A Travel Price Comparison for New Zealand Kaikoura vs. Auckland for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Kaikoura or Auckland?

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

Should I visit Kaikoura 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.

Kaikoura

Kaikoura is a town on the east coast of the South Island, situated between Christchurch and Belnheim. It has a permanent resident population of 1,971. The Seaward Kaikoura Mountains that surround this town collide with the Pacific Ocean, and the continental shelf edge is just offshore. The ocean in Kaikoura is very rich in marine life, especially seals and whales.

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.

Which city is cheaper, Auckland or Kaikoura?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kaikoura is $116, while the average daily cost in Auckland is $119. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Kaikoura and Auckland in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kaikoura $41
    Auckland $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kaikoura $82
    Auckland $150

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kaikoura $15
    Auckland $14

Typical Local Transportation prices in Auckland

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:


  • Bus from Airport
    $10
  • Airport Shuttle
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland

Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Transfer: Auckland Airport to Auckland Central City Centre: $21
  • Auckland Airport: Express Bus Transfer to Auckland City: $23
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Auckland to Auckland Airport (AKL): $27
  • Private Airport Transfer: Auckland Airport (AKL) to Auckland: $27
  • Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Airport: $31
  • Private Transfer From Auckland City To Auckland Airport: $41
  • Private Transfer From Auckland International Airport To Auckland City: $44
  • Private Transfer From Auckland Domestic Airport To Auckland City: $44
  • Private 1-Way Transfer to/from the Airport: $66
  • Departure Private Transfer Auckland City to Auckland Airport AKL by Sedan Car: $68
  • Auckland Airport transfers: $70
  • Auckland Airport (AKL) Private Transfer: $71

Is it cheaper to fly into Kaikoura or Auckland?

Prices for flights to both Auckland and Kaikoura 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Kaikoura $33
    Auckland $23

Typical Food prices in Auckland

For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Breakfast
    $5.10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland

For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $107

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kaikoura $131
    Auckland $24

Tours and Activities in Kaikoura

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kaikoura are as follows:

  • 30-Minute Whale Watching Helicopter Tour: $269
  • Guided Family Kayaking Adventure: $89
  • Half-Day Wildlife Kayaking Tour: $85
  • Sunset Kayaking Tour: $89
  • Kayaking Adventure in Kaikoura: $70
  • Private Wildlife Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura: $178
  • Seal Swimming Tour from Kaikoura: $89
  • Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura: $89

Typical Entertainment prices in Auckland

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)
    $35
  • Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)
    $128

Tours and Activities in Auckland

For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Auckland Self Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Maritime Museum Entry Ticket: $14
  • Hīkoi To Britomart Māori Art Walking Tour: $17
  • Odyssey Sensory Maze Entrance Ticket: $18
  • Vibrosaun Therapy Experience: $19
  • The Hunt for the Missing Monarch - An Auckland Adventure: $30
  • Clue Zealand - The Hunt for the Missing Monarch - An Auckland Adventure: $31
  • Escape Game Adventure: $34
  • Axe Throwing - 2 hour experience: $37
  • All Blacks Experience: Interactive Guided Tour: $37
  • Auckland City Self Guided Bike tour: $37
  • Auckland Welcome Tour: Private Tour with a Local: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kaikoura -
    Auckland $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland

Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Tour and Tastings in an Urban Craft Beer Brewery: $23
  • Wild West Coast & Black Sand Beach Tour incl Craft Beer Brewery Lunch & Tasting: $100
  • Premium Full Day Waiheke Wine Tour: $125
  • Small-Group Wine Tasting Experience on Waiheke Island: $131
  • Waiheke Island Premium Food & Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $146
  • Waiheke Island: Afternoon Small Group Wine Tour with Lunch: $157
  • The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $157
  • Full-Day Waiheke Island Food and Wine Tour: $165
  • Matakana: Full-Day Food and Wine Tour: $169
  • The Afternoon Artisan Food and Wine Tour: $169
  • Auckland Shore Excursion: City Sightseeing, Harbour Cruise and Waiheke Island Wine Tasting: $171
  • Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour Includes Wine Tastings & Lunch: $189

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Kaikoura 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.

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Kaikoura vs. Auckland Travel Comparison

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