A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ubud vs. Christchurch for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Ubud or Christchurch?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Ubud and Christchurch. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Ubud

Ubud is a popular, famous, and cultural town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Ubud is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Ubud travel costs.

Christchurch

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

Ubud and Christchurch: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ubud or Christchurch?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Christchurch. Although Ubud and Christchurch are both popular with visitors, Christchurch has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Christchurch is more popular for its nightlife and beaches, while Ubud is known for its food, resorts, and small town charm. Ubud is more touristy than Christchurch and is known for its cultural and religious sites, dramatic rice paddies, and local handicrafts. Christchurch is popular for its outdoor beauty and relaxing, scenic atmosphere. It is also home to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

How is Ubud different from Christchurch?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Ubud or Christchurch.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Ubud. The town is filled with temples and cultural sights such as the Ubud Monkey Forest, Goa Gajah (the Elephant Cave), the Ubud Royal Palace, and the Blanco Renaissance Museum.

Christchurch offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Ubud or Christchurch? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ubud is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Ubud is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. You'll find some of the best restaurants on Bali in this town. There is everything from family-owned eateries to award winning restaurants. Dishes range from vegan to meat-filled and you'll find both local favorites and western cuisine.

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.

Is Ubud or Christchurch Better for Nightlife?

Christchurch is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Christchurch know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Ubud has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is mostly focused on cultural activities and live music. Many people head here to escape the party scene that is so popular elsewhere on the island.

Is Ubud or Christchurch Better for Resorts?

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

For the ultimate resort vacation, Ubud is a great choice. You'll find beautiful luxury resorts with impressive pools and dramatic landscapes.

Christchurch is not a resort destination.

Is Ubud or Christchurch Better for Beaches?

Christchurch is a great destination for the beach. However, Ubud is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Christchurch for it's beautiful 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.

Ubud is not a beach destination.

Is Ubud or Christchurch Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Ubud and Christchurch, and they are superb.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Ubud. There are many stunning walks and hikes just outside of town. There are stunning views from Campuhan Ridge Walk, which is best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset. Jalan Subak Sok Wayah Walk will take you through the rice paddies and Kajeng Rice Field Walk is close to town but tucked away from the crowds. One of the biggest draws of the area is the Tegallalang Rice Terraces Walk.

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 Ubud or Christchurch?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Christchurch and Ubud.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Ubud. Head to the Ubud shopping street for boutiques, markets, and local items. The town has grown into a shopper's paradise with many Balinese handicrafts around.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Ubud or Christchurch More Beautiful?

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

Ubud offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's a stunning setting, which makes it appealing to tourists, but to truly enjoy the beauty you'll want to get a bit outside of town.

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

Is Ubud or Christchurch Better for Families?

Christchurch is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Christchurch is very family-friendly. 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.

Ubud offers lots of family activities. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the jungles and rice paddies. There are also many great restaurants that are family-friend. Ubud is a bit cooler than the beach towns of Bali, so kids will enjoy an escape from the hotter temperatures.

Is Ubud or Christchurch Better for Couples?

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

Ubud makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Honeymooners flock to this small town for its stunning scenery and beautiful temples. There are luxury hotels, spas, massages, and poolside escapes that will make for the perfect honeymoon. You'll also find world class restaurants and breathtaking hikes in the area.

Christchurch is a great town 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 Ubud or Christchurch Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ubud and Christchurch are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ubud is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. If you need a break from the party scene on Bali, then you'll enjoy the reprieve of this small town. There are still plenty of backpackers and hostels, but the town itself offers a more relaxed setting.

Christchurch is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There's no shortage of hostels around town, and many backpackers pass through Christchurch on their epic New Zealand adventure.

Is Ubud or Christchurch Better for Students?

Christchurch is a great destination for students. However, Ubud is not popular with students.

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

Ubud is not popular with students.

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

Christchurch is a good destination for its public transit. However, Ubud is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ubud. Many people hire a vehicle or driver to explore the area. There are also tourist shuttles around with Perama Shuttle being one of the most established.

Is Ubud or Christchurch a more walkable city?

Ubud and Christchurch both are superb when exploring on foot.

Ubud is a very walkable destination. The town is generally walkable and easy to explore on foot, but you'll need other transportation if you want to get outside of town.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Christchurch or Ubud?

How long in Ubud or Christchurch?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Christchurch than Ubud 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 Ubud or Christchurch?

In Ubud, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this breathtaking town offers. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Christchurch. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Ubud or Christchurch?

Ubud 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. Lots of people come for the food. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Christchurch is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Ubud or Christchurch?

In Ubud, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this breathtaking destination offers. 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. Lots of people come for the food. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the adventure-filled destination of Christchurch. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ubud or Christchurch?

Ubud 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.

The adventure-filled city of Christchurch offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

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

Which is Bigger, Ubud or Christchurch?

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