A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park vs. Auckland for Hiking, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Auckland?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Auckland? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a world renowned, majestic, and dramatic national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking and museums.

Auckland

Auckland is a cosmopolitan , adventurous, and adrenaline-filled 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Auckland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Auckland?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Auckland. Although Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Auckland are both popular with visitors, Auckland has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Auckland is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is popular for its iconic peak, pristine lakes, rugged coastline, and timeless forests. Auckland is popular for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. It is also home to the Sky Tower.

How is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park different from Auckland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Auckland and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Auckland?

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Auckland and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Due to its spiritual nature, there have been many shrines built at the base of Mount Fuji. You can visit the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, which is one of the most significant. Hakone also has many art museums as well as the fascinating Hakone Open-Air Museum.

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.

Is the Food Better in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Auckland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Auckland is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. If you're planning to climb Mount Fuji, you'll want to make reservations for meals at the mountain huts. Dinner is typically a curry rice and a take away breakfast is usually available that has simple ingredients.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Auckland Better for Nightlife?

Auckland is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Auckland has something for everybody. 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Auckland Better for Beaches?

Auckland is a great city for the beach. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a beach destination.

Auckland is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Auckland Better for Hiking?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many people visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park specifically for its hiking. There are hikes within each of the sections of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, but the most famous section is the area around the iconic Mount Fuji. The climbing season is between July and mid September and there are four main trails that lead to the summit. You can take a bus to the Fifth Station and pick up any of the trails at that point. There are also mountain huts where you may take a rest or spend the night. In the Hakone area, you'll find hot springs and several popular trails such as the Hakone Ropeway and the Mount Kamiyama and Mount Komagatake Trail. The Izu Peninsula is known for its dramatic coastline, rugged cliffs, and beautiful waterfalls. Finally, the Izu Islands are a string of islands that can be reached by ferry.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Auckland?

Auckland is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Auckland Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Auckland.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. As Japan's most visited national park, you'll find many trails and activities for families. There are a number of kid-friendly hiking trails, as well as nature courses and educational programs.

Auckland is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Auckland Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Auckland make for a great place to visit.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. The park is an iconic setting, and couples who enjoy nature will appreciate the forested setting with its waterfalls, lava caves, and stunning natural beauty. The park has beautiful sweeping views that will take your breath away.

Auckland is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Auckland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Auckland are great places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Because it's a popular tourist destination, transportation to and from the park is relatively easy. There are also a number of amenities and resources available that will help backpackers enjoy their trip.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Auckland Better for Students?

Auckland is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not popular with students.

Auckland is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not popular with students.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Auckland Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Auckland both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are train and bus systems within the park that connect the different sections. In the Mount Fuji area, buses leave from the Kawaguchiko and Fujisan Stations. Transportation may take longer than you expect, so it's best to plan accordingly.

Auckland has a few 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.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Auckland a more walkable city?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Auckland is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a somewhat walkable place. There are countless hiking trails throughout the park that give you access to the region's natural beauty.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Auckland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Auckland or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

How long in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Auckland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Auckland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park than in Auckland. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Auckland.

Families should spend more time in Auckland than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Auckland?

The beautiful national park of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 big city with plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Auckland?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auckland. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Auckland has to offer.

Five days in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Auckland?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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.

Auckland is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Auckland?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 national park offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the cosmopolitan city of Auckland. Most people come for the beaches. It offers something for everyone. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Family-Friendly Tours 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Auckland, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. And not only is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Expensive? and Is Auckland Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Auckland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Auckland. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Auckland for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is generally a little warmer than Aucklandin January. Daily temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park average around 26°C (78°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually receives more rain than Aucklandin January. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Auckland in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park as well as Auckland. Many travelers come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Auckland in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is around the same temperature as Auckland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Auckland fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually gets more rain in October than Aucklandin April. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Auckland in the Winter?

Both Auckland and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Auckland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is much colder than Auckland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Auckland averages at about 11°C (52°F)in July.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Auckland. In January, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually receives less rain than Aucklandin July. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Auckland in the Spring?

Both Auckland and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Auckland because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is generally around the same temperature as Aucklandin October. Daily temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park average around 14°C (57°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually gets more rain in April than Aucklandin October. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Auckland and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park