Which place is cheaper, Whitsundays or Auckland?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Auckland or Whitsundays?
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 Whitsundays can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Auckland or Whitsundays?
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.
Whitsundays
Just off the coast of Queensland, Australia is a cluster of 74 different islands. These islands, the Whitsunday Islands, welcome over a half a million visitors every year to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Great Barrier Reef.
As one of the most famous destinations in the world, it's not uncommon to see expensive yachts sailing around among the private ferries. Most of the islands are designated as national parks with access to snorkeling and diving in the coral reefs, or just to lay in the sand on the famous Whitehaven Beach.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Melbourne, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia.
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Auckland Prices
New Zealand PricesWhitsundays Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAuckland $170Whitsundays $155
The average daily cost (per person) in Auckland is $170, while the average daily cost in Whitsundays is $155. 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 Whitsundays in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAuckland $99Whitsundays $69
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAuckland $198Whitsundays $138
Compare Hotels in Auckland and Whitsundays
Looking for a hotel in Auckland or Whitsundays? 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Auckland $17Whitsundays $55
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:
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Bus from Airport$9.47
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Airport Shuttle$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland
Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Hobbiton Private Transfers with Group Tour: $521
- Auckland Airport (AKL) to North Shore-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $221
- Private Transfer From Auckland Airport To Thames: $201
- Rotorua to Auckland - Afternoon Transfer with Waitomo Caves: $188
- Private Transfer From Auckland Airport To Cambridge : $180
- Private Airport Transfers and Tours: $170
- Private Luxury Transfer To/Fr City in Mercedes Van: $164
- Private One-Way Transfer: Auckland Airport to Hamilton/Rotorua: $162
- Airport Transfer: Auckland to Auckland Airport AKL by Luxury Car: $152
- Auckland Airport Transfers: Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland in Luxury Car: $152
- Auckland's Point to Point Transfers : $150
- Auckland Cruise/Wharf & Airport Transfers : $144
Is it cheaper to fly into Auckland or Whitsundays?
Prices for flights to both Whitsundays 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
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Food Meals for one dayAuckland $46Whitsundays $52
Typical Food Prices in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Whitsundays
For Whitsundays, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hamilton Island: Whitsundays Sunset Dinner Cruise: $99
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Auckland $27Whitsundays $25
Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)$33
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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
Tours and Activities in Whitsundays
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Whitsundays.
- Airlie Beach: Whitsundays Full-Day Camira Sailing Adventure: $164
- MILADY Whitsundays 2-Night Private Yacht Sailing Cruise: $4,953
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAuckland $13Whitsundays $12
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 comparing the travel costs between Auckland and Whitsundays, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Auckland Expensive? and Is Whitsundays Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Auckland or Whitsundays?
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 Whitsundays in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Whitsundays. Most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In January, Auckland is generally cooler than Whitsundays. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 20°C (68°F), and Whitsundays fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Whitsundays this time of the year. In Auckland, it's very sunny this time of the year. Auckland usually receives less sunshine than Whitsundays during summer. Auckland gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Whitsundays receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.
Whitsundays receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Auckland usually receives less rain than Whitsundays. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 331 mm (13 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryAuckland 20°C (68°F)Whitsundays 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Whitsundays in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Whitsundays. The autumn months attract visitors to Auckland because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
Auckland is cooler than Whitsundays in the autumn. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Whitsundays fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Whitsundays. In the autumn, Auckland often gets less sunshine than Whitsundays. Auckland gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whitsundays receives 207 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Whitsundays. Auckland usually gets less rain in April than Whitsundays. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilAuckland 16°C (61°F)Whitsundays 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Whitsundays in the Winter?
Both Whitsundays and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.
In the winter, Auckland is much colder than Whitsundays. Typically, the winter temperatures in Auckland in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Whitsundays averages at about 16°C (62°F).
It's quite sunny in Whitsundays. Auckland usually receives less sunshine than Whitsundays during winter. Auckland gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Whitsundays receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Auckland. In July, Auckland usually receives more rain than Whitsundays. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyAuckland 11°C (52°F)Whitsundays 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Whitsundays in the Spring?
Both Whitsundays and Auckland during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Auckland for the beaches and the activities around the city.
In October, Auckland is generally much colder than Whitsundays. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 14°C (58°F), and Whitsundays fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In Whitsundays, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Auckland often gets less sunshine than Whitsundays. Auckland gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whitsundays receives 298 hours of full sun.
Auckland usually gets more rain in October than Whitsundays. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberAuckland 14°C (58°F)Whitsundays 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Whitsundays and Auckland
| Auckland | Whitsundays | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 331 mm (13 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 377 mm (14.8 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (53°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (58°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (61°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (65°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 191 mm (7.5 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.