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

Should you visit Katoomba or Auckland?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Katoomba and Auckland. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Katoomba

Katoomba is a peaceful, serene, and natural town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Katoomba is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Katoomba travel costs.

Auckland

Auckland is a adventurous, adrenaline-filled, and thrill-seeking city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Auckland travel costs.

Katoomba and Auckland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Katoomba or Auckland?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Auckland. Although Katoomba and Auckland are popular destinations, Auckland has more sights and attractions for tourists. Auckland is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Katoomba attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Katoomba is famous for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains. 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 Katoomba different from Auckland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Auckland is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Katoomba offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. For many, the town is used as a base for exploring the Blue Mountains. Scenic World is a great way to take in the highlights. It's also fun to check out the local street art.

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

Auckland is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Auckland makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Katoomba has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Many of the restaurants work hard to support local farmers and suppliers. You'll find local ingredients and homemade meals. The restaurant scene is growing, but many restaurants are still affiliated with hotels and tourist attractions.

Is Katoomba or Auckland Better for Nightlife?

Auckland is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife and partying.

Auckland offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Katoomba. It's not known for its nightlife scene, but there are some relaxed places where you can enjoy craft beer or see a show. Katoomba is the hub of nightlife in the Blue Mountains.

Is Katoomba or Auckland Better for Beaches?

Auckland is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Katoomba is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Auckland for it's beautiful 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.

Katoomba is not a beach destination.

Is Katoomba or Auckland Better for Hiking?

Katoomba 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 Katoomba specifically for its hiking. Surrounded by the Blue Mountains, this town offers access to some of the area's best hikes. You'll see waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and lush landscapes.

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 Katoomba or Auckland?

Auckland is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Auckland is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Katoomba. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

Is Katoomba or Auckland More Beautiful?

Katoomba is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Auckland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Katoomba is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's a town surrounded by natural beauty. It offers easy access to breathtaking views and impressive hikes through the Blue Mountains.

Auckland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Katoomba or Auckland Better for Families?

Katoomba is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Katoomba is one of the most popular family destinations. The surrounding Blue Mountains are filled with activities for the whole family. Scenic World is a highlight with its cable cars and skyway. There are also gardens, hiking trails, and cultural centers. Kids who love trains will enjoy Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum.

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 Katoomba or Auckland Better for Couples?

Katoomba and Auckland both high quality destinations for a couple.

Katoomba is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are world class gardens like the Everglades Gardens, restaurants where you can enjoy high tea with a view, as well as hikes that will take your breath away. For the truly adventurous, there are also helicopter tours.

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.

Is Katoomba or Auckland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Katoomba and Auckland are high quality destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Katoomba. There are hostels in the area, as well as camping opportunities. Backpackers will appreciate the scenic beauty and natural setting.

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.

Is Katoomba or Auckland Better for Students?

Auckland is a well-known place for students. However, Katoomba is not popular with students.

Many students visit Auckland. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

Katoomba is not popular with students.

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

Both Katoomba and Auckland offer nice public transit options.

Katoomba has a few public transit options. There are public buses through the Blue Mountains but it's easier to explore in depth if you have your own car.

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.

Is Katoomba or Auckland a more walkable city?

Katoomba is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Auckland is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

Katoomba is a somewhat walkable place. The town itself is relatively walkable.

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 Katoomba Worth Visiting? and Is Auckland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Auckland or Katoomba?

How long in Katoomba or Auckland?

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

Families should spend more time in Katoomba than Auckland. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Katoomba, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Auckland than Katoomba. 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 Katoomba 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 Katoomba or Auckland?

Katoomba is a small town where visitors enjoy the 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 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 Katoomba or Auckland?

Katoomba is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Katoomba, 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 Katoomba or Auckland?

Katoomba 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 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 Katoomba or Auckland?

Katoomba 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 town 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia, The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Katoomba or Auckland?

Auckland has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Katoomba. When comparing the sizes of Katoomba 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 Katoomba or Auckland?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Katoomba or Auckland in the Summer?

Both Auckland and Katoomba during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Katoomba for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Auckland in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Katoomba is a little warmer than Auckland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Katoomba in January average around 24°C (74°F), and Auckland averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In Auckland, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Katoomba. In the summer, Katoomba often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Auckland. Katoomba gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 240 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Katoomba. Katoomba usually gets more rain in January than Auckland. Katoomba gets 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Katoomba or Auckland in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Katoomba and Auckland. Many visitors come to Katoomba in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Auckland for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

In April, Katoomba is generally a little warmer than Auckland. Daily temperatures in Katoomba average around 18°C (65°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Katoomba usually receives more sunshine than Auckland during autumn. Katoomba gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 162 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Katoomba usually receives less rain than Auckland. Katoomba gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Katoomba or Auckland in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Katoomba as well as Auckland. Most visitors come to Katoomba for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Auckland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Katoomba is around the same temperature as Auckland in the winter. The daily temperature in Katoomba averages around 11°C (51°F) in July, and Auckland fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Katoomba this time of the year. In the winter, Katoomba often gets more sunshine than Auckland. Katoomba gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Auckland. Katoomba usually gets less rain in July than Auckland. Katoomba gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Katoomba or Auckland in the Spring?

Both Auckland and Katoomba are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Katoomba because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.

In the spring, Katoomba is a little warmer than Auckland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Katoomba in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Auckland averages at about 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Katoomba. Katoomba usually receives more sunshine than Auckland during spring. Katoomba gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Katoomba usually receives less rain than Auckland. Katoomba gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Auckland and Katoomba