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

Should you visit Tartu 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 Tartu 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.

Tartu

Tartu is a lively, intellectual, and student-oriented university town. Tartu is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife. See Tartu 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.

Tartu and Christchurch: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tartu or Christchurch?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Christchurch than Tartu, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Christchurch is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Tartu is known for its historical sights. Christchurch is more touristy than Tartu and is popular for its outdoor beauty and relaxing, scenic atmosphere. It is also home to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Tartu is popular for its vibrant student population and long running university.

How is Tartu different from Christchurch?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Christchurch is a great city for its historical sights. However, Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Christchurch is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tartu is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Christchurch has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Tartu offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The restaurant scene is surprisingly limited because of the large student population. Most students prefer saving their money for a night out drinking over a quiet meal at a restaurant. There are some cafes around town as well as pastry shops and a few good ethnic restaurants to choose between.

Is Tartu or Christchurch Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Tartu has something for everybody. With its huge student population, there is plenty of activity year round. The nightlife scene includes many bars, dance clubs, and pubs that are popular with students and visitors alike. You'll find large parties and music festivals throughout the year that bring crowds to the city.

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 Tartu or Christchurch Better for Beaches?

Christchurch is a great city for the beach. However, Tartu 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.

Tartu is not a beach destination.

Is Tartu or Christchurch Better for its Old Town?

Tartu is well known for its old town. However, Christchurch does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Tartu. The old town is where you'll find one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. There is also Town Hall Square and St. John’s Quarter with many historic buildings and beautiful architecture.

Christchurch does not have a historic old town.

Is Tartu or Christchurch Better for Hiking?

Christchurch is a great city for hiking. However, Tartu 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.

Tartu is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Christchurch?

Christchurch is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Tartu is not known for shopping.

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.

Tartu is a good destination for shopping. While most people don't visit to go shopping, there is an active art scene in town so you can find some creative pieces that are worth checking out.

Is Tartu or Christchurch More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of good scenery and beauty in both Tartu and Christchurch.

Tartu offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's a beautiful city with a long history and a number of unique historical buildings.

Christchurch is a gorgeous place to visit. With its many beautiful parks, gardens, and outdoor spaces, this is a very scenic city.

Is Tartu or Christchurch Better for Families?

Christchurch is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town 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.

Tartu is a family-friendly place to visit. Many of the kid-friendly activities are outdoors, so summer visits are better if you're traveling with children. There are adventure parks, animal parks, and educational museums that you can choose from.

Is Tartu or Christchurch Better for Couples?

Christchurch is a great city for couples. However, Tartu is not known for romance.

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.

Tartu is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The city has a young population, so you'll find many activities center around a more youthful vibe. There are some great museums that couples will enjoy, as well as a lively nightlife scene. Outside of old town, couples will enjoy wandering through the Karlova and Supilinn districts.

Is Tartu or Christchurch Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Tartu. With it's young population and budget friendly entertainment options, there are many things that backpackers will enjoy. It's not nearly as popular with backpackers as some other cities, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have a lot to offer.

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 Tartu or Christchurch Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Tartu. It is a university town and home to one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. The student population is large here, with many activities, museums, and nightlife options to choose from. There always seems to be something going on in this vibrant city.

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

Tartu and Christchurch both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Tartu offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around the town.

Christchurch has a few public transit options. While it's not a diverse transit system, the buses are well connected and offer the cheapest way to get around town.

Is Tartu or Christchurch a more walkable city?

Tartu and Christchurch are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Tartu is a very walkable destination. The city is compact with most of its sights and restaurants close together along a couple of streets.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Christchurch or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Christchurch?

It's fun to spend time in either Tartu or Christchurch. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Christchurch due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Tartu, and 2-4 days is enough time in Christchurch.

Families should spend more time in Christchurch than Tartu. 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.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Christchurch than Tartu 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 Christchurch.

One day in Tartu or Christchurch?

In Tartu, many people enjoy the nightlife that this historical university town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this university town.

In Christchurch, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this adventure-filled destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tartu or Christchurch?

Tartu is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Christchurch. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tartu or Christchurch?

You'll find nightlife around the student-oriented destination of Tartu. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Christchurch. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tartu or Christchurch?

Tartu is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the outdoorsy destination of Christchurch. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Estonia, The Best Budget Tours to Estonia, 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 Tartu and Christchurch, we can see that Tartu is more expensive. And not only is Christchurch much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tartu is in Europe 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 Tartu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tartu 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 Tartu Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tartu or Christchurch?

Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Tartu. When comparing the sizes of Tartu 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 Tartu 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 Tartu has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Tartu or Christchurch in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Christchurch. Many travelers come to Tartu for 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, Tartu is generally around the same temperature as Christchurchin January. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 17°C (62°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Christchurch. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tartu this time of the year. In the summer, Tartu often gets more sunshine than Christchurchin January. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 224 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets more rain in July than Christchurchin January. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Christchurch in the Autumn?

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

Tartu is much colder than Christchurch in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in April.

Tartu usually receives less sunshine than Christchurch during autumn. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tartu usually receives around the same amount of rain as Christchurchin April. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tartu or Christchurch in the Winter?

Both Christchurch and Tartu during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tartu for 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.

Tartu can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Tartu is much colder than Christchurch. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tartu in January average around -7°C (19°F), and Christchurch averages at about 6°C (43°F)in July.

In the winter, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Christchurchin July. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in January than Christchurchin July. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Christchurch in the Spring?

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

The weather in Tartu can be very cold. In April, Tartu is generally much colder than Christchurchin October. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 5°C (41°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Christchurch this time of the year. Tartu usually receives less sunshine than Christchurch during spring. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tartu usually receives less rain than Christchurchin October. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Christchurch and Tartu