Which place is cheaper, Whitsundays or Picton?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Picton or Whitsundays?
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 Picton and Whitsundays. 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.
Where Should I go: Picton or Whitsundays?
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!
Whitsundays
Just off the coast of Queensland, Australia is a cluster of 74 different islands. These islands, the Whitsunday Islands, welcome over a half a million visitors every year to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Great Barrier Reef.
As one of the most famous destinations in the world, it's not uncommon to see expensive yachts sailing around among the private ferries. Most of the islands are designated as national parks with access to snorkeling and diving in the coral reefs, or just to lay in the sand on the famous Whitehaven Beach.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPicton $87Whitsundays $132
The average daily cost (per person) in Picton is $87, while the average daily cost in Whitsundays is $132. 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 Picton and Whitsundays in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPicton $37Whitsundays $69
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPicton $74Whitsundays $138
Compare Hotels in Picton and Whitsundays
Looking for a hotel in Picton or Whitsundays? 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Picton -Whitsundays $55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Picton
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Picton:
- Private Transfer from Blenheim Airport (BHE) to Picton Port: $46
- Private Transfer from Picton Port to Blenheim Airport (BHE): $46
- Private Transfer from Picton Cruise Port to Blenheim City Hotels: $38
- Private Transfer from Blenheim city hotels to Picton Cruise Port: $38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Whitsundays
Also for Whitsundays, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Whitsunday Islands: Whitehaven Beach Camping Transfer: $124
Is it cheaper to fly into Picton or Whitsundays?
Prices for flights to both Whitsundays and Picton 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
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Food Meals for one dayPicton $20Whitsundays $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Whitsundays
For Whitsundays, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hamilton Island: Whitsundays Sunset BBQ Dinner Cruise: $98
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Picton $109Whitsundays $25
Tours and Activities in Picton
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Picton are as follows:
- 1-Day Cruise in Queen Charlotte Track & Kupes Trail Walk: $118
- 2 hour Dolphin Viewing Eco-Tour from Picton: $91
- 3.5 Hour Marlborough Sounds Delivery Cruise: $67
- Bays and Bush Scenic Tour: $97
- Bird Watching and Dolphin Eco-Tour from Picton: $91
- CRUISE SHIP DAY Hop on Hop off Yealands & Marlborough tour: $121
- Captain Cook and Dolphin Cruise: $90
- Cruise Excursion - Wines of Marlborough Tour: $103
- Cruise Ship Day - Marlborough: $60
- Cruise and Lunch at Furneaux Lodge: $82
- Day Cruise & Lunch at Punga Cove Resort: $81
- Early Bird Eco Cruise: $73
Tours and Activities in Whitsundays
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Whitsundays.
- From Daydream Is.: Whitsundays & Whitehaven Half-Day Cruise: $91
- Whitsundays Camira Sailing Adventure from Daydream Island: $150
- Daydream Island: Great Barrier Reef Adventure Cruise: $195
- Airlie Beach: Private Guided 2-Night Yacht Sailing Cruise: $4,941
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPicton $35Whitsundays $12
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.: $37
- Self-Guided Wine Tours by Bike with Steve & Jo in Marlborough : $40
- Marlborough: Hop On Hop Off Wine, Brewery, and Wonders Tour: $53
- Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Marlborough: $54
- Marlborough Afternoon Wine Tour with Tastings: $70
- Half-Day Wine Tour from Blenheim: $87
- Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton: $88
- Discover Marlborough Wine - Afternoon Marlborough Wine Tour : $90
- Morning Guided with Afternoon Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour: $91
- Marlborough Discovery Sampler Wine Tour - 1/2Day Blenheim: $97
- Taste the Valley Wine Tour in Marlborough with Wine Tasting: $100
- Half-Day Marlborough Wine Tour & Beer Tour : $109
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Picton and Whitsundays, we can see that Whitsundays is more expensive. And not only is Picton much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Whitsundays would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Whitsundays 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 Picton Expensive? and Is Whitsundays Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Picton or Whitsundays?
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 Picton or Whitsundays in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Picton as well as Whitsundays. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Picton this time of year.
In the summer, Picton is cooler than Whitsundays. Typically, the summer temperatures in Picton in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Whitsundays averages at about 26°C (79°F).
It's quite rainy in Whitsundays. Picton usually gets less rain in January than Whitsundays. Picton gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 331 mm (13 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryPicton 18°C (64°F)Whitsundays 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Picton or Whitsundays in the Autumn?
Both Whitsundays and Picton are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Picton for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.
In April, Picton is generally much colder than Whitsundays. Daily temperatures in Picton average around 15°C (58°F), and Whitsundays fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Whitsundays. In April, Picton usually receives less rain than Whitsundays. Picton gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilPicton 15°C (58°F)Whitsundays 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Picton or Whitsundays in the Winter?
Both Whitsundays and Picton during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Picton in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Picton is much colder than Whitsundays in the winter. The daily temperature in Picton averages around 10°C (49°F) in July, and Whitsundays fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Picton. Picton usually gets more rain in July than Whitsundays. Picton gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyPicton 10°C (49°F)Whitsundays 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Picton or Whitsundays in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Picton and Whitsundays. Most visitors come to Picton for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.
In the spring, Picton is much colder than Whitsundays. Typically, the spring temperatures in Picton in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Whitsundays averages at about 23°C (73°F).
In October, Picton usually receives more rain than Whitsundays. Picton gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberPicton 13°C (55°F)Whitsundays 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Whitsundays and Picton
| Picton | Whitsundays | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 331 mm (13 in) |
| Feb | 18°C (64°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 377 mm (14.8 in) |
| Mar | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (51°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 10°C (49°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 10°C (50°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Dec | 17°C (62°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 191 mm (7.5 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.