Im going on vacation to New Zealand, which city is better to visit? Auckland, Christchurch or Wellington?

Question

Im going on vacation and have the choice of flying into Auckland, Christchurch or Wellington but we can only afford to visit one city... Which one is closer/has the best scenery, parties, shopping etc for a few 21 year old girls?

Answer 1

I recomend Christchurch. Auckland is a nice enough place, but it just isnt that eye catching or exciting. You walk around Auckland and could feel like you're in any other place in the world.

Christchurch on the other hand is a lot smaller, and I found the people to be FAR MORE friendly. It's a very pretty city, as the River Avon runs through the centre of it, and they've created several Km's of super green parklands in the middle of the city around the river. You can go punting and paddling on it.

Christchurch also has some good tourist attractions, such as the International Antarctic Centre where you can go for a ride in a hagglund snow mobile over a specially built track, and inside the building it has a blizzard simulator, which is this room full of snow. Every 20 mins of so they simulate an Antarctic storm with these huge fans. It's freezing! There are also some good day trips which you can take from Christchurch, such as to the foothills of the Southern Alps or out to penguin colonies etc.

The pubs there are pretty excellent as well. The Bard On Avon and The Bicycle Thief are 2 places you should check out if you go.

Answer 2

I would recommend all three! But not everyone has that luxury of course. My name is Ryan, and I am the director of the New Zealand Tours company called Haka Tours. I have had a lot of experience traveling around New Zealand, and from my experience, it really depends on what you want to see! Here is a brief overview of each city. Auckland - the Biggest City in New Zealand Auckland is known as the "international city" of New Zealand. This is because Auckland has the largest airport, and most international flights come in and out of Auckland. To get to other cities, you usually take a second plane to travel there. Auckland is a sprawling, metropolitan city. Over 1 million people live there, which is about one quarter of the New Zealand population! Auckland has a lot of activities to do; it has Rainbows End, the only theme park in New Zealand. It has the best restaurants and shopping in the country. It is not very picturesque; but there are a lot of things to see and do. Wellington - The Capital City of New Zealand Wellington has a buzzing nightlife, and it has excellent restaurants and shopping options. It is split into two sections; the suburbs on the hills, and the downtown area of Wellington city. The downtown area of Wellington has tonnes of culture and has the national Parliament buildings. The hills are very picturesque, with gardens, great views and period buildings. The problem with visiting Wellington, is that traveling between the hills and the downtown area is expensive and time consuming. The public transport leaves a lot to be desired. If you visit Wellington, my advice is to get a car rental! Christchurch - the Garden City Christchurch is an interesting city to visit. It lacks the shopping and eating options that Wellington and Auckland have. This is largely due to the recent earthquakes destroying the CBD. It also has a lot less to "do" due to, once again, the earthquake destroying the CBD of the city. On the other hand, if you are interested by "disaster tourism", Christchurch is a great place to come.. you might even experience a (small and safe) earthquake! On the other hand, it is very picturesque. Gardens and trees are spread all throughout the city. Christchurch has the world re known botanical gardens. If you have a car, there are a lot of beautiful places only a couple of hours drive away. Hamner is just a 1.5 hours easy drive away and has amazing sights and great hot pools, and Akaroa is a beautiful French inspired township. Conclusion Christchurch is the most picturesque location, but earthquakes are not for everyone. My suggestion is probably that you spend a day in Auckland on a small tour, then head to Wellington and explore that for the next couple of days. Weather is not a problem for either.

Answer 3

Its a tough choice. Out of the 3 I preferred Christchurch which I found to be very similar to Cambridge but with a lot better scenery once you leave the city centre. There is loads to do there and lots to see and some ok bars. The Antarctic Centre is worth a look at and I would reccommend going up on the Gondola. Aukland is nice aswell but feels like a big city and is pretty good for shopping, has an ok zoo and Kelly Tarltons underwater world if you like animals. Wellington is ok but the weather was bad both times I've been there so didn't see too much apart from the botanical gardens which are worth a look. Which ever one you go to you will have a great time as NZ is a fantastic place to visit.

Answer 4

I lived in auckland for a while... and ive been to wellington. Id say go to every part on NZ, its a beautiful country. I cant speak for christchurch cause ive never been there but out of wellington and auckland id say go to auckland.

Answer 5

Definitely Auckland. It's alot warmer, and has loads of bars and clubs for you to visit. Loads of shopping places aswell. I recommend staying in Auckland city, where you are near the viaduct. That is where all the bars and shops are. Recommend you visit Boogie Wonderland - a 70's themed bar with a disco light up floor. Great bartenders, and great cocktails!

Answer 6

Auckland is very good because it has tons of good places to visit and a great place to sight see. also if you go to rotorua, go in a zorb it is really fun.
the south island is much more beautiful though. (i have been to all, roadtrip!!*in an RV, you should try it)

Answer 7

Auckland.The other two are for wrinklies.