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

Should you visit Singapore or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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

Should I visit Singapore or Aoraki Mount Cook? 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.

Singapore

Singapore is a diverse, colorful, and glitzy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Aoraki Mount Cook

Aoraki Mount Cook is a breathtaking, world renowned, and scenic mountain. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Singapore and Aoraki Mount Cook: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Singapore. Although Singapore and Aoraki Mount Cook are popular destinations, Singapore has more sights and attractions for tourists. Singapore is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Aoraki Mount Cook attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Singapore is famous for its blend of cultures, its lush gardens, and its clean streets. It is also well known for Merlion Park Waterfront. Aoraki Mount Cook is famous for its glaciers, alpine setting, and being the highest mountain in New Zealand.

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Singapore or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Singapore
Aoraki Mount Cook

Singapore is great for its historical sights. However, Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Singapore. The mix of cultures and unique history have led to museums and landmarks that mix historic and modern. The Merlion statue in Merlion Park has become a symbol of the city. For an educational experience, head to the Asian Civilizations Museum, and to see colonial architecture check out Fort Canning Park.

Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Singapore
Aoraki Mount Cook

Singapore is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Singapore, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. From local dives to five star restaurants, the city's food scene is all about diversity. Make sure you try Hainanese chicken rice, chili crab, and Hokkien prawn mee.

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 Singapore or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Nightlife?

Singapore
Aoraki Mount Cook

Singapore is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Singapore has a few options to choose from. It's all about the glitzy nightclubs and exclusive cocktail bars. Head to Clarke Quay, Marina Bay Sands, or one of the many rooftop bars to experience the best of Singapore's nightlife. Do keep in mind that the city has a high alcohol tax, and strict rules around drinking in public places during certain hours.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Singapore or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Music?

Singapore
Aoraki Mount Cook

Singapore is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a live music destination.

Singapore has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. As a globalized city, you'll find almost any type of music here. Popular music venues include Timbre, Zouk, and the Crazy Elephant.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a live music destination.


Is Singapore or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Resorts?

Singapore
Aoraki Mount Cook

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

Vacationers flock to Singapore for its luxury resorts. From sleek high rises with rooftop pools to family-friendly resorts with kid oriented activities, this city has it all. Popular resorts include Oasia Resort Sentosa, Dusit Thani Laguna, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a resort destination.

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

Singapore
Aoraki Mount Cook

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

Most people don't go snorkeling in Singapore. The best place to snorkel in the area is Pulau Hantu.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Singapore or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Beaches?

Singapore
Aoraki Mount Cook

Singapore is a good destination for the beach. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a beach destination.

Singapore offers a nice beach destination. You'll find most of the area's best beaches on Sentosa Island. There's a 2 kilometer long artificial beach that is split into Palawan Beach, Siloso Beach, and Tanjong Beach.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a beach destination.


Is Singapore or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Hiking?

Singapore
Aoraki Mount Cook

Aoraki Mount Cook is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Singapore is not a hiking destination.

People visit Aoraki Mount Cook specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Singapore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Singapore or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Singapore
Aoraki Mount Cook

Singapore is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to Singapore specifically to go shopping. You'll find tons of malls along Orchard Road, but for a more eclectic shopping experience head to the Chinatown Street Market.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Singapore or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Families?

Singapore
Aoraki Mount Cook

Singapore is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Aoraki Mount Cook is not as popular, but is still a nice mountain for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Singapore is very family-friendly. With places like Sentosa and Universal Studios, there really is no shortage of activities for kids. There's also a zoo, an aquarium, and bird park, and many kid-friendly museums.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Singapore or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Couples?

Singapore
Aoraki Mount Cook

With fun activities for couples, both Singapore and Aoraki Mount Cook make for a amazing place to visit.

Singapore makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The city has stunning hotels, amazing restaurants, and plenty of fun activities that are perfect for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Aoraki Mount Cook has plenty to offer. 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.

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

Singapore
Aoraki Mount Cook

Singapore is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Aoraki Mount Cook is not as popular, but is still a nice mountain for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Singapore, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Many backpackers use this city as a starting or ending point for their Southeast Asian backpacking trip. It's modern and glamourous, but still has plenty of backpacker-friendly and budget-friendly options.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Aoraki Mount Cook. While many activities in the area are expensive, the hiking is world class and there are a few hostels and camping opportunities nearby.

Is Singapore or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Students?

Singapore
Aoraki Mount Cook

Singapore is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not popular with students.

Singapore is a very popular place to visit for students. As such a diverse city, you'll find plenty of international students as well as expats to hang out with.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not popular with students.


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

Singapore
Aoraki Mount Cook

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

Visitors in Singapore can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There is the MRT subway system as well as buses that travel all over the city.

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 Singapore or Aoraki Mount Cook a more walkable city?

Singapore
Aoraki Mount Cook

Singapore is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its walkability.

Singapore is a very easy city to get around on foot. It's possible to walk in most areas in the city center. There are also park connectors that are nice for taking a stroll or going for a run.

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 Singapore Worth Visiting? and Is Aoraki Mount Cook Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Singapore or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Singapore or Aoraki Mount Cook? Ideal Length of Stay
    Singapore 2-7 
    Aoraki Mount Cook 2-4

One day in Singapore or Aoraki Mount Cook?

When visiting Singapore, people usually allow for lots of time. 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.

You'll find around the mountain of Aoraki Mount Cook. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Singapore or Aoraki Mount Cook?

When visiting Singapore, people usually allow for lots of time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

You'll find around the scenic destination of Aoraki Mount Cook. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this mountain has to offer. This mountain offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Singapore or Aoraki Mount Cook?

When visiting Singapore, people usually allow for lots of time. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have five days, this city 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.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the world renowned mountain of Aoraki Mount Cook. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Singapore or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Singapore is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This city 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.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Singapore, The Best Tours for Seniors to Singapore, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Aoraki Mount Cook or Singapore?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Singapore is $151, while the average daily cost in Aoraki Mount Cook is $105. 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 Singapore and Aoraki Mount Cook in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Singapore $98
    Aoraki Mount Cook $59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Singapore $196
    Aoraki Mount Cook $118
Compare Hotels in Singapore and Aoraki Mount Cook

Looking for a hotel in Singapore or Aoraki Mount Cook? 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 Singapore


Hotels in Aoraki Mount Cook


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Singapore $10
    Aoraki Mount Cook $27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Singapore

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Singapore:


  • Taxi to Airport
    $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Singapore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Singapore:

  • Private Transfer from Seletar Airport (XSP) to Legoland Malasya: $273
  • Private Transfer from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to Legoland (Malaysia): $254
  • Free Wifi Rental | Two - Way Airport Transfer Minivan (4pax): $184
  • Universal Studios Singapore Admission Ticket with Transfer: $175
  • Night Safari with Tram Ride and Hotel Transfer: $168
  • Singapore Changi Airport (SIN): Transfer to Downtown hotels: $163
  • Singapore to Kuala Lumpur One Way Transfer: $153
  • Private Transfer: SIN Airport to Singapore in Luxury Car: $152
  • ExhilaratingSentosa MorningTour(Guided Shared Roundtrip Transfer): $150
  • Marina Bay Sands & Gardens By The Bay & Transfer: $143
  • Singapore to Johor Bahru - Private Transfer: $140
  • Private Transfer: Singapore Airport SIN to Marina Cruise Port: $130

Is it cheaper to fly into Singapore or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Prices for flights to both Aoraki Mount Cook and Singapore 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
    Singapore $27
    Aoraki Mount Cook $26
Typical Food Prices in Singapore

Some typical examples of dining costs in Singapore are as follows:


  • Breakfast
    $4.48
  • Sugarcane Juice
    $1.47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Singapore

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Singapore.

  • Secrets of Singapore Kick Scooter Tour with Dinner: $46
  • Secrets of Singapore Kick Scooter Tour with Dinner: $47
  • Guided Hawker Culture & Street Food Tour at Night: $65
  • Local Hawker Food Tour with Tastings: $65
  • Marina Bay Sands Yacht Cruise with Dinner: $67
  • Eat and Snap in Chinatown Walking Food Tour: $71
  • Small Group: Michelin and Local Hawker Food Tour: $72
  • Private Korean Cooking Class in Balmoral Road: $74
  • Best Ever Katong Food Tour with Local Foodie - Eat till you drop!: $74
  • Zebra Urban Safari Bicycle Tour with Local Dinner and Drinks: $75
  • Little India Hawker Street Food Tour: $81
  • Hands-on Cooking Class with Cultural Immersion: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Singapore $32
    Aoraki Mount Cook $23

Tours and Activities in Singapore

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Singapore are as follows:

  • SG Adventure Pass with Dukw Tour: $122
  • *17 or 19 Hrs Kuala Lumpur Van Tour from Singapore w' Tour Guide: $185
  • *19 Hrs Kuala Lumpur&Melaka Van Tour from Singapore w' Tour Guide: $182
  • 1 Hour Admission Ticket for Singapore Cable Car: $26
  • 1-way Singapore hotel pickup (Batam private tour guests only): $120
  • 3 Ethnic Neighborhoods & UNESCO Street Food / Cultural Experience: $149
  • 3 Hour Private Sunset Tour in Singapore: $241
  • 3-Hour Marina Bay Best Spots Walking Tour: $68
  • 5-Hour Peranakan Heritage Tour with Peranakan Tile Painting : $124
  • 6-Hours Singapore Tour in Private Car or Minibus with Driver: $233
  • ArtScience Museum Admission Ticket: $23
  • Asian Civilisations Museum Admission Ticket: $12

Tours and Activities in Aoraki Mount Cook

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Aoraki Mount Cook.

  • Fox Glacier Nature Tour: $54
  • Franz Josef Nature Tour: $54
  • Mt. Cook to Queenstown Small Group Tour (1-way) : $106
  • From Christchurch: Mount Cook One-Way Discovery Tour: $118
  • Mt Cook to Christchurch via Lake Tekapo Small Group Tour 1 way: $120
  • Mount Cook to Queenstown Day Tour: $148
  • Day Tours from Mount Cook: $151
  • Mt Cook Small Group Tour from Queenstown with Optional Activities : $151
  • Mt Cook & Hooker Valley Hike Small Group Tour from Queenstown: $151
  • (MT) Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch: $178
  • Gold Hunting Adventures: $223
  • 45-Minute Mount Cook Ski Plane and Helicopter Combo Tour: $289

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Singapore $27
    Aoraki Mount Cook $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Singapore

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Singapore:

  • Tour of Tiger Brewery in Singapore: $21
  • Party Singapore Bespoke Pub Crawl:Wildest Nightlife Clubbing: $25
  • Singapore Pub Crawl - Party like a Local: $26
  • Little India Pub Crawl: $26
  • Halloween Horror Nightlife PartySingapore Bespoke Pub Crawl: $37
  • LeVeL33 Rooftop Brewery Tour and Craft Beer Tasting: $73

Sample the Local Flavors in Aoraki Mount Cook

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Aoraki Mount Cook:

  • Kinross Winery: Classic Central Otago Wine Tasting Experience: $15
  • Kinross Winery: Valli Wine Tasting Experience: $27
  • Kinross Winery: Premium Central Otago Wine Tasting Experience: $45


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Singapore and Aoraki Mount Cook, we can see that Singapore is more expensive. And not only is Aoraki Mount Cook much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Singapore is in Asia and Aoraki Mount Cook is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Aoraki Mount Cook would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aoraki Mount Cook 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 Singapore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Singapore than you might in Aoraki Mount Cook.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Singapore Expensive? and Is Aoraki Mount Cook Expensive?.