Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Rotorua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Rotorua. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Rotorua?
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
In the heart of the Anhui Province of China is the stunning Mount Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site draws in visitors from around the world to take in the stunning views and conquer a new challenge.
Mount Huangshan is one of the most popular destinations in China. Because of this, most of the towns and regions around it also use the name Huangshan. Even the closest town, Tunxi, has begun going by Huangshan City. Keep this in mind as it could potentially cause some confusion in transit.
The whole of Huangshan has 36 separate peaks rising approximately 1,800 meters into the air. It is often covered in a spiritual-feeling mist that makes the peaks appear to live in the clouds. It has inspired artists for centuries, and is often thought to be the model for the typical mountain ranges seen in ancient Chinese paintings.
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 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.
-
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Prices
China PricesRotorua Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $72Rotorua $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is $72, 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Rotorua in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $25Rotorua $48
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $50Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Rotorua
Looking for a hotel in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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.
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.Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $10Rotorua $4.99
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain):
-
Shuttle Bus to Tangkou for Two$3.64
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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Rotorua?
Prices for flights to both Rotorua and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 dayHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $33Rotorua $50
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.Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $27Rotorua $34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are as follows:
-
Two Entrance Tickets$64
-
Two Cable Car Passes$22
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 dayHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $16Rotorua $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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Rotorua, we can see that Rotorua is more expensive. And not only is Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain).
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Rotorua in the Summer?
Both Rotorua and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is much warmer than Rotorua in the summer. The daily temperature in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in January.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets more rain in July than Rotoruain January. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) 29°C (85°F)Rotorua 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Rotorua in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Rotorua. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.
In the autumn, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is a little warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Rotorua averages at about 16°C (61°F)in April.
In October, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives more rain than Rotoruain April. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) 19°C (65°F)Rotorua 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Rotorua in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) as well as Rotorua. Additionally, many travelers come to Rotorua for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the winter. In January, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is generally much colder than Rotoruain July. Daily temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) average around 4°C (40°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets more rain in January than Rotoruain July. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) 4°C (40°F)Rotorua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Rotorua in the Spring?
Both Rotorua and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Rotorua in the spring for the natural beauty.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is cooler than Rotorua in the spring. The daily temperature in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.
It's quite rainy in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). In April, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives more rain than Rotoruain October. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) 17°C (62°F)Rotorua 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Rotorua and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
| Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) | Rotorua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (40°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (51°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 22°C (71°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 235 mm (9.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.