A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Auckland vs. Interlaken for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Auckland or Interlaken?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Auckland and Interlaken can help you decide which place is right for you.

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. See Auckland travel costs.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a breathtaking, world-class, and stunning town. Interlaken is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Interlaken travel costs.

Auckland and Interlaken: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Auckland or Interlaken?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Auckland. Although Auckland and Interlaken are popular destinations, Auckland has more sights and attractions for tourists. Auckland is very popular for its museums and attractions, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Interlaken attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Auckland and is known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Auckland is famous for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. It is also well known for the Sky Tower.

How is Auckland different from Interlaken?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Auckland or Interlaken Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is very good for skiing and snowboarding. However, Auckland is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Interlaken is a great destination to visit. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Auckland is not a skiing destination.

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

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Auckland specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Auckland and Interlaken offer a number of very good restaurants to choose from.

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.

Dining out in Interlaken is an experience not to be missed. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Is Auckland or Interlaken Better for Nightlife?

Both Auckland and Interlaken have very good vibes after the sun sets.

Auckland has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

The people in Interlaken know how to have a good time. There are tons of pubs and bars around town. This is the best way to meet locals and makes for a fun night out on the town. The atmosphere is generally laid back and relaxed, which matches the mellow vibe of the town.

Is Auckland or Interlaken Better for Beaches?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Auckland is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Is Auckland or Interlaken Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many people visit Interlaken specifically for its hiking. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Auckland has hiking trails worth exploring. 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 Auckland or Interlaken?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Auckland. 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.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Auckland or Interlaken More Beautiful?

Interlaken is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Auckland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Interlaken is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. While the city itself has a lot of charm and character, it's really about exploring the surrounding countryside. There are world class hikes, stunning vistas, and adrenaline-filled adventure sports that you shouldn't miss.

Auckland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Auckland or Interlaken Better for Families?

Interlaken is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Interlaken is one of the most popular family destinations. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

Auckland is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Auckland or Interlaken Better for Couples?

Interlaken is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Interlaken has plenty to offer. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

Couples visit Auckland frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Auckland or Interlaken Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Interlaken 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Interlaken. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

Is Auckland or Interlaken Better for Students?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

Auckland is very popular with students. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Interlaken 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 Interlaken can get you around easily. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

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 Auckland or Interlaken a more walkable city?

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

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

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 Auckland Worth Visiting? and Is Interlaken Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Interlaken or Auckland?

How long in Auckland or Interlaken?

In either Auckland or Interlaken, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Interlaken than Auckland because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Auckland, and 2-5 days is enough time in Interlaken.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Auckland than Interlaken 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 Auckland or Interlaken?

When visiting Auckland, people usually allow for lots of time. 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 beautiful town of Interlaken offers skiing and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Auckland or Interlaken?

When visiting Auckland, people usually allow for lots of time. 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.

Interlaken 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Interlaken, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Auckland or Interlaken?

Auckland, 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.

Interlaken is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Interlaken, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Auckland or Interlaken?

Auckland 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.

Interlaken is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Auckland or Interlaken?

Auckland has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Auckland and Interlaken, 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 Auckland or Interlaken?

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 Interlaken has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Auckland or Interlaken in the Summer?

Both Interlaken and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Auckland because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year.

In January, Auckland is generally around the same temperature as Interlakenin July. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 20°C (68°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Interlaken. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Auckland. Auckland usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Interlaken during summer. Auckland gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Auckland usually receives less rain than Interlakenin July. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Auckland or Interlaken in the Autumn?

Both Interlaken and Auckland during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Auckland this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Auckland is a little warmer than Interlaken in the autumn. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Interlaken fluctuates around 13°C (56°F)in October.

In the autumn, Auckland often gets more sunshine than Interlakenin October. Auckland gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 120 hours of full sun.

Auckland usually gets more rain in April than Interlakenin October. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auckland or Interlaken in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Interlaken. Many travelers come to Auckland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Interlaken in the winter for the skiing and the cuisine.

Interlaken can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Auckland is much warmer than Interlaken. Typically, the winter temperatures in Auckland in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Interlaken averages at about 3°C (37°F)in January.

Auckland usually receives more sunshine than Interlaken during winter. Auckland gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

Auckland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Auckland usually receives more rain than Interlakenin January. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Auckland or Interlaken in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Interlaken. Many visitors come to Auckland in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Interlaken for the natural beauty during these months.

In October, Auckland is generally a little warmer than Interlakenin April. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 14°C (58°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Auckland often gets more sunshine than Interlakenin April. Auckland gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 150 hours of full sun.

Auckland usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Interlakenin April. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Interlaken and Auckland