A Travel Price Comparison for New Zealand Wellington vs. Christchurch for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Wellington or Christchurch?

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

Should I visit Wellington 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: Wellington or Christchurch?

Wellington

Wellington is the capital and second largest city in New Zealand. It sits on the southwestern edge of the North Island between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range. It's a beautiful setting that is encircled by mountains giving it a beautiful backdrop. There are also many cultural sights and attractions around town. Wellington really is the perfect mix of New Zealand's natural beauty and a vibrant urban core. The film industry is also prevelant in the city. The city's production centers have helped create Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit trilogies, Avatar, Tin Tin, and District 9.

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.

Which city is cheaper, Christchurch or Wellington?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Wellington is $82, while the average daily cost in Christchurch is $79. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Wellington and Christchurch in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Wellington $46
    Christchurch $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Wellington $92
    Christchurch $80
Compare Hotels in Wellington and Christchurch

Looking for a hotel in Wellington 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 Wellington


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: Wellington Hotel Prices and Christchurch Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Wellington $9.66
    Christchurch $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Wellington

Also for Wellington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Transfer: Wellington Airport to Central Wellington City Centre Hotels: $13
  • Departure Transfer: Wellington Central City Centre Hotels to Wellington Airport: $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:

  • VIP Sedan Christchurch Airport Transfer to or from Central Christchurch: $80
  • VIP Range Rover Christchurch Airport Transfer to or from Central Christchurch: $108
  • Transfer from Christchurch Central City to Christchurch Airport: $21
  • Private Transfer: Christchurch to Mount Cook: $790
  • Private Transfer - Airport to Central Christchurch: $44
  • Private Minibus Airport Transfer - Pickup Hotel / Residence to Airport (11 Pax): $120
  • Private Minibus Airport Transfer - Pickup Airport to Hotel / Residence (11 Pax): $120
  • Private Departure Transfer: Central Christchurch to Christchurch Airport: $59
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Christchurch Airport to Central Christchurch: $59
  • Private Airport Round-Trip Transfer:Christchurch Airport to Central Christchurch: $74
  • Private & Exclusive One-Way Transfer Christchurch to Queenstown: $1,264
  • Executive Sedan Airport Transfer(Pickup Airport to Hotel/Residence) Christchurch: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Wellington or Christchurch?

Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Wellington 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
    Wellington $24
    Christchurch $25
Typical Food prices in Wellington

For Wellington, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner
    $9.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Wellington

For Wellington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Walking Food Tour Of Wellington: $148
  • Martinborough Wine and Food Tour with Lunch from Wellington: $203
  • Local Delicacies Half-Day Food Tour: $204
  • A Taste Of Wellington Food Tour (half Day): $227
  • Full Day Wellington Food Tour: $264
  • Full Day Wellington Food Tour: $295

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Christchurch

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Christchurch.

  • Tramway Restaurant 4 Course Dinner Service through Christchurch: $92
  • Willowbank Kiwi Tour and Maori Concert Including Hangi Dinner from Christchurch: $174

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Wellington $13
    Christchurch $14

Tours and Activities in Wellington

For Wellington, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Return Cable Car Ticket: $6.13
  • Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa: Gallipoli Early Entry Ticket: $10
  • Wellington Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Guided Tour: $14
  • Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa: Mana Māori Tour: $14
  • Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa Twilight Express Tour: $14
  • Wellington Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Museum of New Zealand Te Papa: Small Group Guided Tour: $15
  • Museum of New Zealand Te Papa: Mana Māori Tour: $15
  • Skip the Line: Staglands Wildlife Reserve Entry Ticket: $18
  • 2 Hour Comfort Cruiser Bike Hire: $22
  • Fear Factory Haunted House Admission Ticket: $24

Tours and Activities in Christchurch

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

  • 1 day private tour from Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt.Cook: $322
  • 1-Day Guided Walking Tour and Picnic on Banks Peninsula: $138
  • 10 Day Adrenalin Tour. Skydiving, Bungy, Rafting, Climbing, Heli MTB & more.: $4,219
  • 10 Day Adventure Tour. Hiking, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Jet Boating & more.: $4,219
  • 2 days tour from Christchurch to Queenstown: $595
  • 2 hour Christchurch City Tour with scenic Chairlift ride: $99
  • 3 Day Christchurch and Akaroa Exclusive Private Tour: $2,026
  • 3 hour Christchurch City Tour with Ziplining at Christchurch Adventure Park: $237
  • 3-Day Christchurch City Break Tour For Locals: $337
  • 3-Day Christchurch and Akaroa Arrival Tour with Harbor Cruise: $668
  • 3-Day South Island Circle Tour from Christchurch: $1,158
  • 4 Day Kaikoura and Pancake Rocks Private Tour: $3,317

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Wellington $10
    Christchurch $9.20

Sample the Local Flavors in Wellington

Also in Wellington, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wellington All-Inclusive Half-Day Brewery Tour: $92
  • Wellington Craft Brewery Half-Day Guided Tour with Tastings: $94
  • Wellington Craft Brewery Half Day Tour: $95
  • Craft Beer Tours NZ Half Day Brewery Experience: $102
  • Craft Beer Tours NZ Full Day Brewery Experience: $133
  • Martinborough Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch from Wellington: $189
  • Martinborough Wine Tour: $369

Sample the Local Flavors in Christchurch

Also in Christchurch, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • A Waipara Wine Experience with Giles Tours, includes wine tastings and lunch: $95
  • All-Inclusive Waipara Region Wine Tour from Christchurch: $100
  • Akaroa Eco-Safari with Alpaca Farm Tour and Wine Tasting: $103
  • Full-day Akaroa Tour with Penguins Safari and Wine Tasting: $114
  • Lyttelton Shore Excursion - Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch: $115
  • Full-day Akaroa Tour with Dolphin Cruise & Wine Tasting: $133
  • Private Waipara Valley Wine Tasting Tour with optional Gourmet Lunch: $190
  • Hanmer Springs Private Day Tour Including Hot Pool & Wine Tasting: $356

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Wellington and Christchurch, we can see that Wellington is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.


When is the best time to visit Wellington or Christchurch?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Wellington or Christchurch in the Summer?

Both Christchurch and Wellington during the summer are popular places to visit.

Wellington is around the same temperature as Christchurch in the summer. The temperature in Wellington is usually 18°C (64°F) in January, and Christchurch stays around 18°C (64°F).

In Christchurch, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Wellington. In the summer, Wellington often gets more sunshine than Christchurch. Wellington gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 224 hours of full sun.

Wellington usually gets more rain in January than Christchurch. Wellington gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Wellington 18°C (64°F) 
    Christchurch 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Wellington or Christchurch in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Wellington and Christchurch.

In the autumn, Wellington is a little warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Wellington in April are around 15°C (58°F), and Christchurch is about 12°C (54°F).

Wellington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Christchurch during autumn. Wellington gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Wellington usually receives more rain than Christchurch. Wellington gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Wellington 15°C (58°F) 
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Wellington or Christchurch in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Wellington as well as Christchurch.

In July, Wellington is generally much warmer than Christchurch. Temperatures in Wellington average around 10°C (49°F), and Christchurch stays around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Wellington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Christchurch. Wellington gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun.

Wellington receives a lot of rain in the winter. Wellington usually gets more rain in July than Christchurch. Wellington gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Wellington 10°C (49°F) 
    Christchurch 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Wellington or Christchurch in the Spring?

Both Christchurch and Wellington are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

Wellington is around the same temperature as Christchurch in the spring. The temperature in Wellington is usually 13°C (55°F) in October, and Christchurch stays around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Christchurch. Wellington usually receives less sunshine than Christchurch during spring. Wellington gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Wellington usually receives more rain than Christchurch. Wellington gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Wellington 13°C (55°F) 
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Christchurch and Wellington

Wellington Christchurch
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 6°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 10°C (49°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 10°C (50°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 17°C (62°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)


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Wellington vs. Christchurch Travel Comparison

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