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

Should you visit Melbourne or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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

Should I visit Melbourne or Aoraki Mount Cook? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a progressive, livable, and friendly city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping. See Melbourne travel costs.

Aoraki Mount Cook

Aoraki Mount Cook is a world renowned, scenic, and dramatic mountain. Aoraki Mount Cook is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking. See Aoraki Mount Cook travel costs.

Melbourne and Aoraki Mount Cook: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Melbourne. Although Melbourne and Aoraki Mount Cook are both popular with visitors, Melbourne has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Melbourne is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Aoraki Mount Cook is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Aoraki Mount Cook is more touristy than Melbourne and is known for its glaciers, alpine setting, and being the highest mountain in New Zealand. Melbourne is popular for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. It is also home to the Royal Botanic Gardens.

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

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

Melbourne 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 Melbourne. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Melbourne has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

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 Melbourne or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Melbourne for the nightlife scene. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

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 Melbourne or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is great for the beach. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Melbourne for it's beautiful beaches. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a beach destination.

Is Melbourne or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Hiking?

Aoraki Mount Cook is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

People visit Aoraki Mount Cook specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Melbourne or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Melbourne. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Melbourne or Aoraki Mount Cook More Beautiful?

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

Aoraki Mount Cook is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As the highest peak in New Zealand, this is a stunningly beautiful destination with glaciers, pristine forests, and world class views.

Melbourne is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Melbourne or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Families?

Melbourne is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Aoraki Mount Cook is not as popular, but is still a nice mountain for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Melbourne. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

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 Melbourne or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Couples?

Aoraki Mount Cook is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Aoraki Mount Cook makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Melbourne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

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

Melbourne and Aoraki Mount Cook are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Melbourne. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Aoraki Mount Cook is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While many activities in the area are expensive, the hiking is world class and there are a few hostels and camping opportunities nearby.

Is Melbourne or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Students?

Melbourne is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not popular with students.

Melbourne is a very popular place to visit for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not popular with students.

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

Melbourne is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its public transit.

Melbourne offers a very effecient public transportation network. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

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 Melbourne or Aoraki Mount Cook a more walkable city?

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

Melbourne is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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

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

How long in Melbourne or Aoraki Mount Cook?

It's fun to spend time in either Melbourne or Aoraki Mount Cook. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Melbourne due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Melbourne, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aoraki Mount Cook.

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

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

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

One day in Melbourne or Aoraki Mount Cook?

When visiting Melbourne, people usually allow for lots of time. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 mountain of Aoraki Mount Cook. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Melbourne or Aoraki Mount Cook?

When visiting Melbourne, people usually allow for lots of time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

You'll find around the world renowned destination of Aoraki Mount Cook. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this mountain has to offer. This mountain offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Melbourne or Aoraki Mount Cook?

When visiting Melbourne, people usually allow for lots of time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have five days, this city 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.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the scenic mountain of Aoraki Mount Cook. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Melbourne or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Melbourne is a popular choice for travelers. Most people come for the beaches. 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 popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Melbourne and Aoraki Mount Cook, we can see that Melbourne is more expensive. And not only is Aoraki Mount Cook much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Aoraki Mount Cook would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aoraki Mount Cook and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Melbourne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Melbourne than you might in Aoraki Mount Cook.

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