A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lombok vs. Christchurch for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Lombok 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 Lombok 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.

Lombok

Lombok is a laid back, cultural, and stunning island. The famous beauty of Lombok is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Lombok travel costs.

Christchurch

Christchurch is a outdoorsy, adventure-filled, and cultural city. Christchurch is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Christchurch travel costs.

Lombok and Christchurch: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lombok or Christchurch?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lombok than Christchurch, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lombok is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Christchurch is more popular for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Lombok is more touristy than Christchurch and is popular for its striking natural beauty, pristine beaches, and local culture. Also, Lombok is famous for Mount Rinjani. Christchurch is well known for its outdoor beauty and relaxing, scenic atmosphere.

How is Lombok different from Christchurch?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Christchurch and Lombok. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lombok or Christchurch?

Christchurch is great for its historical sights. Also, Lombok is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Christchurch. The city is filled with street art and local galleries. There's also Canterbury Museum, the International Antarctic Centre, the Arts Centre, and the Riccarton House & Bush.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Lombok. The island has many traditional villages that let you glimpse the fascinating Sasak Tribe's culture. This is the largest tribe on the island and it makes up about 85% of the island's population. Sasak Sade Village is large and popular to visit. A visit offers a unique experience and helps you understand more about the island's culture.

Is the Food Better in Lombok or Christchurch? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Lombok and Christchurch both to be superb destinations.

Lombok has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The island is considered world renowned for its Halal cuisine, and there are many popular local dishes that you should try. Ayam Taliwang is a grilled chicken dish, Satay Rembiga is grilled meat served over rice, and Bebalung is a soup that's made with goat or cow ribs.

Dining out in Christchurch is an experience not to be missed. There's a mix of cozy cafes and casual eateries around town. You'll also find some fine dining restaurants as well as international flavors.

Is Lombok or Christchurch Better for Nightlife?

Christchurch is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Lombok is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Christchurch for the nightlife scene. The city has its share of dance clubs, live music venues, and laid back bars. You'll find a number of popular hangout spots around Oxford Terrace or on the historic New Regent Street.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Lombok. While the island is quieter than nearby Bali, it does still have an active nightlife scene. In particular, head to the areas around Senggigi Beach and Kuta Lombok for the most active bars and live music. With the more populated tourist areas and hotels come the more active clubs, bars, and evening entertainment.

Is Lombok or Christchurch Better for Resorts?

Lombok is well known for its resorts. However, Christchurch is not a resort destination.

Lombok is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The island is filled with luxury resorts, villas, and hotels. You'll want to think about your priorities before booking your hotel. There areas that are better for beaches, hiking, culture or sightseeing, and each has its own personality and style.

Christchurch is not a resort destination.

Is Lombok or Christchurch Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lombok is terrific for its diving and snorkeling. However, Christchurch is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Lombok a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The island is surrounded by clear waters and colorful coral, making it a superb snorkeling and diving destination. For some of the best dive spots head to the Gili Islands. Around the island you'll find places where you can see turtles, colorful fish, and possibly even Hammerhead Sharks.

Christchurch is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lombok or Christchurch Better for Beaches?

Lombok is terrific for the beach. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Lombok. Kuta, Senggigi, and the Gili Islands offer some of the area's best beaches. Many beaches have white sand, clear water, beautiful snorkeling, or fun surfing. Mawun Beach and Pandanan Beach are among the most beautiful beaches, while Selong Belanak Beach is very photogenic with its water buffalo. Tanjung Aan Beach has surfing and Kuta Beach Lombok is the most popular beach, but not among the best.

Christchurch is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are sandy beaches in the area with water sports and various amenities. The summer months are the most popular time for hanging out at the beach, and you'll find local families playing in the sun or enjoying a picnic.

Is Lombok or Christchurch Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Lombok and Christchurch, and they are superb.

Many visitors go to Lombok for the hiking trails. There are many walking and hiking trails around the island, but the most well known is the three day hike to the peak of Mount Rinjani. This is the large and active volcano on the island. The hike is truly beautiful and spectacular, but it's also a challenging climb and the difficulty level should not be underestimated.

Christchurch is a popular spot for hiking. There are many beautiful hikes in the area that take you along the coastline or past local historic sights. The landscape is diverse and you'll find many amazing parks in the area. Hooker Valley Track is one of the best hiking routes nearby.

Is the Shopping Better in Lombok or Christchurch?

If you're looking to go shopping, Lombok and Christchurch both offer plenty of superb spots.

Lombok is well-known for its shopping. There are many traditional markets and villages around the island where you can buy Sasak crafts. These items are characterized by bright colors and elaborate patterns. You'll find pottery, fabrics, clothing, and hand-woven baskets.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Christchurch. There's a mix of boutique shops, outlet malls, and open air markets. Some of the best shopping places include the Tannery and the Colombo.

Is Lombok or Christchurch More Beautiful?

Lombok is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Lombok is one of the main draws. The island is filled with stunning beaches, beautiful waterfalls, and colorful marine environments.

Christchurch offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With its many beautiful parks, gardens, and outdoor spaces, this is a very scenic city.

Is Lombok or Christchurch Better for Families?

Christchurch is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Lombok is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Christchurch is very family-friendly. The International Antarctic Centre is a thrilling and fun experience. There's also the Orana Wildlife Park or Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. For adrenaline junkies there are the ropes courses at the Adrenalin Forest. There are also many indoor playgrounds and rock climbing facilities.

Lombok is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The island is filled with natural beauty, waterfalls, beaches, swimming spots, traditional villages and wildlife. This makes it an idyllic destination for families, whether you're traveling with toddlers or older kids.

Is Lombok or Christchurch Better for Couples?

Lombok is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Lombok makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The island has grown into a world renowned honeymoon destination. It has a more laid back vibe than nearby Bali, and you'll find pristine beaches and a tropical paradise. There are luxury hotels, stunning natural settings, and plenty of romantic or adventurous activities.

Christchurch is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. Punting on the Avon River is one of the most romantic activities in the city. There are also botanical gardens, parks, and natural areas that are fun to explore. Nearby, you can do a wine tour, or there are cocktail bars and charming restaurants in town. The city also has a nice theater and many other date night activities.

Is Lombok or Christchurch Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lombok is terrific for backpackers. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Lombok. This island is often compared to Bali 30 years ago. It's a much quieter island, but there are still bars and towns that attract a crowd. If you're looking for a party, then you'll likely still be able to find one, but if you want a laid back retreat, that's available as well.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Christchurch. There's no shortage of hostels around town, and many backpackers pass through Christchurch on their epic New Zealand adventure.

Is Lombok or Christchurch Better for Students?

Christchurch is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Lombok is not popular with students.

Many students visit Christchurch. It's the largest city on the South Island and there are plenty of activities and nearby trips that you can enjoy.

Lombok is not popular with students.

Is Lombok or Christchurch Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Christchurch is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Lombok is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Christchurch offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While it's not a diverse transit system, the buses are well connected and offer the cheapest way to get around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Lombok. The island is spread out, so many visitors prefer to hire a car of motorbike. There are also public buses, minibuses, and taxis available.

Is Lombok or Christchurch a more walkable city?

Christchurch is great for its high level of walkability. However, Lombok is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

Christchurch is a very walkable city. The city center is relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

Lombok is generally not very walkable. There are towns on the island that are relatively walkable and there are hiking and walking paths in different places.

For even more information, also check out Is Lombok Worth Visiting? and Is Christchurch Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Christchurch or Lombok?

How long in Lombok or Christchurch?

It's fun to spend time in either Lombok or Christchurch. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Lombok due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 10-14 days is a good amount of time for Lombok, and 2-4 days is enough time in Christchurch.

Families should spend more time in Christchurch than Lombok. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Christchurch, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Lombok than Christchurch. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Lombok that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lombok than Christchurch if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Lombok.

One day in Lombok or Christchurch?

In Lombok, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this stunning island offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Christchurch. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Lombok or Christchurch?

Lombok is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Christchurch is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Lombok or Christchurch?

In Lombok, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this laid back destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than five days exploring.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Christchurch. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Lombok or Christchurch?

Lombok is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Since there is so much to do in the area, one week is probably not enough for all of it. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Christchurch. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Indonesia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Lombok or Christchurch?

Christchurch has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lombok experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Lombok or Christchurch in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lombok as well as Christchurch. Lombok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Christchurch for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Lombok is a little warmer than Christchurch in the summer. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Christchurch fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in January.

Lombok usually gets less rain in July than Christchurchin January. Lombok gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to September in Lombok is the dry season.

Should I visit Lombok or Christchurch in the Autumn?

Both Christchurch and Lombok are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lombok throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Christchurch in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lombok is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lombok in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Christchurch averages at about 12°C (54°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Lombok. In October, Lombok usually receives more rain than Christchurchin April. Lombok gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Lombok is November to April.

Should I visit Lombok or Christchurch in the Winter?

Both Christchurch and Lombok during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Lombok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Lombok is generally much warmer than Christchurchin July. Daily temperatures in Lombok average around 28°C (82°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Lombok often gets more sunshine than Christchurchin July. Lombok gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun.

Lombok usually gets more rain in January than Christchurchin July. Lombok gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lombok or Christchurch in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lombok and Christchurch. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lombok year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Lombok is much warmer than Christchurch in the spring. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in October.

In April, Lombok usually receives more rain than Christchurchin October. Lombok gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. May to September in Lombok is the dry season. Also, November to April is the rainy season in Lombok.

Typical Weather for Christchurch and Lombok