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

Should you visit Mount Aspiring National Park or Picton?

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 Picton, 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 rugged, breathtaking, and undeveloped national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Picton

Picton is a scenic, quaint, and relaxing town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the museums, food, and beaches.

Mount Aspiring National Park and Picton: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Picton. Although Mount Aspiring National Park and Picton are both popular with visitors, Picton has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Picton is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Mount Aspiring National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Picton is more touristy than Mount Aspiring National Park and is known for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails. It is also home to the Queen Charlotte Track. Mount Aspiring National Park is popular for its mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes.

How is Mount Aspiring National Park different from Picton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Picton offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.

Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picton 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 Picton. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

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 Picton Better for Nightlife?

Picton is a moderate town for nightlife and partying. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Most people don't head to Picton specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

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

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Picton Better for Beaches?

Picton is a well-known place for the beache. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Picton. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Picton Better for Hiking?

Mount Aspiring National Park is very popular for the nearby hiking options. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Picton. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

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

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

Picton offers some nice shopping areas. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Picton Better for Families?

Mount Aspiring National Park and Picton are both great 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 Picton. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Picton Better for Couples?

Mount Aspiring National Park and Picton are both great 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.

Picton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.

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

Mount Aspiring National Park is very popular for backpackers. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. Set in the beautiful Southern Alps, backpackers will love exploring the impressive mountain scenery and breathtaking views.

Picton is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot for backpackers.

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

Picton 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.

Picton has a few public transit options. There are water taxis but no buses around town.

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 Picton a more walkable city?

Picton is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Mount Aspiring National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for its ease of walking around.

Picton is a very walkable town. It's a quaint and compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

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.

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

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

How long in Mount Aspiring National Park or Picton?

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

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

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

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

One day in Mount Aspiring National Park or Picton?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Mount Aspiring National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The scenic destination of Picton offers food and shopping. It's also a great beach destination, 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 Picton?

Mount Aspiring National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Five days in Mount Aspiring National Park or Picton?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mount Aspiring National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Picton is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Picton?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the undeveloped destination of Mount Aspiring National Park. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the scenic town of Picton. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mount Aspiring National Park and Picton, we can see that Mount Aspiring National Park is more expensive. And not only is Picton much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Picton would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Picton 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 Picton.

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 Picton Expensive?.