A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hongcun vs. Auckland for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hongcun or Auckland?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hongcun and Auckland can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Hongcun or Auckland?

Hongcun

When you picture ancient China, you likely picture old cobblestone streets, white homes with pointed black roofs and a slight air of mysticism in the surroundings. This is Hongcun.

The backdrop for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is not usually on the top of many traveler's lists. This isn't a bustling tourist town with guides offering to show you the sights or carts peddling the latest tacky souvenir. It's a quiet village where you'll see the real Chinese culture. The homes along the complex water canals air their fish in their windows to preserve it for their family dinners. There is no bowing to tourism here.

Auckland

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Auckland or Hongcun?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hongcun is $67, while the average daily cost in Auckland is $170. 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 Hongcun and Auckland in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hongcun $23
    Auckland $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hongcun $46
    Auckland $198
Compare Hotels in Hongcun and Auckland

Looking for a hotel in Hongcun 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.

Hotels in Hongcun


Hotels in Auckland


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Auckland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hongcun $12
    Auckland $17

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:


  • Bus from Airport
    $9.47
  • Airport Shuttle
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland

Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Departure Transfer: Auckland Central City Centre to Auckland Airport: $25
  • Arrival Transfer: Auckland Airport to Auckland Central City Centre: $25
  • AKL Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $26
  • Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Airport: $26
  • Auckland:City Hotel Transfers to/from Cruise Ship in Minivan: $32
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Auckland HTL-APT (AKL): $38
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Auckland APT-HTL (AKL): $38
  • Airport Private Transfer: $43
  • Auckland City Hotel to Cruise Ship Transfer by SUV: $48
  • Auckland Cruise Port Private Transfer to City Hotels: $54
  • Auckland:Private 1 way Airport transfer to/from CBD Minivan: $58
  • Private One-Way Transfer: Auckland Airport to Auckland City Hotel: $59

Is it cheaper to fly into Hongcun or Auckland?

Prices for flights to both Auckland and Hongcun 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hongcun $33
    Auckland $46
Typical Food Prices in Hongcun

Some typical examples of dining costs in Hongcun are as follows:


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.91
  • Breakfast of Dumplings
    $2.10

Typical Food Prices in Auckland

For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Breakfast
    $4.73

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland

For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner: $93
  • Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $101
  • Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $102
  • Waiheke Island: Private Sunset Wine Tour & 2 Course Dinner: $392
  • Māori Evening Dinner and Private Show Experience: $519
  • From Kiwi Bird Encounter & 3-Course Dinner Tour: $550

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hongcun $17
    Auckland $27
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hongcun

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hongcun are as follows:


  • Two Entrance Tickets
    $29

Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)
    $33
  • Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)
    $119

Tours and Activities in Auckland

For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Auckland War Memorial Museum Entry Ticket: $9.27
  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Auckland's Hidden Stories: $12
  • Maritime Museum Entry Ticket: $14
  • Maritime Museum Entry Ticket and Guided Tour: $14
  • Explore Self Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Vibrosaun Therapy Experience: $18
  • Waitematā Harbour Cruise with Live Commentary: $20
  • Gallery Highlights Tour and General Admission: $22
  • Auckland Takapuna: Escape Game Adventure: $23
  • Scenic Boat Cruise to the Riverhead Tavern: $25
  • Auckland CBD: Escape Game Adventure: $26
  • Scenic Harbour Cruise in Auckland : $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hongcun $14
    Auckland $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland

Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Waiheke Island: Scenic Island Wine Tour & Local Wine Tasting: $110
  • Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Auckland with 3-Course Vineyard Lunch: $119
  • Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $159
  • Kumeu Wine Tour: $165
  • Waiheke Island: Wine Tour & Lunch at Award Winning Venue: $168
  • From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $180
  • Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch: $180
  • Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $183
  • City Tour with Wine Tasting and Black Sand Beach: $217
  • Shore Excursion from Auckland - Private Tour & Wine Tasting: $278
  • Waiheke Island Scenic Wine Tour: $301


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

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



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

Should I visit Hongcun or Auckland in the Summer?

Both Auckland and Hongcun during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Hongcun is generally a little warmer than Aucklandin January. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 29°C (85°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hongcun. Hongcun usually gets more rain in July than Aucklandin January. Hongcun gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Hongcun 29°C (85°F) 
    Auckland 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Hongcun or Auckland in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hongcun and Auckland. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Auckland because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Hongcun is a little warmer than Auckland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Auckland fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.

In October, Hongcun usually receives less rain than Aucklandin April. Hongcun gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Hongcun 19°C (65°F) 
    Auckland 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Hongcun or Auckland in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hongcun as well as Auckland. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.

The weather in Hongcun can be very cold. In the winter, Hongcun is much colder than Auckland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hongcun in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Auckland averages at about 11°C (52°F)in July.

It's quite rainy in Auckland. Hongcun usually gets less rain in January than Aucklandin July. Hongcun gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Hongcun 4°C (40°F) 
    Auckland 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Hongcun or Auckland in the Spring?

Both Auckland and Hongcun are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Auckland for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Hongcun is generally a little warmer than Aucklandin October. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 17°C (62°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Hongcun. In April, Hongcun usually receives more rain than Aucklandin October. Hongcun gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Hongcun 17°C (62°F) 
    Auckland 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Auckland and Hongcun

Hongcun Auckland
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
May 22°C (71°F) 189 mm (7.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 235 mm (9.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 121 mm (4.7 in) 11°C (53°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)