A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Christchurch vs. Koh Phi Phi for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Christchurch or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Should I visit Christchurch or Koh Phi Phi? 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. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a remote, tropical, and dramatic island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Christchurch and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Christchurch or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi than Christchurch, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Phi Phi is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Christchurch is more popular for its museums, food, and shopping. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Christchurch and is popular for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises. Also, Koh Phi Phi is famous for Koh Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay. Christchurch is well known for its outdoor beauty and relaxing, scenic atmosphere.

How is Christchurch different from Koh Phi Phi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Christchurch or Koh Phi Phi?

Christchurch is great for its historical sights. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Christchurch offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Koh Phi Phi offers a few options for museum-goers. It's an island paradise with world class beaches and stunning natural beauty, but if you're looking for museums, temples, and culture, then you'll likely want to head farther north to Northern Thailand.

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

Christchurch is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Koh Phi Phi is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Christchurch has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Koh Phi Phi area. Most dishes feature seafood, and you'll find the highest concentration of restaurants around Tonsai Village. There are also restaurants dotting the way to Long Beach. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, or a combination of an indoor/outdoor setting. Tropical fruit is also abundant on the island and adds to that tropical paradise atmosphere.

Is Christchurch or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Christchurch and Koh Phi Phi.

Christchurch is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Many people head to Koh Phi Phi for the nightlife scene. Despite its smaller size, there is still a party vibe and tons of nightlife on the island. Backpackers have long flocked to this island, building on the reputation it earned from movies like "The Beach." Booze cruises and all night beach parties are the norm here, so it won't be hard to find a party that lasts until sunrise.

Is Christchurch or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for its resorts. However, Christchurch is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Koh Phi Phi is a great choice. Despite it's popularity with backpackers and small size, this island also has some of Thailand's most luxurious resorts. Head to Long Beach or Laem Tong to appreciate the quieter side of the island.

Christchurch is not a resort destination.

Is Christchurch or Koh Phi Phi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for its diving and snorkeling. However, Christchurch is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Koh Phi Phi a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The dramatic limestone cliffs and colorful coral make this a top scuba diving and snorkeling destination in Thailand. There are countless vendors who offer scuba diving or snorkeling trips from the island. You might even see sharks, sea turtles, or seahorses during your trip. Head to the reef at dusk for the best chance of seeing black tip reef sharks.

Christchurch is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Christchurch or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for the beache. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Phi Phi. This island has some of the most dramatic beauty in Thailand and the beaches will not disappoint. Although it's usually referred to as an island, Koh Phi Phi is actually a small archipelago with Koh Phi Phi Don being the only inhabited island. Nearby Koh Phi Phi Leh is famous as the filming place of the movie "The Beach" (which you'll hear playing at hotels around the island every night). The beaches are beautiful with white sand and clear water. It truly is a tropical paradise.

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.

Is Christchurch or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Christchurch and Koh Phi Phi both have high quality trails.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Christchurch. 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.

Many visitors go to Koh Phi Phi for the hiking trails. With its dramatic cliffs, this area has beautiful, but challenging hikes that take you to stunning viewpoints. The dramatic photos that you see of the islands often require a hike, but the reward at the end is well worth it.

Is the Shopping Better in Christchurch or Koh Phi Phi?

Christchurch is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Christchurch is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Koh Phi Phi has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. Shopping is limited on the island but you'll find a few souvenir shops with trinkets that you can purchase. Because it's an island, you can expect prices to be high.

Is Christchurch or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Christchurch is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Christchurch is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Koh Phi Phi is not the most family-friendly destination. This island is on the smaller side and it has a remote tropical island atmosphere. The best side of the island for families is the north end where you'll find the quietest and most beautiful beaches. It's best to avoid the area around Tonsai which has the highest concentration of backpackers and day trippers.

Is Christchurch or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Koh Phi Phi makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Stunning beaches, dramatic landscapes, excellent snorkeling and scuba diving, and a remote tropical atmosphere make this is a great place for couples and honeymooners. Head to the quieter north side of the island where you'll find the better resorts and less backpackers, as well as the best beaches.

Christchurch is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Is Christchurch or Koh Phi Phi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for backpackers. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Koh Phi Phi. Most people visit this island as a day trip, but for those who linger, they'll be rewarded with dramatic landscapes and beautiful beaches. Most backpackers hang out around Tonsai where things are the cheapest, but the quality can also be very poor.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Christchurch. There's no shortage of hostels around town, and many backpackers pass through Christchurch on their epic New Zealand adventure.

Is Christchurch or Koh Phi Phi Better for Students?

Christchurch is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not popular with students.

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

Koh Phi Phi is not popular with students.

Is Christchurch or Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi.

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 Koh Phi Phi offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are water taxis and private boats that you can hire.

Is Christchurch or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Christchurch is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Koh Phi Phi is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its ease of walking around.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a somewhat walkable city. You can't walk all of the way around the island because of the cliffs, but you can walk from Tonsai to Long Beach.

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

Should I spend more time in Koh Phi Phi or Christchurch?

How long in Christchurch or Koh Phi Phi?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Phi Phi than Christchurch 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 Koh Phi Phi.

One day in Christchurch or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the outdoorsy city of Christchurch. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Koh Phi Phi, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this beautiful island offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Christchurch. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Koh Phi Phi is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Koh Phi Phi?

The outdoorsy city of Christchurch offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

You'll find nightlife and food around the dramatic destination of Koh Phi Phi. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Christchurch. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Koh Phi Phi 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Christchurch is in Pacific and Koh Phi Phi is in Asia, 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 Koh Phi Phi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi.

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

Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Koh Phi Phi?

Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 360 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Koh Phi Phi, 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.

When is the best time to visit Christchurch or Koh Phi Phi?

Christchurch has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Phi Phi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Christchurch or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Christchurch during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

Christchurch is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the summer. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in July.

In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Christchurch. In the summer, Christchurch often gets more sunshine than Koh Phi Phiin July. Christchurch gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun.

Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Christchurch usually gets less rain in January than Koh Phi Phiin July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Christchurch or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Koh Phi Phi. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Christchurch is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Christchurch in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.

Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during autumn. Christchurch gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phiin October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi.

Should I visit Christchurch or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Koh Phi Phi. Many travelers come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

In July, Christchurch is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phiin January. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 6°C (43°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In the winter, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phiin January. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun.

Christchurch usually gets more rain in July than Koh Phi Phiin January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season.

Should I visit Christchurch or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Christchurch is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the spring. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Christchurch. Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during spring. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In October, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phiin April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November.

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Christchurch