A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Phuket vs. Aoraki Mount Cook for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Phuket or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Aoraki Mount Cook, 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.

Phuket

Phuket is a energetic, party-hard, and stunning resort island. Phuket offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Phuket travel costs.

Aoraki Mount Cook

Aoraki Mount Cook is a scenic, dramatic, and breathtaking mountain. The famous beauty of Aoraki Mount Cook is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Aoraki Mount Cook travel costs.

Phuket and Aoraki Mount Cook: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phuket or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Phuket. Although Phuket and Aoraki Mount Cook are both popular with visitors, Phuket has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Phuket is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Aoraki Mount Cook is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Phuket is more touristy than Aoraki Mount Cook and is popular for its long sandy beaches, wild nightlife, colorful resorts, and easy access to day tours. It is also home to The Seated Maravija Buddha Statue (Big Buddha). Aoraki Mount Cook is popular for its glaciers, alpine setting, and being the highest mountain in New Zealand.

How is Phuket different from Aoraki Mount Cook?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Phuket or Aoraki Mount Cook? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Phuket is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Phuket has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Because it served as an international port for so long, food around the island has many international influences. For the most authentic local food, head into Phuket Town. Many dishes include seafood, but there are also chicken curries and noodle soup. Like elsewhere in Thailand, the food can be quite spicy but because the island is so touristy, they're accustomed to people asking for "no spice."

Aoraki Mount Cook offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few cafes and restaurants in the village, but if you're doing any hiking you should pack your own food.

Is Phuket or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Nightlife?

Phuket is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for nightlife.

The nightlife in Phuket is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The island has a long running reputation as a party destination and it lives up to expectations. The biggest party area is Patong, particularly around Bangla Road, but even in Kata and Karon, it's hard to escape the party atmosphere.

People don't go to Aoraki Mount Cook for the nightlife. There's an upscale bar at the Hermitage Hotel, but otherwise very little to do at night.

Is Phuket or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Resorts?

Phuket is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Phuket for its luxury resorts. It's easy accessibility and larger size make this the premiere resort destination in Thailand. There are five star resorts, family-friendly resorts, and everything in between. Many people use the island as a base for exploring other nearby islands. Any resort or tour company can arrange excursions or activities for guests.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a resort destination.

Is Phuket or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Phuket is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Phuket. You can dive and snorkel year round, but the visibility is usually best between November and May. There are countless boat tours available and the easy accessibility make this a good base for snorkeling and diving. Many areas are overrun with tourists though, so it'll be hard to find a quiet, undisturbed location.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Phuket or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Beaches?

Phuket is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a beach destination.

Phuket offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island has more than 30 beaches to choose from, ranging from party hard areas to a few quieter gems in more remote locations. The area became a world-famous destination because of its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, and the beaches will not disappoint, even if development has taken over the island.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a beach destination.

Is Phuket or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Hiking?

Aoraki Mount Cook is an amazing mountain to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Phuket is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Aoraki Mount Cook draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. There are beginner trails as well as world class routes that bring out expert climbers. As the highest peak in New Zealand, many people come here for the challenge, but if you're looking for a most simple experience, the hiking opportunities are still abundant.

Phuket is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Phuket or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Phuket is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Phuket has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping malls offer a range of stores, air conditioning, and fixed prices while markets have more local items and unique souvenirs. There are also galleries and other souvenir shops all over the island.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Phuket or Aoraki Mount Cook More Beautiful?

Aoraki Mount Cook is an amazing mountain to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Aoraki Mount Cook is one of the main draws. As the highest peak in New Zealand, this is a stunningly beautiful destination with glaciers, pristine forests, and world class views.

Phuket offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It is a mix of beautiful beaches and tourist crowds. The island is very developed with a combination of 5 star hotels, souvenir shops, and tour companies. Because of the many excursions leaving from the island, many visitors find it a makes a good base for exploring the area.

Is Phuket or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Families?

Phuket and Aoraki Mount Cook are both good destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Phuket. Many people visit this island with kids because it has beautiful beaches and tons of activities including water sports, water parks, and amusement areas. The island is filled with a diversity of tourists, so you'll encounter a number of areas with party-hard atmospheres, but there are also tons of family-friendly resorts to choose from as well.

Aoraki Mount Cook offers lots of family activities. There are plenty of short walks that are perfect for little legs. Kids will also enjoy the boat rides on the lakes and the area's superb stargazing.

Is Phuket or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Couples?

Aoraki Mount Cook is an amazing mountain to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Aoraki Mount Cook has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples will enjoy the stunning glaciers, beautiful walks, and iconic views. Many couples take helicopter rides to fully experience the area. Stargazing and hiking is also high on the list of must-do romantic activities.

Phuket is a great resort island if you're traveling as a couple. The island is filled with beautiful beaches and plenty of activities for all travel styles. It's a tourist and party mecca in Thailand with many resorts and restaurants to choose from.

Is Phuket or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Phuket and Aoraki Mount Cook are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Phuket. It has a long history as a party island with expensive prices and hordes of tourists. While it gets its share of backpackers, many visitors complain about the lack of authenticity and prefer to spend their time elsewhere.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a good resort island to visit for backpackers. While many activities in the area are expensive, the hiking is world class and there are a few hostels and camping opportunities nearby.

Is Phuket or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Phuket is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Phuket offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Tuk tuks, buses, and motorbike taxis are all available on the island. The buses are usually Songtaew, which have open air seating areas.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Aoraki Mount Cook. Having a car is essential unless you take a private tour that provides transportation.

Is Phuket or Aoraki Mount Cook a more walkable city?

Phuket is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its walkability.

Phuket is a somewhat walkable resort island. Most of the hotels and resorts are walking distance to the beach and many resort areas are small enough to be explored on foot.

Aoraki Mount Cook is generally not very walkable. While there are many trails through the region, you really must have a car to access the trail heads and efficiently get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Phuket Worth Visiting? and Is Aoraki Mount Cook Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aoraki Mount Cook or Phuket?

How long in Phuket or Aoraki Mount Cook?

It's fun to spend time in either Phuket or Aoraki Mount Cook. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Phuket due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Phuket, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aoraki Mount Cook.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Phuket than Aoraki Mount Cook 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 Phuket.

One day in Phuket or Aoraki Mount Cook?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Phuket, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Aoraki Mount Cook. 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 Phuket or Aoraki Mount Cook?

With shopping and nightlife around the energetic resort island of Phuket, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Aoraki Mount Cook 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 Phuket or Aoraki Mount Cook?

With nightlife and food around the energetic destination of Phuket, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have five days, this resort island makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aoraki Mount Cook. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Phuket or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Phuket is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This resort island offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the scenic destination of Aoraki Mount Cook. This mountain 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Phuket and Aoraki Mount Cook, we can see that Phuket 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 Phuket is in Asia and Aoraki Mount Cook 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 Phuket Expensive? and Is Aoraki Mount Cook Expensive?.