Should you visit Christchurch or Cromwell?
Should I visit Christchurch or Cromwell? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Christchurch
Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, right beside the Canterbury Plains. Most people begin their South Island travels here. The city itself can be fascinating to explore so it is worth allowing yourself several days in town as an introduction to the region.
The River Avon flows through the city center, twisting through the old buildings. Christchurch is referred to in New Zealand as the Garden City and it is easy to see why. It's quite a nice city with trees spread throughout. The economy is centered around international tourism as well as foreign education. There is a high Asian student population here, giving the city a diverse feel.
Christchurch's climate is temperate and the city receives moderate rainfall. In January average high temperatures are around 73 degrees Fahrenheit with averages around 52 degrees Fahrenheit in July. There is a sea breeze during the summer months that keep temperatures pleasant. Temperatures can drop below freezing at night during the winter months. Snow may also fall several times a year.
Cromwell
Cromwell is a town in the Otago region of the South Island of New Zealand. It is situated between two of the main highways on the South Island and is close to Queenstown and Wanaka. Luckily, the town is surrounded by Lake Dunstan, which is good for those who love being near water as Cromwell is the furthest point from the sea in the entire country.
Which city is cheaper, Cromwell or Christchurch?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $93, while the average daily cost in Cromwell is $80. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Christchurch and Cromwell in more detail.
Accommodation
If you're traveling alone, you may be able to find a budget hotel or hostel for around $48. But for two people in a standard two-person hotel room in Christchurch the cost is $96 on average.
Travelers usually pay around $76 for a double occupancy room in Cromwell If you want to be in a premiere location or have high end amenities, you can expect to pay a bit more.
Food
Food in Christchurch costs travelers about $30 per day on average. Restaurants can vary significantly in price, so choose wisely if you're trying to save money. Fast food and street stalls are typically your cheapest options, which sit down restaurants can be significantly more expensive.
While meal prices in Cromwell can vary, the average travelers spends about $26 per day on food. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out, an average meal in Cromwell should cost around $10 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Cromwell is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
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Food
Meals for one day
Christchurch $30
Cromwell $26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Christchurch
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Christchurch.
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Tramway Restaurant 4 Course Dinner Service through Christchurch:
$92
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Willowbank Kiwi Tour and Maori Concert Including Hangi Dinner from Christchurch:
$174
Local Transportation
The average price of local transportation around Christchurch is $14 per person, per day. As this average includes both taxis and public transport, keep in mind that the prices of private drivers and taxis are significantly more expensive than public transportation.
Public transportation tends to be much less expensive in Cromwell than paying for a taxi or private car service, as is expected. Typically, people spend $24 on transportation in Cromwell on average per day.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
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Private & Exclusive One-Way Transfer Christchurch to Queenstown:
$1,264
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Christchurch to Franz Josef or Fox Glacier One-Way Transfer:
$1,185
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Private Transfer: Christchurch to Mount Cook:
$790
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Christchurch To Lake Tekapo One-way Transfer:
$672
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Christchurch to Akaroa transfer up to 4 people:
$186
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Christchurch to Methven Private Transfer(Or Methven to Christchurch):
$163
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Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Car:
$121
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Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car:
$121
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Private Minibus Airport Transfer - Pickup Hotel / Residence to Airport (11 Pax):
$120
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Private Minibus Airport Transfer - Pickup Airport to Hotel / Residence (11 Pax):
$120
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VIP Range Rover Christchurch Airport Transfer to or from Central Christchurch:
$108
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Christchurch Airport Transfers:
$99
Entertainment
Christchurch's costs for entertainment, tickets, attractions, and tours will often cost around $17 per person, per day. This cost can vary widely by the type of activity, however, as this includes admission tickets, day tours, museums, and other things to do.
Sightseeing expenses in Cromwell, including the cost of admission tickets for day tours, museums, and attractions, usually cost an average of $16 per day, per person.
Tours and Activities in Christchurch
Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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1 day private tour from Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt.Cook:
$322
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1-Day Guided Walking Tour and Picnic on Banks Peninsula:
$138
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10 Day Adrenalin Tour. Skydiving, Bungy, Rafting, Climbing, Heli MTB & more.:
$4,219
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10 Day Adventure Tour. Hiking, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Jet Boating & more.:
$4,219
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2 days tour from Christchurch to Queenstown:
$595
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2 hour Christchurch City Tour with scenic Chairlift ride:
$99
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3 Day Christchurch and Akaroa Exclusive Private Tour:
$2,026
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3 hour Christchurch City Tour with Ziplining at Christchurch Adventure Park:
$237
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3-Day Christchurch City Break Tour For Locals:
$337
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3-Day Christchurch and Akaroa Arrival Tour with Harbor Cruise:
$668
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3-Day South Island Circle Tour from Christchurch:
$1,158
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4 Day Kaikoura and Pancake Rocks Private Tour:
$3,317
Tours and Activities in Cromwell
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cromwell.
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Go Karts - Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park:
$37
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Highlands Taxi - Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park:
$98
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Supercar Fast Dash - Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park:
$136
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Mustang V8 U-Drive - Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park:
$300
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Radical U-Drive - Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park:
$326
Alcohol
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Christchurch may vary from person to person, on average a person spends $11 per day on alcoholic beverages.
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Cromwell, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $8.93.
Sample the Local Flavors in Christchurch
Also in Christchurch, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
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A Waipara Wine Experience with Giles Tours, includes wine tastings and lunch:
$95
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All-Inclusive Waipara Region Wine Tour from Christchurch:
$100
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Akaroa Eco-Safari with Alpaca Farm Tour and Wine Tasting:
$103
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Full-day Akaroa Tour with Penguins Safari and Wine Tasting:
$114
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Lyttelton Shore Excursion - Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch:
$115
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Full-day Akaroa Tour with Dolphin Cruise & Wine Tasting:
$133
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Private Waipara Valley Wine Tasting Tour with optional Gourmet Lunch:
$190
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Hanmer Springs Private Day Tour Including Hot Pool & Wine Tasting:
$356
Sample the Local Flavors in Cromwell
Also in Cromwell, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
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THE TIGER TOUR - Full-Day Guided Wine Tour of the Central Otago Wine Region.:
$186
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Wine Tasting at Altitude:
$1,111
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Heli Jeep Wine Tour from Cromwell, Central Otago:
$2,371
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Cromwell, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Cromwell much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cromwell would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cromwell 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 Christchurch would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Christchurch than you might in Cromwell.
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