A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tanah Rata vs. Auckland for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tanah Rata or Auckland?

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

Should I visit Tanah Rata 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.

Where Should I go: Tanah Rata or Auckland?

Tanah Rata

Tanah Rata is one of the main tourist towns in the Cameron Highlands. The Cameron Highlands are in western Malaysia and are a popular retreat for Malaysian residents and international travelers alike. The area's higher elevation offers an often much needed break from the country's oppressive heat. It also has a beautiful setting that is rich in agriculture and has rolling hills that are beautifully covered in tea plantations. Tanah Rata has many of the area's tourist amenities. ATMS, banks, and the area's main hospital are all found in town. For some, the area feels too touristy, but if you linger longer, and explore on your own, you can easily escape the mass tourism and see the area for what it is.

Auckland

Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand on an isthmus between the Northland Peninsula and the other parts of the North Island. Auckland is not only a city but also a region. In 2010 New Zealand combined what had previously been four separate cities into one region. These cities include the southern city of Manukau, the western city of Waitakere, the North Shore in the north, and Auckland City. The City of Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and is very diverse with many expatriates from elsewhere in Polynesia. This diversity becomes most apparent in Auckland's many festivals and sporting events.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Auckland or Tanah Rata?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tanah Rata is $137, while the average daily cost in Auckland is $139. 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 Tanah Rata and Auckland in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tanah Rata $67
    Auckland $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tanah Rata $134
    Auckland $176
Compare Hotels in Tanah Rata and Auckland

Looking for a hotel in Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata


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: Tanah Rata Hotel Prices and Auckland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tanah Rata $29
    Auckland $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:

  • Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169
  • Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $118
  • CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
  • Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
  • Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
  • Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
  • Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
  • Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $92
  • Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
  • Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland

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


  • Bus from Airport
    $9.51
  • Airport Shuttle
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland

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

  • Auckland Airport Private Transfer: $81
  • Airport Transfer From Auckland Airport To Auckland City: $121
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland in Business Car: $83
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland in Luxury Van: $110
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland City by Luxury Van: $108
  • Auckland Airport & Ground Transfers - Private Luxury Car/ Van.: $118
  • Auckland Airport (AKL) to North Shore - Arrival Private Transfer: $60
  • Auckland Airport (AKL) to North Shore-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $120
  • Auckland Airport (AKL): Private Transfer to Downtown hotels: $351
  • Auckland Airport (AKL): Transfer to North Shore hotels: $325
  • Auckland Airport Arrival Transfer to North Shore or Henderson: $121
  • Auckland Airport Private Pickup / Transfer: $84

Is it cheaper to fly into Tanah Rata or Auckland?

Prices for flights to both Auckland and Tanah Rata 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
    Tanah Rata $44
    Auckland $27
Typical Food Prices in Tanah Rata

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tanah Rata:


  • Dinner for Two
    $5.66
  • Dessert
    $0.63
  • Lunch
    $3.98
  • Afternoon tea
    $3.88

Typical Food Prices in Auckland

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


  • Breakfast
    $4.75

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: $89
  • Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $90
  • Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tanah Rata $34
    Auckland $27
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tanah Rata

Here are a few typical costs in Tanah Rata for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Tea Factory Visit
    $5.66
  • Tour of Orang Asli Village
    $21

Tours and Activities in Tanah Rata

Here are a few actual costs in Tanah Rata for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Cameron Highlands Sightseing Tour: $33
  • Cameron Highlands City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
  • Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $109
  • Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour: $75
  • Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
  • Cameron Highlands: Agro Delight Tour: $61
  • Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292

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)
    $120

Tours and Activities in Auckland

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

  • Explore Auckland's Sailing Spirit: In-App Audio Tour: $5.32
  • Auckland Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Maritime Museum Entry Ticket: $14
  • Tree Heart Park Adventure Clue Trail Family Package: $15
  • Auckland War Memorial Museum Entry Ticket: $17
  • Skip the Line: Auckland Museum General Admission Entry Ticket: $17
  • Vibrosaun Therapy Experience: $18
  • Auckland Sky Tower General Admission Ticket : $24
  • Sky Tower General Admission Ticket: $24
  • Hologate Virtual Reality Gaming Experience: $29
  • The Lagoon Lights Family Experience at Tree Heart Park: $30
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Ticket: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tanah Rata $19
    Auckland $13

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: Scenic Wine Tour Tasting Wines on Waiheke: $92
  • Muriwai Scenic Wine Tour from Auckland: $106
  • Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $131
  • Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $148
  • Waiheke Island: Tour with Wine Tastings and Restaurant Lunch: $148
  • From Waiheke Island Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $151
  • From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $169
  • Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour Includes Wine Tastings & Lunch: $172
  • Piha Waitakere Rainforest Wine Tour from Auckland: $178
  • Auckland Coastal Experience - Small Group City & Beach Tour Incl. Wine Tasting: $196


When comparing the travel costs between Tanah Rata and Auckland, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Tanah Rata is in Asia and Auckland is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Tanah Rata or Auckland?

Auckland has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata or Auckland?

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

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Auckland in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tanah Rata as well as Auckland. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Auckland for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tanah Rata is generally a little warmer than Aucklandin January. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 27°C (81°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in July than Aucklandin January. Tanah Rata gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F) 
    Auckland 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Auckland in the Autumn?

Both Auckland and Tanah Rata are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Auckland in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Tanah Rata is much warmer than Auckland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tanah Rata averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Auckland fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Tanah Rata. In October, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Aucklandin April. Tanah Rata gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F) 
    Auckland 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Auckland in the Winter?

Both Auckland and Tanah Rata during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Tanah Rata because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Auckland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Tanah Rata is much warmer than Auckland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tanah Rata in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Auckland averages at about 11°C (52°F)in July.

Auckland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tanah Rata. Tanah Rata usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Aucklandin July. Tanah Rata gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Tanah Rata 27°C (80°F) 
    Auckland 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Auckland in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tanah Rata and Auckland. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Auckland because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Tanah Rata is generally much warmer than Aucklandin October. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 28°C (82°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Tanah Rata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Aucklandin October. Tanah Rata gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Tanah Rata 28°C (82°F) 
    Auckland 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Auckland and Tanah Rata

Tanah Rata Auckland
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 126 mm (5 in) 11°C (53°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 270 mm (10.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)