A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chichibu-Tama-Kai vs. Aoraki Mount Cook for Hiking, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a peaceful, relaxing, and natural national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Aoraki Mount Cook

Aoraki Mount Cook is a dramatic, breathtaking, and world renowned mountain. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Aoraki Mount Cook: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Both Aoraki Mount Cook and Chichibu-Tama-Kai have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Chichibu-Tama-Kai is better known for its museums, while Aoraki Mount Cook is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Aoraki Mount Cook is more touristy than Chichibu-Tama-Kai and is known for its glaciers, alpine setting, and being the highest mountain in New Zealand. Chichibu-Tama-Kai is well known for its beautiful hikes and accessibility from Tokyo.

How is Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is adequate for its historical sights. However, Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Chichibu-Tama-Kai specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are hikes that pass by historic villages and you'll see several ancient shrines such as Musashi-Mitake-jinja Shrine. Between the months of June and November you may even be able to see kagura, which is a traditional Shinto dance performance that has been passed down through the generations.

Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Aoraki Mount Cook? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Aoraki Mount Cook offer a number of respectable restaurants to choose from.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a couple of restaurants in and near the park, but if you're going for a longer hike, you're better off packing your own picnic.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Aoraki Mount Cook. There are a few cafes and restaurants in the village, but if you're doing any hiking you should pack your own food.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Hiking?

Aoraki Mount Cook is a must-visit destination for hiking. Also, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a popular spot for hiking. There are a range of hikes in this park that include everything from day trip hikes and multi-day treks with camping and mountain huts available. The trails run along gorges, pass by lakes, and take you through pristine forests.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Families?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai. This national park offers educational programs, hiking, and outdoor adventures that the entire family can enjoy. If you kids need a break from history and cities, then this is the perfect place to reconnect with nature for a few days.

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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Couples?

Aoraki Mount Cook is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its romantic activities.

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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very popular place to visit for couples. Hiking, natural beauty, and adrenaline-filled adventures all make this a wonderful couples destination for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of town.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Aoraki Mount Cook are notable places to visit.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a good national park to visit for backpackers. It's less than two hours from Tokyo, so backpackers can enjoy easy access to an accessible natural area.

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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's recommended that you have a car to efficiently explore the park. There are some bus options within the park, such as the Nishi Tokyo Bus that runs to popular hiking spots in the Okutama and Mitake areas and the Yamanashi Kotsu bus service that goes to trails in Yamanashi.

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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Aoraki Mount Cook a more walkable city?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is great for its ease of walking around. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its walkability.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very walkable destination. There are hiking trails that cater to every level, from beginner to more experienced.

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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai Worth Visiting? and Is Aoraki Mount Cook Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aoraki Mount Cook or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

How long in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Aoraki Mount Cook?

It's fun to spend time in either Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aoraki Mount Cook.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai.

One day in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Aoraki Mount Cook?

With around the destination of Chichibu-Tama-Kai, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

With around the destination of Aoraki Mount Cook, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Aoraki Mount Cook?

With around the natural national park of Chichibu-Tama-Kai, 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.

With around the scenic mountain of Aoraki Mount Cook, 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful destination of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the scenic destination of Aoraki Mount Cook. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a popular choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park 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.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a popular choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. This mountain 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 10-Day Tours in Japan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Aoraki Mount Cook, we can see that Aoraki Mount Cook is more expensive. And not only is Chichibu-Tama-Kai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai.

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