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

Should you visit Hengyang or Rotorua?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hengyang and Rotorua 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.

Where Should I go: Hengyang or Rotorua?

Hengyang

Hengyang, China is a stunning, historically significant, city in southern China. With an almost six-thousand-year old history, Hengyang is the second largest city in the Hunan Province and is known for its agricultural, fishing, and rice. Near Hengyang is Mount Heng, a mountain famous in Chinese history and religion; it has 72 peaks and dozens of temples in the town below it.

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 Tours for Seniors to China, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Beijing, The Best Budget Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Hengyang?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hengyang is $59, while the average daily cost in Rotorua 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Hengyang and Rotorua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hengyang $26
    Rotorua $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hengyang $52
    Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Hengyang and Rotorua

Looking for a hotel in Hengyang 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 Hengyang


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.
    Hengyang $14
    Rotorua $5.01

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: $180

Is it cheaper to fly into Hengyang or Rotorua?

Prices for flights to both Rotorua and Hengyang 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
    Hengyang $21
    Rotorua $29

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: $92
  • Te Pa Tu Māori Cultural Experience with Dinner: $154

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hengyang $19
    Rotorua $34

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:

  • Jade Carving Experience at a Local Studio: $21
  • Mountain Jade Highlights Tour: $21
  • Government Gardens Walking Tour: $23
  • Geothermal Mineral Baths Experience: Pavilion Pools for 12+: $27
  • Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour: $27
  • Geothermal Adults Only Mineral Bathing - Pavilion Pools Bathing Ticket: $27
  • Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour: $27
  • Agrodome Farm Tour with Show and Produce Tasting: $29
  • Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua: $30
  • The National Kiwi Hatchery Tour: $35
  • National Kiwi Hatchery - Kiwi Encounter Tour: $37
  • Velocity Valley Ticket: $39

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hengyang $13
    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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hengyang and Rotorua, we can see that Rotorua is more expensive. And not only is Hengyang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hengyang is in Asia 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 Hengyang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hengyang 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 Hengyang.

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


Which is Bigger, Hengyang or Rotorua?

Hengyang has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Hengyang 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.