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

Should you visit Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Tarutao 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.

Koh Tarutao

Koh Tarutao is a secluded, remote, and beautiful island. The beauty of Koh Tarutao is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches and hiking. See Koh Tarutao travel costs.

Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a breathtaking, undeveloped, and remote national park. Mount Aspiring National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Mount Aspiring National Park travel costs.

Koh Tarutao and Mount Aspiring National Park : Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Tarutao. Although Koh Tarutao and Mount Aspiring National Park are both popular with visitors, Koh Tarutao has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Tarutao is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Mount Aspiring National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Mount Aspiring National Park is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is popular for its mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes. Koh Tarutao is popular for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting. It is also home to Crocodile Cave.

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Tarutao or Mount Aspiring National Park?

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

Koh Tarutao offers a few options for museum-goers. This island is all about remote natural settings that will take your breath away, but you won't find anything in the form of temples or museums.

Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Koh Tarutao is a moderate island for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Koh Tarutao. There are three restaurants on the island that have limited hours so, if possible, it's best to arrive with some snacks. The food is simple and can get repetitive if you eat the same meals several days in a row.

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 Koh Tarutao or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Nightlife?

Neither Koh Tarutao or Mount Aspiring National Park offer decent nightlife.

Koh Tarutao doesn't offer many options. There's a good chance you'll have this island almost completely to yourself. The few restaurants on the island close early and you'll likely head to bed early after taking in the stunning night sky.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Mount Aspiring National Park. Stargazing is the best nightlife in the area.

Is Koh Tarutao or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Resorts?

Koh Tarutao is not a good place to visit for its resorts. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a resort destination.

There isn't the widest selection of resorts in Koh Tarutao, but you'll find a few options to choose from. You won't find luxury resorts (or any resorts) on the island. What you will find is simple bungalows, or tents available for rent at the ranger stations.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao is very popular for the beach. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Koh Tarutao are among the best in the world. A true island paradise, you'll find isolated beaches here that are so remote that you'll likely have them to yourself for large parts of the day.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Hiking?

Mount Aspiring National Park is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Koh Tarutao. There are hiking trails through mangrove coves, inland through the dramatic vegetation, and up cliffs to impressive viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Mount Aspiring National Park?

Koh Tarutao is not a good place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Koh Tarutao has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a small shop at the visitor center where you can pick up simple drinks and snacks.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Mount Aspiring National Park More Beautiful?

Mount Aspiring National Park is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Mount Aspiring National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The stunning mountain scenery and pristine, rugged hikes make this a truly spectacular alpine setting.

Koh Tarutao is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Beautiful undeveloped beaches and stunning natural environments make this a truly unique destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Families?

Mount Aspiring National Park is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Koh Tarutao. For families who want seclusion, this beautiful island is the place to spend a night or two. There are great beaches, interesting hikes, and kayaks available to visitors.

Is Koh Tarutao or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Couples?

Koh Tarutao and Mount Aspiring National Park both great destinations for a couple.

Koh Tarutao makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For a truly remote experience, couples will enjoy this often overlooked island. There are hikes and isolated beaches that offer romance in its most simple form.

Couples visit Mount Aspiring National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Koh Tarutao or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mount Aspiring National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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 Koh Tarutao. Most backpackers overlook this beautiful island for the more party-oriented destinations of Thailand, but those who spend a night or two here will be rewarded with a truly unique and authentic experience.

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

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Koh Tarutao and Mount Aspiring National Park.

Public transit is mostly limited in Koh Tarutao. There are shuttle taxis that travel around the island at fixed times. You can also rent a mountain bike at the ranger stations.

Public transit is generally limited in Mount Aspiring National Park. It's possible to arrange transportation to the trailheads from Te Anau or Wanaka.

Is Koh Tarutao or Mount Aspiring National Park a more walkable city?

Mount Aspiring National Park is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Koh Tarutao is generally not very walkable. The island is quite large and difficult to explore on foot alone.

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

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

How long in Koh Tarutao or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

In either Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Tarutao because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Koh Tarutao, and 2-5 days is enough time in Mount Aspiring National Park .

Families should spend more time in Mount Aspiring National Park than Koh Tarutao. 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.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mount Aspiring National Park than Koh Tarutao 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 Mount Aspiring National Park .

One day in Koh Tarutao or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

The beautiful destination of Koh Tarutao offers . It's also a great beach destination, too. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the undeveloped national park of Mount Aspiring National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Koh Tarutao or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Tarutao. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Koh Tarutao has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the remote destination of Mount Aspiring National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Koh Tarutao or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Koh Tarutao is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Anyone can find something fun to do here. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the rugged national park of Mount Aspiring National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Koh Tarutao or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

You'll find around the remote island of Koh Tarutao. Most people come for the beaches. It offers something for everyone. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Mount Aspiring National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.

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