Which place is cheaper, Yakushima or Christchurch?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Christchurch or Yakushima?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Christchurch or Yakushima? 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 Yakushima?
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.
Yakushima
Yakushima, Japan is a UNESCO World Heritage island located north of Okinawa and off the south east of of Kyushu. The island is well-known to Japanese tourists but not so much to international ones, making it a bit of a hidden gem to international tourists. This also means that English isn't spoken as much as in larger cities, so make sure to brush up on your Japanese and bring a dictionary.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand, The Best Budget Tours to New Zealand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Japan, and The Best Luxury Tours to Japan.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChristchurch $102Yakushima $125
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $102, while the average daily cost in Yakushima is $125. 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 Yakushima in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChristchurch $52Yakushima $63
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChristchurch $104Yakushima $126
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Yakushima
Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Yakushima? 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 Yakushima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Christchurch $15Yakushima $53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $30
- Christchurch Airport(CHC) to Christchurch-Arrival PrivateTransfer: $32
- Christchurch to Christchurch Airport(CHC)- Departure Transfer: $32
- Private Transfer from Christchurch Airport CHC to Lyttelton Port: $39
- Christchurch Airport to City Transfer : $53
- Private Transfer from Christchurch Airport (CHC) to Akaroa Port: $55
- Christchurch Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Christchurch: $60
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport CHC to Christchurch in Business Car: $67
- Executive Sedan Airport Transfer(Pickup Airport to Hotel/Residence) Christchurch: $75
- Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $93
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car: $109
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $132
Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Yakushima?
Prices for flights to both Yakushima 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
-
Food Meals for one dayChristchurch $33Yakushima $30
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Christchurch $19Yakushima $22
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: $26
- International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket: $40
- Christchurch International Antarctic Centre Entry Tickets: $42
- Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $47
- Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River: $48
- Discover Christchurch Sightseeing Tour with optional International Antarctic Center Admission: $56
- Cruise Ship Day Christchurch Hop On Hop Off Tour: $62
- Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket: $70
- Christchurch Sightseeing Pass: $71
- Waipara Wine Trail Afternoon Tour from Christchurch: $84
- Christchurch City Top Spots Half Day Tour(Small Group Tour): $110
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayChristchurch $12Yakushima $6.87
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: $103
- All-Inclusive Waipara Region Wine Tour from Christchurch: $109
- From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $122
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour : $137
- Akaroa Craft Distillery HeliGin Experience: $547
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Yakushima, we can see that Yakushima 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 Yakushima 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 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 Yakushima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yakushima 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 Yakushima Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Christchurch or Yakushima?
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 Yakushima has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Christchurch or Yakushima in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Yakushima. The summer months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Christchurch is much colder than Yakushima in the summer. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Yakushima fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in July.
Yakushima receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Yakushimain July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 189 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyChristchurch 18°C (64°F)Yakushima 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Yakushima in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Yakushima. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.
In the autumn, Christchurch is much colder than Yakushima. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Christchurch in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Yakushima averages at about 22°C (71°F)in October.
It's quite rainy in Yakushima. Christchurch usually gets less rain in April than Yakushimain October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Yakushima 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Yakushima in the Winter?
Both Yakushima and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In July, Christchurch is generally much colder than Yakushimain January. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 6°C (43°F), and Yakushima fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Yakushima. In July, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Yakushimain January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryChristchurch 6°C (43°F)Yakushima 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Yakushima in the Spring?
Both Yakushima and Christchurch during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Christchurch is cooler than Yakushima in the spring. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Yakushima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in April.
Yakushima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Christchurch usually gets less rain in October than Yakushimain April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 207 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Yakushima 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Yakushima and Christchurch
| Christchurch | Yakushima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 207 mm (8.1 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 288 mm (11.3 in) |
| Jun | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 352 mm (13.9 in) |
| Jul | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) |
| Aug | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 253 mm (10 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
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.