Should you visit Christchurch or Picton?
Should I visit Christchurch or Picton? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
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.
Picton
Picton, New Zealand is located in the picturesque Marlborough Region on the South Island. With beachfront access in a central location and near the Marlborough Sounds, Picton is an ideal place for anyone looking for both adventure and relaxation in one of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world.
The weather in Picton is fairly mild, ranging from the low fifties to high sixties, Fahrenheit, throughout the year. Their summer months are December through March, this is when you'll find temperatures in the high sixties. During the winter, June through August, Picton experiences averages of fifty degree Fahrenheit. This means you can visit any time of the year without having to worry about weather inhibiting any of your outdoor activities!
Which city is cheaper, Picton or Christchurch?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $93, while the average daily cost in Picton is $85. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Christchurch and Picton in more detail.
Accommodation
If you're traveling alone, you may be able to find a budget hotel or hostel for around $48. But for two people in a standard two-person hotel room in Christchurch the cost is $96 on average.
Accommodation prices vary by location and style, but travelers pay on average about $72 for a double occupancy room in Picton.
Food
Food in Christchurch costs travelers about $30 per day on average. Restaurants can vary significantly in price, so choose wisely if you're trying to save money. Fast food and street stalls are typically your cheapest options, which sit down restaurants can be significantly more expensive.
While meal prices in Picton can vary, the average travelers spends about $19 per day on food. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out, an average meal in Picton should cost around $7.60 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Picton is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
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Food
Meals for one day
Christchurch $30
Picton $19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Christchurch
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Christchurch.
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Tramway Restaurant 4 Course Dinner Service through Christchurch:
$92
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Willowbank Kiwi Tour and Maori Concert Including Hangi Dinner from Christchurch:
$174
Local Transportation
The average price of local transportation around Christchurch is $14 per person, per day. As this average includes both taxis and public transport, keep in mind that the prices of private drivers and taxis are significantly more expensive than public transportation.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
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Transfer from Christchurch Central City to Christchurch Airport:
$21
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Arrival Transfer: Christchurch Airport to Christchurch Central City Hotels:
$21
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Christchurch City Hotels to Airport Transfer - Lowest price 1 to 4 Pax & 2 Bags:
$43
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Private Transfer - Airport to Central Christchurch:
$44
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Private Departure Transfer: Central Christchurch to Christchurch Airport:
$59
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Private Arrival Transfer: Christchurch Airport to Central Christchurch:
$59
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Executive Sedan Airport Transfer(Pickup Airport to Hotel/Residence) Christchurch:
$60
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Executive Sedan Airport Transfer (Pickup Hotel / Residence to Airport):
$60
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Christchurch City Hotels to Airport Transfer - Lowest price 1 to 9 Passengers:
$67
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Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car:
$71
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Private Airport Round-Trip Transfer:Christchurch Airport to Central Christchurch:
$74
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Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Business Car:
$75
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Picton
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Picton:
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Private One Way Transfer Tour between Picton & Christchurch:
$1,264
Entertainment
Christchurch's costs for entertainment, tickets, attractions, and tours will often cost around $17 per person, per day. This cost can vary widely by the type of activity, however, as this includes admission tickets, day tours, museums, and other things to do.
Activities, things to do, and other forms of entertainment usually cost around $107 per person, per day in Picton. This cost includes the price of admission tickets to attractions and museums as well as daily tours.
Tours and Activities in Christchurch
Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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Christchurch Botanic Gardens Hop-On Hop-Off Tour:
$15
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Chairlift Sightseeing Pass at the Christchurch Adventure Park:
$15
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Punting on the Avon River with Optional Christchurch Gondola and Botanic Gardens Tour:
$21
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Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket:
$22
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1-Hour City Highlights Tour by Bus:
$26
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Christchurch Tram City and Botanic Gardens Full–Day Tour:
$30
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Christchurch International Antarctic Center Entry Tickets:
$35
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Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo:
$36
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Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo:
$36
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International Antarctic Center General Admission Ticket:
$36
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Urban Explorer Tour:
$41
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Discover 3-Hour Double Decker Bus Tour:
$51
Tours and Activities in Picton
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Picton are as follows:
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Picton Self-Guided Audio Tour:
$12
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Koru Native Wildlife Centre Tour:
$16
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Ecoworld New Zealand tour from Marlborough Sounds:
$18
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Queen Charlotte Track: Cruise & Self-Guided Hike from Picton:
$63
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Half-Day Cruise in Marlborough Sounds from Picton:
$66
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Marlborough Sounds Cruise & 3-Hour Scenic Walk:
$67
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Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton:
$69
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3 Hour Marlborough Sounds Delivery Cruise:
$72
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Half day Sea Kayak Guided Tour from Picton:
$72
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Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise from Picton:
$76
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Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise:
$78
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Early Bird Eco Cruise:
$79
Alcohol
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Christchurch may vary from person to person, on average a person spends $11 per day on alcoholic beverages.
The average person spends about $34 on alcoholic beverages in Picton per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Sample the Local Flavors in Christchurch
Also in Christchurch, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
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A Waipara Wine Experience with Giles Tours, includes wine tastings and lunch:
$95
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All-Inclusive Waipara Region Wine Tour from Christchurch:
$100
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Akaroa Eco-Safari with Alpaca Farm Tour and Wine Tasting:
$103
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Full-day Akaroa Tour with Penguins Safari and Wine Tasting:
$114
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Lyttelton Shore Excursion - Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch:
$115
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Full-day Akaroa Tour with Dolphin Cruise & Wine Tasting:
$133
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Private Waipara Valley Wine Tasting Tour with optional Gourmet Lunch:
$190
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Hanmer Springs Private Day Tour Including Hot Pool & Wine Tasting:
$356
Sample the Local Flavors in Picton
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Picton:
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Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Marlborough:
$53
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Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton:
$80
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Full-Day Wine Tour from Picton:
$110
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Picton Shore Excursion : Marlborough Wine Tour:
$113
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Picton Shore Excursion: Wings of Omaka and Marlborough Wine Tour:
$129
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Full-Day Marlborough Wine Tour from Picton or Blenheim:
$144
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Marlborough Sounds Icons: Wine Tour and Seafood Cruise:
$156
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Marlborough Wine Tour and Cruise from Picton or Blenheim:
$163
When comparing the travel costs between Christchurch and Picton, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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