Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Tanah Rata?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tanah Rata or Christchurch?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Christchurch? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Tanah Rata or Christchurch?
Tanah Rata
Tanah Rata is one of the main tourist towns in the Cameron Highlands. The Cameron Highlands are in western Malaysia and are a popular retreat for Malaysian residents and international travelers alike. The area's higher elevation offers an often much needed break from the country's oppressive heat. It also has a beautiful setting that is rich in agriculture and has rolling hills that are beautifully covered in tea plantations. Tanah Rata has many of the area's tourist amenities. ATMS, banks, and the area's main hospital are all found in town. For some, the area feels too touristy, but if you linger longer, and explore on your own, you can easily escape the mass tourism and see the area for what it is.
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 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTanah Rata $137Christchurch $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Tanah Rata is $137, while the average daily cost in Christchurch is $95. 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 Tanah Rata and Christchurch in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTanah Rata $67Christchurch $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTanah Rata $134Christchurch $98
Compare Hotels in Tanah Rata and Christchurch
Looking for a hotel in Tanah Rata 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.
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: Tanah Rata Hotel Prices and Christchurch Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tanah Rata $29Christchurch $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:
- Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153
- Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $92
- Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
- Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $118
- Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport CHC to Christchurch in Business Car: $66
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $129
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
- Christchurch Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Christchurch: $69
- Christchurch City Hotels to Airport Transfer - Lowest price 1 to 9 Passengers: $78
- Christchurch Hotels to Airport Transfer: $51
- Christchurch to Christchurch Airport(CHC)- Departure Transfer: $32
- Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
- Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Port to Christchurch Airport CHC: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Tanah Rata or Christchurch?
Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Tanah Rata 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 dayTanah Rata $44Christchurch $31
Typical Food Prices in Tanah Rata
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tanah Rata:
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Dinner for Two$5.66
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Dessert$0.63
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Lunch$3.98
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Afternoon tea$3.88
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tanah Rata $34Christchurch $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tanah Rata
Here are a few typical costs in Tanah Rata for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Tea Factory Visit$5.66
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Tour of Orang Asli Village$21
Tours and Activities in Tanah Rata
Here are a few actual costs in Tanah Rata for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cameron Highlands Sightseing Tour: $33
- Cameron Highlands: Agro Delight Tour: $61
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour: $75
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $109
- Cameron Highlands City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292
Tours and Activities in Christchurch
Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram: $21
- Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $25
- Christchurch International Antarctic Centre Entry Tickets: $35
- International Antarctic Center General Admission Ticket: $36
- Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $42
- Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo: $46
- Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River: $47
- Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket: $62
- Waipara Wine Trail Afternoon Tour from Christchurch: $75
- Waipara Wine Experience for 2 or more, inc tastings and lunch: $108
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center: $109
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $113
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTanah Rata $19Christchurch $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Christchurch
Also in Christchurch, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- From Full-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $100
- All-Inclusive Waipara Region Wine Tour from Christchurch: $106
- From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $119
- Akaroa Craft Distillery HeliGin Experience: $532
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tanah Rata and Christchurch, we can see that Tanah Rata is more expensive. And not only is Christchurch much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tanah Rata or Christchurch?
Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata or Christchurch?
Christchurch has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Tanah Rata experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Christchurch in the Summer?
Both Christchurch and Tanah Rata are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata throughout the year. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.
In July, Tanah Rata is generally much warmer than Christchurchin January. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 27°C (81°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In July, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Christchurchin January. Tanah Rata gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryTanah Rata 27°C (81°F)Christchurch 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Christchurch in the Autumn?
Both Christchurch and Tanah Rata during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Tanah Rata because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Tanah Rata is much warmer than Christchurch in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tanah Rata averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in April.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tanah Rata. Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in October than Christchurchin April. Tanah Rata gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilTanah Rata 27°C (81°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Christchurch in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tanah Rata and Christchurch. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Christchurch in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Tanah Rata is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tanah Rata in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Christchurch averages at about 6°C (43°F)in July.
Tanah Rata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Christchurchin July. Tanah Rata gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyTanah Rata 27°C (80°F)Christchurch 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Christchurch in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Tanah Rata as well as Christchurch. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Christchurch for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Tanah Rata is generally much warmer than Christchurchin October. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 28°C (82°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Tanah Rata receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in April than Christchurchin October. Tanah Rata gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberTanah Rata 28°C (82°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Christchurch and Tanah Rata
| Tanah Rata | Christchurch | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 270 mm (10.6 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 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.