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

Should you visit Napier or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Napier and Mount Aspiring National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Napier

Napier is a relaxed, character-filled, and coastal town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Napier and Mount Aspiring National Park : Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
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


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Napier. Although Napier and Mount Aspiring National Park are popular destinations, Napier has more sights and attractions for tourists. Napier is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Mount Aspiring National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Napier is more touristy than Mount Aspiring National Park and is popular for its many art deco buildings, its beautiful vineyards, and the area's long sandy beaches. It is also well known for the art deco architecture. Mount Aspiring National Park is famous for its mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes.

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

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

Napier
Mount Aspiring National Park

Napier is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Napier can be an interesting and educational experience. Considered an "Art Deco capital", there are many interesting buildings around town and it's worth taking an Art Deco Walk. The National Aquarium of New Zealand is also impressive as is the MTG Hawke's Bay, which is a museum, gallery, and theater in one. For something a little outside the box, you can visit the Napier Prison, which is New Zealand's oldest place of incarceration, dating back to 1862.

Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Napier
Mount Aspiring National Park

Napier 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 Napier. With its many wineries and big mix of fine dining restaurants, there is plenty for a foodie to enjoy around town. You'll find restaurants that serve up New Zealand favorites as well as those that experiment with modern and trendy recipes.

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 Napier or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Nightlife?

Napier
Mount Aspiring National Park

Napier is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Napier offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is diverse and fun. Whether you're looking for a wild party or just want to relax with a drink and some friends, there are plenty of places where you can hang out.

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

Is Napier or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Beaches?

Napier
Mount Aspiring National Park

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

The beaches in Napier are among the best in the world. It's a popular beach destination and you'll find plenty of beaches for swimming, sunbathing, and playing with the kids. You'll want to head out of town to find the best and most beautiful beaches. For hidden beaches and some of the area's best surf, head to Mahia Peninsula. To escape the tourists and hang out with the locals, go to Waipatiki Beach. And for a picnic, Westshore Beach is a favorite. Waimarama Beach is another favorite in the area as well.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a beach destination.


Is Napier or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Hiking?

Napier
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. Also, Napier is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many people visit Mount Aspiring National Park specifically for its hiking. 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 Napier. Hawke's Bay is filled with wonderful walks and hikes. There are easy coastal paths as well as mult-day treks around Lake Waikaremoana. It's not hard to find somewhere to stretch your legs and explore the scenery.

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

Napier
Mount Aspiring National Park

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

Napier offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find all of the standard New Zealand retail chains as well antique and boutique shops. With its many Art Deco buildings, the city has character and personality.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Napier or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Families?

Napier
Mount Aspiring National Park

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Napier or Mount Aspiring National Park.

Napier is a very family-friendly destination. This coastal city has a waterpark, a waterfall walk, and plenty of beaches where the family can hang out. There's also a waterfront promenade that is filled with water features and playgrounds where the kids can run around. You can also check out Hawke's Bay Farmyard Zoo or on a rainy day head to the Faraday Museum of Technology.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a very kid-friendly town. 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.


Is Napier or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Couples?

Napier
Mount Aspiring National Park

Both Napier and Mount Aspiring National Park are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Napier makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Surrounded by vineyards and lined with beaches, this is a great place for a romantic getaway or a honeymoon. Hop on a bike and explore the wineries or enjoy a beautiful hike through nature. There are also adrenaline-filled activities for thrill seekers or fine dining restaurants for the foodies.

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

Napier
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Napier 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.

Napier is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels around town and plenty of fun activities like mountain biking or white water rafting that you can enjoy.

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

Napier
Mount Aspiring National Park

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Napier and Mount Aspiring National Park.

Public transit is mostly limited in Napier. Public transit to most of the beaches is limited or nonexistent, so you really need a car if you want to get around and see everything.

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 Napier or Mount Aspiring National Park a more walkable city?

Napier
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is very good for its walkability. However, Napier is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

Napier is generally not very walkable. If you stay in town you can walk to cafes and restaurants, but you really need a car if you're planning to visit beaches or explore the area in depth.

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

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

How long in Napier or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Napier than Mount Aspiring National Park . You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Napier 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 Napier 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 .


  • How many days in Napier or Mount Aspiring National Park ? Ideal Length of Stay
    Napier 2-3 
    Mount Aspiring National Park  2-5

One day in Napier or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

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

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.

A weekend in Napier or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

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

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.


Five days in Napier or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Napier 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.

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.

A week in Napier or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

You'll find food and shopping around the coastal town of Napier. 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.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the rugged 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand.


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

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Napier is $168, while the average daily cost in Mount Aspiring National Park is $110. 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 Napier and Mount Aspiring National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Napier $102
    Mount Aspiring National Park $59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Napier $204
    Mount Aspiring National Park $118
Compare Hotels in Napier and Mount Aspiring National Park

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


Hotels in Mount Aspiring National Park


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

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Napier $30
    Mount Aspiring National Park $50

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

Prices for flights to both Mount Aspiring National Park and Napier 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
    Napier $37
    Mount Aspiring National Park $19
Typical Food Prices in Napier

For Napier, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Casural Lunch
    $8.39

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Napier $27
    Mount Aspiring National Park $29

Tours and Activities in Napier

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

  • Self-Guided Earthquake Audio Tour: $14
  • Art Deco Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $14
  • Hastings Earthquake Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Napier Art Deco Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Napier Earthquake Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Napier Prison Self-Guided Audio Tour: $19
  • Hawkes Bay Wineries Self-Guided Bike Tour: $36
  • National Aquarium of New Zealand in Napier Native Icons Tour: $37
  • Hawke's Bay: Self Guided Coastal Winery Cycle Tour: $48
  • Cape Coast Wineries Self-Guided Scenic Bike Tour from Napier: $50
  • Cape Kidnappers Gannet, Nature & Sightseeing Tour: $58
  • 2.5-Hour Napier Art Deco Tour: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Napier $16
    Mount Aspiring National Park $5.14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Napier

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Napier are as follows:


  • Wine
    $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Napier

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Napier:

  • Half Day Small-Group Hawkes Bay Wine Tour: $96
  • Wine Tour and Tastings in Hawkes Bay: $171
  • Private Sightseeing Tour + Wine Tasting: $519


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

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