A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Tarutao vs. Christchurch for Beaches, Families, Food, and Hiking

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Christchurch?

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 Koh Tarutao and Christchurch. 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.

Koh Tarutao

Koh Tarutao is a beautiful, undiscovered, and secluded island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches and hiking.

Christchurch

Christchurch is a adventure-filled, cultural, and outdoorsy city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Koh Tarutao and Christchurch: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Christchurch?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Christchurch. Although Koh Tarutao and Christchurch are both popular with visitors, Christchurch has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Christchurch is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Koh Tarutao is known for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Christchurch is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is popular for its outdoor beauty and relaxing, scenic atmosphere. It is also home to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Koh Tarutao is popular for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Christchurch?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Tarutao or Christchurch?

Christchurch is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Koh Tarutao offers a few options for museum-goers. This island is all about remote natural settings that will take your breath away, but you won't find anything in the form of temples or museums.

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

Christchurch is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Christchurch has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Koh Tarutao offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are three restaurants on the island that have limited hours so, if possible, it's best to arrive with some snacks. The food is simple and can get repetitive if you eat the same meals several days in a row.

Is Koh Tarutao or Christchurch Better for Nightlife?

Christchurch is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Koh Tarutao. There's a good chance you'll have this island almost completely to yourself. The few restaurants on the island close early and you'll likely head to bed early after taking in the stunning night sky.

Is Koh Tarutao or Christchurch Better for Resorts?

Koh Tarutao is not so good for its resorts. However, Christchurch is not a resort destination.

There isn't the widest selection of resorts in Koh Tarutao, but you'll find a few options to choose from. You won't find luxury resorts (or any resorts) on the island. What you will find is simple bungalows, or tents available for rent at the ranger stations.

Christchurch is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Christchurch Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao is terrific for the beache. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Tarutao. A true island paradise, you'll find isolated beaches here that are so remote that you'll likely have them to yourself for large parts of the day.

Christchurch is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Is Koh Tarutao or Christchurch Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Koh Tarutao and Christchurch, and they are superb.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Koh Tarutao. There are hiking trails through mangrove coves, inland through the dramatic vegetation, and up cliffs to impressive viewpoints.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Christchurch?

Christchurch is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Koh Tarutao has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a small shop at the visitor center where you can pick up simple drinks and snacks.

Is Koh Tarutao or Christchurch Better for Families?

Christchurch is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Christchurch is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Koh Tarutao. For families who want seclusion, this beautiful island is the place to spend a night or two. There are great beaches, interesting hikes, and kayaks available to visitors.

Is Koh Tarutao or Christchurch Better for Couples?

Koh Tarutao and Christchurch both superb destinations for a couple.

Koh Tarutao makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For a truly remote experience, couples will enjoy this often overlooked island. There are hikes and isolated beaches that offer romance in its most simple form.

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 Koh Tarutao or Christchurch Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and 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 budget travelers visit Koh Tarutao. Most backpackers overlook this beautiful island for the more party-oriented destinations of Thailand, but those who spend a night or two here will be rewarded with a truly unique and authentic experience.

Is Koh Tarutao or Christchurch Better for Students?

Christchurch is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Tarutao is not popular with students.

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.

Koh Tarutao is not popular with students.

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

Christchurch is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Koh Tarutao. There are shuttle taxis that travel around the island at fixed times. You can also rent a mountain bike at the ranger stations.

Is Koh Tarutao or Christchurch a more walkable city?

Christchurch is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Koh Tarutao is generally not very walkable. The island is quite large and difficult to explore on foot alone.

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

Should I spend more time in Christchurch or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Christchurch?

It's fun to spend time in either Koh Tarutao or Christchurch. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Christchurch due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Koh Tarutao, and 2-4 days is enough time in Christchurch.

Families should spend more time in Christchurch than Koh Tarutao. 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 Koh Tarutao. 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 Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Tarutao or Christchurch?

In Koh Tarutao, many people enjoy the that this beautiful island offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Christchurch. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Koh Tarutao or Christchurch?

Koh Tarutao is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Christchurch. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Koh Tarutao or Christchurch?

You'll find around the remote destination of Koh Tarutao. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

The adventure-filled city of Christchurch offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Koh Tarutao or Christchurch?

Koh Tarutao is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Christchurch. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Tarutao and Christchurch, we can see that Koh Tarutao is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Koh Tarutao is in Asia and Christchurch is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

When is the best time to visit Koh Tarutao or Christchurch?

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

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Christchurch in the Summer?

Both Christchurch and Koh Tarutao during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tarutao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Christchurch for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Koh Tarutao is generally much warmer than Christchurchin January. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (81°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tarutao. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in July than Christchurchin January. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Christchurch in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Christchurch. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round. Also, many visitors come to Christchurch in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Christchurch in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in April.

Koh Tarutao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Christchurchin April. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Koh Tarutao is the dry season. Also, May and October is the rainy season in Koh Tarutao.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Christchurch in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Christchurch. Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Tarutao in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Christchurch averages at about 6°C (43°F)in July.

Koh Tarutao usually gets less rain in January than Christchurchin July. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Christchurch in the Spring?

Both Christchurch and Koh Tarutao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tarutao throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Koh Tarutao is generally much warmer than Christchurchin October. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 29°C (85°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Tarutao. In April, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Christchurchin October. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Koh Tarutao is November to April. The rainy season in Koh Tarutao is May and October.

Typical Weather for Christchurch and Koh Tarutao