A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zhangye vs. Christchurch for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zhangye or Christchurch?

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 Zhangye and Christchurch. 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: Zhangye or Christchurch?

Zhangye

Zhangye, China is a city in the Gansu Province in the central north part of the country, close to Mongolia. This ancient city has often been used as a military strong hold, having been the headquarters of General Huo among many others. Zhangye is a fabulous day trip city to visit when staying in larger nearby cities.

Zhangye is privy to beautiful summer weather, with lots of sunshine and temperatures in the high 70's Fahrenheit. The best times to visit are between July and September, when temperatures and sunshine are at their highest. Autumn, Winter, and Spring tend to be a little chillier and rainier.

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 Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.


Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Zhangye?

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 Zhangye is $105, while the average daily cost in Christchurch is $117. 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 Zhangye and Christchurch in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zhangye $39
    Christchurch $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zhangye $78
    Christchurch $98
Compare Hotels in Zhangye and Christchurch

Looking for a hotel in Zhangye 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 Zhangye


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: Christchurch Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zhangye $39
    Christchurch $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangye

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhangye:

  • Private Airport Transfer: Zhangye Airport (YZY) to Zhangye Hotel: $59
  • Private Airport Transfer: Zhangye Hotel to Zhangye Airport (YZY): $59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:

  • CHC Airport to Downtown|Hotel Private Transfer: $26
  • Christchurch Airport (CHC) Private Transfer to Christchurch: $40
  • Christchurch Airport(CHC) to Christchurch-Arrival PrivateTransfer: $48
  • Christchurch Airport to City SUV Transfer: $57
  • Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $86
  • Private Transfer from Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City: $86
  • Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Business Car: $94
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Car: $129
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car: $129
  • Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $164
  • Private Transfer from Christchurch Airport (CHC) to Akaroa Port: $188
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Christchurch Airport to Central Christchurch: $298

Is it cheaper to fly into Zhangye or Christchurch?

Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Zhangye 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
    Zhangye $45
    Christchurch $53

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zhangye $11
    Christchurch $17

Tours and Activities in Zhangye

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zhangye are as follows:

  • Zhangye One Day City Tour: $77
  • Private day tour to Zhangye Danxia Landform the Rainbow Mountain: $150
  • Private day tour to Zhangye Mati temple & Giant Buddha Temple start from Zhangye: $155
  • Zhangye Danxia Half Day tour: $195
  • Zhangye Rainbow Danxia Private Day Tour: $214
  • Private Hiking Tour: Pingshanhu Grand Canyon and the Horse Hoof Temple Grottoes: $235
  • Danxia Geopark & Giant Buddha Private Day Tour: $246
  • Mati Temple Grottoes & Giant Buddha Temple Tour: $257
  • Private Day Tour: Horse Hoof Temple Grottoes and Zhangye Danxia Landform: $299
  • Private Hiking Tour: Binggou Danxia and Zhangye Danxia Geopark from Zhangye: $299
  • From 6-Day Private Photography Tour to Dunhuang: $1,099

Tours and Activities in Christchurch

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

  • Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Day Entry Ticket: $20
  • Scenic Chairlift Ride at Christchurch Adventure Park: $20
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram: $23
  • Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $25
  • International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket: $44
  • Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $45
  • Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo: $45
  • Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River: $46
  • Waka Paddling Experience on the Avon River: $57
  • Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket: $66
  • Christchurch Sightseeing Pass: $68
  • Ōtautahi Meander Walking Tour with Tastings: $84

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zhangye $7.01
    Christchurch $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Christchurch

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

  • Waipara Wine Tour from Christchurch - including Lunch & Tastings: $113
  • Lyttelton Shore Excursion - Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch: $113
  • From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $116
  • Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour : $134
  • Waipara Valley Winery Tour Wine Tastings and Scenic Views: $166


When comparing the travel costs between Zhangye and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch 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. Even though Zhangye is in Asia and Christchurch is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Zhangye or Christchurch?

Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Zhangye. When comparing the sizes of Zhangye 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.