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

Should you visit Nara or Auckland?

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

Should I visit Nara 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.

Nara

Nara is a tranquil, natural, and historic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Auckland

Auckland is a adventurous, adrenaline-filled, and thrill-seeking 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.

Nara and Auckland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nara or Auckland?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Auckland. Although Nara and Auckland are roughly the same size, Auckland has more sights and attractions for tourists. Auckland is better known for its food, beaches, and big city activities, while Nara is more popular for its historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. Auckland is more touristy than Nara and is popular for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. Also, Auckland is famous for the Sky Tower. Nara is well known for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer.

How is Nara different from Auckland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Nara and Auckland.

Nara offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with history. There are many ancient temples such as Tōdai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple, and Tōshōdai-ji Temple. You can also visit the Nara National Museum as well as the many parks and gardens.

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 Nara or Auckland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Auckland is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Nara is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The cuisine is simple and traditional with its roots in the history of the area. Many residents start their morning with a simple rice porridge. The area is also known for its persimmon leaf sushi and miwa somen (a thin, chewy noodle).

Is Nara or Auckland Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are great in both Nara and Auckland.

Nara has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The town offers a serene and relaxed atmosphere at night. There are plenty of bars around town that are known for their friendly bartenders and you'll find many of the bars in Naramachi, which is the old town area.

Auckland has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Nara or Auckland Better for Beaches?

Auckland is notable for the beache. However, Nara 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.

Nara is not a beach destination.

Is Nara or Auckland Better for its Old Town?

Nara is very good for its old town. However, Auckland does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Nara. Naramachi is the old town of Nara. This is the old merchant district and today you'll find several traditional residential buildings and warehouses that are open to the public.

Auckland does not have a historic old town.

Is Nara or Auckland Better for Hiking?

Nara 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 Nara. The city is all about its surrounding nature. There are historic pilgrim routes that pass through the hills and mountains, taking you by sacred sights and ancient forests. In the area you'll find some of Japan's most ancient byways.

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 Nara or Auckland?

Both Nara and Auckland are great shopping destinations.

Nara is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Sanjo-dori is the main street through town. This is where you'll find many souvenir shops that sell local items and traditional food. Mochiido Center Town is the oldest shopping arcade in town and it is filled with history.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Is Nara or Auckland Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nara or Auckland.

Nara is a very kid-friendly city. Head to Nara Park for a bit of nature in the city. Deer roam freely in the park, which is filled with pine trees and beautiful lawns. Kids will also appreciate a visit to Ikomasanjo Amusement Park or the NARAMACHI-KARAKURI Toy Museum. You can also take a ride on the Ikoma Cable Line or spend some time at the Tennenyamato Hot Spring Nara Kenko Land.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Auckland. 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 Nara or Auckland Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Nara and Auckland make for a great place to visit.

Nara is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city is smaller than you might expect, and it's filled with green space and parks. You can wander through Nara Park, see the deer, and soak up the romantic atmosphere. You can also visit one of the beautiful temples such as Todaiji Temple. Many couples also enjoy exploring Yoshikien Garden.

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 Nara or Auckland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auckland is notable for backpackers. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Nara is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers and the budget travel crowd.

Is Nara or Auckland Better for Students?

Auckland is notable for students. However, Nara is not popular with 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.

Nara is not popular with students.

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

Nara 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 Nara can get you around easily. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots.

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 Nara or Auckland a more walkable city?

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

Nara is a very walkable city. Many of the sights are within walking distance of each other, so many visitors enjoy exploring 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 Nara Worth Visiting? and Is Auckland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Auckland or Nara?

How long in Nara or Auckland?

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

Couples should spend more time in Nara than Auckland. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Nara that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Auckland than Nara 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 Nara or Auckland?

The city of Nara offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Auckland is a big city destination where you can fill many days. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Nara or Auckland?

Nara 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nara, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Auckland is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Nara or Auckland?

Nara 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the adventurous big city of Auckland. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nara or Auckland?

Nara is a great place to explore. 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 city offers something for everyone.

The adrenaline-filled city of Auckland offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nara or Auckland?

Auckland has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Nara. When comparing the sizes of Nara 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 Nara 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 Nara has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Nara or Auckland in the Summer?

Both Auckland and Nara during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nara this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Auckland for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Nara is a little warmer than Auckland in the summer. The daily temperature in Nara averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Auckland fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.

In Auckland, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Nara often gets less sunshine than Aucklandin January. Nara gets 183 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 Nara. Nara usually gets more rain in July than Aucklandin January. Nara gets 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nara or Auckland in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nara and Auckland. Many travelers come to Nara for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Auckland in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Nara is around the same temperature as Auckland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nara in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Auckland averages at about 16°C (61°F)in April.

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

Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nara usually receives more rain than Aucklandin April. Nara gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nara or Auckland in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nara as well as Auckland. Many visitors come to Nara in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Auckland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nara can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Nara is generally much colder than Aucklandin July. Daily temperatures in Nara average around 4°C (40°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

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

It's quite rainy in Auckland. Nara usually gets less rain in January than Aucklandin July. Nara gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nara or Auckland in the Spring?

Both Auckland and Nara are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nara for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Auckland because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Nara is around the same temperature as Auckland in the spring. The daily temperature in Nara averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Auckland fluctuates around 14°C (58°F)in October.

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

It's quite rainy in Nara. In April, Nara usually receives more rain than Aucklandin October. Nara gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Auckland and Nara