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

Should you visit Torquay or Auckland?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Torquay or Auckland, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Torquay

Torquay is a thriving, outdoorsy, and trendy surf town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Torquay is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Torquay travel costs.

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. See Auckland travel costs.

Torquay and Auckland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Torquay or Auckland?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Auckland than Torquay, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Auckland is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Torquay is more popular for its beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Auckland is more touristy than Torquay and is known for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. Also, Auckland is famous for the Sky Tower. Torquay is well known for its world renowned surfing scene and its relaxed atmosphere.

How is Torquay different from Auckland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Auckland is great for its historical sights. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its sights and museums.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Torquay. Surfing enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Australian National Surfing Museum, which goes into the sports history and influence on the region.

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

Auckland is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Auckland has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Torquay area. You'll find all of the classic beach town options. There are pizza places, international restaurants, and seafood. All kinds of styles are available ranging from modern, upscale, and trendy to casual and affordable.

Is Torquay or Auckland Better for Nightlife?

Auckland is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Auckland for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Torquay. There's a laid back vibe with several great pubs, breweries, and clubs where people hang out.

Is Torquay or Auckland Better for Beaches?

Torquay is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

With world-famous beaches, Torquay is a very popular vacation destination. The town is along the Great Ocean Road, and there are a huge number of beaches that are popular for surfing. There are also nudist beaches as well as family-friendly areas. The most convenient beach is Torquay Surf Beach, which is popular with surfers. For calmer water, check out Torquay Front Beach, and for the most iconic surfing beach in the area, visit Bells Beach.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Auckland. 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 Torquay or Auckland Better for Hiking?

Torquay 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 Torquay. There are many coastal walks in the area that range from a few hours to several days. One of the more well known ones is the Surf Coast Walk, which goes on for days and passes by stunning viewpoints and beautiful landscapes.

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 Torquay or Auckland?

Auckland is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its shopping areas.

Auckland is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Torquay to go shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers with everything from boutiques to major brands.

Is Torquay or Auckland More Beautiful?

Torquay is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Auckland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Torquay is a beautiful place to visit, too. There's a beautiful coastline with sandy beaches and nice coastal walks.

Auckland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Torquay or Auckland Better for Families?

Auckland is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Auckland is very family-friendly. 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.

Torquay is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people think of great surf when they think of this town, but there are some secluded places like Cozy Corner, which is good for kids. There are also many outdoor activities like walks and snorkeling at Point Danger Marine Sanctuary.

Is Torquay or Auckland Better for Couples?

Torquay and Auckland are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Torquay is a great surf town if you're traveling as a couple. With its amazing beaches, popular surfing, and countless outdoor activities, there's plenty for couples to enjoy around town. You can also head to the vineyards at Bellbrae Estate, check out the local breweries, or take a long walk along the coast.

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 Torquay or Auckland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auckland is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town 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.

Torquay is a good surf town to visit for backpackers. Surfing is the big draw for backpackers to the area. There are a handful of hostels and excellent beaches that make this a great stop off for anyone in the area.

Is Torquay or Auckland Better for Students?

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

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.

Torquay is not popular with students.

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

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

While Torquay offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that travel to town from the surrounding areas.

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 Torquay or Auckland a more walkable city?

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

Torquay is a very walkable surf town. The Torquay Promenade Walk offers a great place to stroll along the waterfront. You'll pass by view points and many restaurants and cafes.

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 Torquay Worth Visiting? and Is Auckland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Auckland or Torquay?

How long in Torquay or Auckland?

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

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

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

The surf town of Torquay offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Torquay or Auckland?

Torquay is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this surf town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Torquay, 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 Torquay or Auckland?

Torquay is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches 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 Torquay or Auckland?

Torquay is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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 surf town 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 10-Day Tours in Australia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia, The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Torquay and Auckland, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. And not only is Torquay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Torquay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Torquay 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 Torquay.

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

Which is Bigger, Torquay or Auckland?

Auckland has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Torquay. When comparing the sizes of Torquay 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 Torquay or Auckland?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Torquay or Auckland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Torquay and Auckland. Most visitors come to Torquay for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Auckland because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Torquay is a little warmer than Auckland in the summer. The daily temperature in Torquay averages around 26°C (78°F) in January, and Auckland fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Torquay gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Torquay usually receives more rain than Auckland. Torquay gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Torquay or Auckland in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Torquay as well as Auckland. The autumn months attract visitors to Torquay because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.

In the autumn, Torquay is a little warmer than Auckland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Torquay in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Auckland averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Torquay usually gets less rain in April than Auckland. Torquay gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Torquay or Auckland in the Winter?

Both Auckland and Torquay are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Torquay this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Auckland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In July, Torquay is generally a little warmer than Auckland. Daily temperatures in Torquay average around 15°C (59°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Auckland. In July, Torquay usually receives less rain than Auckland. Torquay gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Torquay or Auckland in the Spring?

Both Auckland and Torquay during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Torquay for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Auckland in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Torquay is a little warmer than Auckland in the spring. The daily temperature in Torquay averages around 21°C (71°F) in October, and Auckland fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Torquay usually gets less rain in October than Auckland. Torquay gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Auckland and Torquay