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

Should you visit Surfers Paradise or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Surfers Paradise or Mount Aspiring National Park, 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.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a glamourous, high energy, and thrilling city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Surfers Paradise travel costs.

Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a breathtaking, undeveloped, and remote national park. Mount Aspiring National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Mount Aspiring National Park travel costs.

Surfers Paradise and Mount Aspiring National Park : Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Surfers Paradise. Although Surfers Paradise and Mount Aspiring National Park are both popular with visitors, Surfers Paradise has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Surfers Paradise is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Mount Aspiring National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Mount Aspiring National Park and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. It is also home to the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Mount Aspiring National Park is popular for its mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes.

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

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

Surfers Paradise
Mount Aspiring National Park

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise can be an interesting and educational experience. For the best views of the coastline head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa. It's in Australia's tallest residential tower. You can also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Sea World Marine Park, as well as countless other amusement parks or entertainment centers.

Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Surfers Paradise
Mount Aspiring National Park

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.

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 Surfers Paradise or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Nightlife?

Surfers Paradise
Mount Aspiring National Park

Surfers Paradise is very popular for nightlife and partying. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for its evening party scene.

Surfers Paradise is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.

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

Is Surfers Paradise or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise
Mount Aspiring National Park

Surfers Paradise is very popular for its resorts. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a resort destination.

Surfers Paradise offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The high-rise skyline is filled with luxury resorts and trendy hotels. Fancy pools and rooftop views make this is a glitzy and lively place to stay.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Surfers Paradise or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Surfers Paradise
Mount Aspiring National Park

Surfers Paradise is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Surfers Paradise to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There's no shortage of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that leave from the area. You'll see a diversity of marine life and interesting undersea reefs.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Beaches?

Surfers Paradise
Mount Aspiring National Park

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

The beaches in Surfers Paradise are among the best in the world. It's at the heart of the Gold Coast, and you'll enjoy two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful surf. The beaches are lined with high rise buildings and there's plenty of energy and amenities for visitors. This is a popular tourist destination and there is no shortage of water sports and other activities along the beaches.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Hiking?

Surfers Paradise
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is terrific for its hiking trails. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Known for its hiking, Mount Aspiring National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Surfers Paradise. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.


Is the Shopping Better in Surfers Paradise or Mount Aspiring National Park?

Surfers Paradise
Mount Aspiring National Park

Surfers Paradise is very popular for its shopping opportunities. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

The abundance of shops in Surfers Paradise make it a world-class shopping destination. Beachside markets sell local items. There are also large shopping malls that are filled with international fashion brands and boutique shops that sell unique items.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Mount Aspiring National Park More Beautiful?

Surfers Paradise
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Surfers Paradise is not a destination known for its beauty.

Mount Aspiring National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The stunning mountain scenery and pristine, rugged hikes make this a truly spectacular alpine setting.

Surfers Paradise is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Surfers Paradise or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise
Mount Aspiring National Park

Surfers Paradise is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Mount Aspiring National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Surfers Paradise is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. It's filled with activities that kids and adults will enjoy. There's everything from sandy beaches to amusement park rides and entertainment centers. Check out Infinity, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There's also countless minigolf places, kayaking, and other water sports.

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 Surfers Paradise or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Couples?

Surfers Paradise
Mount Aspiring National Park

Surfers Paradise and Mount Aspiring National Park are both superb to visit as a couple.

Surfers Paradise makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Walk along the beach or take in the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There are also many fun-filled adventure activities as well as restaurants and a lively party scene.

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

Surfers Paradise
Mount Aspiring National Park

Surfers Paradise and Mount Aspiring National Park are both amazing destinations for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Surfers Paradise, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Backpackers who want fun entertainment, a lively beach scene, and water sports will find their place here. There are also hostels with reasonable rates and plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Set in the beautiful Southern Alps, backpackers will love exploring the impressive mountain scenery and breathtaking views.

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

Surfers Paradise
Mount Aspiring National Park

Surfers Paradise 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.

Surfers Paradise has a few public transit options. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

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 Surfers Paradise or Mount Aspiring National Park a more walkable city?

Surfers Paradise
Mount Aspiring National Park

Surfers Paradise and Mount Aspiring National Park are good when it comes to walkability.

Surfers Paradise is a somewhat walkable city. There are walking and bike paths around town.

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

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

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

How long in Surfers Paradise or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

In either Surfers Paradise or Mount Aspiring National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Surfers Paradise than Mount Aspiring National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Surfers Paradise, and 2-5 days is enough time in Mount Aspiring National Park .

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise.


  • How many days in Surfers Paradise or Mount Aspiring National Park ? Ideal Length of Stay
    Surfers Paradise 3-7 
    Mount Aspiring National Park  2-5

One day in Surfers Paradise or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

The active destination of Surfers Paradise offers nightlife and food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find around the remote destination of Mount Aspiring National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Surfers Paradise or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Surfers Paradise. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find around the remote national park of Mount Aspiring National Park. If you have a weekend, this national park makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the hiking. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.


Five days in Surfers Paradise or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Surfers Paradise is a fun place to experience. It's also a relaxing resort destination. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Surfers Paradise has to offer.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Surfers Paradise or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

The active city of Surfers Paradise offers shopping and museums. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Mount Aspiring National Park or Surfers Paradise?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Surfers Paradise Prices
    Australia Prices
    Mount Aspiring National Park Prices
    New Zealand Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Surfers Paradise $124
    Mount Aspiring National Park $122

The average daily cost (per person) in Surfers Paradise is $124, while the average daily cost in Mount Aspiring National Park is $122. 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 Surfers Paradise and Mount Aspiring National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Surfers Paradise $67
    Mount Aspiring National Park $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Surfers Paradise $134
    Mount Aspiring National Park $116
Compare Hotels in Surfers Paradise and Mount Aspiring National Park

Looking for a hotel in Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise


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: Mount Aspiring National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Surfers Paradise $11
    Mount Aspiring National Park $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surfers Paradise

Also for Surfers Paradise, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Gold Coast Theme Parks: Shared Hotel Transfers: $15

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

Prices for flights to both Mount Aspiring National Park and Surfers Paradise 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
    Surfers Paradise $45
    Mount Aspiring National Park $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Surfers Paradise

For Surfers Paradise, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $85

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Surfers Paradise $24
    Mount Aspiring National Park $29
Typical Entertainment Prices in Surfers Paradise

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Surfers Paradise's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Surf Lesson
    $79

Tours and Activities in Surfers Paradise

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

  • Surfers Paradise Sightseeing Midday River Cruise: $19
  • Gold Coast Afternoon River Cruise: $21
  • Surfers Paradise Sightseeing City Lights Cruise: $26
  • Surfers Paradise Sightseeing River Cruises: $26
  • HOTA: Gold Coast Home of the Arts Cruise & Dine Experience Pass: $27
  • Gold Coast Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Cruise 1 Day Pass: $30
  • Gold Coast Quack'rDuck Amphibious Tour from Surfers Paradise: $37
  • Surfers Paradise Sightseeing Sunset River Cruise: $37
  • Guided Gold Coast Amphibious Bus Tour: $38
  • Gold Coast: 360-Degree High-Speed Jet Boat Adventure: $39
  • Tropical Fruit World Farm Full Tour : $45
  • Surfers Paradise Sunset Kayak Tour: $53

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Surfers Paradise $11
    Mount Aspiring National Park $5.07


When comparing the travel costs between Surfers Paradise and Mount Aspiring National Park , we can see that Surfers Paradise 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. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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