A Travel Price Comparison for New Zealand Cromwell vs. Rotorua for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Cromwell or Rotorua?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cromwell and Rotorua can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Cromwell or Rotorua?

Cromwell

Cromwell is a town in the Otago region of the South Island of New Zealand. It is situated between two of the main highways on the South Island and is close to Queenstown and Wanaka. Luckily, the town is surrounded by Lake Dunstan, which is good for those who love being near water as Cromwell is the furthest point from the sea in the entire country.

Rotorua

Located on the banks of Lake Rotorua, Rotorua is famous as the thermal wonderland of New Zealand. The area has a variety of geothermal sights, but it is also close to several lakes and has more traditional activities as well, including fishing, boating and white water rafting.

Rotorua is located in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, which is the largest volcano in the area. There are four major volcanic calderas that now have lakes, and several other volcanoes in the area. Rotorua sits on top of a thermal hot spring, and there are many vents and hot pools throughout the area. Many of the hot pools and sights are located within parks, with some of the best being Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rainbow Springs Nature Park, and Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.

Rotorua has a warm, temperate climate. Because of the area's inland location, it has less wind than many places in New Zealand. Temperatures during the winter months can fall to below freezing, but snow is incredibly rare.

Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Cromwell?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cromwell is $81, while the average daily cost in Rotorua is $91. 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 Cromwell and Rotorua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cromwell $38
    Rotorua $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cromwell $76
    Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Cromwell and Rotorua

Looking for a hotel in Cromwell or Rotorua? 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.

Hotels in Cromwell


Hotels in Rotorua


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: Cromwell Hotel Prices and Rotorua Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cromwell $25
    Rotorua $4.97

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotorua

Also for Rotorua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Auckland: Transfer to Rotorua with Waitomo Caves Tour: $176
  • Rotorua to Auckland Afternoon Transfer with Waitomo Glow Worms: $171

Is it cheaper to fly into Cromwell or Rotorua?

Prices for flights to both Rotorua and Cromwell 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 day
    Cromwell $26
    Rotorua $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotorua

For Rotorua, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Mitai Maori Village: Cultural Experience and Dinner Buffet: $76
  • Lake Rotoiti Evening Kayak Tour including Hot Springs, Glowworm Caves and BBQ Dinner: $114
  • Te Pa Tu Maori Cultural Experience with Dinner: $148

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cromwell $16
    Rotorua $34

Tours and Activities in Cromwell

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cromwell.

  • Queenstown: Mount Cook Premium Guided Day Tour: $135
  • Ultimate Lake Dunstan Trail Experience Bike & Boat Return: $171

Typical Entertainment prices in Rotorua

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Rotorua's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Lunch Out for Two
    $27

Tours and Activities in Rotorua

For Rotorua, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 4x4 Self Drive Yamaha Experience : $94
  • Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua: $30
  • Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū : $151
  • Eco Cultural full day tour: $197
  • Eruption Trail Tour With Natural Hot Pool Bathing: $333
  • Explore The Lakes Tour: $72
  • From Elite Cultural Eco full day tour: $192
  • From Hobbiton Movie Set Tour with Festive Lunch: $106
  • Geothermal Mineral Baths Experience: Pavilion Pools for 12+: $24
  • Hells Gate Mud Bath and Sulphur Spa Experience: $50
  • Hobbiton Day Tour from Rotorua with lunch at Hobbiton: $108
  • Kahukiwi Experiences Luxury 4WD 3hour Guided Maori Tour: $113

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cromwell $9.07
    Rotorua $12

Typical Alcohol prices in Rotorua

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rotorua:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $11

How are these travel costs calculated?

When comparing the travel costs between Cromwell and Rotorua, we can see that Rotorua 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.

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.
About BudgetYourTrip.com
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Cromwell vs. Rotorua Travel Comparison

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