Should you visit Christchurch or Queenstown?
Should I visit Christchurch or Queenstown? 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.
Queenstown
Queenstown is a popular tourist destination on New Zealand's South Island. It is beautifully surrounded by the Southern Alps and sits on the banks of Lake Wakatipu. Across the lake you will find a stunning view of the Remarkables, a dramatic mountain range. The town itself is quite touristy, but prices still remain reasonable. There are options for all travel budgets, whether you're a backpacker hoping to save a few dollars or a family looking for some luxury accommodation. Despite its natural and tranquil setting, Queenstown is actually very much a party town, particularly during the peak seasons. Don't be surprised to find people out enjoying themselves until the early hours of the morning. If you're not into the party scene and are hoping to get a decent night's sleep, consider staying a little outside of town. About an hour outside of Queenstown you'll find Wanaka, which is a much smaller and peaceful town without the party scene.
Which city is cheaper, Queenstown or Christchurch?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $87, while the average daily cost in Queenstown is $95. 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 Queenstown in more detail.
Accommodation
If you're traveling alone, you may be able to find a budget hotel or hostel for around $45. But for two people in a standard two-person hotel room in Christchurch the cost is $90 on average.
Accommodation prices vary by location and style, but travelers pay on average about $102 for a double occupancy room in Queenstown.
Food
Food in Christchurch costs travelers about $28 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.
The average traveler spends about $33 per day in Queenstown for food, but obviously this is dependent on the type of restaurant and the amount of food ordered. To save money you can grab a lighter lunch or dinner, or you can try fast food or street food.
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Food
Meals for one day
Christchurch $28
Queenstown $33
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Queenstown
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Queenstown.
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Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown:
$110
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Queenstown Progressive Dinner & Wine Tour - 3 iconic locations:
$207
Local Transportation
The average price of local transportation around Christchurch is $13 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.
The cost of a taxi ride in Queenstown is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $9.33 per person, per day, on local transportation in Queenstown.
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 Queenstown
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Queenstown:
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Arrival Transfer: Queenstown Airport to Central Queenstown City Centre:
$13
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Departure Transfer: Queenstown Central City Centre Hotels to Queenstown Airport:
$13
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Private & Exclusive One-Way Transfer Queenstown to Christchurch:
$1,264
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Private Arrival Transfer: Queenstown Airport to Hotel by Jet Boat:
$342
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Private Ski Transfer to Coronet Peak Ski Field:
$333
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Private Ski Transfer to The Remarkables Ski Field:
$370
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Queenstown and Fox Glacier 1-Way Transfer:
$112
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Ski Transfer To Coronet Peak (Round Trip):
$27
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Ski Transfer To Remarkables Ski Area (Round Trip):
$27
Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Queenstown?
Prices for flights to both Queenstown 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.
Entertainment
Christchurch's costs for entertainment, tickets, attractions, and tours will often cost around $16 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.
Entertainment and activities in Queenstown typically cost an average of $20 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Tours and Activities in Christchurch
Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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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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Christchurch International Antarctic Center Entry Tickets:
$33
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International Antarctic Center General Admission Ticket:
$36
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Urban Explorer Tour:
$41
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Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo:
$41
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Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo:
$41
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Discover Christchurch Sightseeing Tour with optional International Antarctic Center Admission:
$52
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Waipara Wine Trail Afternoon Tour from Christchurch:
$74
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Waipara Wine Trail Morning Tour from Christchurch:
$74
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City to Sea Electric Bike Tour:
$78
Typical Entertainment prices in Queenstown
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Queenstown are as follows:
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Skyline Gondola (for 2)
$34
Tours and Activities in Queenstown
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Queenstown are as follows:
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Full & Half Day Hardtail Cruiser Bike Hire (Giant Talon 3 - 2020 model):
$11
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Escape Adventure AR Experience in Queenstown:
$19
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Odyssey Sensory Maze Entrance Ticket:
$23
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Skip the Line: Odyssey Sensory Maze Entry Queenstown Ticket:
$24
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Lake Wakatipu Scenic Catamaran Cruise from Queenstown:
$29
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Glenorchy Kiwi Special Tour:
$29
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Million Dollar Cruise in Queenstown:
$36
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Gibbston Valley Cave Guided Tour from Queenstown:
$37
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Queenstown Hop-on Hop-off Evening Beer Tour:
$40
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Queenstown VIP Wine Drop and Hop Tour:
$40
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TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise from Queenstown:
$52
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Self Guided Bike Experience - Frankton/Kelvin Heights/Jack’s Point to Queenstown:
$61
Alcohol
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Christchurch may vary from person to person, on average a person spends $10 per day on alcoholic beverages.
The average person spends about $8.15 on alcoholic beverages in Queenstown 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 Queenstown
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Queenstown:
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Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Queenstown:
$40
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Wine Tour from Full Day:
$103
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Queenstown Classic Wine Tour - 3 Vineyards, Cave Tour and Cheeseboard:
$116
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Afternoon Boutique Wine Tour:
$122
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Original Wine Tour:
$125
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Vine Hopper: Queenstown's Ultimate Wine & Microbrewery Adventure:
$133
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Valley of the Vines Afternoon Wine Tour includes a Winery Tour:
$133
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Central Otago Wine Tour from Queenstown - Includes 4 Vineyards, Lunch & Wine:
$136
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Valley of the Vines Lunch & Wine Tour with a Wine Cave Adult Tour:
$147
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Wine Tour & Maori Culture Queenstown:
$159
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Queenstown Guided Ebike Wine Tour:
$163
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Full-Day Small-Group Central Otago Wine Tour:
$167
When comparing the travel costs between Christchurch and Queenstown, we can see that Queenstown 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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