Comparison · Auckland vs Melbourne · New Zealand / Australia
Auckland vs Melbourne
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: elpinto007, CC BY-SA 2.0
.jpg){kind=link}
Quick answer
Choose Auckland for Sky Tower and Volcanic cones; choose Melbourne for Laneway cafés, Street art and free sights. Auckland is generally less expensive, and the two are about 2,626 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 2,626 km
- Less expensive
- Auckland
- Best time for Auckland
- February–April and December
- Best time for Melbourne
- February–April and October–November
Side by side
| Auckland | Melbourne | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | New Zealand | Australia |
| Known for | Sky Tower, Volcanic cones and Waiheke Island wineries | Laneway cafés, Street art and Trams |
| Best time to visit | February–April and December | February–April and October–November |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $160–$280 | $180–$320 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Expensive |
| Warmest month | February, 25°C (77°F) | January, 26°C (79°F) |
| Coldest month | July, 15°C (59°F) | June, 14°C (57°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 12 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 7 |
| Beaches | Mission Bay | St Kilda Beach |
| Airports | AKL | MEL, AVV |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Auckland for…
Sky Tower and Volcanic cones. Auckland, Tāmaki Makaurau, spreads across a narrow isthmus between the Waitematā Harbour and the Manukau Harbour, dotted with more than 50 volcanic cones. The compact city centre runs from the Sky Tower down to the ferry terminal and the Viaduct, and ferries…
Choose Melbourne for…
Laneway cafés, Street art and free sights. Melbourne is a grid-planned city on the Yarra River, known less for single landmarks than for laneway cafés, galleries, sport and food. The CBD's Hoddle Grid is covered by a free tram zone, and inner suburbs such as Fitzroy, Carlton, Richmond and St Kilda…
Top sights compared
| # | Auckland | Melbourne |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sky Tower | Federation Square and Flinders Street Station |
| 2 | Auckland War Memorial Museum | Hosier Lane and the CBD laneways |
| 3 | Maungawhau / Mount Eden | National Gallery of Victoria |
| 4 | Rangitoto Island | Queen Victoria Market |
| 5 | Waiheke Island | Royal Botanic Gardens |
Food compared
| Auckland | Melbourne |
|---|---|
| Flat white | Specialty coffee and the 'magic' |
| Meat pie | Melbourne brunch |
| Fish and chips | Dim sim |
| Green-lipped mussels | Souvlaki |
Which is cheaper?
Auckland is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $160–$280 per person there, against $180–$320 in Melbourne (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Auckland on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 2,626 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 10 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Auckland or Melbourne cheaper?
Auckland is usually less expensive: about $160–$280 a day mid-range against $180–$320 (estimates).
+Is Auckland or Melbourne better for a first trip?
Pick Auckland for Sky Tower and Volcanic cones, or Melbourne for Laneway cafés, Street art and free sights.
+How far is Auckland from Melbourne?
About 2,626 km in a straight line.