Which place is cheaper, Whitsundays or Rotorua?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Rotorua or Whitsundays?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Rotorua and Whitsundays 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: Rotorua or Whitsundays?
Rotorua
Located on the banks of Lake Rotorua, Rotorua is famous as the thermal wonderland of New Zealand. The area has a variety of geothermal sights, but it is also close to several lakes and has more traditional activities as well, including fishing, boating and white water rafting.
Rotorua is located in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, which is the largest volcano in the area. There are four major volcanic calderas that now have lakes, and several other volcanoes in the area. Rotorua sits on top of a thermal hot spring, and there are many vents and hot pools throughout the area. Many of the hot pools and sights are located within parks, with some of the best being Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rainbow Springs Nature Park, and Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.
Rotorua has a warm, temperate climate. Because of the area's inland location, it has less wind than many places in New Zealand. Temperatures during the winter months can fall to below freezing, but snow is incredibly rare.
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 Budget Tours to New Zealand, The Best Tours for Seniors 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 dayRotorua $93Whitsundays $132
The average daily cost (per person) in Rotorua is $93, 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 Rotorua and Whitsundays in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRotorua $48Whitsundays $69
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRotorua $96Whitsundays $138
Compare Hotels in Rotorua and Whitsundays
Looking for a hotel in Rotorua 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: Rotorua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rotorua $5.01Whitsundays $55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotorua
Also for Rotorua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Rotorua to Auckland Afternoon Transfer with Waitomo Glow Worms: $180
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 Rotorua or Whitsundays?
Prices for flights to both Whitsundays and Rotorua 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 dayRotorua $29Whitsundays $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotorua
For Rotorua, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Mitai Maori Village: Cultural Experience and Dinner Buffet: $92
- Te Pa Tu Māori Cultural Experience with Dinner: $154
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.Rotorua $34Whitsundays $25
Typical Entertainment Prices in Rotorua
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Rotorua's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Lunch Out for Two$27
Tours and Activities in Rotorua
For Rotorua, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 4x4 Self Drive Yamaha Experience : $90
- Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua: $30
- Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū : $157
- From Hobbiton Movie Set Tour with Festive Lunch: $154
- From Wai O Tapu & Waimangu Eco Thermal Morning Tour: $86
- From Wai-O-Tapu, Waimangu and Te Puia Full-Day Tour: $193
- Geothermal Adults Only Mineral Bathing - Pavilion Pools Bathing Ticket: $27
- Geothermal Mineral Baths Experience: Pavilion Pools for 12+: $27
- Hells Gate Mud Bath and Sulphur Spa Experience: $50
- Hobbiton Day Tour from Rotorua with lunch at Hobbiton: $156
- Kaituna River: 3.5-Hour White Water Sledging Experience: $77
- Kaituna River: Whitewater Rafting Experience: $55
Tours and Activities in Whitsundays
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Whitsundays.
- Airlie Beach: Private Guided 2-Night Yacht Sailing Cruise: $4,941
- Daydream Island: Great Barrier Reef Adventure Cruise: $195
- From Daydream Is.: Whitsundays & Whitehaven Half-Day Cruise: $91
- Whitsundays Camira Sailing Adventure from Daydream Island: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRotorua $12Whitsundays $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Rotorua
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rotorua:
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Bottle of Wine$11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rotorua and Whitsundays, we can see that Whitsundays is more expensive. And not only is Rotorua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rotorua would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rotorua 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 Rotorua.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rotorua Expensive? and Is Whitsundays Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Rotorua or Whitsundays?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Rotorua or Whitsundays in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotorua and Whitsundays. Many travelers come to Rotorua for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Rotorua is much colder than Whitsundays. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rotorua in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Whitsundays averages at about 26°C (79°F).
Whitsundays receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Rotorua usually receives less rain than Whitsundays. Rotorua gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 331 mm (13 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryRotorua 12°C (54°F)Whitsundays 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Rotorua or Whitsundays in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Rotorua as well as Whitsundays. Many visitors come to Rotorua in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In April, Rotorua is generally cooler than Whitsundays. Daily temperatures in Rotorua average around 16°C (61°F), and Whitsundays fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite rainy in Whitsundays. Rotorua usually gets less rain in April than Whitsundays. Rotorua gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilRotorua 16°C (61°F)Whitsundays 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Rotorua or Whitsundays in the Winter?
Both Whitsundays and Rotorua are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Rotorua for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Rotorua is much warmer than Whitsundays in the winter. The daily temperature in Rotorua averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Whitsundays fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).
In July, Rotorua usually receives less rain than Whitsundays. Rotorua gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyRotorua 26°C (79°F)Whitsundays 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Rotorua or Whitsundays in the Spring?
Both Whitsundays and Rotorua during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the natural beauty.
In the spring, Rotorua is cooler than Whitsundays. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rotorua in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Whitsundays averages at about 23°C (73°F).
Rotorua usually gets less rain in October than Whitsundays. Rotorua gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberRotorua 19°C (66°F)Whitsundays 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Whitsundays and Rotorua
| Rotorua | Whitsundays | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 331 mm (13 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 377 mm (14.8 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (55°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.