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

Should you visit Yaeyama Islands or Auckland?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Yaeyama Islands and Auckland. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Yaeyama Islands

Yaeyama Islands is a luxurious, serene, and idyllic archipelago. Yaeyama Islands is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and nightlife. See Yaeyama Islands travel costs.

Auckland

Auckland is a adventurous, adrenaline-filled, and thrill-seeking city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Auckland travel costs.

Yaeyama Islands and Auckland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yaeyama Islands or Auckland?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Auckland. Although Yaeyama Islands and Auckland are popular destinations, Auckland has more sights and attractions for tourists. Auckland is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Yaeyama Islands attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Yaeyama Islands is famous for its jungle, tropical setting, and pristine beaches. Auckland is famous for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. It is also well known for the Sky Tower.

How is Yaeyama Islands different from Auckland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yaeyama Islands or Auckland?

Auckland is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Yaeyama Islands specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The islands are known for their beaches, snorkeling, and jungles, but don't expect much in the form of museums.

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

Auckland is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Yaeyama Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Yaeyama Islands has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are many fruits and vegetables that are local to the region. Tropical fruits are common including pineapples, passionfruit, mango, shikuwasa, watermelon, papaya, and dragon fruit. You can try Yaeyama Soba (noodle soup) or any other local favorite at the restaurants in the area, most of which are usually concentrated around the villages on the island.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Auckland Better for Nightlife?

Auckland is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Yaeyama Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Yaeyama Islands. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. You can sip a cocktail and enjoy the view from your resort's bar.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Auckland Better for Resorts?

Yaeyama Islands is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Auckland is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Yaeyama Islands is a perfect choice. There are luxury international resorts as well as smaller upscale hotels. Many resorts are found on the largest island, Ishigaki.

Auckland is not a resort destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Auckland Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Yaeyama Islands is an excellent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Auckland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Yaeyama Islands. The islands offer great scuba diving and snorkeling with coral reefs and tropical fish as well as manta rays and pelagic fish.

Auckland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Auckland Better for Beaches?

Yaeyama Islands 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, Yaeyama Islands is a very popular vacation destination. This tropical paradise has white sand beaches and turquoise water. There are water sports, including snorkeling and diving, and the beaches on each island have their own atmosphere and vibe.

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 Yaeyama Islands or Auckland Better for Hiking?

Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands. The islands offer relatively easy access to jungle hikes, which will quickly make you feel like you've been swept into a hidden paradise. There are waterfalls, wildlife, butterflies, and scenic spots to explore.

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 Yaeyama Islands or Auckland?

Auckland is a well-known place for shopping. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Auckland More Beautiful?

Yaeyama Islands is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Auckland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Yaeyama Islands is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. White sand, blue water, tropical jungles and coral reefs make this a breathtakingly beautiful part of Japan.

Auckland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Auckland Better for Families?

Both Yaeyama Islands and Auckland are high quality family-friendly destinations.

Yaeyama Islands is a very family-friendly place to visit. This island setting has blue waters and water sports that the whole family can enjoy. There are also family-friendly resorts with kids clubs and nearby nature.

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.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Auckland Better for Couples?

Yaeyama Islands is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Yaeyama Islands has plenty to offer. Beautiful blue water and fun water sports make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are nice resorts and fine dining opportunities that make this a great couple's retreat.

Couples visit Auckland frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Yaeyama Islands or Auckland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auckland is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Yaeyama Islands is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Backpacking can be challenging as transportation is limited and accommodation can be expensive.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Auckland Better for Students?

Auckland is a well-known place for students. However, Yaeyama Islands is not popular with students.

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

Yaeyama Islands is not popular with students.

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

Auckland is a good destination for its public transit. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Yaeyama Islands. There is very little in the form of public transit but you can get from the largest island, Ishigaki Island, to nearby islands by ferry.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Auckland a more walkable city?

Yaeyama Islands and Auckland both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

Yaeyama Islands is generally not very walkable. Some of the islands are small enough to get around on foot.

Auckland is generally not a very walkable archipelago. 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 Yaeyama Islands Worth Visiting? and Is Auckland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Auckland or Yaeyama Islands?

How long in Yaeyama Islands or Auckland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Yaeyama Islands and Auckland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Yaeyama Islands than in Auckland. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Yaeyama Islands, and 2-3 days is enough time in Auckland.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Auckland than Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands or Auckland?

The beautiful archipelago of Yaeyama Islands offers nightlife and food. 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.

Auckland is a big city with plenty to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Yaeyama Islands or Auckland?

Yaeyama Islands is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Auckland is a big city with plenty to do. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Yaeyama Islands or Auckland?

Yaeyama Islands is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Yaeyama Islands, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Auckland is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Yaeyama Islands or Auckland?

Yaeyama Islands 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 archipelago offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Auckland. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, 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 Yaeyama Islands and Auckland, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. And not only is Yaeyama Islands much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands.

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

When is the best time to visit Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Auckland in the Summer?

Both Auckland and Yaeyama Islands during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Yaeyama Islands for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Auckland in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Yaeyama Islands is a little warmer than Auckland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Yaeyama Islands in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Auckland averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.

In Auckland, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Yaeyama Islands. In the summer, Yaeyama Islands often gets more sunshine than Aucklandin January. Yaeyama Islands gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 240 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yaeyama Islands. Yaeyama Islands usually gets more rain in July than Aucklandin January. Yaeyama Islands gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Auckland in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Yaeyama Islands and Auckland. Many visitors come to Yaeyama Islands in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Auckland for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Yaeyama Islands is generally much warmer than Aucklandin April. Daily temperatures in Yaeyama Islands average around 26°C (78°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Yaeyama Islands usually receives more sunshine than Auckland during autumn. Yaeyama Islands gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 162 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Yaeyama Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Yaeyama Islands usually receives more rain than Aucklandin April. Yaeyama Islands gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Auckland in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Yaeyama Islands as well as Auckland. Most visitors come to Yaeyama Islands for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Auckland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Yaeyama Islands is much warmer than Auckland in the winter. The daily temperature in Yaeyama Islands averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Auckland fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in July.

In the winter, Yaeyama Islands often gets less sunshine than Aucklandin July. Yaeyama Islands gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Auckland. Yaeyama Islands receives a lot of rain in the winter. Yaeyama Islands usually gets less rain in January than Aucklandin July. Yaeyama Islands gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Auckland in the Spring?

Both Auckland and Yaeyama Islands are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Yaeyama Islands because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.

In the spring, Yaeyama Islands is much warmer than Auckland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Yaeyama Islands in April average around 23°C (74°F), and Auckland averages at about 14°C (58°F)in October.

Yaeyama Islands usually receives less sunshine than Auckland during spring. Yaeyama Islands gets 154 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Yaeyama Islands. In April, Yaeyama Islands usually receives more rain than Aucklandin October. Yaeyama Islands gets 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Yaeyama Islands is May to June.

Typical Weather for Auckland and Yaeyama Islands