A Travel Price Comparison for New Zealand Napier vs. Auckland for Beaches, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

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

Napier

Napier is a relaxed, character-filled, and coastal town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Auckland

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

Napier and Auckland: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Napier or Auckland?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Auckland than Napier. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Auckland is very popular for its shopping and big city activities, while Napier attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Napier is famous for its many art deco buildings, its beautiful vineyards, and the area's long sandy beaches. 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 Napier different from Auckland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Napier
Auckland

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

Many visitors head to Napier specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Considered an "Art Deco capital", there are many interesting buildings around town and it's worth taking an Art Deco Walk. The National Aquarium of New Zealand is also impressive as is the MTG Hawke's Bay, which is a museum, gallery, and theater in one. For something a little outside the box, you can visit the Napier Prison, which is New Zealand's oldest place of incarceration, dating back to 1862.

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 Napier or Auckland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Napier
Auckland

Both Napier and Auckland offer a number of very good restaurants to choose from.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Napier. With its many wineries and big mix of fine dining restaurants, there is plenty for a foodie to enjoy around town. You'll find restaurants that serve up New Zealand favorites as well as those that experiment with modern and trendy recipes.

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 Napier or Auckland Better for Nightlife?

Napier
Auckland

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Napier and Auckland.

Napier has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is diverse and fun. Whether you're looking for a wild party or just want to relax with a drink and some friends, there are plenty of places where you can hang out.

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 Napier or Auckland Better for Beaches?

Napier
Auckland

Napier is a must-visit destination for the beache. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

With world-famous beaches, Napier is a very popular vacation destination. It's a popular beach destination and you'll find plenty of beaches for swimming, sunbathing, and playing with the kids. You'll want to head out of town to find the best and most beautiful beaches. For hidden beaches and some of the area's best surf, head to Mahia Peninsula. To escape the tourists and hang out with the locals, go to Waipatiki Beach. And for a picnic, Westshore Beach is a favorite. Waimarama Beach is another favorite in the area as well.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Auckland. 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.


Is Napier or Auckland Better for Hiking?

Napier
Auckland

Napier is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Napier. Hawke's Bay is filled with wonderful walks and hikes. There are easy coastal paths as well as mult-day treks around Lake Waikaremoana. It's not hard to find somewhere to stretch your legs and explore the scenery.

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 Napier or Auckland?

Napier
Auckland

Auckland is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Napier is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Auckland. 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.

Napier offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find all of the standard New Zealand retail chains as well antique and boutique shops. With its many Art Deco buildings, the city has character and personality.

Is Napier or Auckland Better for Families?

Napier
Auckland

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Napier or Auckland.

Napier is a very family-friendly destination. This coastal city has a waterpark, a waterfall walk, and plenty of beaches where the family can hang out. There's also a waterfront promenade that is filled with water features and playgrounds where the kids can run around. You can also check out Hawke's Bay Farmyard Zoo or on a rainy day head to the Faraday Museum of Technology.

Auckland is a very kid-friendly town. 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 Napier or Auckland Better for Couples?

Napier
Auckland

Both Napier and Auckland are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

Napier makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Surrounded by vineyards and lined with beaches, this is a great place for a romantic getaway or a honeymoon. Hop on a bike and explore the wineries or enjoy a beautiful hike through nature. There are also adrenaline-filled activities for thrill seekers or fine dining restaurants for the foodies.

Couples visit Auckland frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Napier or Auckland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Napier
Auckland

Napier and Auckland are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Napier is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a couple of hostels around town and plenty of fun activities like mountain biking or white water rafting that you can enjoy.

Auckland is a great town 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.

Is Napier or Auckland Better for Students?

Napier
Auckland

Auckland is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Napier is not popular with 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.

Napier is not popular with students.


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

Napier
Auckland

Auckland is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Napier is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Napier. Public transit to most of the beaches is limited or nonexistent, so you really need a car if you want to get around and see everything.

Is Napier or Auckland a more walkable city?

Napier
Auckland

Napier and Auckland are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Napier is generally not a very walkable town. If you stay in town you can walk to cafes and restaurants, but you really need a car if you're planning to visit beaches or explore the area in depth.

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 Napier Worth Visiting? and Is Auckland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Auckland or Napier?

How long in Napier or Auckland?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Auckland than Napier 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.


  • How many days in Napier or Auckland? Ideal Length of Stay
    Napier 2-3 
    Auckland 2-3

One day in Napier or Auckland?

The town of Napier offers 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 bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Napier or Auckland?

Napier 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Napier, 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 Napier or Auckland?

Napier is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches 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 Napier or Auckland?

Napier is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches 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.

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 Contiki Tours to New Zealand, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Auckland or Napier?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Napier is $168, while the average daily cost in Auckland is $140. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Napier and Auckland in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Napier $102
    Auckland $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Napier $204
    Auckland $176
Compare Hotels in Napier and Auckland

Looking for a hotel in Napier or Auckland? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Napier


Hotels in Auckland


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Napier Hotel Prices and Auckland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Napier $30
    Auckland $16

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:


  • Bus from Airport
    $9.59
  • Airport Shuttle
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland

Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Seamless Auckland Airport Transfers to Auckland CBD: $93
  • Private Transfer from Auckland city to Tauranga Cruise Port: $147
  • Private Transfer from Auckland city to Bay Of Islands Cruise Port: $116
  • Private Transfer from Auckland City to Auckland Cruise Port: $40
  • Private Transfer from Auckland Airport AKL to Bay Of Islands Port: $116
  • Private Transfer from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Tauranga Port: $147
  • Private Transfer from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Auckland Port: $55
  • Private Transfer From Auckland City To Auckland Airport : $67
  • Private Auckland Airport Transfer to/from Auckland Hotels - Van: $112
  • Premium Auckland Airport Transfer: $87
  • North Shore to Auckland Airport (AKL)-Departure Private Transfer: $61
  • Luxury Airport Transfers Auckland : $137

Is it cheaper to fly into Napier or Auckland?

Prices for flights to both Auckland and Napier change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Napier $37
    Auckland $27
Typical Food Prices in Napier

For Napier, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Casural Lunch
    $8.39

Typical Food Prices in Auckland

For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Breakfast
    $4.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland

For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Auckland Harbour 3-Course Dinner Cruise with Welcome Drink: $90
  • Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $93
  • Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $105
  • Local Auckland Food Tour : Explore the suburbs!: $171

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Napier $27
    Auckland $28

Tours and Activities in Napier

For Napier, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2.5-Hour Napier Art Deco Tour: $59
  • Beer, Wine, Cider and Gin Tour in New Zealand: $121
  • Best of Napier & Hawkes Bay Tour: $78
  • Cape Coast Wineries Self-Guided Scenic Bike Tour from Napier: $50
  • Cape Winery Cycle Tour - 6 wineries, self-guided: $71
  • Country Experience at Mohaka River Farm: $124
  • Deco City Black Cab Tours and Shuttles: $109
  • Half Day Sights and Tastes Tour in Napier : $99
  • Hastings Earthquake Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Hawke's Bay: Self Guided Coastal Winery Cycle Tour: $48
  • Hawkes Bay Wineries Electric Self-Guided Bike Tour: $60
  • Hawkes Bay Wineries Self-Guided Bike Tour: $36

Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)
    $33
  • Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)
    $121

Tours and Activities in Auckland

For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Hobbiton Lord Of Rings Movie Set tour Private Driver : $205
  • "City of Sails" highlights - private tour with German tour guide: $182
  • 3.5 hour Auckland Volcano Tour in our Electric Van: $223
  • 4 Hours Private Tour in Auckland : $248
  • 6 Hours Sightseeing Tour in Auckland: $130
  • Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland: $115
  • All Blacks Experience: Interactive Guided Tour : $37
  • America’s Cup 2-Hour Sailing Experience Waitemata Harbour: $114
  • Auckland Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $75
  • Auckland City & West Coast Luxury Tour: $207
  • Auckland City Highlights Experience - Fully Guided Small Group Day Tour: $202
  • Auckland City Highlights Full Day Tour: $174

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Napier $16
    Auckland $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Napier

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Napier are as follows:


  • Wine
    $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Napier

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Napier:

  • Half Day Small-Group Hawkes Bay Wine Tour: $96
  • Wine Tour and Tastings in Hawkes Bay: $171
  • Private Sightseeing Tour + Wine Tasting: $519

Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland

Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Waiheke Island: Guided Boutique Wine Tour with Wine & Views: $93
  • Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Auckland with 3-Course Vineyard Lunch: $96
  • Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $132
  • Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $150
  • Waiheke Island: Tour with Wine Tastings and Restaurant Lunch: $150
  • From Waiheke Island Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $153
  • Kumeu Wine Tour: $171
  • From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $171
  • Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour Includes Wine Tastings & Lunch: $177
  • Piha Waitakere Rainforest Wine Tour from Auckland: $183


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

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


Which is Bigger, Napier or Auckland?

Auckland has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Napier. When comparing the sizes of Napier 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.