Which place is cheaper, Nadi (Port Denarau) or Christchurch?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Christchurch or Nadi (Port Denarau)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Christchurch or Nadi (Port Denarau)? 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 Nadi (Port Denarau)?
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.
Nadi (Port Denarau)
Nadi, pronounced "Nandi", is a city and transportation hub in the Fijian islands. It is on one of the main islands, Viti Levu, and has a population of about 42,000. Many inhabitants are Indian as well as Fijian, and the largest temple in the Southern hemisphere is located in the city center. It must be noted that Nadi and surrounding areas aren't known for the beaches. This is more of a cultural destination or starting point for your trip to Fiji. For the best beaches, you will want to venture out to the other, smaller, islands.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChristchurch $95Nadi (Port Denarau) $164
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $95, while the average daily cost in Nadi (Port Denarau) is $164. 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 Nadi (Port Denarau) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChristchurch $49Nadi (Port Denarau) $103
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChristchurch $98Nadi (Port Denarau) $206
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Nadi (Port Denarau)
Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Nadi (Port Denarau)? 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.
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 Nadi (Port Denarau) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Christchurch $14Nadi (Port Denarau) $8.74
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Port to Christchurch Airport CHC: $29
- Christchurch to Christchurch Airport(CHC)- Departure Transfer: $32
- Christchurch Hotels to Airport Transfer: $51
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport CHC to Christchurch in Business Car: $66
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
- Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
- Christchurch Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Christchurch: $69
- Christchurch City Hotels to Airport Transfer - Lowest price 1 to 9 Passengers: $78
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
- Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $129
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nadi (Port Denarau)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nadi (Port Denarau):
- Shared Shuttle Arrival Transfer - Nadi Airport/ Port to Hotel: $9.01
- 100% CFC APPROVED Private Transfer - Nadi Airport to Intercontinental Resort : $81
- Airport Transfers: $70
- CFC APPROVED Private Arrival Transfer - Nadi Airport to All Denarau Hotels: $14
- CFC APPROVED Private Arrival Transfer - Nadi Airport to Port Denarau Marina: $14
- CFC APPROVED Private Arrival Transfer - Nadi Airport to Shangri-La Fijian Resort: $36
- CFC APPROVED Private Arrival Transfer - Nadi Airport to Volivoli or Wananavu Rst: $135
- CFC APPROVED Private Departure Transfer - Fiji Marriott Resort, to Nadi Airport: $30
- CFC APPROVED Private Departure Transfer - Radisson Blu Resort to Nadi Airport: $15
- CFC APPROVED Private Departure Transfer - Westin Resort, Denarau to Nadi Airport: $15
- CFC APPROVED Roundtrip Transfer - Nadi Airport to Radisson Blu Resort, Denarau: $29
- CFC APPROVED Roundtrip Transfer - Nadi Airport to Westin Resort, Denarau: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Nadi (Port Denarau)?
Prices for flights to both Nadi (Port Denarau) 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
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Food Meals for one dayChristchurch $31Nadi (Port Denarau) $39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nadi (Port Denarau)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nadi (Port Denarau).
- Robinson Crusoe Sunset Cruise Including Dinner, Cultural Show & Transfers: $121
- Super Saver Combo: Tivua Island Day Cruise + Sunset Dinner Cruise in Fiji: $184
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Christchurch $17Nadi (Port Denarau) $32
Tours and Activities in Christchurch
Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram: $21
- Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $25
- Christchurch International Antarctic Centre Entry Tickets: $35
- International Antarctic Center General Admission Ticket: $36
- Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $42
- Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo: $46
- Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River: $47
- Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket: $62
- Waipara Wine Trail Afternoon Tour from Christchurch: $75
- Waipara Wine Experience for 2 or more, inc tastings and lunch: $108
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center: $109
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $113
Tours and Activities in Nadi (Port Denarau)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nadi (Port Denarau) are as follows:
- Nadi Tour- Garden of the Sleeping Giant , Temple & Mud Pool Combo: $46
- The Amazing Highlights of Nadi and Veseisei ( Private Tour ) : $50
- Skip the Line: Big Bula Waterpark Full Day Ticket: $51
- Island Adventurers Kid's Show Tickets: $52
- Sabeto Waterfall Tour (Nadi): $58
- Finding Nemo - Half Day Cruise to South Sea Island: $58
- Nadi Must Do Sights Tour Combo: $59
- Fijian Secret Tour: $63
- Nadi Sightseeing Including Viseisei Lookout, Village Tour, Garden & Temple Tour: $69
- Great Taste of Fiji Sightseeing Adventure: $70
- Half Day Sightseeing - Wonders of Nadi Tour: $72
- Nadi Sightseeing & Mud Pool Tour: $76
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChristchurch $11Nadi (Port Denarau) $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Christchurch
Also in Christchurch, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- From Full-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $100
- All-Inclusive Waipara Region Wine Tour from Christchurch: $106
- From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $119
- Akaroa Craft Distillery HeliGin Experience: $532
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Nadi (Port Denarau), we can see that Nadi (Port Denarau) is more expensive. And not only is Christchurch much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Nadi (Port Denarau) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nadi (Port Denarau) 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 Nadi (Port Denarau) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Nadi (Port Denarau)?
Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Nadi (Port Denarau). When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Nadi (Port Denarau), 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.