Comparison · Christchurch vs Queenstown · New Zealand
Christchurch vs Queenstown
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand, CC0
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Quick answer
Choose Christchurch for Garden City, Punting on the Avon, beaches and free sights; choose Queenstown for Bungy jumping and Lake Wakatipu. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 357 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 357 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Christchurch
- December–March
- Best time for Queenstown
- July–August and December–March
Side by side
| Christchurch | Queenstown | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | New Zealand | New Zealand |
| Known for | Garden City, Punting on the Avon and Earthquake rebuild | Bungy jumping, Lake Wakatipu and Skiing |
| Best time to visit | December–March | July–August and December–March |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $170–$300 | $180–$320 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Expensive |
| Warmest month | January, 23°C (73°F) | January, 22°C (72°F) |
| Coldest month | July, 11°C (52°F) | July, 7°C (45°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 10 | 6 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 5 |
| Beaches | Sumner Beach | — |
| Airports | CHC | ZQN |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Christchurch for…
Garden City, Punting on the Avon, beaches and free sights. 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…
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Choose Queenstown for…
Bungy jumping and Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown sits on the shore of Lake Wakatipu in Central Otago, ringed by the jagged Remarkables and other peaks of the Southern Alps. The compact town centre is packed with tour shops, restaurants and bars, and it is the base for bungy jumps, jetboats, the…
Top sights compared
| # | Christchurch | Queenstown |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christchurch Botanic Gardens | Skyline Gondola and Luge |
| 2 | Punting on the Avon | TSS Earnslaw cruise |
| 3 | Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū | Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge bungy |
| 4 | Transitional Cathedral | Shotover Jet |
| 5 | Christchurch Gondola | Queenstown Gardens |
Food compared
| Christchurch | Queenstown |
|---|---|
| Canterbury lamb | Gourmet burgers |
| Whitebait fritter | Central Otago pinot noir |
| Green-lipped mussels | Lamb |
| Akaroa salmon | Venison |
Which is cheaper?
Christchurch and Queenstown cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $170–$300 in Christchurch and $180–$320 in Queenstown (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Christchurch on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Christchurch and Queenstown are about 357 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 3 days in Christchurch and 5 in Queenstown.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Christchurch or Queenstown cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $170–$300 in Christchurch and $180–$320 in Queenstown (estimates).
+Is Christchurch or Queenstown better for a first trip?
Pick Christchurch for Garden City, Punting on the Avon, beaches and free sights, or Queenstown for Bungy jumping and Lake Wakatipu.
+How far is Christchurch from Queenstown?
About 357 km in a straight line.