A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shenzhen vs. Christchurch for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen 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: Shenzhen or Christchurch?

Shenzhen

Located in the Guangdong Province of southeastern China, Shenzhen is a metropolis that connects Hong Kong to China's mainland. It is one of China's most populous cities, inhabited by vast array of people from other Chinese regions.  It is perhaps best known for it shopping, collection of amusement parks, green parks, museums and galleries, and a few historic sites. It is on UNESCO's Creative Cities list.

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.

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


Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Shenzhen?

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 Shenzhen is $140, while the average daily cost in Christchurch is $117. 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 Shenzhen and Christchurch in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shenzhen $91
    Christchurch $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shenzhen $182
    Christchurch $98
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Christchurch

Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen


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: Christchurch Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shenzhen $15
    Christchurch $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen

Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • A One-Way Disneyland Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Hotel: $33
  • A One-Way Hotel Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Disneyland: $36
  • HK Airport to Cruise Terminal Rounded-Trip Private Transfer by Lexus Luxury Car: $141
  • HK Local Transfer in City, Cruise Terminal and Train Station: $88
  • Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $45
  • Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
  • Hong Kong Airport Transfer: $119
  • Hong Kong Airport Transfer Sevice With Classic Car : $66
  • Hong Kong City to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal - Departure Private Transfer : $62
  • Hong Kong Hassle free Airport Transfers in Tesla or Benz: $138
  • Hong Kong Private Transfer — Victoria Peak ⇄ Tian Tan Big Buddha: $148
  • Hong Kong Private Transfer from Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok Airport to Hong Kong: $84

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:

  • Private Transfer from Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City: $87
  • Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $87
  • Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Akaroa Cruise Port: $189
  • Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Business Car: $95
  • Christchurch Airport to City SUV Transfer: $57
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Car: $130
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car: $130
  • Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $164

Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Christchurch?

Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Shenzhen 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
    Shenzhen $35
    Christchurch $53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen

For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Locals - Dim Sum, Wonton & more: $53
  • Shekou Food Tour with 4 Tastings: $79
  • Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $98
  • Explore Hong Kong: Mid-Autumn Festival Food Tour: $103
  • Discover Hong Kong’s Hidden Eats on a Tin Hau Food Tour: $109
  • Small-Group Hong Kong Island Food Tour: $116
  • Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $146
  • Private Food Tour in Hong Kong: $148
  • Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $149
  • The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $176
  • Hong Kong Private & Personalized Food Tour with a Local: $177
  • Asian Favorites Cooking Class in Hong Kong (4-Course Meal): $184

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shenzhen $17
    Christchurch $17

Tours and Activities in Shenzhen

For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Introduction to Hong Kong: Central Tip Based Walking Tour: $2.64
  • Day in the life of a Hong Konger: Kowloon Tip Based Walking Tour: $2.64
  • Between Two Systems: Hong Kong's Living History Tip Based Tour: $2.64
  • Hong kong City Tour w/ Entry Fees & Lunch (2024) | 150+ booked: $2.64
  • Hong Kong Observation Wheel Ticket: $5.45
  • Hong Kong Airport Express Ticket: $10
  • Hong Kong Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428 Tickets (Optional): $13
  • Monopoly Dreams Hong Kong Entry Ticket: $13
  • Double-decker Sightseeing Bus 24-hour E PASSTicket: $15
  • Hong Kong Airport Express E-Ticket : $15
  • Hong Kong Airport Express Train Tickets(Avoid Heavy Traffic): $15
  • The Victoria Peak Tram Ticket | Hong Kong: $15

Tours and Activities in Christchurch

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

  • Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $25
  • (MT) Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour From Christchurch: $179
  • (MT) Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch: $175
  • (MT) Mount Cook Day Tour From Christchurch: $150
  • 1/2-Day Christchurch Scenic Highlights Small Group Tour: $140
  • 1/2-day Christchurch Scenic Highlights (Private Tour): $239
  • 8 Day Southern Secrets Small Group Tour: $995
  • 8 Day Southern Secrets Small Group Tour: $995
  • Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $114
  • Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch: $156
  • Arthur's Pass Day Tour From Christchurch with TranzAlpine: $258
  • Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch: $255

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shenzhen $19
    Christchurch $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Shenzhen

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Shenzhen:

  • Hong Kong Pub Crawl at Lan Kwai Fong (LKF): $46

Sample the Local Flavors in Christchurch

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

  • Waipara Wine Tour from Christchurch - including Lunch & Tastings: $108
  • Lyttelton Shore Excursion - Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch: $114
  • From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $117
  • Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour : $135


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

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


Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Christchurch?

Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Shenzhen or Christchurch in the Summer?

Both Christchurch and Shenzhen during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Christchurch in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Shenzhen is generally much warmer than Christchurchin January. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 30°C (85°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Christchurch, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Shenzhen. In the summer, Shenzhen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Christchurchin January. Shenzhen gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 224 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in July than Christchurchin January. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Shenzhen 30°C (85°F) 
    Christchurch 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Christchurch in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Christchurch. Furthermore, most visitors come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Shenzhen is much warmer than Christchurch in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 26°C (78°F) in October, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in April.

Shenzhen usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during autumn. Shenzhen gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Christchurchin April. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Shenzhen 26°C (78°F) 
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Christchurch in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Christchurch. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Shenzhen is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shenzhen in January average around 16°C (60°F), and Christchurch averages at about 6°C (43°F)in July.

In the winter, Shenzhen often gets more sunshine than Christchurchin July. Shenzhen gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun.

Shenzhen usually gets less rain in January than Christchurchin July. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Shenzhen 16°C (60°F) 
    Christchurch 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Christchurch in the Spring?

Both Christchurch and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.

In April, Shenzhen is generally much warmer than Christchurchin October. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 23°C (73°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Christchurch. Shenzhen usually receives less sunshine than Christchurch during spring. Shenzhen gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. In April, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Christchurchin October. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Shenzhen 23°C (73°F) 
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Christchurch and Shenzhen

Shenzhen Christchurch
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (60°F) 26 mm (1 in) 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 325 mm (12.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 382 mm (15 in) 6°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 393 mm (15.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 300 mm (11.8 in) 10°C (49°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 26°C (78°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 17°C (63°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)