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

Should you visit Auckland or Victoria?

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

Auckland

Auckland is a adrenaline-filled, thrill-seeking, and cosmopolitan city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Auckland travel costs.

Victoria

Victoria is a relaxing, cultural, and scenic city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Victoria travel costs.

Auckland and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Auckland or Victoria?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Auckland than Victoria, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Auckland is popular for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. It is also home to the Sky Tower. Victoria is popular for its colonial buildings and public parks.

How is Auckland different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Auckland is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Auckland. 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.

Victoria is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several popular museums like the Royal BC Museum and Craigdarroch Castle. Also make sure you check out the Parliament Buildings.

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

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

Auckland has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Victoria offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find tons of fresh seafood around town. Make sure you try to the Dungeness crab, wild caught salmon, and fish chowder.

Is Auckland or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Auckland is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Auckland has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Victoria has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a good number of bars and pubs around town. Most offer a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy a cold drink in a casual setting.

Is Auckland or Victoria Better for Beaches?

Auckland is a very popular place for the beach. However, Victoria is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Auckland for it's beautiful 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.

Victoria is not a beach destination.

Is Auckland or Victoria Better for Hiking?

You'll find good hiking in both Auckland and Victoria.

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.

Victoria has hiking trails worth exploring. There are many outdoor spaces and parks that offer local hiking trails. This is a great way to experience the scenic beauty of the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Auckland or Victoria?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Victoria is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of larger shopping malls as well as local boutiques and farmer's markets.

Is Auckland or Victoria Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Auckland or Victoria.

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.

Victoria is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of opportunities to get outside and get the energy out. Walking trails are popular. You can also do the Malahat SkyWalk which offers impressive views. Cadboro-Gyro Park has a playground, zip-line, and picnic areas. Another hightlight for kids is a visit to the Beacon Hill Children's Farm. If the weather isn't cooperating, you can visit the BC Aviation Museum.

Is Auckland or Victoria Better for Couples?

Both Auckland and Victoria are high quality 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 Victoria frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city offers many great activities for couples such as a visit to Hatley Park and Castle. The city is also famous for its many flower gardens which are best visited in spring. Kayaking, hiking, and exploring are also favorite activities for couples.

Is Auckland or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auckland is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Auckland. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Victoria. There are a few hostels around town that attract the backpacker and budget traveler crowd.

Is Auckland or Victoria Better for Students?

Auckland is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Victoria is not popular with students.

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

Victoria is not popular with students.

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

Auckland is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Victoria is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Victoria. While there are buses, it's best not to count on them because they're not particularly reliable.

Is Auckland or Victoria a more walkable city?

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

Victoria is a very walkable city. Many of the sights are close by and easy to walk to.

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 Victoria Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Auckland?

How long in Auckland or Victoria?

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

Families should spend more time in Auckland than Victoria. 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 Victoria. 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 Victoria 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 Victoria?

Auckland is a big city with plenty to do. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

The city of Victoria offers food and shopping. 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 Victoria?

Auckland 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Auckland, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Victoria is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Auckland or Victoria?

Auckland 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.

Victoria 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 Victoria?

Auckland is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Victoria 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 Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Auckland or Victoria?

Auckland has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Victoria. When comparing the sizes of Auckland and Victoria, 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 Victoria?

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

Should I visit Auckland or Victoria in the Summer?

Both Victoria and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Auckland in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Victoria for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Auckland is a little warmer than Victoria. Typically, the summer temperatures in Auckland in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Victoria averages at about 16°C (60°F)in July.

In January, Auckland usually receives more rain than Victoriain July. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Auckland or Victoria in the Autumn?

Both Victoria and Auckland during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Auckland for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Victoria because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In April, Auckland is generally a little warmer than Victoriain October. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 16°C (61°F), and Victoria fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Auckland usually gets more rain in April than Victoriain October. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auckland or Victoria in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Victoria. The winter months attract visitors to Auckland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Victoria this time of year.

It's quite cold in Victoria in the winter. Auckland is much warmer than Victoria in the winter. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F)in January.

Victoria receives a lot of rain in the winter. Auckland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Auckland usually receives around the same amount of rain as Victoriain January. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Auckland or Victoria in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Victoria. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.

In the spring, Auckland is much warmer than Victoria. Typically, the spring temperatures in Auckland in October average around 14°C (58°F), and Victoria averages at about 10°C (49°F)in April.

Auckland usually gets more rain in October than Victoriain April. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Victoria and Auckland