A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chichibu-Tama-Kai vs. Picton for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Picton?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Picton 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a relaxing, natural, and beautiful national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Picton

Picton is a picturesque, scenic, and quaint town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Picton: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Picton?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Picton than Chichibu-Tama-Kai, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Picton is better known for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai is more popular for its impressive beauty. Picton is more touristy than Chichibu-Tama-Kai and is popular for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails. Also, Picton is famous for the Queen Charlotte Track. Chichibu-Tama-Kai is well known for its beautiful hikes and accessibility from Tokyo.

How is Chichibu-Tama-Kai different from Picton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Picton and Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Picton?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai
Picton

Picton is a town with good options for its historical sights. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Picton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are hikes that pass by historic villages and you'll see several ancient shrines such as Musashi-Mitake-jinja Shrine. Between the months of June and November you may even be able to see kagura, which is a traditional Shinto dance performance that has been passed down through the generations.


Is the Food Better in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Picton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai
Picton

Picton is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Picton. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. There are a couple of restaurants in and near the park, but if you're going for a longer hike, you're better off packing your own picnic.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Picton Better for Nightlife?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai
Picton

Picton is adequate for nightlife. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

Picton doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

People don't go to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the nightlife. Soaking up the natural beauty is what brings people here, not the nightlife.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Picton Better for Beaches?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai
Picton

Picton is great for its beaches. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Picton attract visitors from all over. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a beach destination.


Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Picton Better for Hiking?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai
Picton

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Picton are destinations which offer very good hiking.

Many visitors go to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the hiking trails. There are a range of hikes in this park that include everything from day trip hikes and multi-day treks with camping and mountain huts available. The trails run along gorges, pass by lakes, and take you through pristine forests.

Picton is a popular spot for hiking. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Picton?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai
Picton

Picton is a town with good options for shopping. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Picton. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Picton Better for Families?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai
Picton

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Picton are very good to visit with kids.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very family-friendly destination. This national park offers educational programs, hiking, and outdoor adventures that the entire family can enjoy. If you kids need a break from history and cities, then this is the perfect place to reconnect with nature for a few days.

Picton is a very kid-friendly national park. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.


Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Picton Better for Couples?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai
Picton

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Picton are very good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. Hiking, natural beauty, and adrenaline-filled adventures all make this a wonderful couples destination for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of town.

Picton is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Picton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai
Picton

Picton is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for backpackers.

Picton is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's less than two hours from Tokyo, so backpackers can enjoy easy access to an accessible natural area.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Picton Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai
Picton

Picton is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Picton offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are water taxis but no buses around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's recommended that you have a car to efficiently explore the park. There are some bus options within the park, such as the Nishi Tokyo Bus that runs to popular hiking spots in the Okutama and Mitake areas and the Yamanashi Kotsu bus service that goes to trails in Yamanashi.


Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Picton a more walkable city?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai
Picton

Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Picton are very good when it comes to walkability.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is very walkable. There are hiking trails that cater to every level, from beginner to more experienced.

Picton is a very walkable national park. It's a quaint and compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai Worth Visiting? and Is Picton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Picton or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

How long in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Picton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Picton to fill your time. In our opinion, Picton has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Picton than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Picton than Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Picton.


  • How many days in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Picton? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai 1-2 
    Picton 1-2

One day in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Picton?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

With food and shopping around the destination of Picton, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Picton?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With shopping and museums around the quaint town of Picton, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.


Five days in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Picton?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the scenic destination of Picton. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Picton?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the natural destination of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Picton is a popular choice for travelers. Most people come for the beaches. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


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


Which place is cheaper, Picton or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Chichibu-Tama-Kai is $75, while the average daily cost in Picton is $93. 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Picton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai $36
    Picton $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai $72
    Picton $80
Compare Hotels in Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Picton

Looking for a hotel in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Picton? 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai


Hotels in Picton


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: Picton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai $22
    Picton -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Picton

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Picton:

  • Private Transfer from Picton Port to Blenheim Airport (BHE): $48
  • Private Transfer from Picton Cruise Port to Blenheim City Hotels: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Picton?

Prices for flights to both Picton and Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai $26
    Picton $21

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai $7.69
    Picton $117

Tours and Activities in Picton

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Picton are as follows:

  • 1-Day Cruise in Queen Charlotte Track & Kupes Trail Walk: $126
  • 2 hour Dolphin Viewing Eco-Tour from Picton: $96
  • 3.5 Hour Marlborough Sounds Delivery Cruise: $71
  • Bird Watching and Dolphin Eco-Tour from Picton: $96
  • CRUISE SHIP DAY Marlborough Hop On Hop Off Tours: $64
  • Captain Cook and Dolphin Cruise: $96
  • Cruise Excursion - Wines of Marlborough Tour: $136
  • Cruise and Lunch at Furneaux Lodge: $87
  • Day Cruise & Lunch at Punga Cove Resort: $87
  • Discover Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Dolphin Swimming and Watching E-Ko-Tour from Picton: $116
  • Early Bird Eco Cruise: $78

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai $8.94
    Picton $37

Sample the Local Flavors in Picton

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Picton:

  • Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour (full day) in the Marlborough Region.: $45
  • Self-Guided Wine Tours by Bike with Lorelle & Greg : $45
  • Marlborough: Hop On Hop Off Wine, Brewery, and Wonders Tour: $57
  • Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Marlborough: $58
  • Marlborough Afternoon Wine Tour with Tastings: $74
  • Half-Day Wine Tour from Blenheim: $94
  • Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton: $94
  • Marlborough Discovery Sampler Wine Tour - 1/2Day Blenheim: $107
  • Taste the Valley Wine Tour in Marlborough with Wine Tasting: $107
  • Discover Marlborough Wine - Afternoon Marlborough Wine Tour : $107
  • Morning Guided with Afternoon Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour: $110
  • Half-Day Marlborough Wine Tour & Beer Tour : $116


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Picton, we can see that Picton is more expensive. And not only is Chichibu-Tama-Kai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Chichibu-Tama-Kai is in Asia and Picton is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Chichibu-Tama-Kai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chichibu-Tama-Kai and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Picton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Picton than you might in Chichibu-Tama-Kai.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai Expensive? and Is Picton Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Picton?

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

Should I visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Picton in the Summer?

Both Picton and Chichibu-Tama-Kai during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chichibu-Tama-Kai this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Picton for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is generally a little warmer than Pictonin January. Daily temperatures in Chichibu-Tama-Kai average around 25°C (78°F), and Picton fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Chichibu-Tama-Kai usually gets more rain in July than Pictonin January. Chichibu-Tama-Kai gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai 25°C (78°F) 
    Picton 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Picton in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Picton. Many travelers come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Picton in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a little warmer than Picton in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chichibu-Tama-Kai averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Picton fluctuates around 15°C (58°F)in April.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Chichibu-Tama-Kai usually receives more rain than Pictonin April. Chichibu-Tama-Kai gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai 17°C (62°F) 
    Picton 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Picton in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chichibu-Tama-Kai as well as Picton. Many visitors come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Picton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is much colder than Picton. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chichibu-Tama-Kai in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Picton averages at about 10°C (49°F)in July.

It's quite rainy in Picton. Chichibu-Tama-Kai usually gets less rain in January than Pictonin July. Chichibu-Tama-Kai gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai 4°C (39°F) 
    Picton 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Picton in the Spring?

Both Picton and Chichibu-Tama-Kai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Picton because of the beaches and the small town charm.

In April, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is generally around the same temperature as Pictonin October. Daily temperatures in Chichibu-Tama-Kai average around 13°C (56°F), and Picton fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In April, Chichibu-Tama-Kai usually receives less rain than Pictonin October. Chichibu-Tama-Kai gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai 13°C (56°F) 
    Picton 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Picton and Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Chichibu-Tama-Kai Picton
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 25 mm (1 in) 18°C (64°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 15°C (58°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 10°C (49°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 177 mm (7 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 52 mm (2 in) 15°C (58°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 6°C (43°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)