A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Atami vs. Christchurch for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Atami or Christchurch?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Atami and Christchurch can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Atami

Atami is a nostalgic, authentic, and overlooked town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Christchurch

Christchurch is a outdoorsy, adventure-filled, and cultural city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Atami and Christchurch: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atami or Christchurch?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Christchurch than Atami, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Christchurch is more touristy than Atami and is popular for its outdoor beauty and relaxing, scenic atmosphere. Also, Christchurch is famous for the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Atami is well known for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches.

How is Atami different from Christchurch?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atami or Christchurch?

Christchurch is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Christchurch. The city is filled with street art and local galleries. There's also Canterbury Museum, the International Antarctic Centre, the Arts Centre, and the Riccarton House & Bush.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Atami. The onsen, or hot springs, have historically been a big draw to this town. Places to experience them include Oedo Onsen Monogatari Atami, Otsuki Hotel Wafukan, and Myoraku-Yu. Other sights around town include Kaminiya Shrine and the MOA Museum of Art.

Is the Food Better in Atami or Christchurch? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Christchurch is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Christchurch has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a mix of cozy cafes and casual eateries around town. You'll also find some fine dining restaurants as well as international flavors.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Atami area. You'll find an authentic Japanese dining experience here, with a lot of seafood due to the city's coastal location. Popular dishes include sushi, dried fish, and fish boiled in broth.

Is Atami or Christchurch Better for Nightlife?

Christchurch is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Christchurch has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has its share of dance clubs, live music venues, and laid back bars. You'll find a number of popular hangout spots around Oxford Terrace or on the historic New Regent Street.

Atami has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The town was once a place to escape the city and enjoy a fun night out, but these days it's a bit quieter and has more of a nostalgic vibe. Head to Yushima Yugijo Yushima Amusement Center for some of the best nightlife in town.

Is Atami or Christchurch Better for Beaches?

Christchurch is a very popular place for the beache. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

The beaches at Christchurch attract visitors from all over. There are sandy beaches in the area with water sports and various amenities. The summer months are the most popular time for hanging out at the beach, and you'll find local families playing in the sun or enjoying a picnic.

Atami offers a nice beach destination. The most popular beach in the city is Atami Sun Beach, which is right in town. It's a place to relax in the sun, and there are sometimes fireworks throughout the year.

Is Atami or Christchurch Better for Hiking?

Christchurch is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Atami is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Christchurch. There are many beautiful hikes in the area that take you along the coastline or past local historic sights. The landscape is diverse and you'll find many amazing parks in the area. Hooker Valley Track is one of the best hiking routes nearby.

Atami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atami or Christchurch?

Christchurch is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Christchurch is well-known for its shopping. There's a mix of boutique shops, outlet malls, and open air markets. Some of the best shopping places include the Tannery and the Colombo.

Many visitors go to Atami to go shopping. You'll find a couple of retro shopping streets in town such as Atami Ekimae Shopping Street, Nakamise Shopping Street, and Heiwadori Shopping Street. There are arcades and food stalls where you can sample local dishes.

Is Atami or Christchurch Better for Families?

Christchurch is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Christchurch is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The International Antarctic Centre is a thrilling and fun experience. There's also the Orana Wildlife Park or Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. For adrenaline junkies there are the ropes courses at the Adrenalin Forest. There are also many indoor playgrounds and rock climbing facilities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Atami. The city is a hot springs area, but you can also head to the nearby beaches and other family-friendly activities.

Is Atami or Christchurch Better for Couples?

Christchurch is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Christchurch makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Punting on the Avon River is one of the most romantic activities in the city. There are also botanical gardens, parks, and natural areas that are fun to explore. Nearby, you can do a wine tour, or there are cocktail bars and charming restaurants in town. The city also has a nice theater and many other date night activities.

Atami is a good town for couples to visit. This is a beach and hot springs resort area, and in historic times it was a honeymoon destination. Today you'll find beaches, hot springs, shopping, and museums to explore, but most visitors use it as a base to explore the nearby areas, as the town itself doesn't have a lot to offer.

Is Atami or Christchurch Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Christchurch is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Christchurch. There's no shortage of hostels around town, and many backpackers pass through Christchurch on their epic New Zealand adventure.

Plenty of backpackers visit Atami. While there aren't a huge number of hostels in the area, and backpackers often skip over this town, prices aren't particularly high so you should be able to find something affordable.

Is Atami or Christchurch Better for Students?

Christchurch is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Atami is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Christchurch. It's the largest city on the South Island and there are plenty of activities and nearby trips that you can enjoy.

Atami is not popular with students.

Is Atami or Christchurch Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Atami and Christchurch.

Atami has some public transit options. There are public buses, such as the YuYu Bus, which has two routes and passes by many of the town's attractions.

You'll find some public transit in Christchurch, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. While it's not a diverse transit system, the buses are well connected and offer the cheapest way to get around town.

Is Atami or Christchurch a more walkable city?

Christchurch is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Christchurch is a very walkable city. The city center is relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

Atami is a somewhat walkable town. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Atami Worth Visiting? and Is Christchurch Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Christchurch or Atami?

How long in Atami or Christchurch?

It's fun to spend time in either Atami or Christchurch. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Christchurch due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Atami, and 2-4 days is enough time in Christchurch.

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

Couples should spend more time in Christchurch than Atami. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Christchurch that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Christchurch than Atami 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 Christchurch.

One day in Atami or Christchurch?

In Atami, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this overlooked town offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

In Christchurch, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this adventure-filled destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Atami or Christchurch?

Atami is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Christchurch. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Atami or Christchurch?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the nostalgic destination of Atami. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Christchurch is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Christchurch. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Atami or Christchurch?

Atami is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the outdoorsy destination of Christchurch. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

When comparing the travel costs between Atami and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Atami is in Asia and Christchurch is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Atami or Christchurch?

Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Atami. When comparing the sizes of Atami and Christchurch, 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 Atami or Christchurch?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Christchurch is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Atami has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Atami or Christchurch in the Summer?

Both Christchurch and Atami during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Atami for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Christchurch in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Atami is a little warmer than Christchurch in the summer. The daily temperature in Atami averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Christchurch fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in January.

In Christchurch, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Atami often gets less sunshine than Christchurchin January. Atami gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 224 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atami. Atami usually gets more rain in July than Christchurchin January. Atami gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atami or Christchurch in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Atami and Christchurch. Many visitors come to Atami in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Atami is a little warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atami in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Christchurch averages at about 12°C (54°F)in April.

Atami usually receives less sunshine than Christchurch during autumn. Atami gets 130 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Atami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Atami usually receives more rain than Christchurchin April. Atami gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Atami or Christchurch in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Atami as well as Christchurch. Most visitors come to Atami for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Atami is generally cooler than Christchurchin July. Daily temperatures in Atami average around 5°C (42°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Atami often gets more sunshine than Christchurchin July. Atami gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun.

Atami usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Christchurchin July. Atami gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atami or Christchurch in the Spring?

Both Christchurch and Atami are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Atami because of the beaches. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.

Atami is a little warmer than Christchurch in the spring. The daily temperature in Atami averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Christchurch. Atami usually receives less sunshine than Christchurch during spring. Atami gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Atami. In April, Atami usually receives more rain than Christchurchin October. Atami gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Christchurch and Atami