Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Zhangjiajie?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zhangjiajie or Rotorua?
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 Zhangjiajie and Rotorua. 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.
Where Should I go: Zhangjiajie or Rotorua?
Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie, China is a picturesque city located in the northwest of the Hunan Province. This ancient city, which dates all the way back to the Stone Age, is famous for being home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Zhangjiajie is also known for being a popular filming location and and overall great place to escape the bustling Chinese cities. Zhangjiajie has its own dialect, which is a branch of the Hunan and Southern dialects, so Mandarin does not always translate when trying to speak to locals here.
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 Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZhangjiajie $63Rotorua $93
The average daily cost (per person) in Zhangjiajie is $63, while the average daily cost in Rotorua is $93. 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 Zhangjiajie and Rotorua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZhangjiajie $30Rotorua $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZhangjiajie $60Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Zhangjiajie and Rotorua
Looking for a hotel in Zhangjiajie 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zhangjiajie $14Rotorua $5.01
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangjiajie
Also for Zhangjiajie, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Zhangjiajie Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Railway Station: $18
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie Train Station to Fenghuang hotel: $149
- Private Car Transfer From WLY to Glass Bridge (Round Trip ): $105
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: $180
Is it cheaper to fly into Zhangjiajie or Rotorua?
Prices for flights to both Rotorua and Zhangjiajie 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 dayZhangjiajie $20Rotorua $29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhangjiajie
For Zhangjiajie, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Full-Day Private Discovery Tour to Tianmen Mountain National Park with Dinner: $184
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: $92
- Te Pa Tu Māori Cultural Experience with Dinner: $154
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zhangjiajie $23Rotorua $34
Tours and Activities in Zhangjiajie
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Zhangjiajie.
- Half-Day Self-Guided Fenghuang Night Tour from Zhangjiajie: $200
- (Private Day Tour) Zhangjiajie National Park + Tianzi Mountain: $195
- 1 Day Dragon Sitting Gorge & Red Stone Forest Geo-park TOUR！: $272
- 1 Day Tianmen Mountain Tour: $139
- 1 Day Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain and Glass Skywalk Tour: $154
- 1 Days Zhangjiajie Natural Beauty Tour with Baofeng Lake: $132
- 1-Day Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon(Glass Bridge) & Baofeng Lake Tour: $240
- 1-Day Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Tour: $146
- 2-Day “Best Of Zhangjiajie”-Avatar World & Tianmen Mountain Tour: $260
- 2-Day Zhangjiajie Happy Foodie&Sightseeing Tour: $300
- 2-Day Zhangjiajie Tour Including Yuanjiajie Mountains: $550
- 2-Full Days Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tour : $284
Typical Entertainment Prices in Rotorua
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Rotorua's activities, tours, and tickets:
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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 : $90
- Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua: $30
- Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū : $157
- From Hobbiton Movie Set Tour with Festive Lunch: $154
- From Wai O Tapu & Waimangu Eco Thermal Morning Tour: $86
- From Wai-O-Tapu, Waimangu and Te Puia Full-Day Tour: $193
- Geothermal Adults Only Mineral Bathing - Pavilion Pools Bathing Ticket: $27
- Geothermal Mineral Baths Experience: Pavilion Pools for 12+: $27
- Hells Gate Mud Bath and Sulphur Spa Experience: $50
- Hobbiton Day Tour from Rotorua with lunch at Hobbiton: $156
- Kaituna River: 3.5-Hour White Water Sledging Experience: $77
- Kaituna River: Whitewater Rafting Experience: $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZhangjiajie $16Rotorua $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Rotorua
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rotorua:
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Bottle of Wine$11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhangjiajie and Rotorua, we can see that Rotorua is more expensive. And not only is Zhangjiajie much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zhangjiajie Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zhangjiajie or Rotorua?
Zhangjiajie has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Zhangjiajie and Rotorua, 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 Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Rotorua in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhangjiajie and Rotorua. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Zhangjiajie is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zhangjiajie in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Rotorua averages at about 12°C (54°F)in January.
Zhangjiajie gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Zhangjiajie usually receives more rain than Rotoruain January. Zhangjiajie gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryZhangjiajie 29°C (85°F)Rotorua 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Rotorua in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Zhangjiajie as well as Rotorua. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.
In October, Zhangjiajie is generally a little warmer than Rotoruain April. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 19°C (65°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Zhangjiajie usually gets more rain in October than Rotoruain April. Zhangjiajie gets 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilZhangjiajie 19°C (65°F)Rotorua 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Rotorua in the Winter?
Both Rotorua and Zhangjiajie are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Rotorua for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Zhangjiajie is much colder than Rotorua in the winter. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in July.
In January, Zhangjiajie usually receives more rain than Rotoruain July. Zhangjiajie gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyZhangjiajie 5°C (42°F)Rotorua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Rotorua in the Spring?
Both Rotorua and Zhangjiajie during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rotorua in the spring for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Zhangjiajie is around the same temperature as Rotorua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zhangjiajie in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Rotorua averages at about 19°C (66°F)in October.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Zhangjiajie. Zhangjiajie usually gets more rain in April than Rotoruain October. Zhangjiajie gets 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberZhangjiajie 17°C (63°F)Rotorua 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Rotorua and Zhangjiajie
| Zhangjiajie | Rotorua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (52°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 90 mm (3.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.