Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar 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: Zanzibar or Christchurch?
Zanzibar
Just off the coast of Tanzania lies an entrancing archipelago known as Zanzibar. This gorgeous string of islands is the land of sultans, palaces beaches and spice-filled markets. Once an important trading center, many restorations have been done in recent years to restore Zanzibar to its ancient grandeur - earning its capital city UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000.
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 Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $51Christchurch $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $51, while the average daily cost in Christchurch is $96. 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 Zanzibar and Christchurch in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Christchurch $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Christchurch $100
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Christchurch
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar 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.
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: Zanzibar Hotel Prices and Christchurch Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Christchurch $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- AirPort & Sea Ferry Transfer Zone: $47
- Airport - Hotels Transfer all over the Zanzibar Island: $60
- Airport Pick-up Transfer To any Hotel In Zanzibar: $30
- Airport Transfer in Zanzibar for Departures: $55
- Airport Transfer to Beach Hotel: $65
- Airport Transfer to any hotel in Zanzibar: $55
- Airport to Stown Town or Stown Town To Airport transfer: $20
- Airport transfer to Nugwi, Paje and Kiwengwa Hotels : $45
- Airport/Hotel Transfer: $25
- Airport/port Transfer : $70
- Arrival Private Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Island by Luxury Car: $125
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport to Nungwi Beach Zanzibar: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport CHC to Christchurch in Business Car: $66
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $130
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
- Christchurch Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Christchurch: $69
- Christchurch City Hotels to Airport Transfer - Lowest price 1 to 9 Passengers: $78
- Christchurch Hotels to Airport Transfer: $51
- Christchurch to Christchurch Airport(CHC)- Departure Transfer: $32
- Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
- Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Port to Christchurch Airport CHC: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Christchurch?
Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Zanzibar 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
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Food Meals for one dayZanzibar $17Christchurch $31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zanzibar.
- Half-Day Kuza Cave Swimming Adventure and Cooking Class: $13
- Authentic Street Food Tours in Stone Town, Zanzibar: $40
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class: $49
- An romantic cooking Lesson + Spice Farm Tour: $55
- Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili food test ] and Spice farm Private tour: $59
- Zanzibar Cooking Class & Spice Tour : $59
- Zanzibar Spice farm and Cooking Class: $60
- Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $60
- Walking Spice Farm with Local Cooking Class: $60
- Spice Farm tour & Local cooking lesson with Lunch: $64
- Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $65
- Stone Town Private Food Tour with a Guide: $65
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Christchurch $18
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Africa's Paradises Full Sightseeing Package Tours: $15
- Easy Stone Town Tour: $20
- Stone Town Historical Walking Tour: $20
- Stone Town tour: $20
- Zanzibar Stone Town Historical City Tour: $20
- Stone town walking tour ( City tour): $23
- Stone Town Tour without transport: $24
- Stone Town Private Walking Tour: $25
- Zanzibar Tours & Taxi Services : $25
- Private Stone Town City Tour Zanzibar : $25
- Zanzibar Stone Town Walking Tour: $25
- Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour & Exotic Fruit Lunch: $25
Tours and Activities in Christchurch
Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram: $21
- Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $25
- Christchurch International Antarctic Centre Entry Tickets: $35
- International Antarctic Center General Admission Ticket: $36
- Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $42
- Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo: $46
- Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River: $47
- Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket: $63
- Waipara Wine Trail Afternoon Tour from Christchurch: $75
- Waipara Wine Experience for 2 or more, inc tastings and lunch: $108
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center: $109
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $114
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.86Christchurch $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Zanzibar
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Zanzibar:
- Pub Crawl & Club Experience: $30
Sample the Local Flavors in Christchurch
Also in Christchurch, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- From Full-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $102
- All-Inclusive Waipara Region Wine Tour from Christchurch: $106
- From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $120
- Akaroa Craft Distillery HeliGin Experience: $538
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Zanzibar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zanzibar 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 Christchurch would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Christchurch than you might in Zanzibar.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zanzibar Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Christchurch?
Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar or Christchurch?
Christchurch has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Zanzibar experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Zanzibar or Christchurch in the Summer?
Both Christchurch and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Christchurch in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Zanzibar is generally a little warmer than Christchurchin January. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in Christchurch. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Christchurch during summer. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Christchurchin January. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Christchurch 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Christchurch in the Autumn?
Both Christchurch and Zanzibar during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Zanzibar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Zanzibar is much warmer than Christchurch in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the autumn, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Christchurchin April. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 161 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets more rain in October than Christchurchin April. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Christchurch in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Christchurch. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Zanzibar is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Christchurch averages at about 6°C (43°F)in July.
In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during winter. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Christchurchin July. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Christchurch 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Christchurch in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Christchurch. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.
In April, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Christchurchin October. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Christchurch. In the spring, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Christchurchin October. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 204 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Christchurchin October. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Christchurch and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Christchurch | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.