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Is Christchurch expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Christchurch is expensive by global standards, like the rest of New Zealand, but usually cheaper than Auckland or Queenstown. A budget day is about NZ$140 per person and a mid-range day about NZ$310. Food, accommodation and activities take most of the money, and most visitors also pay the NZ$100 International Visitor Levy with their NZeTA.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | NZ$55 | NZ$110 | NZ$220 |
| Food & drink | NZ$50 | NZ$90 | NZ$160 |
| Sights & tickets | NZ$25 | NZ$70 | NZ$140 |
| Local transport | NZ$10 | NZ$40 | NZ$80 |
| Per person, per day | NZ$140 | NZ$310 | NZ$600 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Christchurch day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Flat white | about NZ$5–6 |
| Pint of craft beer | about NZ$12–15 |
| Metro bus fare with a card | about NZ$3–4 |
| Avon River punting (30 minutes) | roughly NZ$40 |
| Christchurch Gondola return | about NZ$40 |
| Heritage tram day pass | about NZ$35 |
| Mid-range dinner for two with wine | NZ$100–160 |
| Motel or 3★ double in summer | roughly NZ$160–250 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation and eating out are the largest costs; restaurant prices include 15% GST and wages are high. Paid attractions such as the gondola, punting, the tram and the International Antarctic Centre each cost NZ$35–80, and a harbour cruise from Akaroa or Lyttelton is around NZ$100. Many visitors rent a car or campervan here to tour the South Island, which is a big separate cost, along with fuel. The Botanic Gardens, Hagley Park and the rebuilt central city are free.
When it is cheaper
Rates fall from May to September, outside school holidays and ski weekends, often 20–30% below the December–February peak. Campervan rental is dramatically cheaper in winter.
How to spend less
- Use a Metrocard on buses for lower fares and daily caps instead of paying cash.
- Walk the free Botanic Gardens, Hagley Park and the central city's street art instead of paid tours.
- Hike the Bridle Path up to the gondola's summit instead of riding both ways.
- Shop at supermarkets (Pak'nSave is usually cheapest) and self-cater in motels with kitchens.
- Visit Lyttelton Farmers Market on Saturday morning for affordable breakfast and coffee.
- Pick up a relocation rental car or campervan for a cheap start to a South Island road trip.
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Common questions
Is Christchurch expensive?
Yes by global standards, but less than Auckland or Queenstown. Allow about NZ$140 a day on a budget and about NZ$310 mid-range.
Do I have to pay a tourist levy?
Most visitors pay the NZ$100 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy together with the NZeTA before travel.
What are the main paid activities?
The gondola (about NZ$40), punting (about NZ$40), the heritage tram (about NZ$35) and the International Antarctic Centre (roughly NZ$70–80).