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

Should you visit Koyasan 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 Koyasan 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.

Koyasan

Koyasan is a traditional, peaceful, and serene town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and food.

Auckland

Auckland is a thrill-seeking, cosmopolitan , and adventurous city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Koyasan and Auckland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koyasan or Auckland?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Auckland than Koyasan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Auckland is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Koyasan is more popular for its historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Koyasan is well known for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. 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 Koyasan different from Auckland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Koyasan and Auckland.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Koyasan. This spiritual destination is filled with temples. Some of the most notable are Okunoin Temple, Torodo Hall, Kongobuji Temple, Danjo Garan, and Daimon (the Great Gate).

Auckland offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Koyasan or Auckland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Auckland is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Koyasan is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes in town that serve simple udon noodle dishes and other local options. If you do a temple stay, it will likely include a meal, which is usually vegetarian and prepared by Buddhist monks. A typical menu includes miso soup, soba, pickled vegetables, tofu, tempura vegetables, rice, tea, and melon. Breakfast is similar but smaller in size.

Is Koyasan or Auckland Better for Nightlife?

Auckland is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Koyasan is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Auckland know how to have a good time. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koyasan This spiritual town is not a place for nightlife, but it is fascinating to take a night tour of the area.

Is Koyasan or Auckland Better for Beaches?

Auckland is a great destination for the beache. However, Koyasan 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.

Koyasan is not a beach destination.

Is Koyasan or Auckland Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Auckland does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Koyasan. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

Auckland does not have a historic old town.

Is Koyasan or Auckland Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Koyasan and Auckland, and they are notable.

Koyasan offers some nice hiking trails. Most people arrive by cable car, but this area has been a long running pilgrim destination and you'll find many historic pilgrimage trails that are still in the area. The Koyasan Choishi Michi trail is one of the most well known.

Auckland is a good destination for hiking. 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 Koyasan or Auckland?

Auckland is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Koyasan or Auckland Better for Families?

Auckland is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Auckland is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Koyasan offers lots of family activities. It's filled with history, so its best to recognize your kid's limits when it comes to that sort of thing. If you're planning to do a temple stay, then consider how your child might handle the situation and make sure you reach out to let them know you have a child before reserving.

Is Koyasan or Auckland Better for Couples?

Koyasan and Auckland both high quality destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Koyasan frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. A temple stay in Koyasan is a truly unique experience that immerses you in the culture and lifestyle of the area. It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience for couples who like to do things outside of the box.

Auckland is a great town 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.

Is Koyasan or Auckland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auckland is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Auckland is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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 budget travelers visit Koyasan. It's not your typical backpacker destination and most visitors prefer to experience a temple stay while in the area. If that's not your style, there is a hostel nearby.

Is Koyasan or Auckland Better for Students?

Auckland is a great destination for students. However, Koyasan 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.

Koyasan is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Koyasan and Auckland.

You'll find some public transit in Koyasan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. To get to town you'll take a cable car and then a bus (or taxi, but you can't walk). Once you're in town, almost everything is in the town center and doesn't require transit.

While Auckland offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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 Koyasan or Auckland a more walkable city?

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

Koyasan is a very walkable town. Once you reach the town its relatively flat and easy to explore 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 Koyasan Worth Visiting? and Is Auckland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Auckland or Koyasan?

How long in Koyasan or Auckland?

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

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

Koyasan is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Because Auckland is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Koyasan or Auckland?

Koyasan 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 visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koyasan, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Because Auckland is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Auckland has to offer.

Five days in Koyasan or Auckland?

Koyasan 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 great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Koyasan or Auckland?

Koyasan is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auckland. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Auckland. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, The Best Historical Tours in 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 Koyasan and Auckland, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. And not only is Koyasan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Koyasan 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 Koyasan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koyasan 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 Koyasan.

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

When is the best time to visit Koyasan 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 Koyasan has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Koyasan or Auckland in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koyasan as well as Auckland. Many travelers come to Koyasan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Auckland in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Koyasan is a little warmer than Auckland in the summer. The daily temperature in Koyasan averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Auckland fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Auckland. In the summer, Koyasan often gets less sunshine than Aucklandin January. Koyasan gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 240 hours of full sun.

Koyasan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koyasan usually gets more rain in July than Aucklandin January. Koyasan gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koyasan or Auckland in the Autumn?

Both Auckland and Koyasan are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Koyasan in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Auckland for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Koyasan is a little warmer than Auckland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koyasan in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Auckland averages at about 16°C (61°F)in April.

Koyasan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Auckland during autumn. Koyasan gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 162 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Koyasan. In October, Koyasan usually receives more rain than Aucklandin April. Koyasan gets 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Koyasan or Auckland in the Winter?

Both Auckland and Koyasan during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Koyasan for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Auckland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Koyasan is generally much colder than Aucklandin July. Daily temperatures in Koyasan average around 6°C (42°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the winter, Koyasan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aucklandin July. Koyasan gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 141 hours of full sun.

Auckland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Koyasan usually gets less rain in January than Aucklandin July. Koyasan gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koyasan or Auckland in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koyasan and Auckland. The spring months attract visitors to Koyasan 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.

Koyasan is around the same temperature as Auckland in the spring. The daily temperature in Koyasan averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Auckland fluctuates around 14°C (58°F)in October.

Koyasan usually receives less sunshine than Auckland during spring. Koyasan gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

Koyasan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koyasan usually receives more rain than Aucklandin October. Koyasan gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Auckland and Koyasan