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

Should you visit Havana 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 Havana and Rotorua can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Havana or Rotorua?

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

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 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Havana?

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 Havana is $74, 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 Havana and Rotorua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Havana $42
    Rotorua $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Havana $84
    Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Havana and Rotorua

Looking for a hotel in Havana 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 Havana


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.
    Havana $19
    Rotorua $4.99
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

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 Havana or Rotorua?

Prices for flights to both Rotorua and Havana 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
    Havana $18
    Rotorua $50
Typical Food Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    $0.03

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.
    Havana $11
    Rotorua $34

Tours and Activities in Havana

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

  • Private: City Tour with Lunch, Rum, and Chocolate: $2,000

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
    Havana $5.76
    Rotorua $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

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


  • Mojito
    $0.15

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Havana and Rotorua, we can see that Rotorua is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Havana is in Caribbean Islands and Rotorua is in Pacific, 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 Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Rotorua would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotorua than you might in Havana.

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


Which is Bigger, Havana or Rotorua?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Havana 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 Havana or Rotorua?

Rotorua has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Havana or Rotorua in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Havana as well as Rotorua. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Rotorua in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Havana is much warmer than Rotorua in the summer. The daily temperature in Havana averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in January.

Havana usually gets more rain in July than Rotoruain January. Havana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Havana 27°C (81°F) 
    Rotorua 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Havana or Rotorua in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Havana is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Havana in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Rotorua averages at about 16°C (61°F)in April.

In October, Havana usually receives more rain than Rotoruain April. Havana gets 80 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
    Havana 25°C (77°F) 
    Rotorua 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Havana or Rotorua in the Winter?

Both Rotorua and Havana during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Havana is generally cooler than Rotoruain July. Daily temperatures in Havana average around 21°C (70°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Havana usually gets more rain in January than Rotoruain July. Havana gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Havana 21°C (70°F) 
    Rotorua 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Havana or Rotorua in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Havana and Rotorua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.

Havana is a little warmer than Rotorua in the spring. The daily temperature in Havana averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.

In April, Havana usually receives less rain than Rotoruain October. Havana gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Havana 24°C (75°F) 
    Rotorua 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Havana

Havana Rotorua
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in) 26°C (79°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Dec 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)