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

Should you visit Nanjing or Picton?

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

Should I visit Nanjing or Picton? 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 Picton?

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.

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 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, Picton or Nanjing?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $118, while the average daily cost in Picton is $101. 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 Picton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nanjing $47
    Picton $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nanjing $94
    Picton $74
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Picton

Looking for a hotel in Nanjing 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.

Hotels in Nanjing


Hotels in Picton


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nanjing $39
    Picton -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:

  • [Airport transfer] Nanjing Lukou International Airport ⇔ Nanjing city transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $27
  • Nanjing Lukou Airport Chauffeur Service, Nanjing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $30
  • Private Arrival Transfer to Nanjing City from Railway Station : $32
  • Nanjing Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $35
  • Tangshan Hot Spring Spa Resorts Private Transfer from Nanjing City : $44
  • Private Departure Transfer from Nanjing City Center to Lukou Int'l Airport: $45
  • Private Transfer to Nanjing Railway Station from Lukou Airport : $45
  • Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
  • Private Nanjing Airport Transfer from City Hotels or Tangshan Hot Spring Resorts: $45
  • Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $45
  • Private Nanjing Airport Transfer to City Center or Tangshan Hot Spring Resorts: $46
  • Nanjing Downtown hotels to Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) - Departure Private Transfer: $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Picton

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Picton:

  • Private Transfer from Blenheim Airport (BHE) to Picton Port: $134
  • Private Transfer from Blenheim city hotels to Picton Cruise Port: $120
  • Private Transfer from Picton Cruise Port to Blenheim City Hotels: $121
  • Private Transfer from Picton Port to Blenheim Airport (BHE): $134

Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Picton?

Prices for flights to both Picton 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 $49
    Picton $34

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
  • Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Picton

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

  • CRUISE SHIP DAYS - HOP ON HOP OFF - Wine, Beer, Food Tour: $58

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nanjing $9.41
    Picton $109

Tours and Activities in Nanjing

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

  • Qixia Mountain Ticket for Adult: $20
  • Night Cruise on Outer Qinhuai River for Adults: $20
  • Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
  • Nanjing Self-Guided Day Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $72
  • Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service: $75
  • Private Amazing Nanjing City Day Tour in Your Way: $75
  • Nanjing Professional English Tour Guide Service: $91
  • 3-Hour Local Food Tasting Tour: $93
  • Nanjing Private Day Tour With Must-Visit Attractions: $100
  • Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
  • 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
  • 6-Hour Private Tour of Xiaoling Tomb,City Wall & Memorial Hall : $115

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
  • Discover Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Hinterland Cycling Tour, Havelock: $23
  • Skip the Line:WWI & WWII Combo Exhibitions at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre: $29
  • Kalapathar Sunrise, Birdwatching and Village Tour: $35
  • Picton Shore Excursion: Queen Charlotte Sounds Cruise: $49
  • Picton Shore Excursion Queen Charlotte Sound Cruise: $51
  • Kayaking Mangrove Adventure at Havelock: $56
  • Queen Charlotte Sound: Lochmara Cruise and Explore Day Trip: $57
  • Half-Day Cruise in Marlborough Sounds from Picton: $63
  • Marlborough Sounds and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton: $64
  • Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton: $66

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nanjing $9.61
    Picton $34

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.: $39
  • Self-Guided Wine Tours by Bike with Lorelle & Greg : $41
  • Marlborough: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine, Brewery, and Wonders Tour: $75
  • Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Marlborough: $77
  • CRUISE SHIP DAY Marlborough Hop On Hop Off Wine Tours: $77
  • Marlborough Afternoon Wine Tour with Tastings: $77
  • Marlborough Half Day Wine Tour From Picton: $92
  • Half-Day Wine Tour from Blenheim: $95
  • Marlborough Wine Tasting Tour.: $95
  • Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton: $95
  • Taste the Valley Wine Tour in Marlborough with Wine Tasting: $101
  • Morning Guided with Afternoon Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour: $101


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nanjing and Picton, we can see that Nanjing is more expensive. And not only is Picton much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nanjing 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 Picton would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Picton 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 Nanjing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nanjing than you might in Picton.

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


Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Picton?

Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 1030 times larger than the population of Picton. When comparing the sizes of Nanjing and Picton, 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 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 Nanjing has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Nanjing or Picton in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Picton. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Picton because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nanjing is much warmer than Picton. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nanjing in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Picton averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.

Nanjing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nanjing usually receives more rain than Pictonin January. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Nanjing or Picton in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Picton. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Picton this time of year.

In October, Nanjing is generally a little warmer than Pictonin April. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 17°C (63°F), and Picton fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Nanjing usually gets less rain in October than Pictonin April. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Nanjing 17°C (63°F) 
    Picton 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Picton in the Winter?

Both Picton and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Picton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Nanjing in the winter. Nanjing is much colder than Picton in the winter. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Picton fluctuates around 10°C (49°F)in July.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Picton. In January, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Pictonin July. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Nanjing 3°C (37°F) 
    Picton 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Picton in the Spring?

Both Picton and Nanjing during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Picton in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

In the spring, Nanjing is a little warmer than Picton. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nanjing in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Picton averages at about 13°C (55°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nanjing. Nanjing usually gets more rain in April than Pictonin October. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Nanjing 15°C (60°F) 
    Picton 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Picton and Nanjing

Nanjing Picton
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 15°C (58°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 10°C (49°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 25 mm (1 in) 17°C (62°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)