A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aoraki Mount Cook vs. Gili Trawangan for Couples, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Aoraki Mount Cook or Gili Trawangan?

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 Aoraki Mount Cook and Gili Trawangan. 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.

Aoraki Mount Cook

Aoraki Mount Cook is a world renowned, scenic, and dramatic mountain. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking.

Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is a laidback, tropical, and idyllic island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food.

Aoraki Mount Cook and Gili Trawangan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aoraki Mount Cook or Gili Trawangan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Gili Trawangan. Although Aoraki Mount Cook and Gili Trawangan are both popular with visitors, Gili Trawangan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Gili Trawangan is more popular for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Aoraki Mount Cook is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Gili Trawangan is more touristy than Aoraki Mount Cook and is known for its beautiful water and impressive scuba diving. It is also home to beautiful beachfront setting. Aoraki Mount Cook is popular for its glaciers, alpine setting, and being the highest mountain in New Zealand.

How is Aoraki Mount Cook different from Gili Trawangan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Gili Trawangan and Aoraki Mount Cook. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aoraki Mount Cook or Gili Trawangan?

Gili Trawangan is adequate for its historical sights. However, Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Gili Trawangan specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of art and cultural museums on the island, but most people spend their time soaking up the idyllic setting.

Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Aoraki Mount Cook or Gili Trawangan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Gili Trawangan is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Gili Trawangan has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. As the largest and one of the most touristy of the Gili Islands, you'll find a wide range of cuisines. There's everything from Mexican to Greek available. You'll also find plenty of tropical fruits and some local Indonesian cuisine as well.

Aoraki Mount Cook offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few cafes and restaurants in the village, but if you're doing any hiking you should pack your own food.

Is Aoraki Mount Cook or Gili Trawangan Better for Nightlife?

Gili Trawangan is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for nightlife.

The nightlife in Gili Trawangan is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. This is the "party island" of the Gili Islands. It has a wild nightlife scene that is particularly popular with backpackers. There are tons of beach bars that have live music, DJs, and nightly parties. There are also regular boat parties. The party scene is pretty well coordinated across the bars, and one bar will stay open late each night while the others close around midnight. This keeps the partygoers concentrated in one location and keeps the energy high for everyone.

People don't go to Aoraki Mount Cook for the nightlife. There's an upscale bar at the Hermitage Hotel, but otherwise very little to do at night.

Is Aoraki Mount Cook or Gili Trawangan Better for Resorts?

Gili Trawangan is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a resort destination.

Gili Trawangan has a few great resort options. The island was long known for its backpacker vibe which included poorly concentrated beach huts. More recently there's been an upswing in upmarket accommodation, particularly on the quieter western and northern sides of the island.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a resort destination.

Is Aoraki Mount Cook or Gili Trawangan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Gili Trawangan is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Gili Trawangan. Snorkeling and diving are a highlight on the island, and a big draw for many visitors. The island is small, with a large concentration of tourists, so if you book a boat trip, you'll likely be surrounded by others. This doesn't mean you won't be able to enjoy colorful fish, a magical undersea world, and the occasional sea turtle.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Aoraki Mount Cook or Gili Trawangan Better for Beaches?

Gili Trawangan is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a beach destination.

Gili Trawangan offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island is filled with white sand beaches, most of which have restaurants and beachside bars nearby. One of the busiest beaches is near the port, but a quieter area is nearby Surf Point. The sunset side of the island is perfect in the evening when the sun starts to dip below the horizon, but the beaches on that side aren't as great as the other side of the island.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a beach destination.

Is Aoraki Mount Cook or Gili Trawangan Better for Hiking?

Aoraki Mount Cook is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Aoraki Mount Cook specifically for its hiking. There are beginner trails as well as world class routes that bring out expert climbers. As the highest peak in New Zealand, many people come here for the challenge, but if you're looking for a most simple experience, the hiking opportunities are still abundant.

Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Aoraki Mount Cook or Gili Trawangan?

Gili Trawangan is adequate for its shopping areas. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Gili Trawangan has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find most things you need on the island, but this isn't a place people usually shop for fun.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Aoraki Mount Cook or Gili Trawangan Better for Families?

Gili Trawangan is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Aoraki Mount Cook is not as popular, but is still a nice mountain for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Gili Trawangan. There are many kid-friendly activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and biking. There are also glass bottom boat tours and a great laidback island vibe that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Do note that this is one of the more popular islands for backpackers, so there is a big party scene.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of short walks that are perfect for little legs. Kids will also enjoy the boat rides on the lakes and the area's superb stargazing.

Is Aoraki Mount Cook or Gili Trawangan Better for Couples?

Aoraki Mount Cook is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Gili Trawangan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Aoraki Mount Cook has plenty to offer. Couples will enjoy the stunning glaciers, beautiful walks, and iconic views. Many couples take helicopter rides to fully experience the area. Stargazing and hiking is also high on the list of must-do romantic activities.

Couples visit Gili Trawangan frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. White sand, blue water, and a true tropical island paradise make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. It's one of the more energetic of the Gili Islands, so if you're looking for a calm retreat, there may be better options, but it still has wonderful resorts and great diving.

Is Aoraki Mount Cook or Gili Trawangan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gili Trawangan is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Aoraki Mount Cook is not as popular, but is still a nice mountain for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Gili Trawangan, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. It's the most popular of the Gili Islands for backpackers so you'll find tons of hostels and a great nightlife scene. The energy is high and the scenery and idyllic beaches are wonderful.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Aoraki Mount Cook. While many activities in the area are expensive, the hiking is world class and there are a few hostels and camping opportunities nearby.

Is Aoraki Mount Cook or Gili Trawangan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gili Trawangan is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Gili Trawangan offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Many tourists enjoy getting around the island by cidomo, which are horse-drawn carts. Otherwise, walking or biking are your best options.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Aoraki Mount Cook. Having a car is essential unless you take a private tour that provides transportation.

Is Aoraki Mount Cook or Gili Trawangan a more walkable city?

Gili Trawangan is great for its ease of walking around. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its walkability.

Gili Trawangan is a very walkable destination. While it's the largest of the Gili Islands, it still small enough to walk around in about two hours and it's relatively easy to explore on foot.

Aoraki Mount Cook is generally not very walkable. While there are many trails through the region, you really must have a car to access the trail heads and efficiently get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Aoraki Mount Cook Worth Visiting? and Is Gili Trawangan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Gili Trawangan or Aoraki Mount Cook?

How long in Aoraki Mount Cook or Gili Trawangan?

It's fun to spend time in either Aoraki Mount Cook or Gili Trawangan. In our opinion, Gili Trawangan has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Gili Trawangan than Aoraki Mount Cook. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Gili Trawangan than Aoraki Mount Cook. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Gili Trawangan, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Gili Trawangan than Aoraki Mount Cook. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Gili Trawangan that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gili Trawangan than Aoraki Mount Cook if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Gili Trawangan.

One day in Aoraki Mount Cook or Gili Trawangan?

In Aoraki Mount Cook, you'll find . Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Gili Trawangan, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Aoraki Mount Cook or Gili Trawangan?

Aoraki Mount Cook is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the tropical island of Gili Trawangan, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Aoraki Mount Cook or Gili Trawangan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aoraki Mount Cook. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the idyllic destination of Gili Trawangan. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Aoraki Mount Cook or Gili Trawangan?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the mountain of Aoraki Mount Cook. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Gili Trawangan is a popular choice for travelers. Most people come for the beaches. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aoraki Mount Cook and Gili Trawangan, we can see that Aoraki Mount Cook is more expensive. And not only is Gili Trawangan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aoraki Mount Cook is in Pacific and Gili Trawangan is in Asia, 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 Gili Trawangan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gili Trawangan 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 Aoraki Mount Cook would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aoraki Mount Cook than you might in Gili Trawangan.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aoraki Mount Cook Expensive? and Is Gili Trawangan Expensive?.