Which place is cheaper, Picton or Hongcun?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hongcun or Picton?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hongcun and Picton 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: Hongcun or Picton?
Hongcun
When you picture ancient China, you likely picture old cobblestone streets, white homes with pointed black roofs and a slight air of mysticism in the surroundings. This is Hongcun.
The backdrop for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is not usually on the top of many traveler's lists. This isn't a bustling tourist town with guides offering to show you the sights or carts peddling the latest tacky souvenir. It's a quiet village where you'll see the real Chinese culture. The homes along the complex water canals air their fish in their windows to preserve it for their family dinners. There is no bowing to tourism here.
Picton
Picton, New Zealand is located in the picturesque Marlborough Region on the South Island. With beachfront access in a central location and near the Marlborough Sounds, Picton is an ideal place for anyone looking for both adventure and relaxation in one of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world.
The weather in Picton is fairly mild, ranging from the low fifties to high sixties, Fahrenheit, throughout the year. Their summer months are December through March, this is when you'll find temperatures in the high sixties. During the winter, June through August, Picton experiences averages of fifty degree Fahrenheit. This means you can visit any time of the year without having to worry about weather inhibiting any of your outdoor activities!
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHongcun $52Picton $87
The average daily cost (per person) in Hongcun is $52, while the average daily cost in Picton is $87. 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 Hongcun and Picton in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHongcun $23Picton $37
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHongcun $46Picton $74
Compare Hotels in Hongcun and Picton
Looking for a hotel in Hongcun or Picton? 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.
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: Picton Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hongcun $12Picton -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Picton
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Picton:
- Private Transfer from Blenheim city hotels to Picton Cruise Port: $38
- Private Transfer from Picton Cruise Port to Blenheim City Hotels: $38
- Private Transfer from Blenheim Airport (BHE) to Picton Port: $46
- Private Transfer from Picton Port to Blenheim Airport (BHE): $46
Is it cheaper to fly into Hongcun or Picton?
Prices for flights to both Picton and Hongcun 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
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Food Meals for one dayHongcun $19Picton $20
Typical Food Prices in Hongcun
Some typical examples of dining costs in Hongcun are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.83
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Breakfast of Dumplings$2.07
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hongcun $17Picton $109
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hongcun
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hongcun are as follows:
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Two Entrance Tickets$29
Tours and Activities in Picton
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Picton are as follows:
- Skip the Line: Dangerous Skies WWII Exhibition - Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre: $15
- Picton Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Hinterland Cycling Tour, Havelock: $25
- Skip the Line:WWI & WWII Combo Exhibitions at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre: $30
- Winery Express Tour: $40
- Queen Charlotte Track: Cruise & Self-Guided Hike from Picton: $52
- Kayaking Mangrove Adventure at Havelock: $56
- Marlborough Sounds and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton: $57
- Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton: $58
- Half-Day Cruise in Marlborough Sounds from Picton: $58
- Cruise Ship Day - Marlborough: $61
- Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise from Picton: $67
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHongcun $14Picton $35
Sample the Local Flavors in Picton
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Picton:
- Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour (full day) in the Marlborough Region.: $37
- Self-Guided Wine Tours by Bike with Steve & Jo in Marlborough : $40
- Marlborough: Hop On Hop Off Wine, Brewery, and Wonders Tour: $53
- Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Marlborough: $54
- Marlborough Afternoon Wine Tour with Tastings: $70
- Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton: $88
- Half-Day Wine Tour from Blenheim: $88
- Discover Marlborough Wine - Afternoon Marlborough Wine Tour : $91
- Morning Guided with Afternoon Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour: $91
- Marlborough Discovery Sampler Wine Tour - 1/2Day Blenheim: $97
- Taste the Valley Wine Tour in Marlborough with Wine Tasting: $100
- Half-Day Marlborough Wine Tour & Beer Tour : $110
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hongcun and Picton, we can see that Picton is more expensive. And not only is Hongcun much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hongcun is in Asia and Picton 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 Hongcun would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hongcun 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 Picton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Picton than you might in Hongcun.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hongcun Expensive? and Is Picton Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Hongcun or Picton?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Picton is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Hongcun has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Hongcun or Picton in the Summer?
Both Picton and Hongcun are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Picton for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
Hongcun is much warmer than Picton in the summer. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Picton fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in January.
It's quite rainy in Hongcun. In July, Hongcun usually receives more rain than Pictonin January. Hongcun gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryHongcun 29°C (85°F)Picton 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Picton in the Autumn?
Both Picton and Hongcun during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Picton in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.
In the autumn, Hongcun is a little warmer than Picton. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hongcun in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Picton averages at about 15°C (58°F)in April.
Hongcun usually gets less rain in October than Pictonin April. Hongcun gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilHongcun 19°C (65°F)Picton 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Picton in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hongcun and Picton. Furthermore, most visitors come to Picton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Hongcun can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Hongcun is generally much colder than Pictonin July. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 4°C (40°F), and Picton fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
Picton receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Hongcun usually receives less rain than Pictonin July. Hongcun gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyHongcun 4°C (40°F)Picton 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Picton in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hongcun as well as Picton. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Picton because of the beaches and the small town charm.
Hongcun is a little warmer than Picton in the spring. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Picton fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in October.
Hongcun receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hongcun usually gets more rain in April than Pictonin October. Hongcun gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberHongcun 17°C (62°F)Picton 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Picton and Hongcun
| Hongcun | Picton | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (40°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (51°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| May | 22°C (71°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 235 mm (9.2 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.