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

Should you visit Mount Aspiring National Park or Cromwell?

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 Cromwell, 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 remote, rugged, and breathtaking national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking.

Cromwell

Cromwell is a cultural, outdoorsy, and historical town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing.

Mount Aspiring National Park and Cromwell: 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
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cromwell than Mount Aspiring National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cromwell is better known for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Mount Aspiring National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Cromwell is more touristy than Mount Aspiring National Park and is popular for its fruit farms, orchards, and vineyards. Also, Cromwell is famous for the big fruit. Mount Aspiring National Park is well known for its mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes.

How is Mount Aspiring National Park different from Cromwell?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cromwell 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 Cromwell Better for Skiing?

Mount Aspiring National Park
Cromwell

Cromwell is a nice place to visit for snow skiing. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Cromwell is a great destination to visit. The town isn't far from several ski fields, so it attracts winter sports enthusiasts when the weather gets cold.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a skiing destination.


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

Mount Aspiring National Park
Cromwell

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

Cromwell offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting historical activities around town like Goldfields Mining Centre.

Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Mount Aspiring National Park
Cromwell

Cromwell is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Cromwell. There are charming cafes and bakeries where you can grab a light meal or snack. There are also quaint restaurants and wineries with nice meals available.

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 Cromwell Better for Nightlife?

Mount Aspiring National Park
Cromwell

Cromwell 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 Cromwell. There are a few breweries and a number of wineries around town where you can have a relaxing night out.

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


Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Cromwell Better for Hiking?

Mount Aspiring National Park
Cromwell

Mount Aspiring National Park is very popular for hiking. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

Around Mount Aspiring National Park visitors will find world-class hiking 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.

Cromwell is a popular spot for hiking. There are many beautiful walks in the area that take you through diverse landscapes and to impressive views.

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

Mount Aspiring National Park
Cromwell

Cromwell is a nice place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Cromwell offers some nice shopping areas. There's a farmers market in town as well as several local vendors and cute shops.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Cromwell Better for Families?

Mount Aspiring National Park
Cromwell

Mount Aspiring National Park and Cromwell are both high quality 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 Cromwell. The lakefront setting means that there are water activities during the warmer months. There are also ski fields nearby for the winter months. Biking and walking are also popular in the area.


Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Cromwell Better for Couples?

Mount Aspiring National Park
Cromwell

Mount Aspiring National Park and Cromwell are both high quality 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.

Cromwell makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Cycling, walking, kayaking, and skiing all make this a romantic a charming town to visit as a couple. There are also wineries in the area with beautiful vineyards.

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

Mount Aspiring National Park
Cromwell

Mount Aspiring National Park is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Mount Aspiring National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. Set in the beautiful Southern Alps, backpackers will love exploring the impressive mountain scenery and breathtaking views.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cromwell. There are a handful of great hostels in the area and plenty of things to keep backpackers entertained.

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

Mount Aspiring National Park
Cromwell

Both Mount Aspiring National Park and Cromwell offer respectable public transit options.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Cromwell. Public transit around town is limited to a couple of buses.


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

Mount Aspiring National Park
Cromwell

Mount Aspiring National Park and Cromwell both are notable 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.

Cromwell is a somewhat walkable national park. Parts of the town are walkable.

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

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

How long in Mount Aspiring National Park or Cromwell?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Mount Aspiring National Park or Cromwell to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Mount Aspiring National Park than Cromwell 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 Cromwell.

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

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


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

One day in Mount Aspiring National Park or Cromwell?

The beautiful national park of Mount Aspiring National Park offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The outdoorsy destination of Cromwell offers skiing and nightlife. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Cromwell?

Mount Aspiring National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mount Aspiring National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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


Five days in Mount Aspiring National Park or Cromwell?

Mount Aspiring National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mount Aspiring National Park, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cromwell is a fun place to experience. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Mount Aspiring National Park or Cromwell?

Mount Aspiring National Park is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This national park offers something for everyone.

You'll find shopping and museums around the outdoorsy town of Cromwell. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.


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, Cromwell 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 Cromwell is $81. 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 Cromwell in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mount Aspiring National Park $59
    Cromwell $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mount Aspiring National Park $118
    Cromwell $78
Compare Hotels in Mount Aspiring National Park and Cromwell

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


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 Cromwell Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mount Aspiring National Park $49
    Cromwell $25

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

Prices for flights to both Cromwell 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
    Cromwell $26

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mount Aspiring National Park $29
    Cromwell $16

Tours and Activities in Cromwell

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

  • Queenstown: Mount Cook Premium Guided Day Tour: $147
  • Ultimate Lake Dunstan Trail Experience Bike & Boat Return: $171

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mount Aspiring National Park $5.09
    Cromwell $9.14

Sample the Local Flavors in Cromwell

Also in Cromwell, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wines and Views: Private Wine Tour of Otago from Queenstow: $1,483


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mount Aspiring National Park and Cromwell, we can see that Mount Aspiring National Park is more expensive. And not only is Cromwell much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cromwell would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cromwell 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 Mount Aspiring National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mount Aspiring National Park than you might in Cromwell.

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 Cromwell Expensive?.