A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Christchurch vs. Freeport for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Christchurch or Freeport?

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

Should I visit Christchurch or Freeport? 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.

Where Should I go: Christchurch or Freeport?

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.

Freeport

When you picture the Bahamas you likely picture the beaches, resorts and playgrounds of Nassau. Just to the northwest of this tourist paradise is a tropical city founded on industry. Freeport began as mostly swampland and is now the second most populous city in the Bahamas.

This city is less of a tourist attraction - a place where you'll find the true Bahaman culture mixed in with some relaxing spots to help you unwind and get into your island vacation.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Bahamas, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Bahamas.


Which place is cheaper, Freeport or Christchurch?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $117, while the average daily cost in Freeport is $290. 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 Christchurch and Freeport in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Christchurch $49
    Freeport $141
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Christchurch $98
    Freeport $282
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Freeport

Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Freeport? 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 Christchurch


Hotels in Freeport


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: Christchurch Hotel Prices and Freeport Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Christchurch $14
    Freeport $59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:

  • Private Arrival Transfer: Christchurch Airport to Central Christchurch: $298
  • Private Transfer from Christchurch Airport (CHC) to Akaroa Port: $188
  • Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $164
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Car: $129
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car: $129
  • Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Business Car: $94
  • Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $86
  • Private Transfer from Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City: $86
  • Christchurch Airport to City SUV Transfer: $57
  • Christchurch Airport(CHC) to Christchurch-Arrival PrivateTransfer: $48
  • Christchurch Airport (CHC) Private Transfer to Christchurch: $40
  • CHC Airport to Downtown|Hotel Private Transfer: $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Freeport

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

  • Freeport to Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) Departure Private Transfer: $78
  • Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) to Freeport - Arrival Private Transfer: $78
  • Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) to Old Bahama Bay - Private Transfer: $78
  • Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) to Old Bahama Bay -Round-Trip Transfer: $155
  • Grand Bahama Airport(FPO) to Freeport -RoundTrip Private Transfer: $155
  • Luxury SUV Transfer from Airport, cruise port, Celebration Key : $133
  • Old Bahama Bay to Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) - Private Transfer: $78
  • Private One way Airport Transfer in Freeport : $180
  • Private Transfer from FPO to Freeport hotels or resorts: $183
  • Private Transfer from FPO to Old Bahama Bay resort : $256
  • Private Transfer from Freeport Port to Grand Bahama Airport (FPO): $68
  • Private Transfer from Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) to Freeport Port: $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Freeport?

Prices for flights to both Freeport and Christchurch 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
    Christchurch $53
    Freeport $110

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Freeport

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

  • Around Town/Bahamian Cooking Experience: $175

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Christchurch $17
    Freeport $40

Tours and Activities in Christchurch

Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $25
  • Hanmer Springs Pool Day Tour From Christchurch: $137
  • (MT) Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour From Christchurch: $178
  • (MT) Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch: $173
  • (MT) Mount Cook Day Tour From Christchurch: $149
  • 1/2-Day Christchurch Scenic Highlights Small Group Tour: $173
  • 1/2-day Christchurch Scenic Highlights (Private Tour): $238
  • Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $113
  • Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch: $161
  • Arthur's Pass Day Tour From Christchurch with TranzAlpine: $255
  • Arthur's Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour: $238
  • Arthur’s Pass Day Tour From Christchurch With TranzAlpine: $262

Typical Entertainment Prices in Freeport

For Freeport, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • 10 Dive Package
    $299
  • 4 Hr. Kayak Tour
    $70
  • 1/2 Day Snorkel Trip
    $75

Tours and Activities in Freeport

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Freeport.

  • Tour of Coral Vita and breach brak at Banana bay beach club: $51
  • Swim with the Pigs Freeport @Creative Eco Adventures: $72
  • Mamma Gal Celeb-Key Shared Tour: $75
  • Mamma Gal Native Experience : $80
  • Grand Bahama Catamaran Sunset Cruise with Drinks and Snacks: $89
  • Rumbo Tour : $90
  • Mamma Gal East End Native Experience : $95
  • Go Kart Adventure Caves Pirates Beaches: $109
  • Clear Kayak Tour: $120
  • Bahamas Sea Scooter Snorkeling Adventure: $120
  • CocoNutz Cruisers Electric Bicycle Tour: $123
  • Freeport Shore Excursion: Garden of the Groves and City Tour: $126

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Christchurch $11
    Freeport $30

Sample the Local Flavors in Christchurch

Also in Christchurch, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Waipara Wine Tour from Christchurch - including Lunch & Tastings: $113
  • Lyttelton Shore Excursion - Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch: $113
  • From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $116
  • Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour : $134
  • Waipara Valley Winery Tour Wine Tastings and Scenic Views: $166

Sample the Local Flavors in Freeport

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

  • Brewery & Taste with Beach & Shop at Largest Market on Freeport 4-hrs : $85


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Freeport, we can see that Freeport 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 Freeport is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Freeport would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Freeport 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 Freeport Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Freeport?

Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Freeport. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Freeport, 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.