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

Should you visit Kobe or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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 Kobe and Aoraki Mount Cook. 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.

Kobe

Kobe is a under-rated, multicultural, and quaint city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Aoraki Mount Cook

Aoraki Mount Cook is a dramatic, breathtaking, and world renowned mountain. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Kobe and Aoraki Mount Cook: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kobe. Although Kobe and Aoraki Mount Cook are popular destinations, Kobe has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kobe is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Aoraki Mount Cook attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Aoraki Mount Cook is more touristy than Kobe and is known for its glaciers, alpine setting, and being the highest mountain in New Zealand. Kobe is famous for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts. It is also well known for Kobe Harborland.

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

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

Kobe 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 Kobe. Check out the view from the top of the Kobe Port Tower and visit the high energy area of Kobe Harborland. The Disaster Reduction Museum and the nearby Human Renovation Museum are both fascinating to visit as well. Also check out the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art and Rokko Island.

Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Kobe has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Most people immediately think of Kobe beef when they think of this city, but there are also many other specialties around town. You'll find good sushi as well as akashiyaki, which are octopus dumplings. The city long served as a major port for Japan, so there is a strong Chinese influence over the cuisine. In particular, you should try the chuka ryori (a Chinese dumpling).

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 Kobe or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Nightlife?

Kobe 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 Kobe has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is a bit subdued, but that doesn't mean you won't find local bars, karaoke, and live music venues where you can hang out. Many visitors enjoy having a chill night out with a drink in a laid back setting.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Kobe or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Hiking?

Aoraki Mount Cook is an amazing mountain to visit for hiking. However, Kobe is not a hiking destination.

Aoraki Mount Cook is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Kobe is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kobe or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Kobe. It's fun and convenient to shop here, as the best shopping districts are easy to access from the train stations. Sannomiya is a hub of transportation and shopping in the city, but also check out Kobe Harborland for its diverse stores and high energy.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kobe or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Families?

Both Kobe and Aoraki Mount Cook are nice family-friendly destinations.

Kobe offers lots of family activities. There are a number of kid-friendly attractions around Kobe Harborland including a ferris wheel, Anpanman Museum, and the Kobe Maritime Museum. Kids will also enjoy running around Meriken Park or Mount Rokko. Kids who like animals will enjoy a visit to Kobe Animal Kingdom.

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 Kobe or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Couples?

Aoraki Mount Cook is an amazing mountain to visit for couples. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Aoraki Mount Cook is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Kobe is a nice destination for couples. There's a romantic view from the top of the Kobe Port Tower. There are also many parks and a waterfront promenade where you can take a stroll. If you enjoy hiking, you can take the Maya View Line Kikuseidai, which is particularly nice in the evening.

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

For backpackers, both Kobe and Aoraki Mount Cook are nice places to visit.

Plenty of backpackers visit Kobe. Although many tourists and backpackers don't put Kobe on their itinerary, there are still a handful of hostels around the city.

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

Kobe 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 Kobe offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While there is a subway system, it's not particularly useful to tourists. There is a bus service that operates a line that targets tourists.

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 Kobe or Aoraki Mount Cook a more walkable city?

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

Kobe is a somewhat walkable city. It's relatively easy to walk around many parts of the city, although some areas are quite hilly. You can walk from Shin-Kobe Bullet Train Station to the water in about half an hour.

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

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

How long in Kobe or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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

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

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

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

One day in Kobe or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Aoraki Mount Cook. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Kobe or Aoraki Mount Cook?

With museums and nightlife around the multicultural city of Kobe, 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 fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Kobe or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint destination of Kobe. 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.

You'll find around the world renowned destination of Aoraki Mount Cook. This mountain offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Kobe or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Kobe 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.

The world renowned mountain of Aoraki Mount Cook offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Kobe 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. Even though Kobe 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 Kobe Expensive? and Is Aoraki Mount Cook Expensive?.