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

Should you visit Aoraki Mount Cook or Koh Tao?

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 Tao. 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 Tao

Koh Tao is a mellow, beautiful, and tropical island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Aoraki Mount Cook and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Tao. Although Aoraki Mount Cook and Koh Tao are both popular with visitors, Koh Tao has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Tao 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. Aoraki Mount Cook is popular for its glaciers, alpine setting, and being the highest mountain in New Zealand. Koh Tao is popular for its affordable scuba diving courses, laid-back island vibe, popularity with backpackers, and stunning island hikes. It is also home to Mango Bay Viewpoint.

How is Aoraki Mount Cook different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Koh Tao 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 Tao. It's a small island that is all about beachfront beauty. Most visitors enjoy the island's outdoor paradise setting, but on those rainy afternoons, there really are very few indoor activities or temples to visit.

Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Koh Tao has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a huge ex-pat community on the island, and with them they bring a variety of international cuisines. There are also local establishments that sell the typical Thai dishes with lots of seafood, curries, and noodle dishes. It's fun to enjoy a beachside restaurant that lets you sit right by the water looking off into a tropical paradise.

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 Tao Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Koh Tao for the nightlife scene. While most people head for the island for its scuba diving, when the sun goes down everyone heads to the beach to party. The island has a very active nightlife scene with its own Full Moon Parties, dance clubs, beachside bars, and more. Head to Sairee Beach for the most active nightlife and entertainment options.

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 Tao Better for Resorts?

Koh Tao is great for its luxury resorts. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Koh Tao to choose from. While it's mostly famous as a diving destination, there are also a diversity of resorts, from luxury to affordable, available on the island. The beaches are beautiful and many resorts offer scuba diving packages as well.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Tao 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 Tao. The island is Thailand's most famous scuba diving destination for it's affordable certifications and prolific dive shops. There are a variety of dive sites near the island, but with fame and popularity come challenges. The coral and sealife is feeling the pressure of the high number of tourists, and the reefs show their damage. But the training you receive here is affordable and well-established.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Aoraki Mount Cook or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

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

Koh Tao offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The white sand beaches have a mellow vibe with beautiful blue waters. This is a true tropical paradise with beachside cafes, easy snorkeling, and warm water. The beaches range from quiet and isolated to high energy and vibrant.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a beach destination.

Is Aoraki Mount Cook or Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

Aoraki Mount Cook is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the nearby hiking options.

Known for its hiking, Aoraki Mount Cook draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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 Tao is a popular spot for hiking. Hiking is the best way to enjoy the inland beauty of the island. There are paths that take you through the jungle covered land to viewpoints and remote areas. Many paths are rustic and not always well maintained so it's helpful to ask a local for directions beforehand.

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

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

Koh Tao has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The main beach areas of Mae Haad, Sairee, and Chalok Baan Kao have the highest concentration of clothing and dive equipment shops. Because it's an island with limited access, prices can be a bit high.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Aoraki Mount Cook or Koh Tao Better for Families?

Both Aoraki Mount Cook and Koh Tao are good family-friendly destinations.

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 Tao is a family-friendly place to visit. The island is popular for its affordable scuba diving certifications, so there are a number of options for families with older kids who'd like to get certified. It's also a more laid back and smaller island than some nearby places, so it's possible to find quiet beaches where your family can relax. Some of the quieter beaches include Sai Nuan and Ao Luek. You'll still find a large number of backpackers on the island, but there's a more chill atmosphere with most visitors focused on scuba diving and exploring.

Is Aoraki Mount Cook or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

Aoraki Mount Cook is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for couples.

Aoraki Mount Cook has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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 Tao is a very popular place to visit for couples. This laid back island offers a relaxing honeymoon destination for couples who want to learn to scuba dive and enjoy a bit of tropical paradise. There are beachside restaurants, beautiful blue waters, white sand, and everything you need for your own piece of paradise.

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

Koh Tao 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 Tao, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. The island is an oasis for backpackers who want to enjoy the mellow island life, learn to scuba dive cheaply, and have fun at a beachside party. There are plenty of affordable places to stay and countless opportunities to meet other backpackers. The island is also well connected to other nearby islands.

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

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Koh Tao. You can rent a motorbike or bicycle to explore the island. There are also taxis and taxi boats available.

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 Tao a more walkable city?

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

Koh Tao is a very walkable destination. The island is smaller than many islands in Thailand, and the small towns are usually no more than 5 kilometers apart. It's also possible to walk around most of the small towns.

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 Tao Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Aoraki Mount Cook or Koh Tao?

Both Aoraki Mount Cook and Koh Tao have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Tao than in Aoraki Mount Cook. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Aoraki Mount Cook, and 2-7 days is enough time in Koh Tao.

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

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

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

One day in Aoraki Mount Cook or Koh Tao?

In Aoraki Mount Cook, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This mountain offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Koh Tao, 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 Tao?

In Aoraki Mount Cook, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Aoraki Mount Cook has to offer.

With shopping and nightlife around the beautiful island of Koh Tao, 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 Tao?

Aoraki Mount Cook is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

With nightlife and food around the beautiful destination of Koh Tao, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

A week in Aoraki Mount Cook or Koh Tao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aoraki Mount Cook. Many people enjoy the when visiting Aoraki Mount Cook. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Koh Tao 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 here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.

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

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 Tao Expensive?.