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

Should you visit Hobart or Auckland?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hobart and Auckland can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Hobart

Hobart is a historical, charming, and fascinating city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Auckland

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

Hobart and Auckland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hobart or Auckland?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Auckland than Hobart, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Auckland is better known for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Hobart is more popular for its hiking. Hobart is well known for its quaint historical center, fresh seafood, and nearby hiking and biking trails. Auckland is well known for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. Also, Auckland is famous for the Sky Tower.

How is Hobart different from Auckland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hobart or Auckland?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Hobart and Auckland.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Hobart. The town has many landmarks and museums such as Port Arthur, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Mawson's Huts Replica Museum, and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. A highlight of the city is Battery Point, which is like an open-air museum. Make sure you explore the Battery Point Sculpture Trail.

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.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Hobart and Auckland.

Hobart has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town has seen a surge in its culinary scene in recent years. Local chefs like to highlight the regional flavors and ingredients such as octopus, kingfish, abalone, and leatherwood honey.

Dining out in Auckland is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Is Hobart or Auckland Better for Nightlife?

Auckland is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Auckland for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Hobart. While it's a smaller city, there is still a good mix of local bars, trendy lounges, and elegant wine bars. you'll also find some great venues for live music.

Is Hobart or Auckland Better for Beaches?

Auckland is great for the beache. However, Hobart is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Auckland attract visitors from all over. 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.

Hobart is not a beach destination.

Is Hobart or Auckland Better for Hiking?

Hobart 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 Hobart. The city is surrounded by bushland reserves as well as nearby Mount Wellington. The area offers many diverse hiking and walking trails and there are a wide range to choose from so whatever your hiking level, you'll find something of interest.

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 Hobart or Auckland?

If you're looking to go shopping, Hobart and Auckland both offer plenty of superb spots.

Hobart is well-known for its shopping. It has some of the best shopping in Tasmania. You'll find a great shopping experience along Elizabeth Street, which is lined with boutiques and quirky shops. The city also has a couple of outdoor flea markets that offers a unique shopping experience.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Is Hobart or Auckland Better for Families?

Both Hobart and Auckland are superb to visit with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hobart is very family-friendly. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. There are also fruit farms to visit and vineyards to explore in the area, as well as great hiking. For an interactive museum, head to the Tasmanian Transport Museum and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery has some toddler-friendly displays.

Auckland is known to be 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 Hobart or Auckland Better for Couples?

Both Hobart and Auckland are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

Hobart is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy exploring the waterfront and Sullivans Cove. There are also outdoor markets and breweries around town. Botanical gardens and quaint neighborhoods also make this a lovely town to visit.

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 Hobart or Auckland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auckland is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Hobart. There are a handful of hostels around town and many great hiking trails.

Is Hobart or Auckland Better for Students?

Auckland is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Hobart is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Auckland. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

Hobart is not popular with students.

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

Hobart and Auckland both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Hobart offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a public bus system and many of the buses leave from Elizabeth Street (between Macquarie and Collins Streets) or Franklin Square.

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 Hobart or Auckland a more walkable city?

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

Hobart is a very walkable city. It has a compact city center that many people enjoy exploring on foot.

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 Hobart Worth Visiting? and Is Auckland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Auckland or Hobart?

How long in Hobart or Auckland?

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

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

The city of Hobart offers food and shopping. 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 bustling city that offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hobart or Auckland?

Hobart 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hobart, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Auckland is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Hobart or Auckland?

Hobart 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auckland. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Hobart or Auckland?

Hobart 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 city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cosmopolitan big city of Auckland. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Australia, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Hobart and Auckland, 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 Hobart Expensive? and Is Auckland Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hobart or Auckland?

Auckland has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Hobart. When comparing the sizes of Hobart and Auckland, 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 Hobart or Auckland?

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 Hobart or Auckland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hobart and Auckland. Many visitors come to Hobart in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Hobart is cooler than Auckland in the summer. The daily temperature in Hobart averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Auckland fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Auckland this time of the year. In Hobart, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hobart usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Auckland during summer. Hobart gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Hobart usually receives less rain than Auckland. Hobart gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hobart or Auckland in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hobart as well as Auckland. Most visitors come to Hobart for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Auckland because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Hobart is cooler than Auckland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hobart in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Auckland averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Hobart often gets more sunshine than Auckland. Hobart gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 162 hours of full sun.

Hobart usually gets less rain in April than Auckland. Hobart gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hobart or Auckland in the Winter?

Both Auckland and Hobart are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Hobart because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.

In July, Hobart is generally cooler than Auckland. Daily temperatures in Hobart average around 9°C (47°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Hobart usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Auckland during winter. Hobart gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 141 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Auckland. In July, Hobart usually receives less rain than Auckland. Hobart gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hobart or Auckland in the Spring?

Both Auckland and Hobart during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Auckland for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Hobart is cooler than Auckland in the spring. The daily temperature in Hobart averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Auckland fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Hobart. In the spring, Hobart often gets more sunshine than Auckland. Hobart gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 192 hours of full sun.

Hobart usually gets less rain in October than Auckland. Hobart gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Auckland and Hobart