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

Should you visit Taupo or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

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

Should I visit Taupo 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.

Taupo

Taupo is a stunning, otherworldly, and striking town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, skiing, and nightlife.

Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a undeveloped, remote, and rugged national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Taupo and Mount Aspiring National Park : Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Taupo than Mount Aspiring National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Taupo is better known for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Mount Aspiring National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Taupo is more touristy than Mount Aspiring National Park and is known for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes. Also, Taupo is famous for the Craters of the Moon reserve. Mount Aspiring National Park is well known for its mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes.

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

Is Taupo or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Skiing?

Taupo is very popular for snow skiing. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Taupo is among the best in the world. Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a skiing destination.

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

Taupo is not a good place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Taupo offers a few options for museum-goers. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Taupo 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 Taupo. The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.

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 Taupo or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Nightlife?

Taupo is a nice place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Taupo. It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.

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

Is Taupo or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Hiking?

Mount Aspiring National Park is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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 go to Taupo for the hiking trails. The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.

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

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

Taupo offers some nice shopping areas. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Taupo or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Families?

Taupo 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.

Taupo is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. Set on the edge of Lake Taupo, there are many family-friendly activities in the area like swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also thermal hot springs and in the winter months skiing. Families who enjoy outdoor adventures will find no shortage of options year round.

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 Taupo or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Couples?

Taupo is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Mount Aspiring National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for couples.

Taupo has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Honeymooners and couples who enjoy romantic scenery, beautiful sunsets, and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this area. You can soak in thermal hot springs and picnic next to beautiful waterfalls. There are also breathtaking hikes and great water activities.

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

Taupo and Mount Aspiring National Park are fantastic places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Taupo. There's plenty of backpacker and hostel accommodation in the area. There are also free outdoor activities and adrenaline-filled adventures that backpackers will enjoy.

A large number of backpackers visit Mount Aspiring National Park, as it is a very popular town for budget travelers. Set in the beautiful Southern Alps, backpackers will love exploring the impressive mountain scenery and breathtaking views.

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

Taupo 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.

Taupo has a few public transit options. There are local bus service, the Taupo Connector, that travels around the town center. If you want to get outside of town, you'll need to have a car.

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 Taupo or Mount Aspiring National Park a more walkable city?

Taupo and Mount Aspiring National Park both are notable when exploring on foot.

Taupo is a somewhat walkable place. The town is fairly compact, but if you want to efficiently get around and experience everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

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

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

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

How long in Taupo or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

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

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

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

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

One day in Taupo or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

The otherworldly destination of Taupo offers food and shopping. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that skiing 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.

In Mount Aspiring National Park, many people enjoy the that this undeveloped destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Taupo or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mount Aspiring National Park. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Taupo or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Taupo is a fun place to experience. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Anyone can find something fun to do here. It's no surprise that skiing is why people visit. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a fun place to experience. In Mount Aspiring National Park, many people enjoy the that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Taupo or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

You'll find nightlife and food around the stunning town of Taupo. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It offers something for everyone. It's no surprise that skiing 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.

You'll find around the rugged destination of Mount Aspiring National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Taupo and Mount Aspiring National Park , we can see that Taupo 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 Taupo Expensive? and Is Mount Aspiring National Park Expensive?.