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

Should you visit Nara or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

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

Should I visit Nara or Mount Aspiring National Park? 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.

Nara

Nara is a natural, historic, and cultural city. Nara is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food. See Nara travel costs.

Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a rugged, breathtaking, and undeveloped national park. You'll find world class beauty in Mount Aspiring National Park as well. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Mount Aspiring National Park travel costs.

Nara and Mount Aspiring National Park : Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nara than Mount Aspiring National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nara is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Mount Aspiring National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Nara is more touristy than Mount Aspiring National Park and is known for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer. Also, Nara is famous for Nara Park. Mount Aspiring National Park is well known for its mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes.

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

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

Nara 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 Nara can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with history. There are many ancient temples such as Tōdai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple, and Tōshōdai-ji Temple. You can also visit the Nara National Museum as well as the many parks and gardens.

Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nara 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 Nara. The cuisine is simple and traditional with its roots in the history of the area. Many residents start their morning with a simple rice porridge. The area is also known for its persimmon leaf sushi and miwa somen (a thin, chewy noodle).

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 Nara or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Nightlife?

Nara is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for its evening party scene.

Nara offers plenty to do in the evening. The town offers a serene and relaxed atmosphere at night. There are plenty of bars around town that are known for their friendly bartenders and you'll find many of the bars in Naramachi, which is the old town area.

Mount Aspiring National Park doesn't offer many options. Stargazing is the best nightlife in the area.

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

Nara is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Mount Aspiring National Park does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Nara to see the old town. Naramachi is the old town of Nara. This is the old merchant district and today you'll find several traditional residential buildings and warehouses that are open to the public.

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

Is Nara or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Hiking?

Mount Aspiring National Park is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its hiking trails.

People visit Mount Aspiring National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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 Nara. The city is all about its surrounding nature. There are historic pilgrim routes that pass through the hills and mountains, taking you by sacred sights and ancient forests. In the area you'll find some of Japan's most ancient byways.

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

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

Nara is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Sanjo-dori is the main street through town. This is where you'll find many souvenir shops that sell local items and traditional food. Mochiido Center Town is the oldest shopping arcade in town and it is filled with history.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nara or Mount Aspiring National Park More Beautiful?

Mount Aspiring National Park is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Mount Aspiring National Park as well. The stunning mountain scenery and pristine, rugged hikes make this a truly spectacular alpine setting.

Nara offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The city is filled with green space, parks, and natural areas. You'll find deer roaming freely and tranquil lawns where you can relax.

Is Nara or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nara or Mount Aspiring National Park.

Nara is a very kid-friendly city. Head to Nara Park for a bit of nature in the city. Deer roam freely in the park, which is filled with pine trees and beautiful lawns. Kids will also appreciate a visit to Ikomasanjo Amusement Park or the NARAMACHI-KARAKURI Toy Museum. You can also take a ride on the Ikoma Cable Line or spend some time at the Tennenyamato Hot Spring Nara Kenko Land.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Mount Aspiring 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.

Is Nara or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Nara and Mount Aspiring National Park make for a very good place to visit.

Nara is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city is smaller than you might expect, and it's filled with green space and parks. You can wander through Nara Park, see the deer, and soak up the romantic atmosphere. You can also visit one of the beautiful temples such as Todaiji Temple. Many couples also enjoy exploring Yoshikien Garden.

Mount Aspiring National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Nara or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mount Aspiring National Park is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Mount Aspiring National Park. Set in the beautiful Southern Alps, backpackers will love exploring the impressive mountain scenery and breathtaking views.

Nara is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers and the budget travel crowd.

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

Nara is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Nara can get you to some places easily. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots.

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 Nara or Mount Aspiring National Park a more walkable city?

Nara 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.

Nara is a very walkable city. Many of the sights are within walking distance of each other, so many visitors enjoy exploring on foot.

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

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

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

How long in Nara or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

In either Nara 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 Nara because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Nara, and 2-5 days is enough time in Mount Aspiring National Park .

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

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

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

One day in Nara or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

The traditional destination of Nara offers shopping and museums. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Mount Aspiring National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Nara or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

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

Mount Aspiring National Park is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Nara or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Nara 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.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the undeveloped destination of Mount Aspiring National Park. This national park offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Nara or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

You'll find food and shopping around the natural city of Nara. 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.

The breathtaking national park of Mount Aspiring National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Japan, The Best Cultural Tours in Japan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Nara and Mount Aspiring National Park , we can see that Mount Aspiring National Park 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. Even though Nara is in Asia and Mount Aspiring National Park is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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