Comparison · Auckland vs Sydney · New Zealand / Australia
Auckland vs Sydney
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
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Quick answer
Choose Auckland for Sky Tower, Volcanic cones and lower day-to-day costs; choose Sydney for Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and free sights. Auckland is generally less expensive, and the two are about 2,156 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 2,156 km
- Less expensive
- Auckland
- Best time for Auckland
- February–April and December
- Best time for Sydney
- March–April and September–November
Side by side
| Auckland | Sydney | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | New Zealand | Australia |
| Known for | Sky Tower, Volcanic cones and Waiheke Island wineries | Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach |
| Best time to visit | February–April and December | March–April and September–November |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $160–$280 | $200–$350 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Expensive |
| Warmest month | February, 25°C (77°F) | January, 26°C (79°F) |
| Coldest month | July, 15°C (59°F) | July, 17°C (63°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 11 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Beaches | Mission Bay | Bondi Beach |
| Airports | AKL | SYD |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Auckland for…
Sky Tower, Volcanic cones and lower day-to-day costs. 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…
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Choose Sydney for…
Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and free sights. Sydney wraps around a deep natural harbour, with the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge facing each other across Circular Quay and surf beaches strung along the ocean coast to the east and north. Most visitors base themselves between Circular Quay, the CBD…
Top sights compared
| # | Auckland | Sydney |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sky Tower | Sydney Opera House |
| 2 | Auckland War Memorial Museum | Sydney Harbour Bridge |
| 3 | Maungawhau / Mount Eden | Royal Botanic Garden and Mrs Macquarie's Chair |
| 4 | Rangitoto Island | The Rocks |
| 5 | Waiheke Island | Bondi Beach |
Food compared
| Auckland | Sydney |
|---|---|
| Flat white | Sydney rock oysters |
| Meat pie | Meat pie |
| Fish and chips | Flat white |
| Green-lipped mussels | Smashed avocado and ricotta hotcakes |
Which is cheaper?
Auckland is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $160–$280 per person there, against $200–$350 in Sydney (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Auckland on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 2,156 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 10 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Auckland or Sydney cheaper?
Auckland is usually less expensive: about $160–$280 a day mid-range against $200–$350 (estimates).
+Is Auckland or Sydney better for a first trip?
Pick Auckland for Sky Tower, Volcanic cones and lower day-to-day costs, or Sydney for Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and free sights.
+How far is Auckland from Sydney?
About 2,156 km in a straight line.