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

Should you visit Kamakura or Auckland?

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

Should I visit Kamakura 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.

Kamakura

Kamakura is a quaint, charming, and laid back coastal city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Kamakura 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.

Kamakura and Auckland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kamakura or Auckland?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Auckland than Kamakura. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Auckland is very popular for its beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Kamakura attracts visitors for its historical sights. Kamakura is famous for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular 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 Kamakura different from Auckland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Kamakura and Auckland have great landmarks and museums for visitors.

Kamakura offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This ancient city is filled with historic landmarks such as the Great Buddha, Hokokuji Temple, Hasedera Temple, and Hachimangu Shrine, among many others.

Many visitors head to Auckland specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Kamakura or Auckland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Kamakura and Auckland can be an enjoyable experience.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Kamakura makes for a great culinary experience. Dining is part of the fun in this beautiful town. There are many great restaurants where you can sample luxury dishes, but there are also street food stalls with egg pancakes or noodle dishes.

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.

Is Kamakura or Auckland Better for Nightlife?

Both Kamakura and Auckland are great when it comes to partying.

Kamakura offers plenty to do in the evening. There's a diverse mix of bars and music venues. The nightlife scene is particularly active during the summer months when visitors head to the beach, but throughout the year you'll find tachinomiya standing bars, international style pubs, and jazz clubs where locals like to hang out.

Auckland has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Is Kamakura or Auckland Better for Beaches?

Auckland is a well-known place for its beaches. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for the beach.

Auckland is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Many people head to Kamakura to enjoy the beach. Many locals from Tokyo or Yokohama head here during July and August to cool off at the beach, relax in the sun, and go surfing. The beaches can get crowded, but they're long and sandy and can make for a nice escape.

Is Kamakura or Auckland Better for its Old Town?

Kamakura is very good for its old town. However, Auckland does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Kamakura. It's a quaint historic town with many shrines, temples, and historic landmarks that reflect its long running political past.

Auckland does not have a historic old town.

Is Kamakura or Auckland Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Kamakura and Auckland both have nice trails.

Kamakura is a good destination for hiking. Just outside of town there are many hiking trails that crisscross through the wooded hills and connect the many temples. Many of the trails are relatively short and take just an hour or two to complete.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Kamakura or Auckland?

Auckland is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kamakura. While the city itself is ancient, you can head to Kamakura Komachi-dori Street to find trendy boutiques and modern shopping. This is a popular place to pick up a souvenir or check out the current fashions.

Is Kamakura or Auckland Better for Families?

Auckland is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Auckland is 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.

Kamakura is a family-friendly coastal city. It's a town that's filled with history and character, which isn't every kids cup of tea. If you're traveling with young kids you might want to head to beach for a bit. There are also ice cream and donut shops that you can use as well to break up the sightseeing.

Is Kamakura or Auckland Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Kamakura and Auckland make for a great place to visit.

Kamakura is a very popular place to visit for couples. Many couples enjoy visiting this quaint town as a day trip from Tokyo. There are impressive temples as well as restaurants and gardens.

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.

Is Kamakura or Auckland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auckland is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit 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.

Kamakura is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's an easy day trip from Tokyo, but there are also some affordable hostels that make it an easy place to spend the night.

Is Kamakura or Auckland Better for Students?

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

Kamakura is not popular with students.

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

Both Kamakura and Auckland offer nice public transit options.

Kamakura has a few public transit options. There's a city bus system, but for the more remote places you'll want to take a taxi.

Auckland has some 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.

Is Kamakura or Auckland a more walkable city?

Kamakura is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Auckland is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

Kamakura is a somewhat walkable place. It's a small city, and most of the sights can be reached 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 Kamakura Worth Visiting? and Is Auckland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Auckland or Kamakura?

How long in Kamakura or Auckland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kamakura and Auckland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Auckland than in Kamakura. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kamakura, and 2-3 days is enough time in Auckland.

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

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

The coastal city of Kamakura offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Auckland is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

A weekend in Kamakura or Auckland?

Kamakura is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kamakura, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Auckland 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 Auckland, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kamakura or Auckland?

Kamakura 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 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.

A week in Kamakura or Auckland?

Kamakura is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

Auckland 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, 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 Kamakura and Auckland, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. And not only is Kamakura much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kamakura 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 Kamakura would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kamakura 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 Kamakura.

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

Which is Bigger, Kamakura or Auckland?

Auckland has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kamakura. When comparing the sizes of Kamakura 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.

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

Should I visit Kamakura or Auckland in the Summer?

Both Auckland and Kamakura during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kamakura this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Auckland for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kamakura is a little warmer than Auckland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kamakura in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Auckland averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.

In Auckland, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Kamakura often gets less sunshine than Aucklandin January. Kamakura gets 137 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 Kamakura. Kamakura usually gets more rain in July than Aucklandin January. Kamakura gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kamakura or Auckland in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kamakura and Auckland. Many travelers come to Kamakura 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 October, Kamakura is generally around the same temperature as Aucklandin April. Daily temperatures in Kamakura average around 18°C (64°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Kamakura usually receives less sunshine than Auckland during autumn. Kamakura gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 162 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kamakura gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kamakura usually receives more rain than Aucklandin April. Kamakura gets 177 mm (7 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kamakura or Auckland in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kamakura as well as Auckland. Many visitors come to Kamakura in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Auckland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kamakura is much colder than Auckland in the winter. The daily temperature in Kamakura averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Auckland fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in July.

In the winter, Kamakura often gets more sunshine than Aucklandin July. Kamakura gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Auckland. Kamakura usually gets less rain in January than Aucklandin July. Kamakura gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kamakura or Auckland in the Spring?

Both Auckland and Kamakura are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kamakura for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Auckland because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Kamakura is around the same temperature as Auckland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kamakura in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Auckland averages at about 14°C (58°F)in October.

Kamakura usually receives less sunshine than Auckland during spring. Kamakura gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Kamakura. In April, Kamakura usually receives more rain than Aucklandin October. Kamakura gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Auckland and Kamakura