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

Should you visit Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa and Aoraki Mount Cook can help you decide which place is right for you.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a well-preserved, historic, and cultural city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Kanazawa travel costs.

Aoraki Mount Cook

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

Kanazawa and Aoraki Mount Cook: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kanazawa than Aoraki Mount Cook, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kanazawa is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Aoraki Mount Cook is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Kanazawa is well known for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens. Also, Kanazawa is famous for Kenroku-en Garden. Aoraki Mount Cook is well known for its glaciers, alpine setting, and being the highest mountain in New Zealand.

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

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

Kanazawa is great for its historical sights. However, Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Kanazawa. The city is filled with history and you can visit the Kanazawa Castle, the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses, and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area. There are also museums such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the D.T. Suzuki Museum.

Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Kanazawa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a long history to the city's cuisine and you'll find many diverse dishes that combine traditional ingredients with international fusion. The cuisine uses a lot of seafood, but you'll also find the one pot meal of Hanton Rice, Oden (hot pot), and Jibu-ni (made with duck and vegetables).

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 Kanazawa or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Kanazawa has a few options to choose from. The town has everything from international style bars to local theaters that let you experience the traditional Japanese culture.

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 Kanazawa or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for its Old Town?

Kanazawa is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Aoraki Mount Cook does not have a historic old town.

Kanazawa has an old town worth visiting. It's fascinating to visit both the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area which has preserved samurai houses that line two canals. You can enter a few of the houses to see the traditional way of life.

Aoraki Mount Cook does not have a historic old town.

Is Kanazawa or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Hiking?

Aoraki Mount Cook is very popular for hiking. However, Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Aoraki Mount Cook specifically for its hiking. 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.

Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanazawa or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Kanazawa is great for its shopping areas. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Kanazawa. The city has many shopping districts that include department stores, traditional stores, and large markets. This is a great place to do some souvenir shopping.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kanazawa or Aoraki Mount Cook More Beautiful?

Aoraki Mount Cook is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Kanazawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Aoraki Mount Cook because of it's amazing beauty. As the highest peak in New Zealand, this is a stunningly beautiful destination with glaciers, pristine forests, and world class views.

Kanazawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kanazawa or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Kanazawa or Aoraki Mount Cook.

Kanazawa offers lots of family activities. Myouryuji Temple is a fun temple for kids where they can play ninja and discover the hidden spaces. When the kids are burned out of history, head to Tedori Fish Land which is a theme park in the area or check out the slides at Kenmin Seaside Park. There's also the Dolls Museum and the beautiful coastline.

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 Kanazawa or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Couples?

Aoraki Mount Cook is very popular for romance. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Aoraki Mount Cook 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.

Kanazawa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has markets, museums, and gardens that are fun to explore as a couple. You can visit the Kanazawa Castle or sample one of the many restaurants around town.

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

For backpackers, both Kanazawa and Aoraki Mount Cook are notable places to visit.

Kanazawa is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels and affordable accommodation options that backpackers can choose from.

It's common for backpackers to 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 Kanazawa or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Students?

Kanazawa is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Kanazawa. It has a good educational environment with high quality educational institutions that appeal to international students.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not popular with students.

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

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two main buses that tourists use in town. The Kenrokuen Shuttle goes between the Kanazawa Station and Kenrokuen Gardens and the Kanazawa Loop Bus runs from Kanazawa Station via the Teramachi area, the Higashi Chaya District, and Omicho Market.

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 Kanazawa or Aoraki Mount Cook a more walkable city?

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

Kanazawa is a very walkable destination. The city is relatively walkable with some rolling hills. It's possible to walk to Kanazawa Castle from Kanazawa Station in about 35 minutes.

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

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

How long in Kanazawa or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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

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

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

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

One day in Kanazawa or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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

The beautiful mountain of Aoraki Mount Cook offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Kanazawa or Aoraki Mount Cook?

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Kanazawa, 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.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this mountain makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Aoraki Mount Cook, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kanazawa or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic destination of Kanazawa. 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 popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Kanazawa or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Kanazawa is a popular choice for travelers. This city 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 great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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. This mountain offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Kanazawa and Aoraki Mount Cook, we can see that Kanazawa 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. Even though Kanazawa is in Asia and Aoraki Mount Cook is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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