A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sapporo vs. Christchurch for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Sapporo 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 Sapporo 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.

Sapporo

Sapporo is a vibrant, laid-back, and park-filled city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums. See Sapporo travel costs.

Christchurch

Christchurch is a adventure-filled, cultural, and outdoorsy city. Christchurch offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Christchurch travel costs.

Sapporo and Christchurch: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sapporo or Christchurch?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sapporo than Christchurch, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Sapporo is more popular for its skiing and big city activities, while Christchurch is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Sapporo is more touristy than Christchurch and is popular for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. It is also home to Odori Park. Christchurch is popular for its outdoor beauty and relaxing, scenic atmosphere.

How is Sapporo different from Christchurch?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Christchurch and Sapporo. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Sapporo or Christchurch Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is well known for winter skiing. However, Christchurch is not a skiing destination.

People head to Sapporo specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. There are many great ski areas that are an easy day trip from the center of town. Very close by you'll find Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort and Sapporo Teine is where the 1972 Winter Olympics were held. It's divided into the family-friendly Olympia Zone and the more advanced Highland Zone.

Christchurch is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sapporo or Christchurch?

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Christchurch and Sapporo.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Sapporo. There are a number of shrines and museums in the city. Make sure you check out Hokkaidō Shrine, Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Sapporo Science Center.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Christchurch. The city is filled with street art and local galleries. There's also Canterbury Museum, the International Antarctic Centre, the Arts Centre, and the Riccarton House & Bush.

Is the Food Better in Sapporo or Christchurch? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Sapporo and Christchurch both to be excellent destinations.

Sapporo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local cuisine focuses on the world class fishing in the area as well as the great agriculture. Pork is a common meat ingredient and many dishes include ramen, vegetables, or grilled seafood.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Christchurch makes for a great culinary experience. There's a mix of cozy cafes and casual eateries around town. You'll also find some fine dining restaurants as well as international flavors.

Is Sapporo or Christchurch Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find excellent options in both Sapporo and Christchurch.

The nightlife in Sapporo has something for everybody. The city's nightlife scene is laid back and mostly concentrated in the Susukino area. In particular, King Xmhu is famous for its party nights and wild decor.

Christchurch offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has its share of dance clubs, live music venues, and laid back bars. You'll find a number of popular hangout spots around Oxford Terrace or on the historic New Regent Street.

Is Sapporo or Christchurch Better for Beaches?

Christchurch is a great city for the beach. However, Sapporo is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Christchurch attract visitors from all over. There are sandy beaches in the area with water sports and various amenities. The summer months are the most popular time for hanging out at the beach, and you'll find local families playing in the sun or enjoying a picnic.

Sapporo is not a beach destination.

Is Sapporo or Christchurch Better for Hiking?

Christchurch is a great city for hiking. However, Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Christchurch for the hiking trails. There are many beautiful hikes in the area that take you along the coastline or past local historic sights. The landscape is diverse and you'll find many amazing parks in the area. Hooker Valley Track is one of the best hiking routes nearby.

Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sapporo or Christchurch?

If you're looking to go shopping, Sapporo and Christchurch both offer plenty of excellent spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Sapporo. Shopping malls are the most popular places to enjoy browsing the stores. This is particularly nice during the snowy winter months when you can escape into the heated malls.

Christchurch is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There's a mix of boutique shops, outlet malls, and open air markets. Some of the best shopping places include the Tannery and the Colombo.

Is Sapporo or Christchurch More Beautiful?

Christchurch is a city with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Sapporo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Christchurch offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With its many beautiful parks, gardens, and outdoor spaces, this is a very scenic city.

Sapporo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sapporo or Christchurch Better for Families?

Christchurch is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Christchurch is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The International Antarctic Centre is a thrilling and fun experience. There's also the Orana Wildlife Park or Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. For adrenaline junkies there are the ropes courses at the Adrenalin Forest. There are also many indoor playgrounds and rock climbing facilities.

Sapporo is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many activities for families, any time of year. There's skiing and winter sports in the winter and theme parks and camping in the summer. There's also a Puppet Theater and indoor play areas for when the weather is poor.

Is Sapporo or Christchurch Better for Couples?

Both Sapporo and Christchurch are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Sapporo is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy the parks, gardens, museums, and winter sports in the area. A highlight for everyone is a visit to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which features many ice sculptures.

Christchurch is a very popular place to visit for couples. Punting on the Avon River is one of the most romantic activities in the city. There are also botanical gardens, parks, and natural areas that are fun to explore. Nearby, you can do a wine tour, or there are cocktail bars and charming restaurants in town. The city also has a nice theater and many other date night activities.

Is Sapporo or Christchurch Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Sapporo and Christchurch are excellent places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Sapporo. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Christchurch. There's no shortage of hostels around town, and many backpackers pass through Christchurch on their epic New Zealand adventure.

Is Sapporo or Christchurch Better for Students?

For students, both Sapporo and Christchurch are excellent places to visit.

Students come from all over to stay in Sapporo. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

Many students visit Christchurch. It's the largest city on the South Island and there are plenty of activities and nearby trips that you can enjoy.

Is Sapporo or Christchurch Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sapporo is well known for its public transit. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Sapporo has some very good public transit options. Most visitors use the subway system to get around. There are three lines - the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line- all of which pass through Odori Station. The city also has a streetcar and buses.

While Christchurch offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While it's not a diverse transit system, the buses are well connected and offer the cheapest way to get around town.

Is Sapporo or Christchurch a more walkable city?

Sapporo and Christchurch are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Sapporo is a very walkable destination. The city center, where you'll find many of the attractions, is walkable. Susukino Station is about a 20 or 30 minute walk from JR Sapporo Station.

Christchurch is very walkable. The city center is relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Sapporo Worth Visiting? and Is Christchurch Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Christchurch or Sapporo?

How long in Sapporo or Christchurch?

It's fun to spend time in either Sapporo or Christchurch. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Christchurch due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sapporo, and 2-4 days is enough time in Christchurch.

Families should spend more time in Christchurch than Sapporo. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Christchurch, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

One day in Sapporo or Christchurch?

Each neighborhood in Sapporo has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Christchurch, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Sapporo or Christchurch?

Sapporo is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Christchurch, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Christchurch has to offer.

Five days in Sapporo or Christchurch?

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the laid-back big city of Sapporo. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Christchurch is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Sapporo or Christchurch?

Sapporo is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Christchurch. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Christchurch. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

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

Which is Bigger, Sapporo or Christchurch?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Sapporo 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 Sapporo 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 Sapporo has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Sapporo or Christchurch in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sapporo as well as Christchurch. Many travelers come to Sapporo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Christchurch in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Sapporo is generally a little warmer than Christchurchin January. Daily temperatures in Sapporo average around 21°C (69°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Christchurch. In the summer, Sapporo often gets less sunshine than Christchurchin January. Sapporo gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 224 hours of full sun.

Sapporo usually gets more rain in July than Christchurchin January. Sapporo gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sapporo or Christchurch in the Autumn?

Both Christchurch and Sapporo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Sapporo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Sapporo is cooler than Christchurch in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sapporo averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in April.

Sapporo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Christchurch during autumn. Sapporo gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Sapporo. In October, Sapporo usually receives more rain than Christchurchin April. Sapporo gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Sapporo or Christchurch in the Winter?

Both Christchurch and Sapporo during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Sapporo for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sapporo can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Sapporo is much colder than Christchurch. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sapporo in January average around -5°C (24°F), and Christchurch averages at about 6°C (43°F)in July.

In the winter, Sapporo often gets less sunshine than Christchurchin July. Sapporo gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sapporo. Sapporo usually gets more rain in January than Christchurchin July. Sapporo gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sapporo or Christchurch in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sapporo and Christchurch. The spring months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.

In April, Sapporo is generally much colder than Christchurchin October. Daily temperatures in Sapporo average around 7°C (44°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Christchurch this time of the year. Sapporo usually receives less sunshine than Christchurch during spring. Sapporo gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sapporo usually receives more rain than Christchurchin October. Sapporo gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Christchurch and Sapporo