A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Gold Coast vs. Christchurch for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Gold Coast or Christchurch?

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

Should I visit Gold Coast or Christchurch? 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: Gold Coast or Christchurch?

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 $79, while the average daily cost in Christchurch is $79. 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. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Gold Coast and Christchurch in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gold Coast $44
    Christchurch $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gold Coast $88
    Christchurch $80
Compare Hotels in Gold Coast and Christchurch

Looking for a hotel in Gold Coast or Christchurch? 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 Gold Coast


Hotels in Christchurch


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: Gold Coast Hotel Prices and Christchurch Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gold Coast $18
    Christchurch $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gold Coast

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

  • Brisbane Airport Departure transfer From the Gold Coast shared shuttle: $43
  • Brisbane: Private Theme Park One-Way Transfer: $25
  • Departure Private Transfers from Gold Coast City to Gold Coast Airport OOL: $92
  • Departure Private Transfers from Gold Coast City to Gold Coast Airport OOL: $124
  • Gold Coast Airport Arrival Shared Transfer: $17
  • Gold Coast Airport Departure Transfer: $18
  • Gold Coast Airport Transfers : Gold Coast City to Airport OOL in Business Car: $92
  • Gold Coast Airport Transfers : Gold Coast City to Airport OOL in Luxury Car: $128
  • Gold Coast Airport Transfers : Gold Coast City to Airport OOL in Luxury Van: $118
  • Gold Coast Theme Parks: Shared Hotel Transfers: $14
  • Theme Park Transfer: $32
  • Private 13 Seat Mini Bus Gold Coast CBD to Gold Coast Airport Transfer: $236

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:

  • Private & Exclusive One-Way Transfer Christchurch to Queenstown: $1,264
  • Christchurch to Franz Josef or Fox Glacier One-Way Transfer: $1,185
  • Private Transfer: Christchurch to Mount Cook: $790
  • Christchurch To Lake Tekapo One-way Transfer: $672
  • Christchurch to Akaroa transfer up to 4 people: $186
  • Christchurch to Methven Private Transfer(Or Methven to Christchurch): $163
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Car: $121
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car: $121
  • Private Minibus Airport Transfer - Pickup Hotel / Residence to Airport (11 Pax): $120
  • Private Minibus Airport Transfer - Pickup Airport to Hotel / Residence (11 Pax): $120
  • VIP Range Rover Christchurch Airport Transfer to or from Central Christchurch: $108
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers: $99

Is it cheaper to fly into Gold Coast or Christchurch?

Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Gold Coast 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
    Gold Coast $22
    Christchurch $25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Christchurch

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Christchurch.

  • Tramway Restaurant 4 Course Dinner Service through Christchurch: $92
  • Willowbank Kiwi Tour and Maori Concert Including Hangi Dinner from Christchurch: $174

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gold Coast $15
    Christchurch $14

Tours and Activities in Gold Coast

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

  • Surfers Paradise: Gold Coast Afternoon River Cruise: $23
  • Southport Cemetery Paranormal Activity Tour QUEENSLAND: $29
  • Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Ticket: $36
  • Gold Coast Sailing Cruise with sparkling wine & nibbles platter: $62
  • Evening Rainforest and Glow Worm Experience: $71
  • Lamington National Park, O'Reilly's and Vineyard Tour: $71
  • Glow Worm Evening Eco-Adventure from the Gold Coast: $76
  • Full-day Springbrook National Park Tour from the Gold Coast: $84
  • Introductory SCUBA Diving Experience: $86
  • TreeTop Challenge Tamborine Mountain Guided Zipline Tour: $87
  • Broadwater Adventure + Helicopter Tour Combo: $91
  • Learn to Surf Experience with Lunch & Activities: $93

Tours and Activities in Christchurch

Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 day private tour from Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt.Cook: $322
  • 1-Day Guided Walking Tour and Picnic on Banks Peninsula: $138
  • 10 Day Adrenalin Tour. Skydiving, Bungy, Rafting, Climbing, Heli MTB & more.: $4,219
  • 10 Day Adventure Tour. Hiking, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Jet Boating & more.: $4,219
  • 2 days tour from Christchurch to Queenstown: $595
  • 2 hour Christchurch City Tour with scenic Chairlift ride: $99
  • 3 Day Christchurch and Akaroa Exclusive Private Tour: $2,026
  • 3 hour Christchurch City Tour with Ziplining at Christchurch Adventure Park: $237
  • 3-Day Christchurch City Break Tour For Locals: $337
  • 3-Day Christchurch and Akaroa Arrival Tour with Harbor Cruise: $668
  • 3-Day South Island Circle Tour from Christchurch: $1,158
  • 4 Day Kaikoura and Pancake Rocks Private Tour: $3,317

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gold Coast $4.21
    Christchurch $9.20

Sample the Local Flavors in Christchurch

Also in Christchurch, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • A Waipara Wine Experience with Giles Tours, includes wine tastings and lunch: $95
  • All-Inclusive Waipara Region Wine Tour from Christchurch: $100
  • Akaroa Eco-Safari with Alpaca Farm Tour and Wine Tasting: $103
  • Full-day Akaroa Tour with Penguins Safari and Wine Tasting: $114
  • Lyttelton Shore Excursion - Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch: $115
  • Full-day Akaroa Tour with Dolphin Cruise & Wine Tasting: $133
  • Private Waipara Valley Wine Tasting Tour with optional Gourmet Lunch: $190
  • Hanmer Springs Private Day Tour Including Hot Pool & Wine Tasting: $356

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Gold Coast and Christchurch, we can see that Gold Coast 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.


When is the best time to visit Gold Coast or Christchurch?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Gold Coast or Christchurch in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Gold Coast as well as Christchurch.

In January, Gold Coast is generally a little warmer than Christchurch. Temperatures in Gold Coast average around 25°C (77°F), and Christchurch stays around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Christchurch. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gold Coast this time of the year. In the summer, Gold Coast often gets more sunshine than Christchurch. Gold Coast gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 224 hours of full sun.

Gold Coast receives a lot of rain in the summer. Gold Coast usually gets more rain in January than Christchurch. Gold Coast gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Gold Coast 25°C (77°F) 
    Christchurch 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Gold Coast or Christchurch in the Autumn?

Both Christchurch and Gold Coast are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

Gold Coast is much warmer than Christchurch in the autumn. The temperature in Gold Coast is usually 22°C (71°F) in April, and Christchurch stays around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. Gold Coast usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during autumn. Gold Coast gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Gold Coast. In April, Gold Coast usually receives more rain than Christchurch. Gold Coast gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Gold Coast 22°C (71°F) 
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Gold Coast or Christchurch in the Winter?

Both Christchurch and Gold Coast during the winter are popular places to visit.

In the winter, Gold Coast is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gold Coast in July are around 15°C (59°F), and Christchurch is about 6°C (43°F).

It's quite sunny in Gold Coast. In the winter, Gold Coast often gets more sunshine than Christchurch. Gold Coast gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun.

Gold Coast usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Christchurch. Gold Coast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Gold Coast 15°C (59°F) 
    Christchurch 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Gold Coast or Christchurch in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gold Coast and Christchurch.

In October, Gold Coast is generally much warmer than Christchurch. Temperatures in Gold Coast average around 21°C (69°F), and Christchurch stays around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Christchurch this time of the year. In Gold Coast, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gold Coast usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during spring. Gold Coast gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

Gold Coast gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Gold Coast usually receives more rain than Christchurch. Gold Coast gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Gold Coast 21°C (69°F) 
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Christchurch and Gold Coast

Gold Coast Christchurch
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 22°C (71°F) 101 mm (4 in) 12°C (54°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (43°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 10°C (49°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 103 mm (4 in) 12°C (54°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 24°C (76°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)


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