A Travel Price Comparison for New Zealand Nelson vs. Christchurch for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Pacific / Comparisons /
Jump to  down-arrow

Should you visit Nelson or Christchurch?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nelson and Christchurch can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Nelson or Christchurch?

Nelson

Nelson is a city that sits on Tasman Bay on the South Island of New Zealand. Travelers, especially ones that are heading to explore Abel Tasman National Park, frequently visit this town. Nelson has a population of about 46,000 people and, geographically speaking, it is the center of New Zealand as a whole.

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.

Which city is cheaper, Christchurch or Nelson?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nelson is $98, while the average daily cost in Christchurch is $99. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Nelson and Christchurch in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nelson $42
    Christchurch $51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nelson $84
    Christchurch $102
Compare Hotels in Nelson and Christchurch

Looking for a hotel in Nelson 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 Nelson


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: Nelson Hotel Prices and Christchurch Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nelson $30
    Christchurch $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nelson

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nelson:

  • Arrival Transfer: Nelson Airport to Nelson City Centre Hotels: $43
  • Departure Transfer: Nelson City Centre Hotels to Nelson Airport: $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:

  • Transfer from Christchurch Central City to Christchurch Airport: $21
  • Arrival Transfer: Christchurch Airport to Christchurch Central City Hotels: $21
  • Christchurch City Hotels to Airport Transfer - Lowest price 1 to 4 Pax & 2 Bags: $43
  • Private Transfer - Airport to Central Christchurch: $44
  • Private Departure Transfer: Central Christchurch to Christchurch Airport: $59
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Christchurch Airport to Central Christchurch: $59
  • Executive Sedan Airport Transfer(Pickup Airport to Hotel/Residence) Christchurch: $60
  • Executive Sedan Airport Transfer (Pickup Hotel / Residence to Airport): $60
  • Christchurch City Hotels to Airport Transfer - Lowest price 1 to 9 Passengers: $67
  • Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $71
  • Private Airport Round-Trip Transfer:Christchurch Airport to Central Christchurch: $74
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Business Car: $75

Is it cheaper to fly into Nelson or Christchurch?

Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Nelson 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
    Nelson $28
    Christchurch $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Christchurch

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

  • Tramway Restaurant 4 Course Dinner Service through Christchurch: $92
  • Willowbank Kiwi Tour and Maori Concert Including Hangi Dinner from Christchurch: $174

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nelson $24
    Christchurch $18

Tours and Activities in Nelson

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nelson are as follows:

  • Nelson City Walking Tour - Guided: $36
  • Nelson to Mapua: Full-Day Cycling Self-Guided Adventure: $67
  • Skywire Experience: $72
  • Self-Guided Nelson to Mapua Cycle Adventure: $75
  • SKYWIRE Experience: $78
  • Tunnel to Town - Day Adventure Option B Nelson City: $100
  • Dragon Hunt Archery Experience in Pristine Native Forest: $115
  • Tunnel to Town - Day Adventure - Option A Via Mapua: $125
  • Abel Tasman and Golden Bay Tour: $149
  • Fly Golden Bay & Cruise Abel Tasman Day Tour from Nelson: $341
  • Full-Day Abel Tasman National Park Hiking Tour with Cruise: $354

Tours and Activities in Christchurch

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

  • Chairlift Sightseeing Pass at the Christchurch Adventure Park: $15
  • Punting on the Avon River with Optional Christchurch Gondola and Botanic Gardens Tour: $21
  • Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $22
  • Christchurch International Antarctic Center Entry Tickets: $33
  • International Antarctic Center General Admission Ticket: $36
  • Urban Explorer Tour: $41
  • Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $41
  • Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo: $41
  • Discover Christchurch Sightseeing Tour with optional International Antarctic Center Admission: $52
  • Waipara Wine Trail Afternoon Tour from Christchurch: $74
  • Waipara Wine Trail Morning Tour from Christchurch: $74
  • City to Sea Electric Bike Tour: $78

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nelson $13
    Christchurch $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Nelson

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nelson:

  • Half Day Wine Tour: $114

Sample the Local Flavors in Christchurch

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

  • A Waipara Wine Experience with Giles Tours, includes wine tastings and lunch: $95
  • All-Inclusive Waipara Region Wine Tour from Christchurch: $100
  • Akaroa Eco-Safari with Alpaca Farm Tour and Wine Tasting: $103
  • Full-day Akaroa Tour with Penguins Safari and Wine Tasting: $114
  • Lyttelton Shore Excursion - Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch: $115
  • Full-day Akaroa Tour with Dolphin Cruise & Wine Tasting: $133
  • Private Waipara Valley Wine Tasting Tour with optional Gourmet Lunch: $190
  • Hanmer Springs Private Day Tour Including Hot Pool & Wine Tasting: $356

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Nelson and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch 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. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

Budget Your Trip

Budget Your Trip has average travel costs for thousands of cities around the world, all provided by other travelers. You can also register to organize your spending by category and location with graphs, maps, charts, and tables.
Sign Up

Compare Hotel Prices
Kayak

Baywick Inn Bed & Breakfast From $121 Cambria House Nelson From $137 Joya Garden & Villa Studios From $33 Annick House Bed and Breakfast From $139 Palms Motel Nelson From $114
View Hotels in Nelson

More City Comparisons
Wellington vs. Nelson
Wellington vs. Christchurch
Te Anau vs. Nelson
Te Anau vs. Christchurch
Taupo vs. Nelson
Taupo vs. Christchurch
Paihia vs. Nelson
Paihia vs. Christchurch
Nelson vs. Napier
Nelson vs. Mount Aspiring National Park
Nelson vs. Lake Tekapo
Nelson vs. Kaikoura
Nelson vs. Fiordland National Park
Nelson vs. Dunedin
Nelson vs. Auckland
Nelson vs. Tauranga
Nelson vs. Queenstown
Nelson vs. Arrowtown
Nelson vs. Cromwell
Nelson vs. Rotorua
Nelson vs. Picton
Nelson vs. Aoraki Mount Cook
Napier vs. Christchurch
Mount Aspiring National Park vs. Christchurch
Lake Tekapo vs. Christchurch
Kaikoura vs. Christchurch
Fiordland National Park vs. Christchurch
Dunedin vs. Christchurch
Share This Page
Pin This Page
Nelson vs. Christchurch Travel Comparison

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.