A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Christchurch vs. New Orleans for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Christchurch or New Orleans?

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

Should I visit Christchurch or New Orleans? 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 cultural, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a fun-filled, festive, and vibrant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and nightlife.

Christchurch and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Christchurch or New Orleans?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New Orleans than Christchurch. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. New Orleans is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Christchurch attracts visitors for its museums, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. New Orleans is more touristy than Christchurch and is popular for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also well known for The French Quarter. Christchurch is famous for its outdoor beauty and relaxing, scenic atmosphere.

The French Quarter

How is Christchurch different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New Orleans 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 New Orleans?

Christchurch is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Christchurch. 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.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, New Orleans is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It has rapidly grown into one of the United State's most well known foodie destinations. It's the birthplace of bananas foster and popular for it's gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. While there are a number of celebrity chefs from New Orleans, you'll also find many local restaurants that aren't as well known but are equally worth visiting.

Christchurch has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Is Christchurch or New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

New Orleans is a must-see party destination. The nightlife scene is at its best during Mardi Gras. But year-round you'll find Bachelor and Bachelorette parties, spring breakers, and anyone who wants to enjoy a crazy time heads to New Orleans. New Orleans is a destination that attracts partiers any time of the year, and the French Quarter is the place to be if you're looking for a party.

Many people head to Christchurch for the nightlife scene. 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.

Is Christchurch or New Orleans Better for Music?

New Orleans is terrific for its live music scene. However, Christchurch is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in New Orleans The city is known for its music festivals that feature jazz, blues, and many other types of live music. The Jazz Festival is a great time to visit.

Christchurch is not a live music destination.

Is Christchurch or New Orleans Better for Beaches?

Christchurch is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, New Orleans is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Christchurch attract visitors from all over. 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.

New Orleans is not a beach destination.

Is Christchurch or New Orleans Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans is well known for its old town. However, Christchurch does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting New Orleans. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Christchurch does not have a historic old town.

Is Christchurch or New Orleans Better for Hiking?

Christchurch is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Christchurch or New Orleans?

Christchurch is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Christchurch. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, New Orleans has some nice offerings. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around shopping malls and chain stores.

Is Christchurch or New Orleans Better for Families?

Christchurch is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Christchurch is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

New Orleans doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. While there are some family-friendly activities in New Orleans like a zoo and several great parks, the city is more known for its parties and nightlife scene. Particularly during certain seasons, most people choose to visit New Orleans without kids.

Is Christchurch or New Orleans Better for Couples?

Christchurch is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Christchurch makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

New Orleans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy a lively evening, fun festivals, and exploring absolutely amazing restaurants will enjoy a visit to New Orleans. It has a festive and unique atmosphere any time of the year. There are also nice hotels and beautiful parks.

Is Christchurch or New Orleans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Christchurch is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for backpackers.

Christchurch is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There's no shortage of hostels around town, and many backpackers pass through Christchurch on their epic New Zealand adventure.

New Orleans is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a handful of hostels in New Orleans that are good options for backpackers who want to meet other travelers.

Is Christchurch or New Orleans Better for Students?

Christchurch is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Christchurch. It's the largest city on the South Island and there are plenty of activities and nearby trips that you can enjoy.

New Orleans is popular with students. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

Is Christchurch or New Orleans Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Christchurch is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its public transit.

Christchurch has some public transit options. While it's not a diverse transit system, the buses are well connected and offer the cheapest way to get around town.

Public transit is generally limited in New Orleans. The city has streetcar lines and bus lines that you can use, but you'll want to have a car if you want to venture outside of these main areas.

Is Christchurch or New Orleans a more walkable city?

Christchurch is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

New Orleans is a somewhat walkable place. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.

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

Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Christchurch?

How long in Christchurch or New Orleans?

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

Families should spend more time in Christchurch than New Orleans. 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 New Orleans. 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural 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 New Orleans, many people enjoy the live music and food that this festive city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the outdoorsy 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.

New Orleans is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 New Orleans?

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 live music around the energetic destination of New Orleans. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 New Orleans?

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.

New Orleans is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Christchurch or New Orleans?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and New Orleans, 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 New Orleans?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Christchurch is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but New Orleans has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Christchurch or New Orleans in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as New Orleans. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In January, Christchurch is generally much colder than New Orleansin July. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 18°C (64°F), and New Orleans fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Christchurch this time of the year. In the summer, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than New Orleansin July. Christchurch gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 264 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. Christchurch usually gets less rain in January than New Orleansin July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Christchurch or New Orleans in the Autumn?

Both New Orleans and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Christchurch is much colder than New Orleans in the autumn. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and New Orleans fluctuates around 69°F (21°C)in October.

It's quite sunny in New Orleans. Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during autumn. Christchurch gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Christchurch usually receives less rain than New Orleansin October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Christchurch or New Orleans in the Winter?

Both New Orleans and Christchurch during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year.

In the winter, Christchurch is much colder than New Orleans. Typically, the winter temperatures in Christchurch in July average around 6°C (43°F), and New Orleans averages at about 51°F (11°C)in January.

In the winter, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than New Orleansin January. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 158 hours of full sun.

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Christchurch usually gets less rain in July than New Orleansin January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Christchurch or New Orleans in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and New Orleans. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to New Orleans for the activities around the city.

In October, Christchurch is generally much colder than New Orleansin April. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 12°C (54°F), and New Orleans fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. In Christchurch, it's very sunny this time of the year. Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during spring. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 254 hours of full sun in the spring.

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the spring. In October, Christchurch usually receives less rain than New Orleansin April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for New Orleans and Christchurch