A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surfers Paradise vs. Christchurch for Nightlife, Beaches, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Surfers Paradise or Christchurch?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Surfers Paradise or Christchurch, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a active, ritzy, and glamourous city. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Surfers Paradise 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.

Surfers Paradise and Christchurch: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surfers Paradise or Christchurch?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Surfers Paradise. Although Surfers Paradise and Christchurch are both popular with visitors, Surfers Paradise has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Surfers Paradise is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Christchurch is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Christchurch and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. It is also home to the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Christchurch is popular for its outdoor beauty and relaxing, scenic atmosphere.

How is Surfers Paradise different from Christchurch?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Surfers Paradise or Christchurch?

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Christchurch and Surfers Paradise.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Surfers Paradise can be an interesting and educational experience. For the best views of the coastline head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa. It's in Australia's tallest residential tower. You can also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Sea World Marine Park, as well as countless other amusement parks or entertainment centers.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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 Surfers Paradise or Christchurch? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Surfers Paradise and Christchurch.

Surfers Paradise has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.

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 Surfers Paradise or Christchurch Better for Nightlife?

Surfers Paradise is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Surfers Paradise is a must-see party destination. This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.

Many people head to Christchurch for the nightlife scene. 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 Surfers Paradise or Christchurch Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise is terrific for its resorts. However, Christchurch is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Surfers Paradise is a great choice. The high-rise skyline is filled with luxury resorts and trendy hotels. Fancy pools and rooftop views make this is a glitzy and lively place to stay.

Christchurch is not a resort destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Christchurch Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Surfers Paradise is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Christchurch is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Surfers Paradise. There's no shortage of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that leave from the area. You'll see a diversity of marine life and interesting undersea reefs.

Christchurch is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Christchurch Better for Beaches?

Surfers Paradise is terrific for the beach. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Surfers Paradise. It's at the heart of the Gold Coast, and you'll enjoy two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful surf. The beaches are lined with high rise buildings and there's plenty of energy and amenities for visitors. This is a popular tourist destination and there is no shortage of water sports and other activities along the beaches.

Christchurch is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Is Surfers Paradise or Christchurch Better for Hiking?

Christchurch is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Christchurch. 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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Surfers Paradise. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

Is the Shopping Better in Surfers Paradise or Christchurch?

Surfers Paradise is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Surfers Paradise make it a world-class shopping destination. Beachside markets sell local items. There are also large shopping malls that are filled with international fashion brands and boutique shops that sell unique items.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Christchurch. 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 Surfers Paradise or Christchurch More Beautiful?

Christchurch is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Surfers Paradise 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.

Surfers Paradise is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Surfers Paradise or Christchurch Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise and Christchurch are both fantastic destinations for the whole family.

Surfers Paradise is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. It's filled with activities that kids and adults will enjoy. There's everything from sandy beaches to amusement park rides and entertainment centers. Check out Infinity, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There's also countless minigolf places, kayaking, and other water sports.

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.

Is Surfers Paradise or Christchurch Better for Couples?

Surfers Paradise and Christchurch are both very good to visit as a couple.

Surfers Paradise makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Walk along the beach or take in the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There are also many fun-filled adventure activities as well as restaurants and a lively party scene.

Couples visit Christchurch frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Surfers Paradise or Christchurch Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Surfers Paradise is terrific for backpackers. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Surfers Paradise. Backpackers who want fun entertainment, a lively beach scene, and water sports will find their place here. There are also hostels with reasonable rates and plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Christchurch. There's no shortage of hostels around town, and many backpackers pass through Christchurch on their epic New Zealand adventure.

Is Surfers Paradise or Christchurch Better for Students?

Christchurch is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Surfers Paradise is not popular with students.

Christchurch is a great city to visit as a student. It's the largest city on the South Island and there are plenty of activities and nearby trips that you can enjoy.

Surfers Paradise is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Surfers Paradise and Christchurch.

Surfers Paradise has some public transit options. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

You'll find some public transit in Christchurch, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. While it's not a diverse transit system, the buses are well connected and offer the cheapest way to get around town.

Is Surfers Paradise or Christchurch a more walkable city?

Christchurch is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Surfers Paradise is somewhat walkable. There are walking and bike paths around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Christchurch or Surfers Paradise?

How long in Surfers Paradise or Christchurch?

It's fun to spend time in either Surfers Paradise or Christchurch. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Surfers Paradise due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Surfers Paradise, and 2-4 days is enough time in Christchurch.

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

Couples should spend more time in Surfers Paradise than Christchurch. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Surfers Paradise that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Surfers Paradise than Christchurch if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Surfers Paradise.

One day in Surfers Paradise or Christchurch?

In Surfers Paradise, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this high energy city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the outdoorsy destination of Christchurch. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Surfers Paradise or Christchurch?

Surfers Paradise is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the cultural city of Christchurch. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Surfers Paradise or Christchurch?

In Surfers Paradise, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this glamourous destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Christchurch is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Surfers Paradise or Christchurch?

Surfers Paradise is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Christchurch is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Surfers Paradise and Christchurch, we can see that Surfers Paradise 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Surfers Paradise or Christchurch?

Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise or Christchurch?

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 Surfers Paradise or Christchurch in the Summer?

Both Christchurch and Surfers Paradise during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Surfers Paradise in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Christchurch for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In January, Surfers Paradise is generally a little warmer than Christchurch. Daily temperatures in Surfers Paradise average around 25°C (77°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 Surfers Paradise. In the summer, Surfers Paradise often gets more sunshine than Christchurch. Surfers Paradise gets 256 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 Surfers Paradise. Surfers Paradise usually gets more rain in January than Christchurch. Surfers Paradise gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Christchurch in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Surfers Paradise and Christchurch. Most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Surfers Paradise is much warmer than Christchurch in the autumn. The daily temperature in Surfers Paradise averages around 22°C (71°F) in April, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Surfers Paradise, it's very sunny this time of the year. Surfers Paradise usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during autumn. Surfers Paradise gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Surfers Paradise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Surfers Paradise usually receives more rain than Christchurch. Surfers Paradise gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Christchurch in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Surfers Paradise as well as Christchurch. The winter months attract visitors to Surfers Paradise because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.

In the winter, Surfers Paradise is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the winter temperatures in Surfers Paradise in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Christchurch averages at about 6°C (43°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Surfers Paradise this time of the year. In the winter, Surfers Paradise often gets more sunshine than Christchurch. Surfers Paradise gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun.

Surfers Paradise usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Christchurch. Surfers Paradise gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Christchurch in the Spring?

Both Christchurch and Surfers Paradise are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Christchurch for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In October, Surfers Paradise is generally much warmer than Christchurch. Daily temperatures in Surfers Paradise average around 21°C (69°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Christchurch. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. Surfers Paradise usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during spring. Surfers Paradise gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. In October, Surfers Paradise usually receives more rain than Christchurch. Surfers Paradise gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Christchurch and Surfers Paradise