Should you visit Gold Coast or Christchurch?
Should I visit Gold Coast or Christchurch? 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.
Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is one of Australia's premier destinations. Famous for gorgeous beaches, warm weather, watersports, and plenty of activities for all ages, millions of tourists from Australia as well as everywhere in the world flock to this region every year. With beaches, national parks, theme parks, shopping and dining, nice resorts, boating, fishing, diving, theme parks and more, the Gold Coast offers something for everyone.
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.
Which city is cheaper, Christchurch or Gold Coast?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Gold Coast is $93, while the average daily cost in Christchurch is $93. 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 Gold Coast and Christchurch in more detail.
Accommodation
An average hotel room with basic furnishings costs about $104 in Gold Coast For the most convenient locations and nicer amenities you can expect to pay a bit more.
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.
Food
The average traveler spends about $26 per day in Gold Coast 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.
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.
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Food
Meals for one day
Gold Coast $26
Christchurch $30
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
Gold Coast's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend $22 per person, per day on transportation in Gold Coast.
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 Gold Coast
Also for Gold Coast, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Brisbane Airport Departure transfer From the Gold Coast shared shuttle:
$43
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Departure Private Transfers from Gold Coast City to Gold Coast Airport OOL:
$92
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Departure Private Transfers from Gold Coast City to Gold Coast Airport OOL:
$124
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Gold Coast Airport Arrival Shared Transfer:
$17
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Gold Coast Airport Departure Transfer:
$18
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Gold Coast Airport Transfers : Gold Coast City to Airport OOL in Business Car:
$92
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Gold Coast Airport Transfers : Gold Coast City to Airport OOL in Luxury Car:
$128
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Gold Coast Airport Transfers : Gold Coast City to Airport OOL in Luxury Van:
$118
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Private 13 Seat Mini Bus Gold Coast CBD to Gold Coast Airport Transfer:
$236
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Private 24 Seat Mini Bus Gold Coast CBD to Gold Coast Airport Transfer:
$268
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Private Airport Transfer to Brisbane Airport (BNE) from North Gold Coast 1-6 pax:
$107
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Private Airport Transfer to Brisbane Airport (BNE) from South Gold Coast 1-6 pax:
$132
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
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Private & Exclusive One-Way Transfer Christchurch to Queenstown:
$1,264
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Christchurch to Franz Josef or Fox Glacier One-Way Transfer:
$1,185
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Private Transfer: Christchurch to Mount Cook:
$790
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Christchurch To Lake Tekapo One-way Transfer:
$672
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Christchurch to Akaroa transfer up to 4 people:
$186
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Christchurch to Methven Private Transfer(Or Methven to Christchurch):
$163
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Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Car:
$121
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Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car:
$121
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Private Minibus Airport Transfer - Pickup Hotel / Residence to Airport (11 Pax):
$120
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Private Minibus Airport Transfer - Pickup Airport to Hotel / Residence (11 Pax):
$120
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VIP Range Rover Christchurch Airport Transfer to or from Central Christchurch:
$108
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Christchurch Airport Transfers:
$99
Entertainment
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Gold Coast can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $18 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
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.
Tours and Activities in Gold Coast
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gold Coast.
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Surfers Paradise and Midday River Cruise:
$18
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SkyPoint Observation Deck 1 Day Ticket:
$20
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Tickets to Aida Opera on the Beach at Gold Coast:
$28
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Southport Cemetery Paranormal Activity Tour QUEENSLAND:
$29
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Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Ticket:
$29
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Aquaduck Gold Coast Tour:
$29
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Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Ticket & Koala Photo:
$50
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Gold Coast Sailing Cruise with sparkling wine & nibbles platter:
$62
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Glow Worm Evening Eco-Adventure from the Gold Coast:
$76
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Full-day Springbrook National Park Tour from the Gold Coast:
$84
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Springbrook - Mount Tamborine National Park Small Group Tour:
$109
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World Heritage Rain Forest and Wilderness Tour:
$115
Tours and Activities in Christchurch
Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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1 day private tour from Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt.Cook:
$322
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1-Day Guided Walking Tour and Picnic on Banks Peninsula:
$138
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10 Day Adrenalin Tour. Skydiving, Bungy, Rafting, Climbing, Heli MTB & more.:
$4,219
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10 Day Adventure Tour. Hiking, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Jet Boating & more.:
$4,219
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2 days tour from Christchurch to Queenstown:
$595
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2 hour Christchurch City Tour with scenic Chairlift ride:
$99
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3 Day Christchurch and Akaroa Exclusive Private Tour:
$2,026
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3 hour Christchurch City Tour with Ziplining at Christchurch Adventure Park:
$237
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3-Day Christchurch City Break Tour For Locals:
$337
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3-Day Christchurch and Akaroa Arrival Tour with Harbor Cruise:
$668
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3-Day South Island Circle Tour from Christchurch:
$1,158
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4 Day Kaikoura and Pancake Rocks Private Tour:
$3,317
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Gold Coast, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $4.94.
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.
Sample the Local Flavors in Gold Coast
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gold Coast:
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Mt Tamborine Winery & Distillery Tour + 2 Course Lunch:
$117
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
When comparing the travel costs between Gold Coast and Christchurch, 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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