Comparison · Auckland vs Christchurch · New Zealand
Auckland vs Christchurch
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: elpinto007, CC BY-SA 2.0
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Quick answer
Choose Auckland for Sky Tower and Volcanic cones; choose Christchurch for Garden City and Punting on the Avon. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 765 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 765 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Auckland
- February–April and December
- Best time for Christchurch
- December–March
Side by side
| Auckland | Christchurch | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | New Zealand | New Zealand |
| Known for | Sky Tower, Volcanic cones and Waiheke Island wineries | Garden City, Punting on the Avon and Earthquake rebuild |
| Best time to visit | February–April and December | December–March |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $160–$280 | $170–$300 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Expensive |
| Warmest month | February, 25°C (77°F) | January, 23°C (73°F) |
| Coldest month | July, 15°C (59°F) | July, 11°C (52°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 10 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Beaches | Mission Bay | Sumner Beach |
| Airports | AKL | CHC |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Auckland for…
Sky Tower and Volcanic cones. Auckland, Tāmaki Makaurau, spreads across a narrow isthmus between the Waitematā Harbour and the Manukau Harbour, dotted with more than 50 volcanic cones. The compact city centre runs from the Sky Tower down to the ferry terminal and the Viaduct, and ferries…
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Choose Christchurch for…
Garden City and Punting on the Avon. Christchurch (Ōtautahi), the South Island's largest city, was largely rebuilt after the 2010–2011 Canterbury earthquakes, and its compact centre now mixes new architecture, street art and the Riverside Market with heritage survivors such as New Regent Street…
Top sights compared
| # | Auckland | Christchurch |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sky Tower | Christchurch Botanic Gardens |
| 2 | Auckland War Memorial Museum | Punting on the Avon |
| 3 | Maungawhau / Mount Eden | Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū |
| 4 | Rangitoto Island | Transitional Cathedral |
| 5 | Waiheke Island | Christchurch Gondola |
Food compared
| Auckland | Christchurch |
|---|---|
| Flat white | Canterbury lamb |
| Meat pie | Whitebait fritter |
| Fish and chips | Green-lipped mussels |
| Green-lipped mussels | Akaroa salmon |
Which is cheaper?
Auckland and Christchurch cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $160–$280 in Auckland and $170–$300 in Christchurch (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Auckland on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 765 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 8 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Auckland or Christchurch cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $160–$280 in Auckland and $170–$300 in Christchurch (estimates).
+Is Auckland or Christchurch better for a first trip?
Pick Auckland for Sky Tower and Volcanic cones, or Christchurch for Garden City and Punting on the Avon.
+How far is Auckland from Christchurch?
About 765 km in a straight line.