunch: $108
  • Waiheke Island: Scenic Wine Tour Tasting Wines on Waiheke: $114
  • Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $145
  • Waiheke Island: Tour with Wine Tastings and Restaurant Lunch: $154
  • From Waiheke Island Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $157
  • Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $169
  • Kumeu Wine Tour: $175
  • Kumeu Wineries / Brewery : $181
  • From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $185
  • Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch: $191
  • Scenic Wine Tastings Tour with Lunch: $216


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Atami and Auckland, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. And not only is Atami much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Atami is in Asia and Auckland is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Atami would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Atami 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 Atami.

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


Which is Bigger, Atami or Auckland?

Auckland has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Atami. When comparing the sizes of Atami 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 Atami or Auckland?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Auckland is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Atami has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Atami or Auckland in the Summer?

Both Auckland and Atami are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Atami in the summer for the beaches 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.

Atami is a little warmer than Auckland in the summer. The daily temperature in Atami averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Auckland fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Auckland. Atami usually receives less sunshine than Auckland during summer. Atami gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Atami. In July, Atami usually receives more rain than Aucklandin January. Atami gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Atami 26°C (78°F) 
    Auckland 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Atami or Auckland in the Autumn?

Both Auckland and Atami during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Atami for 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 the autumn, Atami is around the same temperature as Auckland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atami in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Auckland averages at about 16°C (61°F)in April.

In the autumn, Atami often gets less sunshine than Aucklandin April. Atami gets 130 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 162 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atami. Atami usually gets more rain in October than Aucklandin April. Atami gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Atami 18°C (64°F) 
    Auckland 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Atami or Auckland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Atami and Auckland. The winter months attract visitors to Atami 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.

In January, Atami is generally much colder than Aucklandin July. Daily temperatures in Atami average around 5°C (42°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Atami usually receives more sunshine than Auckland during winter. Atami gets 162 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 January, Atami usually receives less rain than Aucklandin July. Atami gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Atami 5°C (42°F) 
    Auckland 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Atami or Auckland in the Spring?

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

Atami is around the same temperature as Auckland in the spring. The daily temperature in Atami averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Auckland fluctuates around 14°C (58°F)in October.

In the spring, Atami often gets less sunshine than Aucklandin October. Atami gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 192 hours of full sun.

Atami receives a lot of rain in the spring. Atami usually gets more rain in April than Aucklandin October. Atami gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Atami 14°C (57°F) 
    Auckland 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Auckland and Atami

Atami Auckland
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 153 mm (6 in) 19°C (66°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 164 mm (6.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 254 mm (10 in) 12°C (53°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 202 mm (8 in) 11°C (52°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 11°C (53°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 209 mm (8.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 108 mm (4.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 8°C (46°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)