A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dewa Sanzan vs. Auckland for Attractions, Food, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Dewa Sanzan or Auckland?

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 Dewa Sanzan and Auckland can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is a sacred, remote, and traditional religious site. Visitors also love the hiking and museums.

Auckland

Auckland is a adrenaline-filled, thrill-seeking, and cosmopolitan 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 food, beaches, and hiking.

Dewa Sanzan and Auckland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dewa Sanzan or Auckland?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Auckland than Dewa Sanzan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Auckland is better known for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Dewa Sanzan is more popular for its hiking. Auckland is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is known for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. Also, Auckland is famous for the Sky Tower. Dewa Sanzan is well known for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Dewa Sanzan different from Auckland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dewa Sanzan or Auckland?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dewa Sanzan. This is a sacred religious site that is at the heart of the Shugendo folk religion. The religion combines Buddhist and Shinto traditions and there are several temples in the area including the most sacred sights at Yudono-san, Haguro-san, and Gas-san, as well as the Churenji and Dainichibo Temples.

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

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

Dewa Sanzan may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. In your guesthouse you'll be given "Shojin cuisine", which is the traditional cuisine that has been handed down through the generations. It is strictly vegetarian and is heavily influenced by whatever vegetable is currently in season in the area. Traditionally, the cuisine focused on sustenance and not taste, but for the purposes of hospitality, the dishes are more flavorful than is typical in the traditional cuisine.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Auckland Better for Nightlife?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Dewa Sanzan. This is a religious site that is remote and focused on mountain worship and devotion. Nightlife is non-existent in the area.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Auckland Better for Beaches?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Dewa Sanzan 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.

Dewa Sanzan is not a beach destination.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Auckland Better for Hiking?

Dewa Sanzan is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Dewa Sanzan. Experienced hikers can climb Mt. Gassan and Mt. Yudono in one day and do Mt. Haguro separately. For Mt. Gassan, you'll want to take the bus to the 8th station and climb from there.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Dewa Sanzan or Auckland?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its shopping areas.

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.

Dewa Sanzan has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. This is a sacred sight that is devoted to worship and a simple life. As such, shopping in not available in the area with the exception of a couple of convenience stores.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Auckland Better for Families?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Dewa Sanzan is not such a family-friendly religious site. The remote location make this a challenging place to access. It's a religious destination and its sacred and historic past is often lost to children. Out of respect for the strict religion, this site is best visited as an adult.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Auckland Better for Couples?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Dewa Sanzan is a good religious site for couples to visit. Couples who want to do something that's a bit different from mainstream Japan will appreciate a visit to this religious site.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Auckland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Dewa Sanzan. This is an off-the-beaten-path destination for backpackers, and it can be difficult to reach by public transit. Once you're there, if you want a traditional experience, you can stay at a Shukubo Pilgrim Lodge.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Auckland Better for Students?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is not popular with 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.

Dewa Sanzan is not popular with students.

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

Auckland is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in 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 Dewa Sanzan. There is public transit from Tsuruoka Station to Mt. Haguro and the accommodation in the area. There are also buses to the top of Mt. Haguro, Mt. Yudono, and Mt. Gassan 8th Station.

Is Dewa Sanzan or Auckland a more walkable city?

Dewa Sanzan and Auckland are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Dewa Sanzan is generally not a very walkable religious site. Everything is very spread out so walking can be challenging. Experienced hikers will enjoy hiking to each of the three shrines.

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 Dewa Sanzan Worth Visiting? and Is Auckland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Auckland or Dewa Sanzan?

How long in Dewa Sanzan or Auckland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dewa Sanzan and Auckland. In our opinion, Auckland has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Auckland than Dewa Sanzan. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Auckland than Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan or Auckland?

The religious site of Dewa Sanzan offers museums. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

Auckland is a adventurous city where you can fill many days. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Dewa Sanzan or Auckland?

Dewa Sanzan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this religious site makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dewa Sanzan, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Auckland is a thrill-seeking big city where you can fill many days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Dewa Sanzan or Auckland?

Dewa Sanzan 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.

The cosmopolitan city of Auckland offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Dewa Sanzan or Auckland?

Dewa Sanzan is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This religious site offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Auckland. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Japan, The Best Tours for Seniors to Japan, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 10-Day Tours in New Zealand.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dewa Sanzan Expensive? and Is Auckland Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Dewa Sanzan or Auckland?

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 Dewa Sanzan has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Auckland in the Summer?

Both Auckland and Dewa Sanzan are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Dewa Sanzan because of the hiking. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.

Dewa Sanzan is a little warmer than Auckland in the summer. The daily temperature in Dewa Sanzan averages around 23°C (74°F) in July, and Auckland fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Auckland. Dewa Sanzan usually receives less sunshine than Auckland during summer. Dewa Sanzan gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. In July, Dewa Sanzan usually receives more rain than Aucklandin January. Dewa Sanzan gets 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Auckland in the Autumn?

Both Auckland and Dewa Sanzan during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails are the main draw to Dewa Sanzan this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Auckland for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Dewa Sanzan is cooler than Auckland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dewa Sanzan in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Auckland averages at about 16°C (61°F)in April.

In the autumn, Dewa Sanzan often gets less sunshine than Aucklandin April. Dewa Sanzan gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 162 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dewa Sanzan. Dewa Sanzan usually gets more rain in October than Aucklandin April. Dewa Sanzan gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Auckland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dewa Sanzan and Auckland. Many travelers come to Dewa Sanzan for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Auckland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Dewa Sanzan. In January, Dewa Sanzan is generally much colder than Aucklandin July. Daily temperatures in Dewa Sanzan average around -1°C (30°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Dewa Sanzan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Auckland during winter. Dewa Sanzan gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 141 hours of full sun in the winter.

Auckland receives a lot of rain in the winter. Dewa Sanzan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Dewa Sanzan usually receives more rain than Aucklandin July. Dewa Sanzan gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dewa Sanzan or Auckland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dewa Sanzan as well as Auckland. Also, most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Dewa Sanzan is much colder than Auckland in the spring. The daily temperature in Dewa Sanzan averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Auckland fluctuates around 14°C (58°F)in October.

In the spring, Dewa Sanzan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aucklandin October. Dewa Sanzan gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 192 hours of full sun.

Dewa Sanzan usually gets more rain in April than Aucklandin October. Dewa Sanzan gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Auckland and Dewa Sanzan