A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kobe vs. Mount Aspiring National Park for Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Kobe or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

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 Mount Aspiring National Park. 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 multicultural, quaint, and subdued city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Kobe travel costs.

Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a remote, rugged, and breathtaking national park. Many visitors also come to Mount Aspiring National Park because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Mount Aspiring National Park travel costs.

Kobe and Mount Aspiring National Park : Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Kobe or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kobe. Although Kobe and Mount Aspiring National Park are both popular with visitors, Kobe has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kobe is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Mount Aspiring National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Kobe is popular for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts. It is also home to Kobe Harborland. Mount Aspiring National Park is popular for its mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes.

How is Kobe different from Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park?

Kobe
Mount Aspiring National Park

Kobe is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Kobe offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Kobe or Mount Aspiring National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kobe
Mount Aspiring National Park

Kobe is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Kobe. 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).

Mount Aspiring National Park has a small number of restaurants to choose from. Bring plenty of food supplies, because amenities are in short supply in many parts of the park.

Is Kobe or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Nightlife?

Kobe
Mount Aspiring National Park

Kobe is a nice place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kobe. 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park doesn't offer many options. Stargazing is the best nightlife in the area.

Is Kobe or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Hiking?

Kobe
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is an amazing national park to visit for hiking. However, Kobe is not a hiking destination.

Mount Aspiring National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. There are many different types of trails in the park that range from shorter day hikes to multi-day hikes. The difficulty level doesn't always correspond to the length of the hike, so do your research before you set out. Some of the most known hikes in the area are the Blue Pools Track, the Rob Roy Track, the Routeburn Track, and the challenging Cascade Saddle Route.

Kobe is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Kobe or Mount Aspiring National Park?

Kobe
Mount Aspiring National Park

Kobe is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Kobe is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kobe or Mount Aspiring National Park More Beautiful?

Kobe
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Kobe is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Mount Aspiring National Park because of it's amazing beauty. The stunning mountain scenery and pristine, rugged hikes make this a truly spectacular alpine setting.

Kobe is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kobe or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Families?

Kobe
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Mount Aspiring National Park. The park offers a stunning natural setting that will inspire a child's love of nature. There are a number of kid-friendly hikes in the park with some of the most popular being the Blue Pools Track, Routeburn Nature Walk, the Roaring Billy Falls Walk, and the Thunder Creek Falls Walk.

Kobe is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.


Is Kobe or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Couples?

Kobe
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is great for couples. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. Filled with inspiring scenery and a breathtaking mountain setting, this park is perfect for couples who appreciate nature's beauty. There are hiking trails, waterfalls, and striking views that will spark the romance in any relationship.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kobe
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Mount Aspiring National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. Set in the beautiful Southern Alps, backpackers will love exploring the impressive mountain scenery and breathtaking views.

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

Is Kobe or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kobe
Mount Aspiring National Park

Kobe is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for times when you don't have a car.

Kobe has a few public transit options. 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 mostly limited in Mount Aspiring National Park. It's possible to arrange transportation to the trailheads from Te Anau or Wanaka.


Is Kobe or Mount Aspiring National Park a more walkable city?

Kobe
Mount Aspiring National Park

Kobe and Mount Aspiring National Park are good when it comes to 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is somewhat walkable. There are day hikes as well as mult-day back country hikes through the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Kobe Worth Visiting? and Is Mount Aspiring National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mount Aspiring National Park or Kobe?

How long in Kobe or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

In either Kobe or Mount Aspiring National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Mount Aspiring National Park than Kobe because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kobe, and 2-5 days is enough time in Mount Aspiring National Park .

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


  • How many days in Kobe or Mount Aspiring National Park ? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kobe 1-2 
    Mount Aspiring National Park  2-5

One day in Kobe or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

The multicultural destination of Kobe offers shopping and museums. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Mount Aspiring National Park. 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 Mount Aspiring National Park ?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kobe. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kobe has to offer.

Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Kobe is a fun place to experience. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking destination of Mount Aspiring National Park. This national park offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Kobe or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

You'll find food and shopping around the multicultural city of Kobe. It offers something for everyone. 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.

The rugged national park of Mount Aspiring National Park 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Mount Aspiring National Park or Kobe?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Kobe Prices
    Japan Prices
    Mount Aspiring National Park Prices
    New Zealand Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Kobe $130
    Mount Aspiring National Park $122

The average daily cost (per person) in Kobe is $130, while the average daily cost in Mount Aspiring National Park is $122. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Kobe and Mount Aspiring National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kobe $63
    Mount Aspiring National Park $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kobe $126
    Mount Aspiring National Park $116
Compare Hotels in Kobe and Mount Aspiring National Park

Looking for a hotel in Kobe or Mount Aspiring National Park ? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Kobe


Hotels in Mount Aspiring National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Kobe Hotel Prices and Mount Aspiring National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kobe $14
    Mount Aspiring National Park $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kobe

Also for Kobe, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer Kobe Airport UKB to Osaka and Kobe City: $58
  • Kobe hotels to Kobe Airport (UKB) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
  • Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
  • Private Transfer from Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe Cruise Port: $71
  • Private Transfer from Kobe Cruise Port to Kobe Airport (UKB): $71
  • Private Transfer from Kobe Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $71
  • Kobe to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $76
  • Private Transfer from Kobe Cruise Port to Kobe Airport (UKB): $91
  • Arima Onsen Resorts to Osaka Airport (ITM) Departure Transfer: $111
  • Kobe City: Private transfer to/from Itami Airport: $115
  • Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $141
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Car: $144

Is it cheaper to fly into Kobe or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Prices for flights to both Mount Aspiring National Park and Kobe change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Kobe $54
    Mount Aspiring National Park $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kobe

For Kobe, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Okonomiyaki Cooking Class: Create Your Own Savory Pancake: $55
  • Kobe Home Cooking Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class: $61
  • Shinkaichi Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $71
  • Shinkaichi Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $72
  • Discover Kobe's Flavors On A Cooking Class: $76
  • Kobe Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $95
  • Cooking Class with Kobe Beef Sukiyaki and Origami: $101
  • Eat Like a Local Private & Personalized Food Tour: $224
  • Private tour in Kobe with beef dinner: $487

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kobe $24
    Mount Aspiring National Park $29

Tours and Activities in Kobe

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kobe.

  • Port Tower Admission Ticket: $6.76
  • ANCHOR Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.84
  • Rokko Forest Sound Museum Admission Ticket: $9.46
  • Classic Kobe GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
  • Kobe Port Tower Entry Ticket: $18
  • Urban Aquarium AQUARIUM×ART átoa Entry Ticket: $22
  • Private Ring Craft Experience in Kobe: $23
  • Make Your Own Personalized Ring in Kobe - UniqueJewelryExperience: $25
  • Sorakuen Garden Guided Walking Tour: $43
  • Bar Hopping Tour with a Local Guide: $46
  • Arima Onsen History Tour: $46
  • 1-Day Guided Tour - Enjoy Kobe to the fullest: $47

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kobe $8.87
    Mount Aspiring National Park $5.07

Sample the Local Flavors in Kobe

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kobe:

  • Private Sake Tour and Tasting at a Kobe Brewery: $82
  • Sake Brewery and Japanese Life Experience Tour in Kobe: $87
  • Sake Brewery Tour with Tasting Sake: $88
  • KOBE Sake brewery PRIVATE walking tour with Local guide: $89
  • Sake Brewery Tour with Tasting and Kobe Beef Bites: $108
  • 5-Hour Nadagogo Sake Brewery Private Guided Experience: $186


When comparing the travel costs between Kobe and Mount Aspiring National Park , we can see that Kobe 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 Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park Expensive?.