A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nanjing vs. Christchurch for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nanjing or Christchurch?

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

Should I visit Nanjing 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.

Where Should I go: Nanjing or Christchurch?

Nanjing

Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Christchurch

Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, right beside the Canterbury Plains. Most people begin their South Island travels here. The city itself can be fascinating to explore so it is worth allowing yourself several days in town as an introduction to the region.

The River Avon flows through the city center, twisting through the old buildings. Christchurch is referred to in New Zealand as the Garden City and it is easy to see why. It's quite a nice city with trees spread throughout. The economy is centered around international tourism as well as foreign education. There is a high Asian student population here, giving the city a diverse feel.

Christchurch's climate is temperate and the city receives moderate rainfall. In January average high temperatures are around 73 degrees Fahrenheit with averages around 52 degrees Fahrenheit in July. There is a sea breeze during the summer months that keep temperatures pleasant. Temperatures can drop below freezing at night during the winter months. Snow may also fall several times a year.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Nanjing?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $96, while the average daily cost in Christchurch is $95. 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 Nanjing and Christchurch in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nanjing $46
    Christchurch $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nanjing $92
    Christchurch $98
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Christchurch

Looking for a hotel in Nanjing or Christchurch? 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 Nanjing


Hotels in Christchurch


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: Christchurch Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nanjing $38
    Christchurch $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:

  • Nanjing Railway Station Private Transfer from City Center: $32
  • Huangshan Tunxi International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $20
  • Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $36
  • Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $72
  • Nanjing Lukou Airport Chauffeur Service, Nanjing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $63
  • Nanjing Lukou Int Airport (NKG): Private Transfer to Nanjing: $175
  • Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
  • Nanjing Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) to Nanjing hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $66
  • Nanjing Private Round Trip Transfer to Niushoushan Cultural Park: $67
  • Nanjing Private Transfer from Nanjing central to Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG): $114
  • Nanjing Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $35
  • Nanjing Railway Station Private Transfer to Lukou International Airport: $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:

  • Arrival Private Transfer from Airport CHC to Christchurch in Business Car: $66
  • Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $129
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
  • Christchurch Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Christchurch: $69
  • Christchurch City Hotels to Airport Transfer - Lowest price 1 to 9 Passengers: $78
  • Christchurch Hotels to Airport Transfer: $51
  • Christchurch to Christchurch Airport(CHC)- Departure Transfer: $32
  • Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
  • Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
  • Private Transfer from Lyttelton Port to Christchurch Airport CHC: $29

Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Christchurch?

Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Nanjing 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
    Nanjing $28
    Christchurch $31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nanjing

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nanjing.

  • 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
  • Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option : $112
  • Nanjing City Private Night Tour with Qinghuai River Cruise and Dinner Option: $114
  • Nanjing Tangshan Mountain Hot Spring Experience and Hot Pot Dinner: $175
  • Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nanjing $9.27
    Christchurch $17

Tours and Activities in Nanjing

Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
  • Nanjing Self-Guided Day Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $70
  • Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service: $75
  • Private Amazing Nanjing City Day Tour in Your Way: $75
  • Nanjing Professional English Tour Guide Service: $91
  • Half-Day Nanjing Purple Mountain Private Tour in Your Way: $94
  • Yangzhou Self-Guided Tour from Nanjing with Private Car and Driver Service : $94
  • 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
  • Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
  • 4-Hour Nanjing Private Tour: Xiaoling Tomb, Ming City Wall and Memorial Hall : $115
  • Nanjing Private Flexible Day Tour with Ancient and Modern History: $119
  • Half-Day Private Customized Nanjing City Tour: $122

Tours and Activities in Christchurch

Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram: $21
  • Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $25
  • Christchurch International Antarctic Centre Entry Tickets: $35
  • International Antarctic Center General Admission Ticket: $36
  • Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $42
  • Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo: $46
  • Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River: $47
  • Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket: $62
  • Waipara Wine Trail Afternoon Tour from Christchurch: $75
  • Waipara Wine Experience for 2 or more, inc tastings and lunch: $108
  • Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center: $109
  • Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $113

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nanjing $9.46
    Christchurch $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Christchurch

Also in Christchurch, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Full-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $100
  • All-Inclusive Waipara Region Wine Tour from Christchurch: $106
  • From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $119
  • Akaroa Craft Distillery HeliGin Experience: $532


When comparing the travel costs between Nanjing and Christchurch, we can see that Nanjing 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 Nanjing 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 Nanjing Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Christchurch?

Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Nanjing 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 Nanjing or Christchurch?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Christchurch is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Nanjing has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Nanjing or Christchurch in the Summer?

Both Christchurch and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.

Nanjing is much warmer than Christchurch in the summer. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Christchurch fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Nanjing. In July, Nanjing usually receives more rain than Christchurchin January. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Nanjing 28°C (83°F) 
    Christchurch 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Christchurch in the Autumn?

Both Christchurch and Nanjing during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nanjing is a little warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nanjing in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Christchurch averages at about 12°C (54°F)in April.

Nanjing usually gets less rain in October than Christchurchin April. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Nanjing 17°C (63°F) 
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Christchurch in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Christchurch. Also, many visitors come to Christchurch in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nanjing. In January, Nanjing is generally much colder than Christchurchin July. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 3°C (37°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In January, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Christchurchin July. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Nanjing 3°C (37°F) 
    Christchurch 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Christchurch in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Christchurch. Also, most visitors come to Christchurch for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Nanjing is a little warmer than Christchurch in the spring. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in October.

Nanjing receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nanjing usually gets more rain in April than Christchurchin October. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Nanjing 15°C (60°F) 
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Christchurch and Nanjing

Nanjing Christchurch
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 12°C (54°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 6°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 25 mm (1 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)