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

Should you visit Nagoya or Auckland?

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

Should I visit Nagoya 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.

Nagoya

Nagoya is a under-rated, often overlooked, and under-the-radar 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Auckland

Auckland is a adrenaline-filled, thrill-seeking, and cosmopolitan city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Nagoya and Auckland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagoya or Auckland?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Auckland than Nagoya. While Nagoya is larger than Auckland, Auckland has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Auckland is more popular for its beaches and hiking, while Nagoya is known for its food. Auckland is more touristy than Nagoya and is known for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. It is also home to the Sky Tower. Nagoya is popular for its local cuisine, historic shrines, and long running shipping industry.

How is Nagoya different from Auckland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Auckland and Nagoya.

Nagoya offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are shrines, temples, and other interesting sights in the city. Atsuta Jingu is an important Shinto shrine. Nagoya Castle is another interesting place to visit. If you're willing to head out of the city center a bit, the Meiji-mura Village Museum is an open air museum that has interesting Japanese architecture. There are also interesting museums in town such as the Nagoya City Art Museums and the Toyota Techno and Toyota Automobile Museums.

Many visitors head to Auckland specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Nagoya or Auckland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nagoya is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Nagoya has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a strong food culture that's referred to as Nagoya meshi. It's a popular destination for foodies to Japan, even though the city itself is often overlooked by tourists. The city's food uses a lot of local vegetables and its influenced by several international flavors. Important ingredients in the dishes include unagi (freshwater eel), Nagoya cochin (chicken), tamari (soy sauce), and mame miso.

Dining out in Auckland is an experience not to be missed. 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 Nagoya or Auckland Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Nagoya and Auckland.

Nagoya has a large number of nightlife venues. There are many bars around town, many of which have an international theme. Later in the evening, many people head out to a nightclubs, most of which are concentrated in either Sakae and Shin-sakae.

Auckland is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Nagoya or Auckland Better for Beaches?

Auckland is a very popular place for the beach. However, Nagoya is not a beach destination.

Auckland is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Nagoya is not a beach destination.

Is Nagoya or Auckland Better for Hiking?

Auckland is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Nagoya is not a hiking destination.

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.

Nagoya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagoya or Auckland?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Nagoya and Auckland.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Nagoya. You'll find everything from large shopping malls to street markets and local vendors. Many people head to Nagoya Station for shopping, but Osu Shotengai is another interesting shopping area in the city's old town.

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.

Is Nagoya or Auckland Better for Families?

Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is one of the most popular family destinations. There are a large number of attractions for families in the area. This city is where you'll find Legoland Japan, which is one of the most popular activities to do with kids. The city also has the Sea Life Aquarium, which is located in the Legoland Hotel. Next to Legoland you'll find the SCMaglev and Railway Park. Another great activity is a visit to the Nagoya Public Aquarium, which is one of the biggest aquariums in Japan. There are dolphins, orcas, and many different ecosystems to explore. Nearby is the Sea Train Land amusement park.

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 Nagoya or Auckland Better for Couples?

Auckland is a very popular place for couples. Also, Nagoya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Nagoya is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy visiting the Nagoya Castle or checking out the dolphin and orca shows at the Nagoya Public Aquarium. Noritake Garden is a nice place to explore. There are also many coffee shops in town as well as museums and temples.

Is Nagoya or Auckland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Nagoya is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a limited number of hostels in town, so they fill up quickly. You should make reservations well in advance if budget is a priority.

Is Nagoya or Auckland Better for Students?

Auckland is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Nagoya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Auckland is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

Nagoya is popular with students. Nagoya University has been working to grow its international population. This is a fun and dynamic city that makes a great place to study.

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

Nagoya is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Nagoya can get you around easily. The city has both a subway and public buses. The main bus stations are at Nagoya Station and Sakae Station and there are six subway lines throughout the city.

You'll find some public transit in Auckland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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 Nagoya or Auckland a more walkable city?

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

Nagoya is a very walkable city. The downtown area, where you'll find many of the sights, is walkable. The distances vary, but many sights can be reached 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 Nagoya Worth Visiting? and Is Auckland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Auckland or Nagoya?

How long in Nagoya or Auckland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nagoya and Auckland. In our opinion, Auckland has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Auckland than Nagoya. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Nagoya is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Auckland. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Nagoya or Auckland?

Nagoya 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 Nagoya, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Auckland is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Nagoya or Auckland?

Nagoya is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auckland. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Nagoya or Auckland?

Nagoya is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the adrenaline-filled big city of Auckland. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nagoya or Auckland?

Nagoya has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Nagoya 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 Nagoya 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 Nagoya has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Nagoya or Auckland in the Summer?

Both Auckland and Nagoya are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nagoya this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Auckland for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nagoya is generally a little warmer than Aucklandin January. Daily temperatures in Nagoya average around 27°C (80°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Auckland. Nagoya usually receives less sunshine than Auckland during summer. Nagoya gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Nagoya. In July, Nagoya usually receives more rain than Aucklandin January. Nagoya gets 213 mm (8.4 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nagoya or Auckland in the Autumn?

Both Auckland and Nagoya during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nagoya for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Auckland in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Nagoya is around the same temperature as Auckland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nagoya averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Auckland fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.

In the autumn, Nagoya often gets more sunshine than Aucklandin April. Nagoya gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 162 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagoya. Nagoya usually gets more rain in October than Aucklandin April. Nagoya gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagoya or Auckland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagoya and Auckland. Many visitors come to Nagoya in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Auckland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nagoya can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Nagoya is much colder than Auckland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nagoya in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Auckland averages at about 11°C (52°F)in July.

Nagoya usually receives more sunshine than Auckland during winter. Nagoya gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 141 hours of full sun in the winter.

Auckland receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Nagoya usually receives less rain than Aucklandin July. Nagoya gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nagoya or Auckland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nagoya as well as Auckland. Most visitors come to Nagoya for the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Auckland because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Nagoya is generally around the same temperature as Aucklandin October. Daily temperatures in Nagoya average around 14°C (58°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Nagoya often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aucklandin October. Nagoya gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 192 hours of full sun.

Nagoya receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nagoya usually gets more rain in April than Aucklandin October. Nagoya gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Auckland and Nagoya