A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Auckland vs. Khao Yai National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Auckland or Khao Yai National Park?

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 Khao Yai National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Auckland or Khao Yai National Park?

Auckland

Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand on an isthmus between the Northland Peninsula and the other parts of the North Island. Auckland is not only a city but also a region. In 2010 New Zealand combined what had previously been four separate cities into one region. These cities include the southern city of Manukau, the western city of Waitakere, the North Shore in the north, and Auckland City. The City of Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and is very diverse with many expatriates from elsewhere in Polynesia. This diversity becomes most apparent in Auckland's many festivals and sporting events.

Khao Yai National Park

Adventurous travelers are always in search of new terrain to conquer. At over 2,000 square kilometers, Khao Yai National Park is Thailand's second largest national park, and just full of jungles to trek through. In the southwest of Thailand is a sanctuary of mountains and waterfalls.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best Adventure Tours to Thailand, and The Best Eco Tours in Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Khao Yai National Park or Auckland?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Auckland is $170, while the average daily cost in Khao Yai National Park is $85. 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 Auckland and Khao Yai National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Auckland $99
    Khao Yai National Park $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Auckland $198
    Khao Yai National Park $82
Compare Hotels in Auckland and Khao Yai National Park

Looking for a hotel in Auckland or Khao Yai National Park? 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 Auckland


Hotels in Khao Yai National Park


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: Auckland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Auckland $17
    Khao Yai National Park $16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland

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


  • Bus from Airport
    $9.47
  • Airport Shuttle
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland

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

  • [PRIVATE] Airport Transfer from/to Auckland Airport: $108
  • VIP / Premium Airport Transfers: $84
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Auckland HTL-APT (AKL): $38
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Auckland APT-HTL (AKL): $38
  • Rotorua to Auckland - Afternoon Transfer with Waitomo Caves: $188
  • Private Transfer From Cruise Ships To Auckland Airport : $120
  • Private Transfer From Auckland City To Auckland Airport Oaks: $72
  • Private Transfer From Auckland CBD Hotels To Cruise Ship: $96
  • Private Transfer From Auckland Airport To Thames: $201
  • Private Transfer From Auckland Airport To North Shore Auckland : $120
  • Private Transfer From Auckland Airport To Hibiscus Coast: $120
  • Private Transfer From Auckland Airport To Cambridge : $180

Is it cheaper to fly into Auckland or Khao Yai National Park?

Prices for flights to both Khao Yai National Park and Auckland 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
    Auckland $46
    Khao Yai National Park $33
Typical Food Prices in Auckland

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


  • Breakfast
    $4.73

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland

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

  • Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner: $94
  • Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $102
  • Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $102
  • Māori Evening Dinner and Private Show Experience: $524
  • From Kiwi Bird Encounter & 3-Course Dinner Tour: $556

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Auckland $27
    Khao Yai National Park $10
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)
    $33
  • Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)
    $119

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 : $96
  • Cathedral Cove & Hot water beach -Full Day Tour: PRIVATE TOUR : $270
  • Hobbiton Lord Of Rings Movie Set tour Private Driver : $198
  • Hobbiton Movie Set Small Tour from Auckland: $249
  • 24 day Greatest Of All Tours Small Group Tour: $3,484
  • 4 hours Auckland Friday Night Tour : $78
  • 6 Hours Sightseeing Tour in Auckland: $174
  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Auckland's Hidden Stories: $12
  • AUCKLAND CITY Full Day Tour with War Memorial Museum and Mt Eden: $155
  • Half-Day CITY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR - Mt.Eden, Tamaki Dr: $87
  • Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland: $117
  • America’s Cup 2-Hour Sailing Experience Waitemata Harbour: $114

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Auckland $13
    Khao Yai National Park $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland

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

  • Waiheke Island: Scenic Island Wine Tour & Local Wine Tasting: $111
  • Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Auckland with 3-Course Vineyard Lunch: $119
  • Waiheke Island: Wine Tour + Lunch at Award Winning Venue: $146
  • Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $161
  • Double Decker City Tour with Wine Tastings & Food: $163
  • Kumeu Wine Tour: $165
  • From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $176
  • Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch: $180
  • Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $184
  • City Tour with Wine Tasting and Black Sand Beach: $205
  • Shore Excursion from Auckland - Private Tour & Wine Tasting: $281
  • Waiheke Island Scenic Wine Tour: $305


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Auckland and Khao Yai National Park, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. And not only is Khao Yai National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Auckland is in Pacific and Khao Yai National Park is in Asia, 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 Khao Yai National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Khao Yai National Park 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 Khao Yai National Park.

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



When is the best time to visit Auckland or Khao Yai National Park?

Auckland has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Khao Yai National Park experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Auckland or Khao Yai National Park in the Summer?

Both Khao Yai National Park and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Auckland this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Yai National Park because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Auckland is generally cooler than Khao Yai National Parkin July. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 20°C (68°F), and Khao Yai National Park fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Auckland. Auckland usually receives more sunshine than Khao Yai National Park during summer. Auckland gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Yai National Park receives 176 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Yai National Park. In January, Auckland usually receives less rain than Khao Yai National Parkin July. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 315 mm (12.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Auckland 20°C (68°F) 
    Khao Yai National Park 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Auckland or Khao Yai National Park in the Autumn?

Both Khao Yai National Park and Auckland during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Auckland for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Yai National Park year-round.

Auckland is much colder than Khao Yai National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Khao Yai National Park fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in October.

In Khao Yai National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Auckland often gets less sunshine than Khao Yai National Parkin October. Auckland gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Yai National Park receives 206 hours of full sun.

Khao Yai National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Auckland usually gets less rain in April than Khao Yai National Parkin October. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Auckland 16°C (61°F) 
    Khao Yai National Park 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Auckland or Khao Yai National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Khao Yai National Park. Many visitors come to Auckland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Khao Yai National Park attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the winter, Auckland is much colder than Khao Yai National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Auckland in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Khao Yai National Park averages at about 26°C (78°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Khao Yai National Park this time of the year. Auckland usually receives less sunshine than Khao Yai National Park during winter. Auckland gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Yai National Park receives 276 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 Khao Yai National Parkin January. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Auckland 11°C (52°F) 
    Khao Yai National Park 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Auckland or Khao Yai National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Khao Yai National Park. Most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Yai National Park throughout the year.

In October, Auckland is generally much colder than Khao Yai National Parkin April. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 14°C (58°F), and Khao Yai National Park fluctuates around 30°C (87°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Yai National Park. In the spring, Auckland often gets less sunshine than Khao Yai National Parkin April. Auckland gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Yai National Park receives 262 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Khao Yai National Park. Auckland usually gets less rain in October than Khao Yai National Parkin April. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 128 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Auckland 14°C (58°F) 
    Khao Yai National Park 30°C (87°F)

Typical Weather for Khao Yai National Park and Auckland

Auckland Khao Yai National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 30°C (86°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 30°C (87°F) 128 mm (5.1 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 30°C (85°F) 225 mm (8.8 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 29°C (84°F) 277 mm (10.9 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 315 mm (12.4 in)
Aug 11°C (53°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 385 mm (15.1 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 360 mm (14.2 in)
Oct 14°C (58°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Dec 18°C (65°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)