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

Should you visit Tsavo National Park 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 Tsavo National Park 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: Tsavo National Park or Christchurch?

Tsavo National Park

Tsavo National Park is one of the largest and oldest parks in Kenya, located in the central part of the country in what was once known as the Taru Desert. Human activity in the park dates back to the Late Stone Age making the park a major archaeological and historical site. Tsavo is known for having beautiful natural landscapes and excellent game viewing.

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 Wildlife Tours to Kenya, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.


Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Tsavo National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Tsavo National Park Prices
    Kenya Prices
    Christchurch Prices
    New Zealand Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Tsavo National Park $139
    Christchurch $117

The average daily cost (per person) in Tsavo National Park is $139, 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 Tsavo National Park and Christchurch in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tsavo National Park $32
    Christchurch $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tsavo National Park $64
    Christchurch $98
Compare Hotels in Tsavo National Park and Christchurch

Looking for a hotel in Tsavo National Park 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 Tsavo National Park


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.
    Tsavo National Park $59
    Christchurch $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:

  • Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $164
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car: $130
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Car: $130
  • Christchurch Airport to City SUV Transfer: $57
  • CHC Airport to Downtown|Hotel Private Transfer: $26
  • Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Business Car: $95
  • Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Akaroa Cruise Port: $189
  • Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $87
  • Private Transfer from Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Tsavo National Park or Christchurch?

Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Tsavo National Park 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
    Tsavo National Park $65
    Christchurch $53

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tsavo National Park $46
    Christchurch $17

Tours and Activities in Christchurch

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

  • Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Day Entry Ticket: $20
  • Scenic Chairlift Ride at Christchurch Adventure Park: $20
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram: $23
  • Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $25
  • Christchurch Mystery Puzzle Tour “Shadow of the Prism”: $29
  • International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket: $44
  • Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo: $45
  • Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $45
  • Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River: $46
  • Waka Paddling Experience on the Avon River: $57
  • Uniquely Kiwi Landsailing Adventure: $59
  • Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket: $66

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tsavo National Park $23
    Christchurch $11

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: $116
  • Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour : $135


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