A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Auckland vs. Vancouver for Attractions, Hiking, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Auckland or Vancouver?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Auckland and Vancouver can help you decide which place is right for you.

Auckland

Auckland is a cosmopolitan , adventurous, and adrenaline-filled city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Auckland travel costs.

Vancouver

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

Auckland and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Auckland or Vancouver?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vancouver than Auckland. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Vancouver is very popular for its museums and attractions, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Auckland attracts visitors for its beaches. Auckland is famous for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. Vancouver is famous for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. It is also well known for Stanley Park.

How is Auckland different from Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Vancouver 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 Vancouver are world-renowned. There are tons of museums and sights around town such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Vancouver, and Science World. Also make sure you take a walk over the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

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 Auckland or Vancouver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Auckland and Vancouver offer a number of high quality restaurants to choose from.

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.

Dining out in Vancouver is an experience not to be missed. You'll find diverse restaurants and fresh ingredients. Local seafood is a staple in many restaurants so make sure you try the prawns, salmon, and even sea urchin. Asian food is also excellent around town. Sushi, Japanese hot dogs, and dim sum are all worth sampling.

Is Auckland or Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

Both Auckland and Vancouver have high quality vibes after the sun sets.

Auckland has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

The people in Vancouver know how to have a good time. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the activity is centered around The Granville Entertainment District in the downtown area. It runs along Granville Street between Robson Street and Davie Street. In the area you'll find a high concentration of bars and nightclubs.

Is Auckland or Vancouver Better for Beaches?

Auckland is great for its beaches. However, Vancouver is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Auckland for it's beautiful 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.

Vancouver is not a beach destination.

Is Auckland or Vancouver Better for Hiking?

Vancouver is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many people visit Vancouver specifically for its hiking. The city is surrounded by water and mountains, making it one of the best hiking cities in the world. You don't have to go far to enjoy spectacular vistas, serene rainforests, and rugged coastline. The trails range from casual strolls to more strenuous day long hikes.

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 Auckland or Vancouver?

Vancouver 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, Vancouver draws large crowds to its stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. You can enjoy strolling through Chinatown, hitting up a public market, or wandering around a large shopping mall.

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 Auckland or Vancouver More Beautiful?

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

The beauty of Vancouver is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.

Auckland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Auckland or Vancouver Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Auckland or Vancouver.

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.

Vancouver is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are great kid-friendly museums like the Science Museum, as well as outdoor markets, public parks, and easy access to the nearby nature. A visit to Grouse Mountain is a must for many families. You can see the bears, take a gondola, and see the a lumberjack show.

Is Auckland or Vancouver Better for Couples?

Vancouver 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, Vancouver has plenty to offer. Most of the activities take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting. You can take a carriage ride in Stanley Park or visit the Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden. Eat dim sum in Chinatown and then wander through the diverse neighborhood. End the day with a show at Orpheum Theater.

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 Auckland or Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auckland and Vancouver are both high quality destinations 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.

Vancouver is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around town.

Is Auckland or Vancouver Better for Students?

Both Auckland and Vancouver are high quality destinations for students.

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

Vancouver is a great city to visit as a student. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

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

Vancouver 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.

Vancouver has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

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 Auckland or Vancouver a more walkable city?

Vancouver 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 Vancouver. The downtown area is very compact and fun to explore on foot.

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 Auckland Worth Visiting? and Is Vancouver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Auckland?

How long in Auckland or Vancouver?

In either Auckland or Vancouver, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Vancouver than Auckland because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Auckland, and 3-5 days is enough time in Vancouver.

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

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

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

One day in Auckland or Vancouver?

People visit Auckland because there is so much to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The beautiful city of Vancouver 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.

A weekend in Auckland or Vancouver?

People visit Auckland because there is so much to do. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Vancouver is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Five days in Auckland or Vancouver?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the thrill-seeking city of Auckland. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

A week in Auckland or Vancouver?

Auckland is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Vancouver is a great place to explore. 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 city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Auckland and Vancouver, we can see that Auckland 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 Auckland is in Pacific and Vancouver is in North America, 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 Auckland Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Auckland or Vancouver?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Auckland and Vancouver, 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 Auckland or Vancouver?

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 Vancouver has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Auckland or Vancouver in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Vancouver. Many visitors come to Auckland in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Vancouver for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In January, Auckland is generally a little warmer than Vancouverin July. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 20°C (68°F), and Vancouver fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vancouver this time of the year. In Auckland, it's very sunny this time of the year. Auckland usually receives less sunshine than Vancouver during summer. Auckland gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Auckland usually receives more rain than Vancouverin July. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Auckland or Vancouver in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Vancouver. Most visitors come to Auckland for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Vancouver because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Auckland is much warmer than Vancouver in the autumn. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F)in October.

In the autumn, Auckland often gets more sunshine than Vancouverin October. Auckland gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Auckland usually gets less rain in April than Vancouverin October. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auckland or Vancouver in the Winter?

Both Vancouver and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Auckland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Vancouver this time of year.

It's quite cold in Vancouver in the winter. In the winter, Auckland is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the winter temperatures in Auckland in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Vancouver averages at about 4°C (40°F)in January.

Auckland usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during winter. Auckland gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. It's quite rainy in Auckland. In July, Auckland usually receives less rain than Vancouverin January. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Auckland or Vancouver in the Spring?

Both Vancouver and Auckland during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Auckland this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Vancouver for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In October, Auckland is generally much warmer than Vancouverin April. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 14°C (58°F), and Vancouver fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In the spring, Auckland often gets more sunshine than Vancouverin April. Auckland gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun.

Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Auckland usually gets less rain in October than Vancouverin April. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Auckland