Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Zhangjiajie?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie 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: Zhangjiajie or Christchurch?
Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie, China is a picturesque city located in the northwest of the Hunan Province. This ancient city, which dates all the way back to the Stone Age, is famous for being home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Zhangjiajie is also known for being a popular filming location and and overall great place to escape the bustling Chinese cities. Zhangjiajie has its own dialect, which is a branch of the Hunan and Southern dialects, so Mandarin does not always translate when trying to speak to locals here.
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.
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Zhangjiajie Prices
China PricesChristchurch Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZhangjiajie $79Christchurch $117
The average daily cost (per person) in Zhangjiajie is $79, 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 Zhangjiajie and Christchurch in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZhangjiajie $30Christchurch $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZhangjiajie $60Christchurch $98
Compare Hotels in Zhangjiajie and Christchurch
Looking for a hotel in Zhangjiajie 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zhangjiajie $15Christchurch $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangjiajie
Also for Zhangjiajie, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 1 Day Fenghuang and Furong Town Day Tour with Hotel Transfers: $192
- Fox Fairy Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer in ZJJ City: $52
- Private Car Transfer From WLY to Glass Bridge (Round Trip ): $105
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Guilin or Yangshuo: $256
- Private Transfer: Yichang hotel from/to Zhangjiajie Hotel: $321
- Private Transfer: Zhangjiajie from/to Fenghuang: $168
- Private transfer from Zhangjiajie(Wulingyuan) to Changsha area: $213
- Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport private transfer service: $20
- Zhangjiajie airport/city pick up transfer to hotel or Vice Versa: $15
- 4-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $710
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Akaroa Cruise Port: $189
- 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
- Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Business Car: $95
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $87
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City: $87
- Christchurch Airport to City SUV Transfer: $57
- CHC Airport to Downtown|Hotel Private Transfer: $26
Is it cheaper to fly into Zhangjiajie or Christchurch?
Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Zhangjiajie 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
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Food Meals for one dayZhangjiajie $36Christchurch $53
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhangjiajie
For Zhangjiajie, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 1 Day Zhangjiajie Private Tour Visit Avatar Mount and Tianzi Mount with Dinner: $196
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zhangjiajie $23Christchurch $17
Tours and Activities in Zhangjiajie
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Zhangjiajie.
- Zhangjiajie Pandora Tour to Avatar Hallelujah Mountain: $7.00
- Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Ticket Booking: $16
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Entrance Ticket Transportation: $42
- Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge and Grand Canyon Tickets Booking: $48
- Exclusive VIP Zhangjiajie 4 Days and 3 Nights Private Tour: $50
- Exclusive VIP Zhangjiajie 5 Days and 4 Nights Private Tour: $50
- Charming Xiangxi Show VIP ticket with round trip transport: $52
- Fox Fairy Show VIP ticket with round trip private transport: $52
- Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Ticket Booking: $55
- One Day Mini Group Tour to Glass Bridge and Tianmen Mountain: $63
- Mini Group Tour: Zhangjiajie Forest Park & Avatar Mountains: $66
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tickets Booking: $69
Tours and Activities in Christchurch
Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $25
- (MT) Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour From Christchurch: $179
- (MT) Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch: $173
- (MT) Mount Cook Day Tour From Christchurch: $150
- 1/2-Day Christchurch Scenic Highlights Small Group Tour: $173
- 1/2-day Christchurch Scenic Highlights (Private Tour): $239
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $114
- Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch: $156
- Arthur's Pass Day Tour From Christchurch with TranzAlpine: $255
- Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch: $255
- Arthur's Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour: $238
- Arthur’s Pass Day Tour From Christchurch With TranzAlpine: $264
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZhangjiajie $16Christchurch $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 Zhangjiajie and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Zhangjiajie much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zhangjiajie Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zhangjiajie or Christchurch?
Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Zhangjiajie. When comparing the sizes of Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Christchurch in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Zhangjiajie as well as Christchurch. Additionally, many travelers come to Christchurch for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Zhangjiajie is much warmer than Christchurch in the summer. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Christchurch fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in January.
Zhangjiajie receives a lot of rain in the summer. Zhangjiajie usually gets more rain in July than Christchurchin January. Zhangjiajie gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryZhangjiajie 29°C (85°F)Christchurch 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Christchurch in the Autumn?
Both Christchurch and Zhangjiajie are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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, Zhangjiajie is a little warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zhangjiajie in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Christchurch averages at about 12°C (54°F)in April.
In October, Zhangjiajie usually receives more rain than Christchurchin April. Zhangjiajie gets 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilZhangjiajie 19°C (65°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Christchurch in the Winter?
Both Christchurch and Zhangjiajie during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Zhangjiajie is generally cooler than Christchurchin July. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 5°C (42°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
Zhangjiajie usually gets less rain in January than Christchurchin July. Zhangjiajie gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyZhangjiajie 5°C (42°F)Christchurch 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Christchurch in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhangjiajie and Christchurch. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
Zhangjiajie is a little warmer than Christchurch in the spring. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in October.
Zhangjiajie gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Zhangjiajie usually receives more rain than Christchurchin October. Zhangjiajie gets 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberZhangjiajie 17°C (63°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Christchurch and Zhangjiajie
| Zhangjiajie | Christchurch | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (52°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 90 mm (3.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.