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

Should you visit Atami or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Atami and Aoraki Mount Cook can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Atami

Atami is a authentic, overlooked, and nostalgic town. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

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.

Atami and Aoraki Mount Cook: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atami or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Atami. Although Atami and Aoraki Mount Cook are both popular with visitors, Atami has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Atami is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Aoraki Mount Cook is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Aoraki Mount Cook is more touristy than Atami and is known for its glaciers, alpine setting, and being the highest mountain in New Zealand. Atami is popular for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches. It is also home to Kinomiya Shrine.

How is Atami different from Aoraki Mount Cook?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Atami is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Atami. The onsen, or hot springs, have historically been a big draw to this town. Places to experience them include Oedo Onsen Monogatari Atami, Otsuki Hotel Wafukan, and Myoraku-Yu. Other sights around town include Kaminiya Shrine and the MOA Museum of Art.

Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Atami 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.

Atami is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find an authentic Japanese dining experience here, with a lot of seafood due to the city's coastal location. Popular dishes include sushi, dried fish, and fish boiled in broth.

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 Atami or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Nightlife?

Atami is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Atami has a few options to choose from. The town was once a place to escape the city and enjoy a fun night out, but these days it's a bit quieter and has more of a nostalgic vibe. Head to Yushima Yugijo Yushima Amusement Center for some of the best nightlife in town.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Atami or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Beaches?

Atami is a good destination for the beach. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a beach destination.

Atami offers a nice beach destination. The most popular beach in the city is Atami Sun Beach, which is right in town. It's a place to relax in the sun, and there are sometimes fireworks throughout the year.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a beach destination.

Is Atami or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Hiking?

Aoraki Mount Cook is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Atami is not a hiking destination.

Around Aoraki Mount Cook visitors will find world-class hiking 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.

Atami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atami or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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

Atami has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find a couple of retro shopping streets in town such as Atami Ekimae Shopping Street, Nakamise Shopping Street, and Heiwadori Shopping Street. There are arcades and food stalls where you can sample local dishes.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Atami or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Families?

Both Atami and Aoraki Mount Cook are good to visit with kids.

Atami is a family-friendly town. The city is a hot springs area, but you can also head to the nearby beaches and other family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Aoraki Mount Cook. 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 Atami or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Couples?

Aoraki Mount Cook is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a great mountain for couples, as it 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.

Atami is a good town for couples to visit. This is a beach and hot springs resort area, and in historic times it was a honeymoon destination. Today you'll find beaches, hot springs, shopping, and museums to explore, but most visitors use it as a base to explore the nearby areas, as the town itself doesn't have a lot to offer.

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

Atami and Aoraki Mount Cook are both good destinations for backpackers.

Atami is a good town to visit for backpackers. While there aren't a huge number of hostels in the area, and backpackers often skip over this town, prices aren't particularly high so you should be able to find something affordable.

Plenty of backpackers 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 Atami or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Atami 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 Atami offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses, such as the YuYu Bus, which has two routes and passes by many of the town's attractions.

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 Atami or Aoraki Mount Cook a more walkable city?

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

Atami is a somewhat walkable town. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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 Atami Worth Visiting? and Is Aoraki Mount Cook Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aoraki Mount Cook or Atami?

How long in Atami or Aoraki Mount Cook?

It's fun to spend time in either Atami or Aoraki Mount Cook. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Aoraki Mount Cook due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Atami, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aoraki Mount Cook.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atami 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 Atami.

One day in Atami or Aoraki Mount Cook?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Atami, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

In Aoraki Mount Cook, many people enjoy the that this world renowned destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This mountain offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Atami or Aoraki Mount Cook?

With museums and nightlife around the authentic town of Atami, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aoraki Mount Cook. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Atami or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the overlooked destination of Atami. 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.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Aoraki Mount Cook. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Atami or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Atami is a popular choice for travelers. This town 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.

You'll find around the dramatic destination of Aoraki Mount Cook. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

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

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