A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Wuhu vs. Rotorua for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Wuhu 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 Wuhu 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: Wuhu or Rotorua?

Wuhu

The city of Wuhu is located in the southeast of the Anhui province of China. It lies on the south bank of the Yangtze River, and about 74 miles from the capital city of Hefei. It is made of floodplains, terraces and low hills, and its plentiful water supply makes it the perfect spot for fish and rice production.

The area has a subtropical climate with a humid monsoon season. When planning your trip, remember that the rainy season is from spring to early winter with the heaviest rainfall from mid-June to early July. So the best trips will be in autumn when it is nice and cool, and the chrysanthemums are in bloom.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lhasa, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Wuhu?

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 Wuhu is $116, while the average daily cost in Rotorua is $114. 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 Wuhu and Rotorua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Wuhu $30
    Rotorua $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Wuhu $60
    Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Wuhu and Rotorua

Looking for a hotel in Wuhu 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.

Hotels in Wuhu


Hotels in Rotorua


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Wuhu $26
    Rotorua $4.99

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: $186

Is it cheaper to fly into Wuhu or Rotorua?

Prices for flights to both Rotorua and Wuhu 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
    Wuhu $68
    Rotorua $50

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: $98
  • Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Evening Experience - Haka + Dinner: $113
  • Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Evening Experience with Dinner: $117
  • Te Pa Tu Māori Cultural Experience with Dinner: $156
  • Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Combo - Tour, Dinner + Haka: $161
  • Evening Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour with dinner: $202

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Wuhu $18
    Rotorua $34

Typical Entertainment Prices in Rotorua

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Rotorua's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • 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:

  • Mini Golf Experience: $12
  • Jade Carving Experience at a Local Studio: $26
  • Mountain Jade Highlights Tour: $27
  • Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour: $28
  • Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour: $29
  • Geothermal Mineral Baths Experience: Pavilion Pools for 12+: $29
  • Geothermal Adults Only Mineral Bathing - Pavilion Pools Bathing Ticket: $30
  • Authentic Kiwi Farm Experience at the Agrodome: $34
  • Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua: $35
  • Waimangu Volcanic Valley Ticket & Self-Guided Walk: $38
  • Waimangu Volcanic Valley Entry Ticket: $38
  • The National Kiwi Hatchery Kiwi Encounter Tour: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Wuhu $8.21
    Rotorua $12

Typical Alcohol Prices in Rotorua

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rotorua:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $11


When comparing the travel costs between Wuhu and Rotorua, we can see that Wuhu 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 Wuhu is in Asia and Rotorua 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 Wuhu Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Wuhu or Rotorua?

Wuhu has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Wuhu 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 Wuhu 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 Wuhu has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Wuhu or Rotorua in the Summer?

Both Rotorua and Wuhu during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Wuhu is much warmer than Rotorua in the summer. The daily temperature in Wuhu averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Wuhu. Wuhu usually gets more rain in July than Rotoruain January. Wuhu gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Wuhu 28°C (83°F) 
    Rotorua 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Wuhu or Rotorua in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Wuhu and 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 the autumn, Wuhu is around the same temperature as Rotorua. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Wuhu in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Rotorua averages at about 16°C (61°F)in April.

In October, Wuhu usually receives more rain than Rotoruain April. Wuhu gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Wuhu 17°C (63°F) 
    Rotorua 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Wuhu or Rotorua in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Wuhu as well as Rotorua. Also, many travelers come to Rotorua for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Wuhu in the winter. In January, Wuhu is generally much colder than Rotoruain July. Daily temperatures in Wuhu average around 3°C (37°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Wuhu usually gets more rain in January than Rotoruain July. Wuhu gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Wuhu 3°C (37°F) 
    Rotorua 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Wuhu or Rotorua in the Spring?

Both Rotorua and Wuhu are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Rotorua in the spring for the natural beauty.

Wuhu is cooler than Rotorua in the spring. The daily temperature in Wuhu averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Wuhu. In April, Wuhu usually receives more rain than Rotoruain October. Wuhu gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Wuhu 15°C (60°F) 
    Rotorua 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Wuhu

Wuhu Rotorua
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 16°C (61°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 25 mm (1 in) 13°C (55°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)