A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sydney vs. Christchurch for Attractions, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Sydney or Christchurch?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sydney 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.

Sydney

Sydney is a outdoorsy, adventurous, and glamorous city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Christchurch

Christchurch is a adventure-filled, cultural, and outdoorsy city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Sydney and Christchurch: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sydney or Christchurch?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sydney than Christchurch, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Sydney is more touristy than Christchurch and is known for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. It is also home to the Sydney Opera House. Christchurch is popular for its outdoor beauty and relaxing, scenic atmosphere.

How is Sydney different from Christchurch?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sydney is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Sydney are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

Many visitors head to Christchurch specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Sydney or Christchurch? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Sydney and Christchurch can be an enjoyable experience.

Dining out in Sydney is an experience not to be missed. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Christchurch. 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 Sydney or Christchurch Better for Nightlife?

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

Sydney is a must-see party destination. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

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 Sydney or Christchurch Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Christchurch is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Sydney has a few good snorkeling spots. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Christchurch is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sydney or Christchurch Better for Beaches?

Sydney is terrific for the beache. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Sydney. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

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 Sydney or Christchurch Better for Hiking?

Sydney and Christchurch are both places where visitors can find very good hiking trails.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Sydney. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Sydney or Christchurch?

Sydney 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 Sydney make it a world-class shopping destination. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

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 Sydney or Christchurch Better for Families?

Sydney and Christchurch are both fantastic destinations for the whole family.

Sydney is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

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 Sydney or Christchurch Better for Couples?

Sydney is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Sydney makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

Christchurch is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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 Sydney or Christchurch Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney 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 Sydney. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage 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 Sydney or Christchurch Better for Students?

Sydney is terrific for students. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Sydney. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

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

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

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

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Sydney can take you anywhere. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

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 Sydney or Christchurch a more walkable city?

Sydney and Christchurch both are very good when exploring on foot.

Sydney is a very walkable destination. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Christchurch or Sydney?

How long in Sydney or Christchurch?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sydney 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 Sydney.

One day in Sydney or Christchurch?

Each neighborhood in Sydney has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Christchurch. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Sydney or Christchurch?

Sydney is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Christchurch is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Sydney or Christchurch?

Each neighborhood in Sydney has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Christchurch. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Sydney or Christchurch?

Sydney is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Christchurch. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sydney and Christchurch, we can see that Sydney is more expensive. And not only is Christchurch much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Sydney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sydney 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 Sydney Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sydney or Christchurch?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Sydney 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 Sydney or Christchurch?

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 Sydney or Christchurch in the Summer?

Both Christchurch and Sydney are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Sydney in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, 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, Sydney is generally a little warmer than Christchurch. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 23°C (73°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Christchurch. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sydney. Sydney usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Christchurch during summer. Sydney gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Sydney. In January, Sydney usually receives more rain than Christchurch. Sydney gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sydney or Christchurch in the Autumn?

Both Christchurch and Sydney during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Sydney for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area 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.

Sydney is much warmer than Christchurch in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 19°C (65°F) in April, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Sydney often gets more sunshine than Christchurch. Sydney gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 161 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sydney. Sydney usually gets more rain in April than Christchurch. Sydney gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Christchurch in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sydney and Christchurch. The winter months attract visitors to Sydney 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, Sydney is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sydney in July average around 12°C (53°F), and Christchurch averages at about 6°C (43°F).

In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sydney usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during winter. Sydney gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Sydney usually receives less rain than Christchurch. Sydney gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sydney or Christchurch in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sydney as well as Christchurch. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Sydney this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Christchurch for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In October, Sydney is generally a little warmer than Christchurch. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 18°C (64°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Christchurch. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. In the spring, Sydney often gets more sunshine than Christchurch. Sydney gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 204 hours of full sun.

Sydney usually gets more rain in October than Christchurch. Sydney gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Christchurch and Sydney