Which place is cheaper, Auckland or Wellington?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Should I visit Wellington 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.
Wellington is a compact, laid-back, and funky city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.
Auckland is a adrenaline-filled, thrill-seeking, and cosmopolitan 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.
Tourists will generally find more to do in Auckland. Although Wellington and Auckland are about the same size, Auckland has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Wellington is well known for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches. Auckland is well known for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. Also, Auckland is famous for the Sky Tower.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Auckland and Wellington. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Auckland is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.
Auckland offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Wellington. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.
Both Wellington and Auckland offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.
Wellington has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.
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.
The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Wellington and Auckland.
Wellington has a large number of nightlife venues. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.
Auckland is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.
For a relaxing beach holiday, both Wellington and Auckland are great choices.
Wellington is considered a top beach destination. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.
Auckland is a very popular place to visit for its 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.
If you're looking to go hiking, Wellington and Auckland both have notable trails.
Wellington is a good destination for hiking. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.
Many people include a hike when visiting 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.
Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Wellington and Auckland.
Wellington is well-known for its shopping. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.
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.
Kids will enjoy a visit to either Wellington or Auckland.
Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Wellington is very family-friendly. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.
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.
Auckland is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.
Auckland makes for a fun place to visit for 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.
Wellington is a good city for couples to visit. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.
Wellington and Auckland are both great destinations for backpackers.
Many backpackers visit Wellington. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow backpackers to hang out with.
Auckland is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.
Auckland is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.
Auckland is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.
Wellington is popular with students. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.
Wellington 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 Wellington can get you around easily. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.
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.
Wellington is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Auckland is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.
Wellington is a very walkable city. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.
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 Wellington Worth Visiting? and Is Auckland Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Wellington and Auckland. In our opinion, Auckland has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Auckland than Wellington. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.
Couples should spend more time in Auckland than Wellington. 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.
The city of Wellington offers food and shopping. 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.
When visiting Auckland, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
Wellington 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Wellington, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
When visiting Auckland, people usually allow for lots of time. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.
Wellington 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Wellington is a great place to explore. 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 city offers something for everyone.
Auckland is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in New Zealand.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Wellington is $103, 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 Wellington and Auckland in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Wellington 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.
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.
Also for Wellington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:
Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Auckland and Wellington 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.
For Wellington, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Wellington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Wellington, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:
For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Also in Wellington, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Wellington and Auckland, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. And not only is Wellington much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Wellington would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Wellington 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 Wellington.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Wellington Expensive? and Is Auckland Expensive?.
Auckland has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Wellington. When comparing the sizes of Wellington 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.
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.
Both Auckland and Wellington are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wellington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Auckland for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Wellington is cooler than Auckland in the summer. The daily temperature in Wellington averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Auckland fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It's quite sunny in Auckland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wellington. Wellington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Auckland during summer. Wellington gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.
In January, Wellington usually receives less rain than Auckland. Wellington gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Both Auckland and Wellington during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Wellington for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Auckland in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Wellington is cooler than Auckland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Wellington in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Auckland averages at about 16°C (61°F).
In the autumn, Wellington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Auckland. Wellington gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 162 hours of full sun.
Wellington usually gets less rain in April than Auckland. Wellington gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Wellington and Auckland. Many visitors come to Wellington in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Auckland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In July, Wellington is generally cooler than Auckland. Daily temperatures in Wellington average around 10°C (49°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
Wellington usually receives less sunshine than Auckland during winter. Wellington gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 141 hours of full sun in the winter.
Auckland receives a lot of rain in the winter. Wellington gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Wellington usually receives less rain than Auckland. Wellington gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
The spring brings many poeple to Wellington as well as Auckland. Most visitors come to Wellington for the beaches during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Auckland because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
Wellington is cooler than Auckland in the spring. The daily temperature in Wellington averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Auckland fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
In the spring, Wellington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Auckland. Wellington gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 192 hours of full sun.
Wellington usually gets more rain in October than Auckland. Wellington gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Wellington | Auckland | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
Feb | 18°C (64°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
Mar | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
May | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
Jun | 10°C (51°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
Jul | 10°C (49°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
Aug | 10°C (50°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
Sep | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
Oct | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
Dec | 17°C (62°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |