A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Melbourne vs. Wellington for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Melbourne or Wellington?

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

Should I visit Melbourne or Wellington? 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.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a friendly, cultural, and progressive 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 beaches, shopping, and museums. See Melbourne travel costs.

Wellington

Wellington is a compact, laid-back, and funky city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Wellington travel costs.

Melbourne and Wellington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Melbourne or Wellington?

You'll generally find more things to do in Melbourne than Wellington. Melbourne is bigger than Wellington, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Melbourne is better known for its museums and attractions and big city activities, while Wellington is more popular for its hiking. Wellington is more touristy than Melbourne and is known for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches. Melbourne is well known for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. Also, Melbourne is famous for the Royal Botanic Gardens.

How is Melbourne different from Wellington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Melbourne or Wellington?

Melbourne is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Melbourne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Wellington. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

Is the Food Better in Melbourne or Wellington? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Melbourne and Wellington offer high quality local cuisine and restaurants.

Melbourne has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

Dining out in Wellington is an experience not to be missed. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

Is Melbourne or Wellington Better for Nightlife?

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in Melbourne and Wellington.

Melbourne has a large number of nightlife venues. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

Wellington is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

Is Melbourne or Wellington Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Melbourne and Wellington are high quality choices.

Melbourne is considered a top beach destination. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Wellington is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

Is Melbourne or Wellington Better for Hiking?

Wellington is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Wellington is a good destination for hiking. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Melbourne or Wellington?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Melbourne and Wellington.

Melbourne is well-known for its shopping. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Wellington. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.

Is Melbourne or Wellington Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Melbourne or Wellington.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Melbourne is very family-friendly. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

Wellington is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.

Is Melbourne or Wellington Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Melbourne and Wellington make for a notable place to visit.

Melbourne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Wellington is a good city for couples to visit. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

Is Melbourne or Wellington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Wellington is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Wellington. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow backpackers to hang out with.

Melbourne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Melbourne or Wellington Better for Students?

Melbourne is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students frequent Melbourne. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Wellington is popular with students. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

Is Melbourne or Wellington Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find high quality public transit in both Melbourne and Wellington.

Public transit in Melbourne can get you to some places easily. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

Many visitors use the public transit system in Wellington. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

Is Melbourne or Wellington a more walkable city?

Melbourne and Wellington are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Melbourne is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

Wellington is a very walkable destination. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

For even more information, also check out Is Melbourne Worth Visiting? and Is Wellington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wellington or Melbourne?

How long in Melbourne or Wellington?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Melbourne and Wellington. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Melbourne than in Wellington. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Melbourne, and 2-3 days is enough time in Wellington.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Wellington than Melbourne 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 Wellington.

One day in Melbourne or Wellington?

When visiting Melbourne, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Wellington. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Melbourne or Wellington?

When visiting Melbourne, people usually allow for lots of time. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid-back destination of Wellington. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Melbourne or Wellington?

Melbourne, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the funky city of Wellington. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Melbourne or Wellington?

Melbourne is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Wellington is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Melbourne and Wellington, we can see that Melbourne is more expensive. And not only is Wellington much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Wellington would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Wellington 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 Melbourne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Melbourne than you might in Wellington.

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

Which is Bigger, Melbourne or Wellington?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Wellington. When comparing the sizes of Melbourne and Wellington, 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 Melbourne or Wellington?

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 Melbourne or Wellington in the Summer?

Both Wellington and Melbourne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wellington this time of year.

Melbourne is a little warmer than Wellington in the summer. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Wellington fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Wellington. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Melbourne. Melbourne usually receives more sunshine than Wellington during summer. Melbourne gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 242 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Wellington. Melbourne gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Melbourne or Wellington in the Autumn?

Both Wellington and Melbourne during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Wellington for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Melbourne is around the same temperature as Wellington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Melbourne in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Wellington averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Melbourne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Wellington. Melbourne gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 163 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets less rain in April than Wellington. Melbourne gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Wellington in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Melbourne and Wellington. Many travelers come to Melbourne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Wellington in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In July, Melbourne is generally around the same temperature as Wellington. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 9°C (49°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Melbourne usually receives more sunshine than Wellington during winter. Melbourne gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 122 hours of full sun in the winter.

Wellington receives a lot of rain in the winter. In July, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Wellington. Melbourne gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Melbourne or Wellington in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Melbourne as well as Wellington. Many visitors come to Melbourne in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Wellington for the beaches during these months.

Melbourne is around the same temperature as Wellington in the spring. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Wellington fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Melbourne this time of the year. In the spring, Melbourne often gets more sunshine than Wellington. Melbourne gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 180 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets less rain in October than Wellington. Melbourne gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Wellington and Melbourne