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

Should you visit Pattaya or Auckland?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Pattaya and Auckland can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Pattaya

Pattaya is a active, vibrant, and high energy resort city. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Auckland

Auckland is a cosmopolitan , adventurous, and adrenaline-filled 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, beaches, and hiking.

Pattaya and Auckland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pattaya or Auckland?

You'll generally find more things to do in Auckland than Pattaya. Auckland is bigger than Pattaya, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Auckland is better known for its museums, hiking, and big city activities, while Pattaya is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling. Pattaya is more touristy than Auckland and is known for its beautiful beaches, plethora of amusement parks, and its party town reputation. 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 Pattaya different from Auckland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Auckland is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Auckland. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pattaya. There are several cultural attractions near town such as the Sanctuary of Truth, Wat Yansangwararam, and Wat Phra Yai (the Big Buddha).

Is the Food Better in Pattaya or Auckland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Pattaya and Auckland.

Pattaya has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Street food is what this city is all about. You'll find streets lined with restaurants, but you'll also find snacks and other culinary treats at every corner. Khao Gaeng (curried rice with meat or vegetables), Kai Jeow (omelet over rice), and Moo Ping (grilled pork) are among the favorites.

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 Pattaya or Auckland Better for Nightlife?

Pattaya is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Pattaya is a world class party destination. Despite a promotional campaign to promote family vacations, this city still holds tight to its party hard reputation. You'll find live bands, international DJs, and rooftop parties any night of the week.

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.

Is Pattaya or Auckland Better for Resorts?

Pattaya is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Auckland is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Pattaya. If you're looking for built-up, all-the-frills, beach resorts, then this is your place. It's a touristy beach city with hotels are resorts that line the waterfront.

Auckland is not a resort destination.

Is Pattaya or Auckland Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Pattaya is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Auckland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Pattaya. There are snorkeling and dive excursions that leave from town, or you could throw on a mask and snorkel and look for marine life right off the beach.

Auckland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pattaya or Auckland Better for Beaches?

Both Pattaya and Auckland are considered to be superb beach destinations.

The beaches at Pattaya attract visitors from all over. There are countless white sand beaches in the area that range from party-focused, to romantic, to family-friendly. The blue waters and silky sand have long made this one of the most popular beach areas in Thailand.

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.

Is Pattaya or Auckland Better for Hiking?

Auckland is a city with good options for hiking. However, Pattaya is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Auckland. 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.

Pattaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pattaya or Auckland?

If you're looking to go shopping, Pattaya and Auckland both offer plenty of superb spots.

Pattaya is well-known for its shopping. The city is filled with markets, malls, bazaars, and street vendors that sells everything from clothes and bathing suits, to Thai crafts or local foods.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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 Pattaya or Auckland Better for Families?

Both Pattaya and Auckland are superb to visit with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Pattaya is very family-friendly. Kids will love the amusement parks, water parks, and cultural parks. Highlights for families include Columbia Pictures Aquaverse, Ramayana Water Park, and Mini Siam. For something totally unique, check out the ice sculptures at Frost Magical Ice of Siam and for something cultural and fun you can head to Legend Siam Pattaya. Despite local efforts to promote family-friendly activities, it's important to remember that the city does still has a party town reputation. There are areas that you should avoid with kids.

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 Pattaya or Auckland Better for Couples?

Auckland is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for couples.

Auckland is a great city 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.

Pattaya is a good resort city for couples to visit. There are many beach-oriented activities around town like boat rides and water sports. You could also enjoy a spa day or simply lounge on the beach and soak up the sun for the day.

Is Pattaya or Auckland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auckland is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for backpackers.

Many 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Pattaya. While it used to be a party town, these days Pattaya is more of a family destination that's filled with amusement parks and family-friendly resorts. Backpackers will still find hostels and budget accommodation, but that backpacker atmosphere isn't what it used to be.

Is Pattaya or Auckland Better for Students?

Auckland is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Pattaya is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Auckland. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

Pattaya is not popular with students.

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

Pattaya and Auckland both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Pattaya offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The baht bus (songthaew) is the cheapest way to get around town. These are colorful pickup trucks with seats in the back. There are also motorbike taxis as well as regular taxis.

Auckland has a few 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.

Is Pattaya or Auckland a more walkable city?

Pattaya and Auckland are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Pattaya is generally not a very walkable resort city. There's a walking street, as well as several walkable areas, but the city is relatively large and you'll likely want to catch a ride most places.

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 Pattaya Worth Visiting? and Is Auckland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Auckland or Pattaya?

How long in Pattaya or Auckland?

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

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

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

The resort city of Pattaya offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

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 Pattaya or Auckland?

Pattaya is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this resort city makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pattaya, 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 Pattaya or Auckland?

Pattaya is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife 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.

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 Pattaya or Auckland?

Pattaya is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This resort city 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket, 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 Pattaya and Auckland, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. And not only is Pattaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Pattaya 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 Pattaya would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pattaya 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 Pattaya.

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

Which is Bigger, Pattaya or Auckland?

Auckland has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Pattaya. When comparing the sizes of Pattaya 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 Pattaya or Auckland?

Auckland has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Pattaya experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Pattaya or Auckland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pattaya and Auckland. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Pattaya is a little warmer than Auckland in the summer. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Auckland fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Auckland this time of the year. Pattaya usually receives less sunshine than Auckland during summer. Pattaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pattaya usually receives more rain than Aucklandin January. Pattaya gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pattaya or Auckland in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pattaya as well as Auckland. Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Auckland because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Pattaya is much warmer than Auckland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pattaya in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Auckland averages at about 16°C (61°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pattaya this time of the year. In the autumn, Pattaya often gets more sunshine than Aucklandin April. Pattaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 162 hours of full sun.

Pattaya receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pattaya usually gets more rain in October than Aucklandin April. Pattaya gets 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in Pattaya is the dry season. June to October in Pattaya is the rainy season.

Should I visit Pattaya or Auckland in the Winter?

Both Auckland and Pattaya are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pattaya throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.

In January, Pattaya is generally much warmer than Aucklandin July. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 27°C (80°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pattaya. Pattaya usually receives more sunshine than Auckland during winter. Pattaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 141 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Auckland. In January, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Aucklandin July. Pattaya gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pattaya or Auckland in the Spring?

Both Auckland and Pattaya during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Pattaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Auckland for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Pattaya is much warmer than Auckland in the spring. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 30°C (86°F) in April, and Auckland fluctuates around 14°C (58°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Pattaya. In the spring, Pattaya often gets more sunshine than Aucklandin October. Pattaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 192 hours of full sun.

Pattaya usually gets less rain in April than Aucklandin October. Pattaya gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in Pattaya. June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya.

Typical Weather for Auckland and Pattaya