A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Wuyuan vs. Rotorua for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Wuyuan or Rotorua?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Wuyuan and Rotorua can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Wuyuan or Rotorua?

Wuyuan

Wuyuan, China is a small city in the Jiangxi Province in the south central area of the country. The city acts as a transport hub for the province, with many main bus routes running through it. Wuyuan also acts as the main thoroughfare when traveling to local remote villages in the area. It is best to know some Mandarin as this region does not see many non-Mandarin speaking tourists, which also means you should expect some very friendly attention!

Rotorua

Located on the banks of Lake Rotorua, Rotorua is famous as the thermal wonderland of New Zealand. The area has a variety of geothermal sights, but it is also close to several lakes and has more traditional activities as well, including fishing, boating and white water rafting.

Rotorua is located in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, which is the largest volcano in the area. There are four major volcanic calderas that now have lakes, and several other volcanoes in the area. Rotorua sits on top of a thermal hot spring, and there are many vents and hot pools throughout the area. Many of the hot pools and sights are located within parks, with some of the best being Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rainbow Springs Nature Park, and Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.

Rotorua has a warm, temperate climate. Because of the area's inland location, it has less wind than many places in New Zealand. Temperatures during the winter months can fall to below freezing, but snow is incredibly rare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Wuyuan?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Wuyuan is $73, while the average daily cost in Rotorua is $114. 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 Wuyuan and Rotorua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Wuyuan $26
    Rotorua $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Wuyuan $52
    Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Wuyuan and Rotorua

Looking for a hotel in Wuyuan or Rotorua? 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 Wuyuan


Hotels in Rotorua


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: Rotorua Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Wuyuan $13
    Rotorua $4.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotorua

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

  • Rotorua to Auckland Afternoon Transfer with Waitomo Glow Worms: $194

Is it cheaper to fly into Wuyuan or Rotorua?

Prices for flights to both Rotorua and Wuyuan 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
    Wuyuan $35
    Rotorua $50
Typical Food Prices in Wuyuan

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Wuyuan:


  • Gummy Candy
    $0.28
  • Cookies
    $0.70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotorua

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

  • Mitai Maori Village: Cultural Experience and Dinner Buffet: $98
  • Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Evening Experience - Haka + Dinner: $113
  • Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Evening Experience with Dinner: $116
  • Te Pa Tu Māori Cultural Experience with Dinner: $156
  • Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Combo - Tour, Dinner + Haka: $161
  • Evening Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour with dinner: $202

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Wuyuan $19
    Rotorua $34

Typical Entertainment Prices in Rotorua

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Rotorua's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Lunch Out for Two
    $27

Tours and Activities in Rotorua

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

  • 4x4 Self Drive Yamaha Experience : $89
  • Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua: $39
  • Auckland: One-Way Tour to Rotorua with Waitomo Caves: $179
  • Auckland: Rotorua Highlights Tour with Wai-O-Tapu & Hot Tubs: $202
  • Auckland: Rotorua Highlights inc Te Puia Tour & Redwoods: $206
  • Auckland: Rotorua Highlights inc Wai O Tapu & Te Puia Tour: $223
  • Auckland: Rotorua Highlights with Te Puia Tour, Show & Lunch: $226
  • Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū : $161
  • Daytime Canyon Kayak Tour: $71
  • Explore The Lakes Tour: $89
  • From Auckland: Rotorua Private Day Tour with Spa Experience: $579
  • From HELL's GATE Geothermal MUD BATH Half Day Tour: $159

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Wuyuan $14
    Rotorua $12

Typical Alcohol Prices in Rotorua

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rotorua:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Wuyuan and Rotorua, we can see that Rotorua is more expensive. And not only is Wuyuan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Wuyuan is in Asia and Rotorua 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 Wuyuan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Wuyuan 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 Rotorua would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotorua than you might in Wuyuan.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Wuyuan Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Wuyuan or Rotorua?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rotorua is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Wuyuan has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Wuyuan or Rotorua in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Wuyuan and Rotorua. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rotorua in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Wuyuan is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Wuyuan in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Rotorua averages at about 12°C (54°F)in January.

Wuyuan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Wuyuan usually receives more rain than Rotoruain January. Wuyuan gets 192 mm (7.6 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Wuyuan 30°C (85°F) 
    Rotorua 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Wuyuan or Rotorua in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Wuyuan as well as Rotorua. Additionally, most visitors come to Rotorua for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Wuyuan is generally a little warmer than Rotoruain April. Daily temperatures in Wuyuan average around 20°C (68°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Wuyuan usually gets more rain in October than Rotoruain April. Wuyuan gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Wuyuan 20°C (68°F) 
    Rotorua 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Wuyuan or Rotorua in the Winter?

Both Rotorua and Wuyuan are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Wuyuan is much colder than Rotorua in the winter. The daily temperature in Wuyuan averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in July.

In January, Wuyuan usually receives more rain than Rotoruain July. Wuyuan gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Wuyuan 6°C (43°F) 
    Rotorua 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Wuyuan or Rotorua in the Spring?

Both Rotorua and Wuyuan during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.

In the spring, Wuyuan is around the same temperature as Rotorua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Wuyuan in April average around 18°C (64°F), and Rotorua averages at about 19°C (66°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Wuyuan. Wuyuan usually gets more rain in April than Rotoruain October. Wuyuan gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Wuyuan 18°C (64°F) 
    Rotorua 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Wuyuan

Wuyuan Rotorua
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (43°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 123 mm (4.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 174 mm (6.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 18°C (64°F) 238 mm (9.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
May 23°C (73°F) 257 mm (10.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Jun 26°C (79°F) 270 mm (10.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 192 mm (7.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 30°C (85°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 26°C (78°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Dec 8°C (47°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)