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

Should you visit Melbourne or Christchurch?

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

Should I visit Melbourne or Christchurch? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a cultural, progressive, and livable city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Christchurch

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

Melbourne and Christchurch: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Melbourne or Christchurch?

You'll generally find more things to do in Melbourne than Christchurch. Melbourne is bigger than Christchurch, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Melbourne is better known for its big city activities, while Christchurch is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Melbourne is well known for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. Also, Melbourne is famous for the Royal Botanic Gardens. Christchurch is well known for its outdoor beauty and relaxing, scenic atmosphere.

How is Melbourne different from Christchurch?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Melbourne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

Many visitors head to Christchurch specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Melbourne or Christchurch? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Melbourne and Christchurch offer high quality local cuisine and restaurants.

Melbourne has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

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 Melbourne or Christchurch Better for Nightlife?

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in Melbourne and Christchurch.

Melbourne has a large number of nightlife venues. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

Christchurch is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Melbourne or Christchurch Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Melbourne and Christchurch are high quality choices.

Melbourne is considered a top beach destination. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

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 Melbourne or Christchurch Better for Hiking?

Christchurch is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Melbourne or Christchurch?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Melbourne and Christchurch.

Melbourne is well-known for its shopping. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

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 Melbourne or Christchurch Better for Families?

Christchurch is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Christchurch is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Melbourne is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

Is Melbourne or Christchurch Better for Couples?

Christchurch is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Christchurch makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Melbourne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Melbourne or Christchurch Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Christchurch is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Melbourne or Christchurch Better for Students?

Melbourne is terrific for students. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Melbourne. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

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

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

Melbourne 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.

Melbourne has some very good public transit options. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

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 Melbourne or Christchurch a more walkable city?

Melbourne and Christchurch are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Melbourne is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Christchurch or Melbourne?

How long in Melbourne or Christchurch?

It's fun to spend time in either Melbourne or Christchurch. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Melbourne due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Melbourne, and 2-4 days is enough time in Christchurch.

Families should spend more time in Christchurch than Melbourne. 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 Melbourne. 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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne or Christchurch?

Each neighborhood in Melbourne has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Christchurch. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Melbourne or Christchurch?

Melbourne 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. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Christchurch. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Melbourne or Christchurch?

Each neighborhood in Melbourne has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the adventure-filled city of Christchurch. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Melbourne or Christchurch?

Melbourne is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Australia, The Best Budget Tours to Australia, 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 Melbourne and Christchurch, we can see that Melbourne is more expensive. And not only is Christchurch much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Melbourne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Melbourne 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 Melbourne Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Melbourne or Christchurch?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Melbourne 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 Melbourne or Christchurch?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Melbourne or Christchurch in the Summer?

Both Christchurch and Melbourne during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.

Melbourne is a little warmer than Christchurch in the summer. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Christchurch fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Christchurch, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Melbourne. In the summer, Melbourne often gets more sunshine than Christchurch. Melbourne gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 224 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Christchurch. Melbourne gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Christchurch in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Melbourne and Christchurch. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Melbourne is a little warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Melbourne in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Christchurch averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Melbourne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Christchurch during autumn. Melbourne gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Melbourne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Christchurch. Melbourne gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Melbourne or Christchurch in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Melbourne as well as Christchurch. Many travelers come to Melbourne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Christchurch in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In July, Melbourne is generally much warmer than Christchurch. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 9°C (49°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Melbourne often gets more sunshine than Christchurch. Melbourne gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets less rain in July than Christchurch. Melbourne gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Christchurch in the Spring?

Both Christchurch and Melbourne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Melbourne in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Christchurch for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Melbourne is a little warmer than Christchurch in the spring. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Christchurch. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Melbourne. Melbourne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Christchurch during spring. Melbourne gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Melbourne usually receives more rain than Christchurch. Melbourne gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Christchurch and Melbourne