A Travel Price Comparison for New Zealand Fiordland National Park vs. Aoraki Mount Cook for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Fiordland National Park or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Fiordland National Park and Aoraki Mount Cook can help you decide which place is right for you.

Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is a breathtaking, world famous, and stunning national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking.

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. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Fiordland National Park and Aoraki Mount Cook: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fiordland National Park or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Both Aoraki Mount Cook and Fiordland National Park have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Fiordland National Park is well known for its world renowned hiking trails and stunning natural environments. Aoraki Mount Cook is well known for its glaciers, alpine setting, and being the highest mountain in New Zealand.

How is Fiordland National Park 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 Fiordland National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is the Food Better in Fiordland National Park or Aoraki Mount Cook? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Fiordland National Park and Aoraki Mount Cook both to be respectable destinations.

Fiordland National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Te Anau is a town that serves as the basecamp for the park, and there are a range of restaurants and cafes there. Once you're in the park the dining options are limited, so it's best to come prepared with your own food supplies.

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 Fiordland National Park or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Hiking?

You'll find first-rate hiking in both Fiordland National Park and Aoraki Mount Cook.

Many people visit Fiordland National Park specifically for its hiking. The park has world class hiking, and this is the main activity for most visitors. There are three main trails in the park, as well as many shorter hikes that you can do. Milford Track is probably the most famous hike, and it is often considered one of the best hikes in the world. Routeburn Track is a multi-day trek that passes through a variety of environments and landscapes. Other popular trails include Kepler Track, Hollyford Track, and Dusky Track.

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.

Is Fiordland National Park or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Families?

Fiordland National Park is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Aoraki Mount Cook is not as popular, but is still a nice mountain for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Fiordland National Park is very family-friendly. It's the largest national park in New Zealand, and it makes a great playground for the whole family. It's the perfect place to go for a hike or learn about the natural world. There are dolphins and seals, waterfalls, and glowworm caves. There are also fun adventures like kayaking and jet skiing.

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 Fiordland National Park or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Couples?

Both Fiordland National Park and Aoraki Mount Cook are first-rate destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Fiordland National Park has plenty to offer. Couples who love the great outdoors will be in heaven in this stunning national park. There's gorgeous scenery, romantic boat trips, and world class hikes that are not to be missed.

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.

Is Fiordland National Park or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fiordland National Park 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 Fiordland National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. As the largest national park in New Zealand, this is a world class backpackers destination and it is filled with amazing multi-day treks and once in a lifetime experiences.

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 Fiordland National Park or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Neither Fiordland National Park or Aoraki Mount Cook offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Fiordland National Park. Public transit is basically nonexistent in the park and there are few roads as well. Even so, having your own car is important as it gives you the flexibility to reach the sections that you want to visit.

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 Fiordland National Park or Aoraki Mount Cook a more walkable city?

Fiordland National Park and Aoraki Mount Cook are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Fiordland National Park is generally not a very walkable national park. There are trails throughout the park and it's possible to access it on foot via Routeburn Track from Mt. Aspiring National Park.

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 Fiordland National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Aoraki Mount Cook Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aoraki Mount Cook or Fiordland National Park?

How long in Fiordland National Park or Aoraki Mount Cook?

It's fun to spend time in either Fiordland National Park or Aoraki Mount Cook. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Fiordland National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-6 days is a good amount of time for Fiordland National Park, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aoraki Mount Cook.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fiordland National Park 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 Fiordland National Park.

One day in Fiordland National Park or Aoraki Mount Cook?

With around the destination of Fiordland National Park, 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.

You'll find around the dramatic mountain of Aoraki Mount Cook. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Fiordland National Park or Aoraki Mount Cook?

With around the breathtaking national park of Fiordland National Park, 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. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Five days in Fiordland National Park or Aoraki Mount Cook?

With around the world famous destination of Fiordland National Park, there's plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. If you have five days, this national park 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.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a great place to explore. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

A week in Fiordland National Park or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Fiordland National Park 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 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aoraki Mount Cook. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand, The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in New Zealand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Fiordland National Park and Aoraki Mount Cook, we can see that Aoraki Mount Cook is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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