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

Should you visit Wollongong or Christchurch?

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

Should I visit Wollongong 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.

Wollongong

Wollongong is a vibrant, student-friendly, and trendy coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Wollongong 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.

Wollongong and Christchurch: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wollongong or Christchurch?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Wollongong than Christchurch. While Christchurch is larger than Wollongong, Wollongong has more sights and attractions for tourists. Wollongong is more popular for its big city activities, while Christchurch is known for its hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Wollongong is popular for its surrounding nature and urban beaches. It is also home to Grand Pacific Drive. Christchurch is popular for its outdoor beauty and relaxing, scenic atmosphere.

How is Wollongong different from Christchurch?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Christchurch and Wollongong.

Wollongong offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are several museums like the Wollongong Science Centre and Wollongong Planetarium and the railway museum Trainworks. There's also the Illawarra Museum, which is housed in the former post and telegraph office.

Many visitors head to Christchurch specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Wollongong or Christchurch? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Wollongong and Christchurch can be an enjoyable experience.

Wollongong has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. In recent years a younger crowd of entrepreneurs and self-starters has moved into the city, and with them has come a growing food scene. You'll find local cafes, fine dining restaurants, and many great beachfront restaurants where you can dine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Christchurch makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Wollongong or Christchurch Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is high quality in both Wollongong and Christchurch.

Many people head to Wollongong for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene has seen a revitalization in recent years, and in addition to the standard bars and pubs, you'll find local venues that range from quirky to lively.

Christchurch has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Wollongong or Christchurch Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Wollongong and Christchurch are high quality choices.

Wollongong is considered a top beach destination. There are urban beaches, as well as more hidden coastal areas that attract locals and visitors alike. In the heart of the city you'll find North Wollongong Beach and Wollongong City Beach, both of which have picnic areas and are popular with locals.

Christchurch is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Is Wollongong or Christchurch Better for Hiking?

Christchurch is great for hiking. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Wollongong. The surrounding area has many great hikes that can be done as a day trip or even a half day trip. There are waterfalls, city views, and forest walks. Some of the most popular trails include Brokers Nose and Clover Hill Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Wollongong or Christchurch?

Christchurch is great for its shopping areas. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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.

Wollongong is a great destination for shopping. The most popular shopping area is Wollongong Central Shopping Centre, which has international brands and all of the big fashion names.

Is Wollongong or Christchurch More Beautiful?

Christchurch is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Wollongong is not a destination known for its beauty.

Christchurch offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With its many beautiful parks, gardens, and outdoor spaces, this is a very scenic city.

Wollongong is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Wollongong or Christchurch Better for Families?

Christchurch is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Christchurch is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Wollongong is a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches, nearby nature, and ubiquitous bike trails make this a fun coastal city to explore with kids. There are also interactive museums such as Discovery Space and plenty of playgrounds. Kid-friendly surf lessons as well as the Nan Tien Temple make this a fun and fascinating family destination.

Is Wollongong or Christchurch Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Wollongong and Christchurch make for a high quality place to visit.

Wollongong is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. The scenic natural areas, including the Grand Pacific Drive or the many bush walks, make this a wonderful couples retreat. There are water sports like surfing as well as horseback riding and even helicopter rides. In the evening, enjoy a nice meal and a sunset view.

Christchurch is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Wollongong or Christchurch Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Christchurch is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Christchurch. There's no shortage of hostels around town, and many backpackers pass through Christchurch on their epic New Zealand adventure.

Wollongong is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels as well as many outdoor areas to explore, so backpackers who want to escape the traditional backpacker scene will appreciate some time here.

Is Wollongong or Christchurch Better for Students?

Christchurch is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for students.

Christchurch is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's the largest city on the South Island and there are plenty of activities and nearby trips that you can enjoy.

Wollongong is a good coastal city to visit for students. It's not too far from Sydney and has a smaller, more laid back coastal vibe that appeals to many students.

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

Wollongong is well known for its public transit. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Wollongong has some very good public transit options. There's a free Gong shuttle bus that travels around the city center. It runs a loop from Wollongong Station to Wollongong University in both directions. There are also other bus services in town.

While Christchurch offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While it's not a diverse transit system, the buses are well connected and offer the cheapest way to get around town.

Is Wollongong or Christchurch a more walkable city?

Wollongong and Christchurch are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Wollongong is a very walkable destination. There are walking paths in the city center so it's possible to walk to many tourist destinations.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Christchurch or Wollongong?

How long in Wollongong or Christchurch?

It's fun to spend time in either Wollongong or Christchurch. In our opinion, Christchurch has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Christchurch than Wollongong. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Christchurch than Wollongong. 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 Wollongong. 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 Wollongong 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 Wollongong or Christchurch?

In Wollongong, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this vibrant coastal city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy city of Christchurch, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Wollongong or Christchurch?

Wollongong is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Christchurch, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Wollongong or Christchurch?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the trendy destination of Wollongong. Most people come for the beaches. 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wollongong or Christchurch?

Wollongong is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Christchurch is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Australia, The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, 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 Wollongong and Christchurch, we can see that Wollongong is more expensive. And not only is Christchurch much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Wollongong would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Wollongong 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 Wollongong Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Wollongong or Christchurch?

Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Wollongong. When comparing the sizes of Wollongong 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 Wollongong 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 Wollongong or Christchurch in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Wollongong as well as Christchurch. The summer months attract visitors to Wollongong because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.

In January, Wollongong is generally a little warmer than Christchurch. Daily temperatures in Wollongong average around 23°C (74°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 Wollongong this time of the year. In the summer, Wollongong often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Christchurch. Wollongong gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 224 hours of full sun.

Wollongong usually gets more rain in January than Christchurch. Wollongong gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wollongong or Christchurch in the Autumn?

Both Christchurch and Wollongong are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Wollongong this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Wollongong is a little warmer than Christchurch in the autumn. The daily temperature in Wollongong averages around 18°C (64°F) in April, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Wollongong usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during autumn. Wollongong gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Wollongong usually receives more rain than Christchurch. Wollongong gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Wollongong or Christchurch in the Winter?

Both Christchurch and Wollongong during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Wollongong for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Christchurch in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Wollongong is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the winter temperatures in Wollongong in July average around 10°C (50°F), and Christchurch averages at about 6°C (43°F).

It's quite sunny in Wollongong. In the winter, Wollongong often gets more sunshine than Christchurch. Wollongong gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun.

Wollongong usually gets less rain in July than Christchurch. Wollongong gets 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wollongong or Christchurch in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Wollongong and Christchurch. Many visitors come to Wollongong in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Christchurch for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In October, Wollongong is generally a little warmer than Christchurch. Daily temperatures in Wollongong average around 17°C (63°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Christchurch this time of the year. In Wollongong, it's very sunny this time of the year. Wollongong usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during spring. Wollongong gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Wollongong usually receives more rain than Christchurch. Wollongong gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Christchurch and Wollongong