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

Should you visit Sapporo 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 Sapporo 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.

Sapporo

Sapporo is a snowy, vibrant, and laid-back 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 shopping, museums, and skiing.

Auckland

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

Sapporo and Auckland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sapporo or Auckland?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Auckland than Sapporo. While Sapporo is larger than Auckland, Auckland has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Auckland is more popular for its beaches and hiking, while Sapporo is known for its skiing. Sapporo is popular for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. Auckland is popular for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. It is also home to the Sky Tower.

How is Sapporo different from Auckland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Sapporo or Auckland Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Auckland is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Sapporo. There are many great ski areas that are an easy day trip from the center of town. Very close by you'll find Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort and Sapporo Teine is where the 1972 Winter Olympics were held. It's divided into the family-friendly Olympia Zone and the more advanced Highland Zone.

Auckland is not a skiing destination.

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

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Auckland and Sapporo.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Sapporo. There are a number of shrines and museums in the city. Make sure you check out Hokkaidō Shrine, Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Sapporo Science Center.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

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

Foodies will find both Sapporo and Auckland both to be superb destinations.

Sapporo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local cuisine focuses on the world class fishing in the area as well as the great agriculture. Pork is a common meat ingredient and many dishes include ramen, vegetables, or grilled seafood.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Auckland makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Sapporo or Auckland Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find superb options in both Sapporo and Auckland.

The nightlife in Sapporo has something for everybody. The city's nightlife scene is laid back and mostly concentrated in the Susukino area. In particular, King Xmhu is famous for its party nights and wild decor.

Auckland offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Sapporo or Auckland Better for Beaches?

Auckland is a great city for the beach. However, Sapporo is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Auckland attract visitors from all over. 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.

Sapporo is not a beach destination.

Is Sapporo or Auckland Better for Hiking?

Auckland is a city with good options for hiking. However, Sapporo 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.

Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sapporo or Auckland?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Sapporo. Shopping malls are the most popular places to enjoy browsing the stores. This is particularly nice during the snowy winter months when you can escape into the heated malls.

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 Sapporo or Auckland Better for Families?

Both Sapporo and Auckland are superb to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Sapporo. The city has many activities for families, any time of year. There's skiing and winter sports in the winter and theme parks and camping in the summer. There's also a Puppet Theater and indoor play areas for when the weather is poor.

Auckland is 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 Sapporo or Auckland Better for Couples?

Both Sapporo and Auckland are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

Sapporo is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy the parks, gardens, museums, and winter sports in the area. A highlight for everyone is a visit to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which features many ice sculptures.

Auckland is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Sapporo or Auckland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Sapporo and Auckland are superb places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Sapporo. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Is Sapporo or Auckland Better for Students?

For students, both Sapporo and Auckland are superb places to visit.

Students come from all over to stay in Sapporo. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

Many students visit Auckland. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

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

Sapporo 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 Sapporo can get you around easily. Most visitors use the subway system to get around. There are three lines - the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line- all of which pass through Odori Station. The city also has a streetcar and buses.

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 Sapporo or Auckland a more walkable city?

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

Sapporo is a very walkable city. The city center, where you'll find many of the attractions, is walkable. Susukino Station is about a 20 or 30 minute walk from JR Sapporo Station.

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 Sapporo Worth Visiting? and Is Auckland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Auckland or Sapporo?

How long in Sapporo or Auckland?

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

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

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

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

One day in Sapporo or Auckland?

Sapporo 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.

In Auckland, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Sapporo or Auckland?

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

In Auckland, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Sapporo or Auckland?

Sapporo 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.

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 Sapporo or Auckland?

Sapporo is a great place to explore. 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.

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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours 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 Sapporo and Auckland, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. And not only is Sapporo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sapporo 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 Sapporo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sapporo 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 Sapporo.

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

Which is Bigger, Sapporo or Auckland?

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

Should I visit Sapporo or Auckland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sapporo and Auckland. Many visitors come to Sapporo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Sapporo is generally around the same temperature as Aucklandin January. Daily temperatures in Sapporo average around 21°C (69°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Auckland this time of the year. Sapporo usually receives less sunshine than Auckland during summer. Sapporo gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Sapporo usually receives more rain than Aucklandin January. Sapporo gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sapporo or Auckland in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sapporo as well as Auckland. Most visitors come to Sapporo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Auckland because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Sapporo is cooler than Auckland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sapporo averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Auckland fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.

In the autumn, Sapporo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aucklandin April. Sapporo gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 162 hours of full sun.

Sapporo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sapporo usually gets more rain in October than Aucklandin April. Sapporo gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sapporo or Auckland in the Winter?

Both Auckland and Sapporo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.

The weather in Sapporo can be very cold. In the winter, Sapporo is much colder than Auckland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sapporo in January average around -5°C (24°F), and Auckland averages at about 11°C (52°F)in July.

Sapporo usually receives less sunshine than Auckland during winter. Sapporo gets 99 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. It's quite rainy in Sapporo. In January, Sapporo usually receives less rain than Aucklandin July. Sapporo gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sapporo or Auckland in the Spring?

Both Auckland and Sapporo during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Auckland for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Sapporo is generally much colder than Aucklandin October. Daily temperatures in Sapporo average around 7°C (44°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Sapporo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aucklandin October. Sapporo gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 192 hours of full sun.

Sapporo usually gets less rain in April than Aucklandin October. Sapporo gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Auckland and Sapporo