A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Guangzhou vs. Rotorua for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Guangzhou or Rotorua?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Guangzhou and Rotorua can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Guangzhou or Rotorua?

Guangzhou

With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Guangzhou?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $104, while the average daily cost in Rotorua is $114. 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 Guangzhou and Rotorua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guangzhou $58
    Rotorua $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guangzhou $116
    Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Guangzhou and Rotorua

Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou


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: Rotorua Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Guangzhou $14
    Rotorua $4.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:

  • [Airport transfer] Guangzhou Airport - Guangzhou city transfer service with a good reputation! <Private charter: $27
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Guangzhou HTL-APT (CAN): $62
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Guangzhou APT-HTL (CAN): $62
  • Shenzhen Day Tour from Guangzhou by Round Way Private Transfer: $255
  • Private Transfer: Guangzhou hotel to Guangzhou Baiyun Airport: $33
  • Private Transfer: Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou hotel: $33
  • Private Transfer in Guangzhou with Fluent English Speaking Driver: $90
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou city hotels to Shekou Cruise Port: $176
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou South Railway Station to Baiyun Airport : $53
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN) to Shekou Port: $194
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou City Center to South Railway Station: $49
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou Hotel: $90

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotorua

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

  • Rotorua to Auckland Afternoon Transfer with Waitomo Glow Worms: $186

Is it cheaper to fly into Guangzhou or Rotorua?

Prices for flights to both Rotorua and Guangzhou 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
    Guangzhou $34
    Rotorua $50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou

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

  • Old Town Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $79
  • Food Tour - Eat Like Local + Rice Roll Workshop: $96
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
  • Guangzhou walking tour with dimsum dinner&Zhujiang river cruise: $160
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
  • Pearl River Night Cruise and Karaoke Tour with Buffet Dinner in Guangzhou: $179
  • Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
  • Morning Tea, Cantonese Opera, and Food Tour: $183
  • Cantonese Dim Sum Dinner with Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou: $199
  • Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise and Din Tai Feng Dinner: $199
  • Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204
  • Private Cooking Canton Cuisine Cooking Class in Guangzhou : $266

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: $98
  • Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Evening Experience - Haka + Dinner: $113
  • Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Evening Experience with Dinner: $117
  • Te Pa Tu Māori Cultural Experience with Dinner: $156
  • Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Combo - Tour, Dinner + Haka: $161
  • Evening Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour with dinner: $202

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guangzhou $18
    Rotorua $34

Tours and Activities in Guangzhou

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

  • Guangzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $75
  • Liuxihe National Forest Park Private Day Tour from Guangzhou: $266
  • 1 Day Historical Guangzhou Layover Tour from Airport: $260
  • 1-Day Guangzhou Airport Layover Visa-Free Private City Tour: $185
  • 3-Hour Private Tour to Museum of Nanyue King Tomb in Guangzhou: $91
  • 4-Hour Baiyun Mountain Yuntai Garden Private Guangzhou City Tour: $180
  • 4-Hour Flexible Private Guangzhou City Tour with Dim-Sum Options: $153
  • 4-Hour Private Flexible Guangzhou City Tour with Dim-Sum Option: $100
  • 4-Hour Private Tour to Museum of Nanyue King & Academy of Clan Chen in Guangzhou: $91
  • 5-Hour Private Guangzhou Yumcha Tasting with Local Food Market Experience : $118
  • 5-Hour Sai Kwan Walking Tour with Unique Food Tasting: $72
  • 6-Day Guangzhou to Guilin Scenic Tour: $1,598

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:

  • Mini Golf Experience: $12
  • Jade Carving Experience at a Local Studio: $26
  • Mountain Jade Highlights Tour: $27
  • Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour: $28
  • Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour: $29
  • Geothermal Mineral Baths Experience: Pavilion Pools for 12+: $29
  • Geothermal Adults Only Mineral Bathing - Pavilion Pools Bathing Ticket: $30
  • Authentic Kiwi Farm Experience at the Agrodome: $34
  • Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua: $35
  • Waimangu Volcanic Valley Ticket & Self-Guided Walk: $38
  • Waimangu Volcanic Valley Entry Ticket: $38
  • The National Kiwi Hatchery Kiwi Encounter Tour: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guangzhou $14
    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


When comparing the travel costs between Guangzhou 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. Even though Guangzhou is in Asia and Rotorua is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guangzhou Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Guangzhou or Rotorua?

Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Guangzhou and Rotorua, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Guangzhou or Rotorua?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rotorua is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Guangzhou has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Guangzhou or Rotorua in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Guangzhou as well as Rotorua. Also, many visitors come to Rotorua in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Guangzhou is generally much warmer than Rotoruain January. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 29°C (84°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Guangzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Guangzhou usually gets more rain in July than Rotoruain January. Guangzhou gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Guangzhou 29°C (84°F) 
    Rotorua 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Rotorua in the Autumn?

Both Rotorua and Guangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Rotorua for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Guangzhou is much warmer than Rotorua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 25°C (76°F) in October, and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.

In October, Guangzhou usually receives more rain than Rotoruain April. Guangzhou gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Guangzhou 25°C (76°F) 
    Rotorua 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Rotorua in the Winter?

Both Rotorua and Guangzhou during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Guangzhou is much colder than Rotorua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Guangzhou in January average around 14°C (58°F), and Rotorua averages at about 26°C (79°F)in July.

Guangzhou usually gets more rain in January than Rotoruain July. Guangzhou gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Guangzhou 14°C (58°F) 
    Rotorua 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Rotorua in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Guangzhou and Rotorua. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.

In April, Guangzhou is generally a little warmer than Rotoruain October. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 22°C (72°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Guangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Guangzhou usually receives more rain than Rotoruain October. Guangzhou gets 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Guangzhou 22°C (72°F) 
    Rotorua 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Guangzhou

Guangzhou Rotorua
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (58°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 18°C (65°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 22°C (72°F) 182 mm (7.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 284 mm (11.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 228 mm (9 in) 26°C (79°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 25°C (76°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)