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

Should you visit Tokyo or Auckland?

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

Should I visit Tokyo 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.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a high tech, high energy, and vibrant city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Tokyo is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Tokyo travel costs.

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. See Auckland travel costs.

Tokyo and Auckland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tokyo or Auckland?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tokyo than Auckland, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Tokyo is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Auckland is known for its beaches and hiking. Tokyo is popular for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. It is also home to The Sensō-ji Temple. Auckland is popular for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment.

How is Tokyo different from Auckland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tokyo is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Tokyo are world-renowned. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

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 Tokyo or Auckland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tokyo is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Tokyo has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. With an astonishing number of Michelin star restaurants, this is one of the most interesting and impressive food destinations in the world. Not all restaurants are high end though. You'll find plenty of cheap eateries that offer their own rewarding culinary experience. Must try local dishes include okonomiyaki, ramen, and of course, sushi.

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 Tokyo or Auckland Better for Nightlife?

Tokyo 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.

Tokyo is a world class party destination. The professional urgency that you feel during the day morphs into a vibrant, laid back city at night. The neon lights turn on and locals head out to destress. There are karaoke bars, casual pubs, high energy nightclubs, and more. Popular areas for nightlife include Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.

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 Tokyo or Auckland Better for Music?

Tokyo is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Auckland is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Tokyo. The music scene features both national and international artists and the music style is as eclectic as the city itself. You'll find many underground venues, vintage record stores, and local bars that have each created their own niche.

Auckland is not a live music destination.

Is Tokyo or Auckland Better for Beaches?

Auckland is great for the beach. However, Tokyo 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.

Tokyo is not a beach destination.

Is Tokyo or Auckland Better for Hiking?

Auckland is a popular place for hiking. However, Tokyo is not a hiking destination.

Auckland is a good destination for hiking. 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.

Tokyo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tokyo or Auckland?

Tokyo is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Tokyo draws large crowds to its stores. The city is known for its electronics, anime products, and trendy fashion brands. Many neighborhoods are also shopping districts with malls or markets throughout. Prices can be steep, but products are generally high quality. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza.

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 Tokyo or Auckland More Beautiful?

Tokyo is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Auckland is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Tokyo is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It's colorful skyscrapers and historic temples make this a truly one-of-a-kind place to explore.

Auckland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tokyo or Auckland Better for Families?

Tokyo is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Tokyo is one of the most popular family destinations. This is an incredibly kid-friendly city. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. Kids will also enjoy experiencing the city's fascinating culture. They can visit temples, museums, and the Tokyo Tower. Another fun local experience is to go to a baseball game.

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 Tokyo or Auckland Better for Couples?

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

Tokyo is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. This high tech city offers luxury hotels and spas, award winning restaurants, and unique date night opportunities like karaoke or sushi making classes. The city has many parks and gardens as well as malls, dynamic neighborhoods, and interesting museums.

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 Tokyo or Auckland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Tokyo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Known for it's high prices, it can be a bit difficult to visit this city on a budget. There are dorm rooms available but they still come with a high price tag. Food is a bit easier as the eateries are diverse with many options on the cheaper side.

Is Tokyo or Auckland Better for Students?

Tokyo is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Tokyo. The city attracts many international students and there are a number of prestigious universities to choose from. Perhaps the biggest challenge is navigating the language difference, but that is all part of the experience when studying abroad.

Auckland is a great city to visit as a student. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

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

Tokyo is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Tokyo has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Trains, subways, and buses make up the complex transportation system and, while it may seem overwhelming at first, the system is actually very clean, efficient, and reliable.

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 Tokyo or Auckland a more walkable city?

Tokyo is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. However, Auckland is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Tokyo. Many neighborhoods are very easy to explore on foot, so it's fun to just wander without a plan, seeing where you end up.

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 Tokyo Worth Visiting? and Is Auckland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Auckland or Tokyo?

How long in Tokyo or Auckland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tokyo and Auckland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tokyo than in Auckland. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tokyo, and 2-3 days is enough time in Auckland.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tokyo 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 Tokyo.

One day in Tokyo or Auckland?

Tokyo 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, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this adventurous big city offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tokyo or Auckland?

Tokyo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auckland. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tokyo or Auckland?

Tokyo is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tokyo, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Auckland is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Auckland. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tokyo or Auckland?

Tokyo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tokyo has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the cosmopolitan big city of Auckland. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Tokyo and Auckland, we can see that Tokyo 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 Tokyo 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 Tokyo Expensive? and Is Auckland Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Auckland?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo 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 Tokyo 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 Tokyo has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Tokyo or Auckland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Auckland. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Auckland for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tokyo is generally a little warmer than Aucklandin January. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 26°C (78°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Auckland this time of the year. Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Auckland during summer. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Aucklandin January. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tokyo or Auckland in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Auckland. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music 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.

Tokyo is around the same temperature as Auckland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Auckland fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.

In the autumn, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Aucklandin April. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 162 hours of full sun.

Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tokyo usually gets more rain in October than Aucklandin April. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tokyo or Auckland in the Winter?

Both Auckland and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tokyo 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.

In the winter, Tokyo is much colder than Auckland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tokyo in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Auckland averages at about 11°C (52°F)in July.

Tokyo usually receives more sunshine than Auckland during winter. Tokyo gets 175 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, Tokyo usually receives less rain than Aucklandin July. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tokyo or Auckland in the Spring?

Both Auckland and Tokyo during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Auckland because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Tokyo is generally around the same temperature as Aucklandin October. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 14°C (58°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Aucklandin October. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 192 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. Tokyo usually gets more rain in April than Aucklandin October. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Auckland and Tokyo