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

Should you visit Auckland or Manchester?

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 Manchester can help you decide which place is right for you.

Auckland

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

Manchester

Manchester is a diverse, cultural, and vibrant 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Auckland and Manchester: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Auckland or Manchester?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Auckland. Although Auckland and Manchester are about the same size, Auckland has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Auckland is very popular for its beaches and hiking, while Manchester attracts visitors for its music. Auckland is more touristy than Manchester and is known for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. It is also well known for the Sky Tower. Manchester is famous for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club.

How is Auckland different from Manchester?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Auckland and Manchester.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Manchester can be an interesting and educational experience. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

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

Both Auckland and Manchester 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 Manchester is an experience not to be missed. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

Is Auckland or Manchester Better for Nightlife?

Both Auckland and Manchester 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 Manchester know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

Is Auckland or Manchester Better for Music?

Manchester is an excellent place to visit for its live music scene. However, Auckland is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Manchester has diverse options. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Auckland is not a live music destination.

Is Auckland or Manchester Better for Beaches?

Auckland is great for its beaches. However, Manchester 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.

Manchester is not a beach destination.

Is Auckland or Manchester Better for Hiking?

Auckland is very good for hiking. However, Manchester is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting 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.

Manchester is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Auckland or Manchester?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Auckland and Manchester.

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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Manchester. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

Is Auckland or Manchester Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Auckland or Manchester.

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.

Manchester is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

Is Auckland or Manchester Better for Couples?

Both Auckland and Manchester are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Couples visit Manchester frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

Is Auckland or Manchester Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auckland is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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 Manchester. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

Is Auckland or Manchester Better for Students?

Both Auckland and Manchester are very good destinations for 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.

Manchester is a great city to visit as a student. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

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

Manchester 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 Manchester can get you around easily. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

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 Manchester a more walkable city?

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

Manchester is a somewhat walkable place. Some neighborhoods 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 Auckland Worth Visiting? and Is Manchester Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Manchester or Auckland?

How long in Auckland or Manchester?

It's fun to spend time in either Auckland or Manchester. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Manchester due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Auckland, and 2-4 days is enough time in Manchester.

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

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

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 city of Manchester offers museums and nightlife. 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 Manchester?

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.

Manchester 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Manchester, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Auckland or Manchester?

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.

Manchester 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 Auckland or Manchester?

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.

Manchester 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 city 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 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Auckland and Manchester, we can see that Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manchester 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 Manchester Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Auckland or Manchester?

Auckland has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Manchester. When comparing the sizes of Auckland and Manchester, 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 Manchester?

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

Should I visit Auckland or Manchester in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Manchester. The summer months attract visitors to Auckland because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Manchester this time of year.

In January, Auckland is generally a little warmer than Manchesterin July. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 20°C (68°F), and Manchester fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

In Auckland, it's very sunny this time of the year. Auckland usually receives more sunshine than Manchester during summer. Auckland gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Manchester receives 176 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Auckland usually receives around the same amount of rain as Manchesterin July. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Auckland or Manchester in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Manchester. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Auckland this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Manchester for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Auckland is a little warmer than Manchester in the autumn. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Manchester fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in October.

In the autumn, Auckland often gets more sunshine than Manchesterin October. Auckland gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manchester receives 97 hours of full sun.

Auckland usually gets more rain in April than Manchesterin October. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auckland or Manchester in the Winter?

Both Manchester and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Auckland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Manchester in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Manchester can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Auckland is much warmer than Manchester. Typically, the winter temperatures in Auckland in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Manchester averages at about 4°C (39°F)in January.

Auckland usually receives more sunshine than Manchester during winter. Auckland gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Manchester receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Auckland. In July, Auckland usually receives more rain than Manchesterin January. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Auckland or Manchester in the Spring?

Both Manchester and Auckland during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Auckland in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Manchester for the activities around the city during these months.

In October, Auckland is generally much warmer than Manchesterin April. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 14°C (58°F), and Manchester fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Auckland often gets more sunshine than Manchesterin April. Auckland gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manchester receives 144 hours of full sun.

Auckland usually gets more rain in October than Manchesterin April. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Manchester and Auckland