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

Should you visit Christchurch or Denver?

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

Should I visit Christchurch or Denver? 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 outdoorsy, adventure-filled, and cultural city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Denver

Denver is a suburban, accessible, and sprawling city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Christchurch and Denver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Christchurch or Denver?

Both Denver and Christchurch have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Christchurch is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Denver is more popular for its skiing and big city activities. Christchurch is more touristy than Denver and is known for its outdoor beauty and relaxing, scenic atmosphere. Denver is well known for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area.

How is Christchurch different from Denver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Christchurch or Denver Better for Skiing?

Denver is a popular place for winter skiing. However, Christchurch is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Denver is a great destination to visit. Although there's no skiing in the immediate area, there is a huge list of world class ski resorts within an hour or two of town. Two of the closest are Echo Mountain Resort and Loveland Ski Area.

Christchurch is not a skiing destination.

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

Christchurch is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Denver is not a good city for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Christchurch can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

While most people don't head to Denver specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Many people use Denver as a starting or ending point for their mountain and national park trip, but those who linger can visit some of the city's museums and sights. Popular museums include the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the History Colorado Center, and the Forney Museum of Transportation.

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

Christchurch is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Denver is not a good city for its restaurants.

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.

Denver may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. It's a pretty large city, so you'll find some nice local restaurants, but the foodie scene is still emerging in many neighborhoods. A number of restaurants offer outdoor seating, which is nice. You'll also find a growing selection of international restaurants. For something uniquely local, you should try the Bison steak and fried pickles.

Is Christchurch or Denver Better for Nightlife?

Christchurch is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Christchurch offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Denver. The city has come a long way with its nightlife. There's a great craft beer scene and the downtown area has really come to life. Popular bars and clubs in town include the Grizzly Rose and 54Thirty Rooftop. Many places are concentrated in the Soco Nightlife District.

Is Christchurch or Denver Better for Beaches?

Christchurch is a well-known place for the beache. However, Denver is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Christchurch. 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.

Denver is not a beach destination.

Is Christchurch or Denver Better for Hiking?

Christchurch is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its hiking trails.

Christchurch is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Denver. The city is very close to many beautiful parks and hiking areas in the Rocky Mountains. It's not hard to make a day trip from town and enjoy some great hiking. Nice options include the Trading Post Trail in Red Rocks Mountain Park, Bergen Peak near Evergreen, and Chimney Gulch Trail near the town of Golden.

Is the Shopping Better in Christchurch or Denver?

Christchurch is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

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.

Denver has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has many outlet malls that budget shoppers appreciate. There are also weekend farmer's markets, boutique shopping areas, and all of the major chains that you'll find in most larger cities.

Is Christchurch or Denver Better for Families?

Christchurch is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Christchurch is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

Denver is a family-friendly city. It is a family-friendly city with museums, playgrounds, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are also a few ropes courses near town that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Popular activities include the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus.

Is Christchurch or Denver Better for Couples?

Christchurch is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Christchurch is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Denver is a good city for couples to visit. There are many beautiful and romantic outdoor activities in the area such as parks and botanical gardens. There are also spas, including the impressive Spa at the Brown Palace, as well as upscale restaurants and fun bars and clubs to explore.

Is Christchurch or Denver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Christchurch is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Denver is not a good city 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.

Denver is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Some backpackers fly into Denver to begin their national park tour. There is a hostel or two around town, and if you leave town quickly you'll find campgrounds not far away.

Is Christchurch or Denver Better for Students?

Christchurch is a well-known place for students. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Christchurch is a great city to visit as a student. It's the largest city on the South Island and there are plenty of activities and nearby trips that you can enjoy.

Plenty of students visit Denver. There are a few students in the city, but there isn't a college town vibe that you'd get at other nearby university areas.

Is Christchurch or Denver 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 Denver.

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 Denver offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. If you're not planning to leave town, the light rail and bus systems offer good access to much of Denver.

Is Christchurch or Denver a more walkable city?

Christchurch is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Denver is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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

Denver is not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is generally walkable, this is still a sprawling city where you'll really want to have a car to access areas outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Denver or Christchurch?

How long in Christchurch or Denver?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Christchurch and Denver. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Christchurch than in Denver. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Christchurch, and 2-3 days is enough time in Denver.

Families should spend more time in Christchurch than Denver. 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 Denver. 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 Denver 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 Denver?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Christchurch. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Denver, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this park-filled city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Christchurch or Denver?

Christchurch 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.

Denver 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.

Five days in Christchurch or Denver?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Christchurch. 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.

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the suburban destination of Denver. 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.

A week in Christchurch or Denver?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Christchurch. This city 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.

Denver 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.

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 Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Denver, we can see that Denver is more expensive. And not only is Christchurch much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Christchurch is in Pacific and Denver is in North America, 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 Christchurch would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Christchurch 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 Denver would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Denver than you might in Christchurch.

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

Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Denver?

Denver has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Denver, 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.