A Travel Price Comparison for New Zealand Auckland vs. Rotorua for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Auckland or Rotorua?

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

Where Should I go: Auckland or Rotorua?

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.

Rotorua

Located on the banks of Lake Rotorua, Rotorua is famous as the thermal wonderland of New Zealand. The area has a variety of geothermal sights, but it is also close to several lakes and has more traditional activities as well, including fishing, boating and white water rafting.

Rotorua is located in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, which is the largest volcano in the area. There are four major volcanic calderas that now have lakes, and several other volcanoes in the area. Rotorua sits on top of a thermal hot spring, and there are many vents and hot pools throughout the area. Many of the hot pools and sights are located within parks, with some of the best being Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rainbow Springs Nature Park, and Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.

Rotorua has a warm, temperate climate. Because of the area's inland location, it has less wind than many places in New Zealand. Temperatures during the winter months can fall to below freezing, but snow is incredibly rare.

Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Auckland?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Auckland is $139, while the average daily cost in Rotorua is $91. 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 Rotorua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Auckland $88
    Rotorua $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Auckland $176
    Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Auckland and Rotorua

Looking for a hotel in Auckland or Rotorua? 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 Rotorua


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 and Rotorua Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Auckland $16
    Rotorua $4.97
Typical Local Transportation prices in Auckland

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


  • Bus from Airport
    $9.44
  • Airport Shuttle
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland

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

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Auckland HTL-APT (AKL): $57
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Auckland APT-HTL (AKL): $57
  • Private Transfers - Rotorua, Taupo, Tauranga, Coromandel, Raglan: $545
  • Private Transfer from Auckland city to Tauranga Cruise Port: $92
  • Private Transfer from Auckland city to Bay Of Islands Cruise Port: $114
  • Private Transfer from Auckland Port to Auckland Airport (AKL): $43
  • Private Transfer from Auckland Cruise Port to Auckland city: $26
  • Private Transfer from Auckland City to Auckland Cruise Port: $26
  • Private Transfer from Auckland Airport or City to Rotorua: $303
  • Private Transfer from Auckland Airport AKL to Bay Of Islands Port: $114
  • Private Transfer from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Tauranga Port: $92
  • Private Transfer from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Auckland Port: $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotorua

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

  • Rotorua to Auckland Afternoon Transfer with Waitomo Glow Worms: $171
  • From Auckland: Transfer to Rotorua with Waitomo Caves Tour: $176

Is it cheaper to fly into Auckland or Rotorua?

Prices for flights to both Rotorua 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 $26
    Rotorua $26
Typical Food prices in Auckland

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


  • Breakfast
    $4.72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland

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

  • Auckland Harbour 3-Course Dinner Cruise with Welcome Drink: $89
  • Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $91
  • Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $103
  • Auckland Insider Tour: Food Tour with Local Expert: $167

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotorua

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

  • Mitai Maori Village: Cultural Experience and Dinner Buffet: $76
  • Lake Rotoiti Evening Kayak Tour including Hot Springs, Glowworm Caves and BBQ Dinner: $114
  • Te Pa Tu Maori Cultural Experience with Dinner: $148

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Auckland $27
    Rotorua $34
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 Classic Tour in our Electric Van: $127
  • Hobbiton Movie Set Experience: Private Tour From Auckland: $484
  • “City to Surf” - private tour with German tour guide: $91
  • "City of Sails" highlights - private tour with German tour guide: $91
  • (Private) Hobbiton Movie Set Tour from Auckland : $351
  • 10 Day Northern Trail Haka Plus Tour: $2,663
  • 12-Hour LOTR Trollshaws & Waitomo Glowworm Tour : $354
  • 13,000 Feet Tandem Skydive Adventure Private Tour in Auckland: $726
  • 16,000 Feet Tandem Skydive Adventure Private Tour in Auckland: $787
  • 18,000 Feet Tandem Skydive Adventure Private Tour in Auckland: $847
  • 2 Day Hobbiton Movie Set, Waitomo Caves and Rotorua Private Tour from Auckland: $635
  • 2 Day Rotorua Experience: Waitomo Caves, Maori Culture & Ziplining from Auckland: $787

Typical Entertainment prices in Rotorua

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


  • Lunch Out for Two
    $27

Tours and Activities in Rotorua

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

  • 4x4 Self Drive Yamaha Experience : $94
  • Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua: $30
  • Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū : $151
  • Eruption Trail Tour With Natural Hot Pool Bathing: $333
  • Explore The Lakes Tour: $72
  • From Elite Cultural Eco full day tour: $192
  • From Hobbiton Movie Set Tour with Festive Lunch: $106
  • Geothermal Mineral Baths Experience: Pavilion Pools for 12+: $24
  • Hells Gate Mud Bath and Sulphur Spa Experience: $50
  • Hobbiton Day Tour from Rotorua with lunch at Hobbiton: $108
  • Kahukiwi Experiences Luxury 4WD 3hour Guided Maori Tour: $113
  • Kaituna River: 3.5-Hour White Water Sledging Experience: $76

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Auckland $13
    Rotorua $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland

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

  • From Waiheke Island Boutique Rustic Wine Tour: $80
  • Wild West Coast & Black Sand Beach Tour incl Craft Beer Brewery Lunch & Tasting: $91
  • Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Auckland with 3-Course Vineyard Lunch: $94
  • Muriwai Scenic Wine Tour from Auckland: $100
  • Waiheke Island: Wine Tasting Tour: $127
  • Waiheke Wine Tour with Lunch at an Award Winning Restaurant: $133
  • Waiheke Island Premium Food & Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $139
  • From Waiheke Island Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $150
  • Kumeu Wine Tour: $151
  • From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $159
  • Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour Includes Wine Tastings & Lunch: $163
  • Kumeu Wineries / Brewery : $167

Typical Alcohol prices in Rotorua

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rotorua:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $11

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

Which is Bigger, Auckland or Rotorua?

Auckland is bigger, and its population is about 6.3 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the population of Auckland vs. Rotorua, 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Auckland or Rotorua?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Auckland or Rotorua in the Summer?

Both Rotorua and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In the summer, Auckland is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Auckland in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Rotorua averages at about 12°C (54°F).

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Auckland 20°C (68°F) 
    Rotorua 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Auckland or Rotorua in the Autumn?

Both Rotorua and Auckland during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In April, Auckland is generally around the same temperature as Rotorua. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 16°C (61°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Auckland usually gets more rain in April than Rotorua. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Auckland 16°C (61°F) 
    Rotorua 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Auckland or Rotorua in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Rotorua.

Auckland is much colder than Rotorua in the winter. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Auckland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Auckland usually receives more rain than Rotorua. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Auckland 11°C (52°F) 
    Rotorua 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Auckland or Rotorua in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Rotorua.

In the spring, Auckland is cooler than Rotorua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Auckland in October average around 14°C (58°F), and Rotorua averages at about 19°C (66°F).

Auckland usually gets more rain in October than Rotorua. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Auckland 14°C (58°F) 
    Rotorua 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Auckland

Auckland Rotorua
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 11°C (53°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 14°C (58°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Dec 18°C (65°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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Auckland vs. Rotorua Travel Comparison

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