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

Should you visit Hefei or Christchurch?

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

Should I visit Hefei or Christchurch? 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: Hefei or Christchurch?

Hefei

While most would consider the city of Hefei a pass-through destination, there are plenty of things to see in the capital city of China's Anhui province.

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 Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing 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 Hefei?

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 Hefei is $78, 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 Hefei and Christchurch in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hefei $29
    Christchurch $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hefei $58
    Christchurch $98
Compare Hotels in Hefei and Christchurch

Looking for a hotel in Hefei 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 Hefei


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.
    Hefei $17
    Christchurch $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:

  • Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $164
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car: $130
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Car: $130
  • Christchurch Airport to City SUV Transfer: $57
  • CHC Airport to Downtown|Hotel Private Transfer: $26
  • Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Business Car: $95
  • Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Akaroa Cruise Port: $189
  • Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $87
  • Private Transfer from Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Hefei or Christchurch?

Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Hefei 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
    Hefei $36
    Christchurch $53

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hefei $19
    Christchurch $17

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
  • Christchurch Mystery Puzzle Tour “Shadow of the Prism”: $29
  • International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket: $44
  • Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo: $45
  • Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $45
  • Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River: $46
  • Waka Paddling Experience on the Avon River: $57
  • Uniquely Kiwi Landsailing Adventure: $59
  • Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket: $66

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hefei $11
    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: $108
  • Lyttelton Shore Excursion - Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch: $114
  • From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $116
  • Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour : $135


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

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


Which is Bigger, Hefei or Christchurch?

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

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

Should I visit Hefei or Christchurch in the Summer?

Both Christchurch and Hefei are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.

Hefei is much warmer than Christchurch in the summer. The daily temperature in Hefei averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Christchurch fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Hefei. In July, Hefei usually receives more rain than Christchurchin January. Hefei gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Hefei 29°C (83°F) 
    Christchurch 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Hefei or Christchurch in the Autumn?

Both Christchurch and Hefei during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Hefei is a little warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hefei in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Christchurch averages at about 12°C (54°F)in April.

Hefei usually gets more rain in October than Christchurchin April. Hefei gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Hefei 18°C (64°F) 
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Hefei or Christchurch in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hefei and Christchurch. Also, many visitors come to Christchurch in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hefei. In January, Hefei is generally much colder than Christchurchin July. Daily temperatures in Hefei average around 3°C (38°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In January, Hefei usually receives less rain than Christchurchin July. Hefei gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Hefei 3°C (38°F) 
    Christchurch 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Hefei or Christchurch in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hefei as well as Christchurch. Also, most visitors come to Christchurch for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Hefei is a little warmer than Christchurch in the spring. The daily temperature in Hefei averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in October.

Hefei usually gets more rain in April than Christchurchin October. Hefei gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Hefei 16°C (61°F) 
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Christchurch and Hefei

Hefei Christchurch
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 22°C (71°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 25°C (78°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 6°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 10°C (49°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 11°C (53°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 25 mm (1 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)