Comparison · Christchurch vs Wellington · New Zealand
Christchurch vs Wellington
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 and Punting on the Avon; choose Wellington for Te Papa and Wellington Cable Car. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 305 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 305 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Christchurch
- December–March
- Best time for Wellington
- December–March
Side by side
| Christchurch | Wellington | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | New Zealand | New Zealand |
| Known for | Garden City, Punting on the Avon and Earthquake rebuild | Te Papa, Wellington Cable Car and Café culture |
| Best time to visit | December–March | December–March |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $170–$300 | $180–$320 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Expensive |
| Warmest month | January, 23°C (73°F) | February, 21°C (70°F) |
| Coldest month | July, 11°C (52°F) | July, 12°C (54°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 10 | 9 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 5 |
| Beaches | Sumner Beach | Oriental Bay |
| Airports | CHC | WLG |
Which one is right for you?
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…
Choose Wellington for…
Te Papa and Wellington Cable Car. New Zealand's capital wraps around a deep harbour at the southern tip of the North Island, with a compact, walkable centre squeezed between the waterfront and steep green hills. The national museum, Te Papa, sits on the harbour, a red cable car climbs from…
Top sights compared
| # | Christchurch | Wellington |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christchurch Botanic Gardens | Te Papa Tongarewa |
| 2 | Punting on the Avon | Wellington Cable Car |
| 3 | Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū | Wellington Botanic Garden |
| 4 | Transitional Cathedral | Space Place at Carter Observatory |
| 5 | Christchurch Gondola | Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne |
Food compared
| Christchurch | Wellington |
|---|---|
| Canterbury lamb | Flat white |
| Whitebait fritter | Craft beer |
| Green-lipped mussels | Martinborough Pinot Noir |
| Akaroa salmon | Fish and chips |
Which is cheaper?
Christchurch and Wellington cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $170–$300 in Christchurch and $180–$320 in Wellington (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Christchurch on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Christchurch and Wellington are about 305 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 3 days in Christchurch and 3 in Wellington.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Christchurch or Wellington cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $170–$300 in Christchurch and $180–$320 in Wellington (estimates).
+Is Christchurch or Wellington better for a first trip?
Pick Christchurch for Garden City and Punting on the Avon, or Wellington for Te Papa and Wellington Cable Car.
+How far is Christchurch from Wellington?
About 305 km in a straight line.