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

Should you visit Auckland or Oxford?

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 Oxford 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.

Oxford

Oxford is a collegiate, beautiful, and historic college town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Oxford is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Oxford travel costs.

Auckland and Oxford: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Auckland or Oxford?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Auckland than Oxford. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Auckland is very popular for its food, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Oxford attracts visitors for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Auckland is more touristy than Oxford and is known for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. It is also well known for the Sky Tower. Oxford is famous for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

How is Auckland different from Oxford?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Oxford can be an interesting and educational experience. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

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

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Auckland. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Is Auckland or Oxford Better for Nightlife?

Both Auckland and Oxford have excellent 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 Oxford know how to have a good time. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

Is Auckland or Oxford Better for Beaches?

Auckland is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Oxford is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Auckland. 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.

Oxford is not a beach destination.

Is Auckland or Oxford Better for Hiking?

Auckland is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Oxford is not a hiking destination.

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.

Oxford is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Auckland or Oxford?

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

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.

Oxford offers some nice shopping areas. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Is Auckland or Oxford More Beautiful?

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

Oxford is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The history and architecture make this a beautiful destination.

Auckland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Auckland or Oxford Better for Families?

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

Auckland is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Oxford. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

Is Auckland or Oxford Better for Couples?

Both Auckland and Oxford are excellent 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 Oxford frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

Is Auckland or Oxford Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auckland is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options 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.

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Auckland or Oxford Better for Students?

Oxford is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Oxford. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Auckland is a great city to visit as a student. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Auckland and Oxford.

Auckland has some public transit options. 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.

You'll find some public transit in Oxford, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

Is Auckland or Oxford a more walkable city?

Oxford is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Auckland is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

Oxford is a very walkable college town. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

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 Oxford Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oxford or Auckland?

How long in Auckland or Oxford?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Auckland and Oxford. In our opinion, Auckland has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Auckland than Oxford. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Auckland, and 1-3 days is enough time in Oxford.

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

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

Auckland is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Oxford is a small town where visitors enjoy the 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.

A weekend in Auckland or Oxford?

Auckland is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Five days in Auckland or Oxford?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auckland. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Oxford 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 Oxford?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cosmopolitan big city of Auckland. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Oxford 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 college 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom.

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

Which is Bigger, Auckland or Oxford?

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

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

Should I visit Auckland or Oxford in the Summer?

Both Oxford 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. Also, many travelers come to Oxford for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In January, Auckland is generally a little warmer than Oxfordin July. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 20°C (68°F), and Oxford fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Auckland. Auckland usually receives more sunshine than Oxford during summer. Auckland gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Oxford receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Auckland usually receives more rain than Oxfordin July. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Auckland or Oxford in the Autumn?

Both Oxford 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Oxford in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Auckland often gets more sunshine than Oxfordin October. Auckland gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oxford receives 107 hours of full sun.

Auckland usually gets more rain in April than Oxfordin October. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auckland or Oxford in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Oxford. Many visitors come to Auckland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Oxford for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Oxford can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Auckland is much warmer than Oxford. Typically, the winter temperatures in Auckland in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Oxford averages at about 3°C (38°F)in January.

Auckland usually receives more sunshine than Oxford during winter. Auckland gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Oxford receives 52 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 Oxfordin January. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Auckland or Oxford in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Oxford. Most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Oxford because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In October, Auckland is generally much warmer than Oxfordin April. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 14°C (58°F), and Oxford fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Auckland often gets more sunshine than Oxfordin April. Auckland gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oxford receives 147 hours of full sun.

Auckland usually gets more rain in October than Oxfordin April. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Oxford and Auckland