A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Benxi vs. Rotorua for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Benxi or Rotorua?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Benxi and Rotorua 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.

Where Should I go: Benxi or Rotorua?

Benxi

Benxi, China is a city in the south east of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The city itself is a major industrial hub, but is best known for the Benxi Shuidong National Park where you'll find the famous five million year old water cave. Benxi experiences cold winters, with weather being less enjoyable for touring from November through March. May through August see much warmer weather, getting up to the high 80's Fahrenheit in late summer. September and October are also good times to visit as temperatures cool to 60-70 degrees.

Rotorua

Located on the banks of Lake Rotorua, Rotorua is famous as the thermal wonderland of New Zealand. The area has a variety of geothermal sights, but it is also close to several lakes and has more traditional activities as well, including fishing, boating and white water rafting.

Rotorua is located in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, which is the largest volcano in the area. There are four major volcanic calderas that now have lakes, and several other volcanoes in the area. Rotorua sits on top of a thermal hot spring, and there are many vents and hot pools throughout the area. Many of the hot pools and sights are located within parks, with some of the best being Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rainbow Springs Nature Park, and Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.

Rotorua has a warm, temperate climate. Because of the area's inland location, it has less wind than many places in New Zealand. Temperatures during the winter months can fall to below freezing, but snow is incredibly rare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, and The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Benxi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Benxi is $97, while the average daily cost in Rotorua is $100. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Benxi and Rotorua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Benxi $48
    Rotorua $51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Benxi $96
    Rotorua $102
Compare Hotels in Benxi and Rotorua

Looking for a hotel in Benxi or Rotorua? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Benxi


Hotels in Rotorua


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Rotorua Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Benxi $32
    Rotorua $5.34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotorua

Also for Rotorua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Rotorua to Auckland Afternoon Transfer with Waitomo Glow Worms: $190

Is it cheaper to fly into Benxi or Rotorua?

Prices for flights to both Rotorua and Benxi change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Benxi $31
    Rotorua $31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotorua

For Rotorua, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Mitai Maori Village: Cultural Experience and Dinner Buffet: $98
  • Lake Rotoiti Evening Kayak Tour including Hot Springs, Glowworm Caves and BBQ Dinner: $128
  • Te Pa Tu Māori Cultural Experience with Dinner: $165

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Benxi $7.45
    Rotorua $36

Typical Entertainment Prices in Rotorua

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Rotorua's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Lunch Out for Two
    $29

Tours and Activities in Rotorua

For Rotorua, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Mini Golf Experience: $13
  • Jade Carving Experience at a Local Studio: $22
  • Whaka Geothermal Trails Self-Guided Tour: $23
  • Mountain Jade Highlights Tour: $23
  • Geothermal Mineral Baths Experience: Pavilion Pools for 12+: $29
  • Geothermal Adults Only Mineral Bathing - Pavilion Pools Bathing Ticket: $29
  • Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour: $29
  • Waimangu Volcanic Valley Entry Ticket: $29
  • Waimangu Volcanic Valley Entry Ticket: $29
  • Lake View Private Pools Experience: $32
  • Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua: $32
  • Whaka Trails and Maori Village Combo Tour : $46

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Benxi $7.85
    Rotorua $12

Typical Alcohol Prices in Rotorua

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rotorua:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $12


When comparing the travel costs between Benxi and Rotorua, we can see that Rotorua 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 Benxi is in Asia and Rotorua 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 Benxi Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Benxi or Rotorua?

Benxi has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Benxi and Rotorua, 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 Benxi or Rotorua?

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

Should I visit Benxi or Rotorua in the Summer?

Both Rotorua and Benxi during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.

In the summer, Benxi is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Benxi in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Rotorua averages at about 12°C (54°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Benxi. Benxi usually gets more rain in July than Rotoruain January. Benxi gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Benxi 25°C (78°F) 
    Rotorua 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Benxi or Rotorua in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Benxi and Rotorua. Also, many travelers come to Rotorua for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Benxi is generally cooler than Rotoruain April. Daily temperatures in Benxi average around 11°C (52°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In October, Benxi usually receives more rain than Rotoruain April. Benxi gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Benxi 11°C (52°F) 
    Rotorua 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Benxi or Rotorua in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Benxi as well as Rotorua. Also, many visitors come to Rotorua in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Benxi. Benxi is much colder than Rotorua in the winter. The daily temperature in Benxi averages around -10°C (14°F) in January, and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in July.

Benxi usually gets more rain in January than Rotoruain July. Benxi gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Benxi -10°C (14°F) 
    Rotorua 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Benxi or Rotorua in the Spring?

Both Rotorua and Benxi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Rotorua for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Benxi is much colder than Rotorua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Benxi in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Rotorua averages at about 19°C (66°F)in October.

In April, Benxi usually receives more rain than Rotoruain October. Benxi gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Benxi 11°C (51°F) 
    Rotorua 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Benxi

Benxi Rotorua
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -10°C (14°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 2°C (35°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 25°C (76°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 51 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 2°C (35°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Dec -7°C (20°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)