A Travel Price Comparison for New Zealand Mount Aspiring National Park vs. Arrowtown for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Mount Aspiring National Park or Arrowtown?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mount Aspiring National Park or Arrowtown, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a breathtaking, undeveloped, and remote national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a historic, charming, and quaint town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing.

Mount Aspiring National Park and Arrowtown: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Arrowtown. Although Mount Aspiring National Park and Arrowtown are popular destinations, Arrowtown has more sights and attractions for tourists. Arrowtown is very popular for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Mount Aspiring National Park attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Arrowtown is more touristy than Mount Aspiring National Park and is popular for its gold rush history, impressive ski slopes, and famous hikes. It is also well known for the Chinese Settlement. Mount Aspiring National Park is famous for its mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes.

How is Mount Aspiring National Park different from Arrowtown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Arrowtown and Mount Aspiring National Park . Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Arrowtown Better for Skiing?

Mount Aspiring National Park
Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a skiing destination.

People head to Arrowtown specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. In the area you'll find amazing skiing that ranges from professional level to family-friendly.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a skiing destination.


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

Mount Aspiring National Park
Arrowtown

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

Arrowtown offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town feels likes a living museum with its historic sights. There's also the Lakes District Museum in town that you can visit.

Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Mount Aspiring National Park
Arrowtown

Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown. For such a small town, there's a surprising number of great restaurants with award winning chefs. You'll find quaint cafes, traditional eateries, and casual restaurants where you can sample the local dishes.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park or Arrowtown Better for Nightlife?

Mount Aspiring National Park
Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a nice place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Arrowtown. For such a small town, there's a surprisingly bustling nightlife scene with casual pubs and waterfront bars.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.


Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Arrowtown Better for its Old Town?

Mount Aspiring National Park
Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a well-known place for its old town. However, Mount Aspiring National Park does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Arrowtown to see the historical old town. This is a quirky and charming historic mining town that has many cottages and historic buildings. Many places have been restored to maintain their original character.

Mount Aspiring National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Arrowtown Better for Hiking?

Mount Aspiring National Park
Arrowtown

Mount Aspiring National Park and Arrowtown are both places where visitors can find terrific hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Mount Aspiring National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Around Arrowtown visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Many people use this town as a jumping off point for some of the world's most iconic hikes. You can explore Lord of the Rings country or do one of fifteen different listed walks in the area.

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

Mount Aspiring National Park
Arrowtown

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

Arrowtown is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is an experience in town. Head to Buckingham Street, which is the main street in town. You can wander through a wild west setting with local vendors and quirky galleries.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Arrowtown Better for Families?

Mount Aspiring National Park
Arrowtown

Mount Aspiring National Park and Arrowtown are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a very kid-friendly 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 family-friendly things to do in Arrowtown. Kids will enjoy the old world charm as much as adults. There's gold panning, bike trails, and even a historic Chinese village. During the winter there are snow sports and during the summer there are outdoor activities that take advantage of the nice weather.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Arrowtown Better for Couples?

Mount Aspiring National Park
Arrowtown

Mount Aspiring National Park and Arrowtown are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Arrowtown makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming atmosphere and beautiful walks make this a great weekend destination for couples. You can take a stroll on the Arrow River Walkway or grab a meal at a quaint cafe followed by ice cream at a classic ice cream parlor.

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

Mount Aspiring National Park
Arrowtown

Mount Aspiring National Park is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Mount Aspiring National Park . Set in the beautiful Southern Alps, backpackers will love exploring the impressive mountain scenery and breathtaking views.

Arrowtown is a great national park to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town and backpackers love the frequent festivals and activities that the town hosts.


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

Mount Aspiring National Park
Arrowtown

Arrowtown 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.

Arrowtown has a few public transit options. There are public buses throughout the region.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park or Arrowtown a more walkable city?

Mount Aspiring National Park
Arrowtown

Mount Aspiring National Park and Arrowtown both are nice when exploring on foot.

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

Arrowtown is a somewhat walkable national park. Parts of the town are fun to explore on foot.

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

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

How long in Mount Aspiring National Park or Arrowtown?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Mount Aspiring National Park or Arrowtown to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Mount Aspiring National Park than Arrowtown because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Mount Aspiring National Park , and 1-2 days is enough time in Arrowtown.

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

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

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


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

One day in Mount Aspiring National Park or Arrowtown?

You'll find around the national park of Mount Aspiring National Park. 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.

Even though Arrowtown is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A weekend in Mount Aspiring National Park or Arrowtown?

You'll find around the rugged destination of Mount Aspiring National Park. 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 national park has to offer. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arrowtown. 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 Arrowtown has to offer.

Five days in Mount Aspiring National Park or Arrowtown?

You'll find around the undeveloped national park of Mount Aspiring National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this national park makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer.

Arrowtown is a fun place to experience. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Anyone can find something fun to do here. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Mount Aspiring National Park or Arrowtown?

Mount Aspiring National Park 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.

Arrowtown is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It offers something for everyone. It's no surprise that hiking 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.


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

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Mount Aspiring National Park is $109, while the average daily cost in Arrowtown is $114. 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 Mount Aspiring National Park and Arrowtown in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mount Aspiring National Park $59
    Arrowtown $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mount Aspiring National Park $118
    Arrowtown $134
Compare Hotels in Mount Aspiring National Park and Arrowtown

Looking for a hotel in Mount Aspiring National Park or Arrowtown? 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 Mount Aspiring National Park


Hotels in Arrowtown


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: Mount Aspiring National Park Hotel Prices and Arrowtown Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mount Aspiring National Park $49
    Arrowtown $27

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

Prices for flights to both Arrowtown and Mount Aspiring National Park 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
    Mount Aspiring National Park $18
    Arrowtown $30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mount Aspiring National Park $29
    Arrowtown $15

Tours and Activities in Arrowtown

For Arrowtown, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Queenstown: Arrowtown Mountain Biking Adventure: $53

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mount Aspiring National Park $5.09
    Arrowtown $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Arrowtown

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Arrowtown:

  • From Scenic Valley of the Vines Bike & Wine Tour: $89


When comparing the travel costs between Mount Aspiring National Park and Arrowtown, we can see that Arrowtown 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. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mount Aspiring National Park Expensive? and Is Arrowtown Expensive?.