How much does it cost to travel to Auckland?
You should plan to spend around $141 (NZ$236) per day on your vacation in Auckland. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $27 (NZ$45) on meals
- $16 (NZ$27) on local transportation
- $179 (NZ$298) on hotels
A one week trip to Auckland for two people costs, on average, $1,980 (NZ$3,301). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently to Auckland has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Auckland expensive to visit?
Prices in Auckland are reasonable and comparable to your average travel destination. Hotels, food, and sightseeing are generally within normal price ranges.
Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, Auckland is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Byron Bay or Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock).
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Auckland Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Auckland?
The average Auckland trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Auckland travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.
|
Category
|
Cost
|
|
Accommodation 1
(Double Occupancy)
|
NZ$298
($179)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
NZ$27
($16)
|
|
Food 2
|
NZ$45
($27)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
NZ$46
($28)
|
|
Tips and Handouts 1
|
NZ$1 -
2
($0 - 1)
|
|
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps 1
|
NZ$48 -
145
($29 - 87)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
NZ$11 -
34
($7 - 20)
|
Accommodation Budget in Auckland
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Auckland is $89 (NZ$149). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Auckland is $179 (NZ$298). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Auckland? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Transportation Budget in Auckland
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The cost of a taxi ride in Auckland is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $16 (NZ$27) per person, per day, on local transportation in Auckland.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$16
NZ$27
How much does it cost to go to Auckland? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Auckland will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Typical prices for Transportation in Auckland are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Auckland, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
-
Bus from Airport
NZ$16
-
Airport Shuttle
NZ$25
Food Budget in Auckland
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While meal prices in Auckland can vary, the average cost of food in Auckland is $27 (NZ$45) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Auckland should cost around $11 (NZ$18) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Auckland is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$27
NZ$45
Typical prices for Food in Auckland are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Auckland, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
Entertainment Budget in Auckland
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Entertainment and activities in Auckland typically cost an average of $28 (NZ$46) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$28
NZ$46
Typical prices for Entertainment in Auckland are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Auckland, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
Tips and Handouts Budget in Auckland
Calculated from travelers like you
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Auckland
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Auckland is $58 (NZ$97), as reported by travelers.
-
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps1
$58
NZ$97
Alcohol Budget in Auckland
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $14 (NZ$23) on alcoholic beverages in Auckland per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$14
NZ$23
Water Budget in Auckland
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, people spend $4.18 (NZ$6.97) on bottled water in Auckland per day. The public water in Auckland is considered safe to drink.
-
Water2
Bottled water for one day
$4.18
NZ$6.97
Last Updated: May 16, 2023
Auckland On a Budget
Auckland, New Zealand
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.
Auckland is both the "City of Sails" and the "City of Volcanoes". The title as the "City of Sails" comes from the many yachts that can be found in the Waitemata Harbour as well as the Hauraki Gulf. It's many volcanoes, all of which are extinct, define its natural landscape. There are about 48 volcanoes that make up the Auckland Volcanic Field.
Auckland's climate is temperate and temperatures remain moderate throughout the year. The summer season is between December and March. This is when the sun is at its peak and temperatures are warmest. Between the months of April and June temperatures become cooler and rain is quite common from the end of June through October.
Sights
Some of the most interesting sights in Auckland include the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Sky Tower, Auckland Regional Botanic Gardens, and Otara Flea Market. The Auckland Zoo, the StarDome Observatory, and the Auckland Art Gallery are all worth a visit as well. Clearly, you'll find plenty of activities here, and you should plan to spend at least a day, if not two or three in this amazing city. Auckland is usually the start of a
New Zealand itinerary for these reasons, too.
Also consider doing a trip to the
Waitakere Ranges, about a forty five minute drive from the city. This scenic drive begins in Titirangi and follows a beautiful coastline. You will see impressive waterfalls and some beautiful beaches. The town of Titirangi is an artistic suburb with many art galleries and cafes, making for a nice place to stop.
Neighborhoods
There are a variety of different neighborhoods around Auckland. The Inner City, or the central business district, has the majority of the city's hotels and attractions. This is also where you'll find Viaduct Harbour. Ponsonby is a trendy cafe and artist's neighborhood about five minutes west of the central business district. This area also has lots of boutique shopping. Newmarket is the main shopping district with both local designers and international chains. Devonport is a seaside suburb on the North Shore with a quaint village atmosphere. Mt Eden offers a great view from the top of the mountain. St Lukes is a large mall with a movie theatre, bars, and restaurants.
Activities
There are many activities that you can enjoy in Auckland. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or looking for something a little more cultural, then you'll likely find something you enjoy. For sports lovers there are cricket or rugby matches at Eden Park. For adrenaline junkies, do a Sky Jump from the Sky Tower or try the Sky Walk, which is a 1.2 meter wide walkway that is 92 meters above the ground and has no hand rails. For more ideas, check out this guide to
things to do in New Zealand which lists plenty of activities in the area.
And why not just relax at the beach. Auckland has plenty around so find a good spot to spend the day at one of
Auckland's 25 best beaches, as the weather is warm for most of the year.
Food and Dining
Auckland has an extensive selection of dining options that ranges from budget friendly to high end fine dining. For the cheapest options, head to a food court where you can find affordable Asian food or fast food. There are also many cafes, bars, and takeaway options that are budget friendly.
Central Auckland is a great place to hang out as there are many bars, restaurants, breweries, and nightlife. Check out
this guide to some of Auckland's best bars and pubs to get some locally made craft beer.
Asian food is very common throughout Auckland and most restaurants are quite good. You will find everything including Japanese, Korean, Vietnam, and Chinese. Other ethnic foods available include Middle Eastern, Italian and Mediterranean. Vegetarian options are also quite common.
Transportation
While Auckland regularly ranks as one of the most livable cities, it does not have a great public transportation system. If you plan to spend any significant amount of time in Auckland, or travel around the city a lot, it is worth it to rent a car (
compare prices here). There are buses, ferries, and a train, but the general level of accessibility and frequency can be quite frustrating. You are sure to have a more enjoyable experience if you have access to your own vehicle.
Buses are the most common form of public transit but you should plan your trip in advance. Traffic can cause delays in the schedule, but if you're staying in the central business district or inner suburbs, then the wait should not be long. Frequency is highest during peak travel times.
If you happen to be staying near a train station, then train travel on weekdays can be convenient. There are five lines to the network and service reliability continues to improve as more investment is made into the system.
Related
Looking for a party in
Auckland or somewhere else in
New Zealand?
Traveling
alone or with a group?
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.