A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aoraki Mount Cook vs. Koh Phi Phi for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Aoraki Mount Cook or Koh Phi Phi?

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 Koh Phi Phi. 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 dramatic, breathtaking, and world renowned mountain. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a tropical, dramatic, and stunning island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Aoraki Mount Cook and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aoraki Mount Cook or Koh Phi Phi?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Phi Phi. Although Aoraki Mount Cook and Koh Phi Phi are both popular with visitors, Koh Phi Phi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Phi Phi is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Aoraki Mount Cook is known for its hiking. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Aoraki Mount Cook and is known for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises. It is also home to Koh Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay. 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 Koh Phi Phi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi?

Koh Phi Phi is mediocre for its historical sights. However, Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Phi Phi. It's an island paradise with world class beaches and stunning natural beauty, but if you're looking for museums, temples, and culture, then you'll likely want to head farther north to Northern Thailand.

Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Aoraki Mount Cook or Koh Phi Phi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Phi Phi is a good destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Koh Phi Phi is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most dishes feature seafood, and you'll find the highest concentration of restaurants around Tonsai Village. There are also restaurants dotting the way to Long Beach. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, or a combination of an indoor/outdoor setting. Tropical fruit is also abundant on the island and adds to that tropical paradise atmosphere.

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 Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is great for its evening party scene. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Koh Phi Phi for the nightlife scene. Despite its smaller size, there is still a party vibe and tons of nightlife on the island. Backpackers have long flocked to this island, building on the reputation it earned from movies like "The Beach." Booze cruises and all night beach parties are the norm here, so it won't be hard to find a party that lasts until sunrise.

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 Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Koh Phi Phi for its luxury resorts. Despite it's popularity with backpackers and small size, this island also has some of Thailand's most luxurious resorts. Head to Long Beach or Laem Tong to appreciate the quieter side of the island.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a resort destination.

Is Aoraki Mount Cook or Koh Phi Phi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi. The dramatic limestone cliffs and colorful coral make this a top scuba diving and snorkeling destination in Thailand. There are countless vendors who offer scuba diving or snorkeling trips from the island. You might even see sharks, sea turtles, or seahorses during your trip. Head to the reef at dusk for the best chance of seeing black tip reef sharks.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Aoraki Mount Cook or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

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

Koh Phi Phi offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. This island has some of the most dramatic beauty in Thailand and the beaches will not disappoint. Although it's usually referred to as an island, Koh Phi Phi is actually a small archipelago with Koh Phi Phi Don being the only inhabited island. Nearby Koh Phi Phi Leh is famous as the filming place of the movie "The Beach" (which you'll hear playing at hotels around the island every night). The beaches are beautiful with white sand and clear water. It truly is a tropical paradise.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a beach destination.

Is Aoraki Mount Cook or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Aoraki Mount Cook is renowned for hiking. Also, Koh Phi Phi is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the nearby hiking options.

People visit Aoraki Mount Cook specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Koh Phi Phi is a popular spot for hiking. With its dramatic cliffs, this area has beautiful, but challenging hikes that take you to stunning viewpoints. The dramatic photos that you see of the islands often require a hike, but the reward at the end is well worth it.

Is the Shopping Better in Aoraki Mount Cook or Koh Phi Phi?

Koh Phi Phi is mediocre for its shopping areas. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping in Koh Phi Phi can be found for those interested. Shopping is limited on the island but you'll find a few souvenir shops with trinkets that you can purchase. Because it's an island, you can expect prices to be high.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Aoraki Mount Cook or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Aoraki Mount Cook is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Aoraki Mount Cook offers lots of family activities. 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.

Koh Phi Phi is not the most family-friendly destination. This island is on the smaller side and it has a remote tropical island atmosphere. The best side of the island for families is the north end where you'll find the quietest and most beautiful beaches. It's best to avoid the area around Tonsai which has the highest concentration of backpackers and day trippers.

Is Aoraki Mount Cook or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Aoraki Mount Cook and Koh Phi Phi both amazing destinations for a couple.

Aoraki Mount Cook is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Koh Phi Phi makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Stunning beaches, dramatic landscapes, excellent snorkeling and scuba diving, and a remote tropical atmosphere make this is a great place for couples and honeymooners. Head to the quieter north side of the island where you'll find the better resorts and less backpackers, as well as the best beaches.

Is Aoraki Mount Cook or Koh Phi Phi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. Most people visit this island as a day trip, but for those who linger, they'll be rewarded with dramatic landscapes and beautiful beaches. Most backpackers hang out around Tonsai where things are the cheapest, but the quality can also be very poor.

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 Koh Phi Phi Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are water taxis and private boats that you can hire.

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 Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Koh Phi Phi is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its walkability.

Koh Phi Phi is a somewhat walkable island. You can't walk all of the way around the island because of the cliffs, but you can walk from Tonsai to Long Beach.

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 Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Phi Phi or Aoraki Mount Cook?

How long in Aoraki Mount Cook or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Aoraki Mount Cook and Koh Phi Phi. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Aoraki Mount Cook than in Koh Phi Phi. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Aoraki Mount Cook, and 2-3 days is enough time in Koh Phi Phi.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi.

One day in Aoraki Mount Cook or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking mountain of Aoraki Mount Cook. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Koh Phi Phi, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the world renowned destination of Aoraki Mount Cook. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This mountain offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the beautiful island of Koh Phi Phi, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Koh Phi Phi?

The breathtaking mountain of Aoraki Mount Cook offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the rustic destination of Koh Phi Phi. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the when visiting Aoraki Mount Cook. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Koh Phi Phi is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aoraki Mount Cook and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Aoraki Mount Cook is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aoraki Mount Cook is in Pacific and Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi.

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 Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.