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

Should you visit Christchurch or Copan?

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

Should I visit Christchurch or Copan? 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.

Where Should I go: Christchurch or Copan?

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.

Copan

If you are a lover of history, or just really want to tap into your inner Indiana Jones, a trip to Copan, Honduras is right up your alley. Located in western Honduras, the cobblestone lined streets and white adobe buildings topped with red roofs provide the beautiful backdrop to this once powerful city.

Occupied by the Maya for 2,000 years, Copan was the ruling city in the southern Mayan kingdom. Settled nicely in a fertile river valley among rolling hills, this city is absolutely fascinating and the perfect place to explore history.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, The Best Adventure Tours to Honduras, and The Best Adventure Tours to Honduras.


Which place is cheaper, Copan or Christchurch?

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 Christchurch is $117, while the average daily cost in Copan is $99. 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 Christchurch and Copan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Christchurch $49
    Copan $21
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Christchurch $98
    Copan $42
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Copan

Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Copan? 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 Christchurch


Hotels in Copan


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.
    Christchurch $14
    Copan $73

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Copan?

Prices for flights to both Copan and Christchurch 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
    Christchurch $53
    Copan $34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Christchurch $17
    Copan $24

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
    Christchurch $11
    Copan $6.77

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Copan, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Copan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Christchurch is in Pacific and Copan is in Central America, 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 Copan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Copan 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 Copan.

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


Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Copan?

Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Copan. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Copan, 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.