A Travel Price Comparison for New Zealand Christchurch vs. Arrowtown for Hiking, Families, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Christchurch or Arrowtown?

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

Should I visit Christchurch or Arrowtown? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Christchurch

Christchurch is a cultural, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled city. Christchurch is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Christchurch travel costs.

Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a quaint, quirky, and historic town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing. See Arrowtown travel costs.

Christchurch and Arrowtown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Christchurch or Arrowtown?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Arrowtown. Although Christchurch and Arrowtown are popular destinations, Arrowtown has more sights and attractions for tourists. Arrowtown is very popular for its skiing, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Christchurch attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, nightlife, beaches, and impressive beauty. Arrowtown is more touristy than Christchurch and is popular for its gold rush history, impressive ski slopes, and famous hikes. It is also well known for the Chinese Settlement. Christchurch is famous for its outdoor beauty and relaxing, scenic atmosphere.

How is Christchurch different from Arrowtown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Christchurch or Arrowtown Better for Skiing?

Arrowtown is well known for winter skiing. However, Christchurch is not a skiing destination.

People head to Arrowtown specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. In the area you'll find amazing skiing that ranges from professional level to family-friendly.

Christchurch is not a skiing destination.

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

Christchurch is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Christchurch specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Arrowtown offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town feels likes a living museum with its historic sights. There's also the Lakes District Museum in town that you can visit.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Christchurch and Arrowtown.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Christchurch. 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.

Arrowtown has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. For such a small town, there's a surprising number of great restaurants with award winning chefs. You'll find quaint cafes, traditional eateries, and casual restaurants where you can sample the local dishes.

Is Christchurch or Arrowtown Better for Nightlife?

Christchurch is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Christchurch has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Arrowtown has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. For such a small town, there's a surprisingly bustling nightlife scene with casual pubs and waterfront bars.

Is Christchurch or Arrowtown Better for Beaches?

Christchurch is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, Arrowtown is not a beach destination.

Christchurch is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Arrowtown is not a beach destination.

Is Christchurch or Arrowtown Better for its Old Town?

Arrowtown is well known for its old town. However, Christchurch does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Arrowtown. This is a quirky and charming historic mining town that has many cottages and historic buildings. Many places have been restored to maintain their original character.

Christchurch does not have a historic old town.

Is Christchurch or Arrowtown Better for Hiking?

Arrowtown is terrific for its hiking experiences. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

People visit Arrowtown specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Many people use this town as a jumping off point for some of the world's most iconic hikes. You can explore Lord of the Rings country or do one of fifteen different listed walks in the area.

Many visitors go to Christchurch for the hiking trails. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Christchurch or Arrowtown?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Arrowtown and Christchurch.

Christchurch is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 explore the shopping areas in Arrowtown. Shopping is an experience in town. Head to Buckingham Street, which is the main street in town. You can wander through a wild west setting with local vendors and quirky galleries.

Is Christchurch or Arrowtown More Beautiful?

Christchurch is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Arrowtown is not a destination known for its beauty.

Christchurch is a gorgeous place to visit. With its many beautiful parks, gardens, and outdoor spaces, this is a very scenic city.

Arrowtown is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Christchurch or Arrowtown Better for Families?

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

Christchurch is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Arrowtown is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the old world charm as much as adults. There's gold panning, bike trails, and even a historic Chinese village. During the winter there are snow sports and during the summer there are outdoor activities that take advantage of the nice weather.

Is Christchurch or Arrowtown Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Christchurch and Arrowtown make for a great place to visit.

Couples visit Christchurch frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Arrowtown is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The charming atmosphere and beautiful walks make this a great weekend destination for couples. You can take a stroll on the Arrow River Walkway or grab a meal at a quaint cafe followed by ice cream at a classic ice cream parlor.

Is Christchurch or Arrowtown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Christchurch and Arrowtown are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Christchurch is a great city to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of hostels around town, and many backpackers pass through Christchurch on their epic New Zealand adventure.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Arrowtown. There are a couple of hostels in town and backpackers love the frequent festivals and activities that the town hosts.

Is Christchurch or Arrowtown Better for Students?

Christchurch is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Arrowtown is not popular with students.

Christchurch is very popular with students. It's the largest city on the South Island and there are plenty of activities and nearby trips that you can enjoy.

Arrowtown is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Christchurch and Arrowtown.

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.

While Arrowtown offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses throughout the region.

Is Christchurch or Arrowtown a more walkable city?

Christchurch is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Arrowtown is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Arrowtown or Christchurch?

How long in Christchurch or Arrowtown?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Christchurch or Arrowtown to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Christchurch than Arrowtown because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Christchurch, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arrowtown.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Christchurch than Arrowtown 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 Christchurch or Arrowtown?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Christchurch. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Arrowtown is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

A weekend in Christchurch or Arrowtown?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the adventure-filled destination of Christchurch. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Arrowtown is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Christchurch or Arrowtown?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the adventure-filled city of Christchurch. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Arrowtown is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Christchurch or Arrowtown?

Christchurch is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Arrowtown is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Christchurch and Arrowtown, we can see that Arrowtown 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. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Arrowtown?

Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 170 times larger than the population of Arrowtown. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Arrowtown, 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.