A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Helsinki vs. Christchurch for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Helsinki or Christchurch?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Helsinki and Christchurch 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.

Helsinki

Helsinki is a environmentally conscious, waterfront, and active city. The famous beauty of Helsinki is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Helsinki travel costs.

Christchurch

Christchurch is a outdoorsy, adventure-filled, and cultural city. Christchurch is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Christchurch travel costs.

Helsinki and Christchurch: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Christchurch?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Christchurch than Helsinki. While Helsinki is larger than Christchurch, Christchurch has more sights and attractions for tourists. Christchurch is better known for its nightlife, beaches, and hiking, while Helsinki is more popular for its impressive beauty. Helsinki is well known for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene. Christchurch is well known for its outdoor beauty and relaxing, scenic atmosphere. Also, Christchurch is famous for the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

How is Helsinki different from Christchurch?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Christchurch and Helsinki. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Helsinki or Christchurch?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Helsinki and Christchurch.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Helsinki. Many of the city's sights and attractions center around nature and the water. Major hightlights of the city include the Fortress of Sveaborg, Seurasaari open-Air Museum, and Temppeliaukio Rock Church. The city is also home to The National Museum of Finland.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Christchurch. The city is filled with street art and local galleries. There's also Canterbury Museum, the International Antarctic Centre, the Arts Centre, and the Riccarton House & Bush.

Is the Food Better in Helsinki or Christchurch? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Helsinki and Christchurch both to be excellent destinations.

Helsinki has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Food in town is all about local flavors and simple ingredients. The dishes let the flavor speak for itself without fancy cooking techniques or complex flavor combinations. Many of the restaurants are locally sourced with traditional ingredients. You'll find a lot of seafood, herring, grilled sausages, pancakes, and desserts.

Dining out in Christchurch is an experience not to be missed. There's a mix of cozy cafes and casual eateries around town. You'll also find some fine dining restaurants as well as international flavors.

Is Helsinki or Christchurch Better for Nightlife?

Christchurch is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Christchurch has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has its share of dance clubs, live music venues, and laid back bars. You'll find a number of popular hangout spots around Oxford Terrace or on the historic New Regent Street.

Helsinki has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is at its best on weekends when the city center comes to life with parties, dance clubs, and student activities. Many of the best clubs and bars are concentrated in the city center. Weekends are a bit calmer and things quiet down a lot.

Is Helsinki or Christchurch Better for Beaches?

Christchurch is a very popular place for the beach. However, Helsinki is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Christchurch attract visitors from all over. There are sandy beaches in the area with water sports and various amenities. The summer months are the most popular time for hanging out at the beach, and you'll find local families playing in the sun or enjoying a picnic.

Helsinki is not a beach destination.

Is Helsinki or Christchurch Better for Hiking?

Christchurch is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Helsinki is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Christchurch. There are many beautiful hikes in the area that take you along the coastline or past local historic sights. The landscape is diverse and you'll find many amazing parks in the area. Hooker Valley Track is one of the best hiking routes nearby.

Helsinki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Christchurch?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Helsinki and Christchurch.

Helsinki is well-known for its shopping. The city is great for shopping, with many brands focused on sustainability. There are local boutiques as well as name brands. Flea markets and vintage shops are also popular.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Christchurch. There's a mix of boutique shops, outlet malls, and open air markets. Some of the best shopping places include the Tannery and the Colombo.

Is Helsinki or Christchurch More Beautiful?

Helsinki is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Helsinki is one of the main draws. The city's location on the tip of a peninsula means that the water has a huge influence over daily life. There are more than 300 islands in the area and plenty of nature and parkland. The city is filled with striking color and tons of beauty.

Christchurch offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With its many beautiful parks, gardens, and outdoor spaces, this is a very scenic city.

Is Helsinki or Christchurch Better for Families?

Christchurch is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Christchurch is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The International Antarctic Centre is a thrilling and fun experience. There's also the Orana Wildlife Park or Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. For adrenaline junkies there are the ropes courses at the Adrenalin Forest. There are also many indoor playgrounds and rock climbing facilities.

Helsinki is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The coastal setting offers many activities that kids and adults alike will enjoy. This capital city has a calm atmosphere with plenty of parkland to explore. The shoreline is dotted by islands where you'll also find a zoo and a fort. Kids will also enjoy exploring the islands by boat.

Is Helsinki or Christchurch Better for Couples?

Both Helsinki and Christchurch are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Helsinki makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city's many parks offer the perfect setting for a picnic or a walk. There are also botanical gardens, evening boat rides, and saunas that will help you enjoy a romantic trip away.

Couples visit Christchurch frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Punting on the Avon River is one of the most romantic activities in the city. There are also botanical gardens, parks, and natural areas that are fun to explore. Nearby, you can do a wine tour, or there are cocktail bars and charming restaurants in town. The city also has a nice theater and many other date night activities.

Is Helsinki or Christchurch Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Christchurch is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Christchurch. There's no shortage of hostels around town, and many backpackers pass through Christchurch on their epic New Zealand adventure.

Plenty of backpackers visit Helsinki. With its active nightlife scene, vibrant atmosphere, and inclusive personality, this city is a fun place for backpackers, but you should expect to pay a premium for the experience. Many backpackers avoid the city because they have heard how expensive it is. There are a few hostels around that will help you keep costs a bit more manageable.

Is Helsinki or Christchurch Better for Students?

Both Helsinki and Christchurch are excellent destinations for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Helsinki. The city has an active student life with plenty of culture and nature. It's active nightlife scene and beautiful natural areas make it a wonderful place to study.

Many students visit Christchurch. It's the largest city on the South Island and there are plenty of activities and nearby trips that you can enjoy.

Is Helsinki or Christchurch Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Helsinki is well known for its public transit. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Helsinki has some very good public transit options. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

While Christchurch offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While it's not a diverse transit system, the buses are well connected and offer the cheapest way to get around town.

Is Helsinki or Christchurch a more walkable city?

Christchurch is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Christchurch is a very walkable city. The city center is relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

Helsinki is a somewhat walkable city. Many neighborhoods are easy to explore on foot. The air is also clean and the setting is refreshing.

For even more information, also check out Is Helsinki Worth Visiting? and Is Christchurch Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Christchurch or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Christchurch?

It's fun to spend time in either Helsinki or Christchurch. In our opinion, Christchurch has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Christchurch than Helsinki. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Christchurch than Helsinki. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Christchurch, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Christchurch than Helsinki. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Christchurch that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Christchurch than Helsinki if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Christchurch.

One day in Helsinki or Christchurch?

In Helsinki, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this coastal city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The city of Christchurch offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Helsinki or Christchurch?

Helsinki is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Christchurch is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Christchurch, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Helsinki or Christchurch?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the coastal destination of Helsinki. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Christchurch is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Helsinki or Christchurch?

Helsinki is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Christchurch is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Finland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Christchurch?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Christchurch, 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 Helsinki or Christchurch?

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

Should I visit Helsinki or Christchurch in the Summer?

Both Christchurch and Helsinki during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Christchurch in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Helsinki is around the same temperature as Christchurch in the summer. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Christchurch fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in January.

In Christchurch, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Helsinki. In the summer, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Christchurchin January. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 224 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in July than Christchurchin January. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Christchurch in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Christchurch. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Helsinki is much colder than Christchurch. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Helsinki in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Christchurch averages at about 12°C (54°F)in April.

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Christchurch during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Christchurchin April. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Helsinki or Christchurch in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Christchurch. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Helsinki can be very cold during winter. In January, Helsinki is generally much colder than Christchurchin July. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around -6°C (21°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Christchurchin July. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in January than Christchurchin July. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Christchurch in the Spring?

Both Christchurch and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.

The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. Helsinki is much colder than Christchurch in the spring. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Christchurch. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Christchurch during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Christchurchin October. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Christchurch and Helsinki