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

Should you visit Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa and Auckland can help you decide which place is right for you.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a cultural, well-preserved, and historic city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Kanazawa travel costs.

Auckland

Auckland is a cosmopolitan , adventurous, and adrenaline-filled city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Auckland travel costs.

Kanazawa and Auckland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanazawa or Auckland?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Auckland. Although Kanazawa and Auckland are popular destinations, Auckland has more sights and attractions for tourists. Auckland is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Kanazawa attracts visitors for its historical sights. Kanazawa is famous for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens. Auckland is famous for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. It is also well known for the Sky Tower.

How is Kanazawa different from Auckland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Kanazawa or Auckland.

Many visitors head to Kanazawa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with history and you can visit the Kanazawa Castle, the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses, and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area. There are also museums such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the D.T. Suzuki Museum.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Auckland can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Kanazawa or Auckland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Kanazawa and Auckland offer very good local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Kanazawa. There's a long history to the city's cuisine and you'll find many diverse dishes that combine traditional ingredients with international fusion. The cuisine uses a lot of seafood, but you'll also find the one pot meal of Hanton Rice, Oden (hot pot), and Jibu-ni (made with duck and vegetables).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Auckland. 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 Kanazawa or Auckland Better for Nightlife?

Auckland is great for nightlife. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

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 Kanazawa. The town has everything from international style bars to local theaters that let you experience the traditional Japanese culture.

Is Kanazawa or Auckland Better for Beaches?

Auckland is great for its beaches. However, Kanazawa 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.

Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

Is Kanazawa or Auckland Better for its Old Town?

Kanazawa is very good for its old town. However, Auckland does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Kanazawa. It's fascinating to visit both the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area which has preserved samurai houses that line two canals. You can enter a few of the houses to see the traditional way of life.

Auckland does not have a historic old town.

Is Kanazawa or Auckland Better for Hiking?

Auckland is very good for hiking. However, Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Auckland. 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.

Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanazawa or Auckland?

If you're looking to go shopping, Kanazawa and Auckland both offer plenty of very good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kanazawa. The city has many shopping districts that include department stores, traditional stores, and large markets. This is a great place to do some souvenir shopping.

Auckland is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 Kanazawa or Auckland Better for Families?

Auckland is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Auckland is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Kanazawa is a family-friendly place to visit. Myouryuji Temple is a fun temple for kids where they can play ninja and discover the hidden spaces. When the kids are burned out of history, head to Tedori Fish Land which is a theme park in the area or check out the slides at Kenmin Seaside Park. There's also the Dolls Museum and the beautiful coastline.

Is Kanazawa or Auckland Better for Couples?

Auckland is great for romance. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Auckland is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Kanazawa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has markets, museums, and gardens that are fun to explore as a couple. You can visit the Kanazawa Castle or sample one of the many restaurants around town.

Is Kanazawa or Auckland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Auckland is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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 Kanazawa. There are a handful of hostels and affordable accommodation options that backpackers can choose from.

Is Kanazawa or Auckland Better for Students?

Auckland is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for 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.

Kanazawa is a good city to visit for students. It has a good educational environment with high quality educational institutions that appeal to international students.

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

Kanazawa and Auckland both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Kanazawa offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two main buses that tourists use in town. The Kenrokuen Shuttle goes between the Kanazawa Station and Kenrokuen Gardens and the Kanazawa Loop Bus runs from Kanazawa Station via the Teramachi area, the Higashi Chaya District, and Omicho Market.

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 Kanazawa or Auckland a more walkable city?

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

Kanazawa is a very walkable city. The city is relatively walkable with some rolling hills. It's possible to walk to Kanazawa Castle from Kanazawa Station in about 35 minutes.

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 Kanazawa Worth Visiting? and Is Auckland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Auckland or Kanazawa?

How long in Kanazawa or Auckland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kanazawa and Auckland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Auckland than in Kanazawa. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kanazawa, and 2-3 days is enough time in Auckland.

Families should spend more time in Auckland than Kanazawa. 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 Kanazawa. 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 Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa or Auckland?

The city of Kanazawa offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Auckland is a big city with plenty to do. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

A weekend in Kanazawa or Auckland?

Kanazawa 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kanazawa, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Auckland 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Auckland, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kanazawa or Auckland?

Kanazawa 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.

Auckland 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.

A week in Kanazawa or Auckland?

Kanazawa is a great place to explore. 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.

Auckland is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kanazawa or Auckland?

Kanazawa has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Kanazawa or Auckland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanazawa and Auckland. The summer months attract visitors to Kanazawa because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.

In the summer, Kanazawa is a little warmer than Auckland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kanazawa in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Auckland averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Auckland this time of the year. Kanazawa usually receives less sunshine than Auckland during summer. Kanazawa gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Kanazawa usually receives more rain than Aucklandin January. Kanazawa gets 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Auckland in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kanazawa as well as Auckland. The shopping scene are the main draw to Kanazawa 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 October, Kanazawa is generally around the same temperature as Aucklandin April. Daily temperatures in Kanazawa average around 17°C (62°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Kanazawa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aucklandin April. Kanazawa gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 162 hours of full sun.

Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kanazawa usually gets more rain in October than Aucklandin April. Kanazawa gets 203 mm (8 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Auckland in the Winter?

Both Auckland and Kanazawa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kanazawa for the museums, the shopping scene, 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 Kanazawa. Kanazawa is much colder than Auckland in the winter. The daily temperature in Kanazawa averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Auckland fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in July.

Kanazawa usually receives less sunshine than Auckland during winter. Kanazawa gets 67 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. It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. In January, Kanazawa usually receives more rain than Aucklandin July. Kanazawa gets 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Auckland in the Spring?

Both Auckland and Kanazawa during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Kanazawa is cooler than Auckland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kanazawa in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Auckland averages at about 14°C (58°F)in October.

In the spring, Kanazawa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aucklandin October. Kanazawa gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 192 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. Kanazawa usually gets more rain in April than Aucklandin October. Kanazawa gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Auckland and Kanazawa