Comparison · Auckland vs Wellington · New Zealand
Auckland vs Wellington
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 and Volcanic cones; choose Wellington for Te Papa and Wellington Cable Car. Auckland is generally less expensive, and the two are about 493 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 493 km
- Less expensive
- Auckland
- Best time for Auckland
- February–April and December
- Best time for Wellington
- December–March
Side by side
| Auckland | Wellington | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | New Zealand | New Zealand |
| Known for | Sky Tower, Volcanic cones and Waiheke Island wineries | Te Papa, Wellington Cable Car and Café culture |
| Best time to visit | February–April and December | December–March |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $160–$280 | $180–$320 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Expensive |
| Warmest month | February, 25°C (77°F) | February, 21°C (70°F) |
| Coldest month | July, 15°C (59°F) | July, 12°C (54°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 9 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 5 |
| Beaches | Mission Bay | Oriental Bay |
| Airports | AKL | WLG |
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 Wellington for…
Te Papa and Wellington Cable Car. New Zealand's capital wraps around a deep harbour at the southern tip of the North Island, with a compact, walkable centre squeezed between the waterfront and steep green hills. The national museum, Te Papa, sits on the harbour, a red cable car climbs from…
Top sights compared
| # | Auckland | Wellington |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sky Tower | Te Papa Tongarewa |
| 2 | Auckland War Memorial Museum | Wellington Cable Car |
| 3 | Maungawhau / Mount Eden | Wellington Botanic Garden |
| 4 | Rangitoto Island | Space Place at Carter Observatory |
| 5 | Waiheke Island | Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne |
Food compared
| Auckland | Wellington |
|---|---|
| Flat white | Flat white |
| Meat pie | Craft beer |
| Fish and chips | Martinborough Pinot Noir |
| Green-lipped mussels | Fish and chips |
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 Wellington (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Auckland on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Auckland and Wellington are about 493 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Auckland and 3 in Wellington.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Auckland or Wellington cheaper?
Auckland is usually less expensive: about $160–$280 a day mid-range against $180–$320 (estimates).
+Is Auckland or Wellington better for a first trip?
Pick Auckland for Sky Tower and Volcanic cones, or Wellington for Te Papa and Wellington Cable Car.
+How far is Auckland from Wellington?
About 493 km in a straight line.