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Should I Visit Te Anau or Aoraki Mount Cook? Which is Better for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Food? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive? | Budget Your Trip

A Travel Price Comparison for New Zealand Te Anau vs. Aoraki Mount Cook for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Te Anau or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Te Anau and Aoraki Mount Cook can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Te Anau

Te Anau is a stunning, pristine, and breathtaking town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the food and hiking.

Aoraki Mount Cook

Aoraki Mount Cook is a world renowned, scenic, and dramatic mountain. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking.

Te Anau and Aoraki Mount Cook: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Te Anau or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Te Anau. Although Te Anau and Aoraki Mount Cook are both popular with visitors, Te Anau has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Te Anau is popular for being the gateway to Fiordland National Park. It is also home to Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Aoraki Mount Cook is popular for its glaciers, alpine setting, and being the highest mountain in New Zealand.

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

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

Te Anau
Aoraki Mount Cook

Te Anau is adequate for its historical sights. However, Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Te Anau specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The town is about the surrounding outdoor activities but you will find the Te Anau Vintage Machinery Museum and the Te Anau Trout Observatory in town.

Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Te Anau
Aoraki Mount Cook

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

Te Anau has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town makes a great spot to refuel after all of your hiking and outdoor adventures. There are plenty of cafes and food trucks around town where you can enjoy local dishes and a friendly atmosphere.

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 Te Anau or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Nightlife?

Te Anau
Aoraki Mount Cook

Te Anau is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Te Anau doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. This is a small town that's focused on outdoor activities, but it does receive a number of tourists, so you'll find a few bars around town where you can hang out.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Te Anau or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Hiking?

Te Anau
Aoraki Mount Cook

Both Te Anau and Aoraki Mount Cook are destinations which offer fantastic hiking.

Around Te Anau visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The town serves as basecamp for Fiordland National Park so there are many amazing hikes and walks in the area. Many of the hikes begin at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre and range in length and the required skill level.

Aoraki Mount Cook is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.


Is the Shopping Better in Te Anau or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Te Anau
Aoraki Mount Cook

Te Anau is adequate for its shopping areas. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Te Anau has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are shops where you can pick up any outdoor supplies and food items that you may need.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Te Anau or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Families?

Te Anau
Aoraki Mount Cook

Te Anau 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, Te Anau is very family-friendly. The town's proximity to the Milford Sound make it a nice base for families who enjoy spending time outdoors. Kayaking or exploring the Te Anau Glowworm Caves are favorite activities in the area. There's also the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary and many hikes nearby.

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 Te Anau or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Couples?

Te Anau
Aoraki Mount Cook

Both Te Anau and Aoraki Mount Cook are fantastic destinations for a couple's getaway.

Te Anau is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The stunning scenery in the area, combined with small town charm, make this is a top couple's destination and a wonderful honeymoon spot. Couples who appreciate nature and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this amazing area.

Aoraki Mount Cook is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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 Te Anau or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Te Anau
Aoraki Mount Cook

Te Anau is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Aoraki Mount Cook is not as popular, but is still a nice mountain for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Te Anau. For such a small town, there are a decent number of hostels and budget accommodation options in the area. The town makes a good base for exploring the region's stunning scenery.

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

Te Anau
Aoraki Mount Cook

Neither Te Anau or Aoraki Mount Cook offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Te Anau. Public transit in the area is limited and most visitors have their own car or join one of the many tours in the area.

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 Te Anau or Aoraki Mount Cook a more walkable city?

Te Anau
Aoraki Mount Cook

Te Anau and Aoraki Mount Cook are decent when it comes to walkability.

Te Anau is generally not a very walkable town. Exploring the area requires a vehicle and, while there are many hikes in the area, it's not easy to walk to many places. There are tours available for those that don't have a vehicle.

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 Te Anau Worth Visiting? and Is Aoraki Mount Cook Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aoraki Mount Cook or Te Anau?

How long in Te Anau or Aoraki Mount Cook?

It's fun to spend time in either Te Anau or Aoraki Mount Cook. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Aoraki Mount Cook due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Te Anau, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aoraki Mount Cook.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Te Anau 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 Te Anau.


  • How many days in Te Anau or Aoraki Mount Cook? Ideal Length of Stay
    Te Anau 1-3 
    Aoraki Mount Cook 2-4

One day in Te Anau or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Even though Te Anau is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

In Aoraki Mount Cook, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This mountain offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Te Anau or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Te Anau is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

In Aoraki Mount Cook, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Aoraki Mount Cook has to offer.

Five days in Te Anau or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Te Anau is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Te Anau or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Te Anau is a popular choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aoraki Mount Cook. Many people enjoy the when visiting Aoraki Mount Cook. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Aoraki Mount Cook or Te Anau?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Te Anau is $99, while the average daily cost in Aoraki Mount Cook is $106. 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 Te Anau and Aoraki Mount Cook in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Te Anau $44
    Aoraki Mount Cook $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Te Anau $88
    Aoraki Mount Cook $120
Compare Hotels in Te Anau and Aoraki Mount Cook

Looking for a hotel in Te Anau 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 Te Anau


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Te Anau Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Te Anau $27
    Aoraki Mount Cook $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Te Anau

Also for Te Anau, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Kepler Water Taxi Transfer across Lake Te Anau: $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aoraki Mount Cook

Also for Aoraki Mount Cook, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Dunedin City Hotels to Chalmers Cruise Port: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Te Anau or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Prices for flights to both Aoraki Mount Cook and Te Anau 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
    Te Anau $27
    Aoraki Mount Cook $27

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Te Anau $48
    Aoraki Mount Cook $23

Tours and Activities in Te Anau

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

  • Afternoon Te Anau Cruise on Historic Motor Yacht: $89
  • Champagne Sightseeing Cruise on Lake Te Anau: $89
  • Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Te Anau: $214
  • Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise from Manapouri: $233
  • Fiordland: Jet Boat & Nature Walk Experience from Te Anau: $107
  • From 1-Day Milford Sound Coach & Cruise: $131
  • From Milford Sound Coach Tour and Cruise: $111
  • From Milford Sound Coach, Cruise, and Walks: $147
  • From Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Day Trip: $103
  • From Milford Sound Tour with Cruise and Lunch: $150
  • From Premium Doubtful Sound Coach & Cruise: $239
  • Full-Day Milford Sound Extraordinaire Tour from Te Anau: $153

Tours and Activities in Aoraki Mount Cook

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

  • (MT) Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch: $179
  • 45-Minute Mount Cook Ski Plane and Helicopter Combo Tour: $294
  • Franz Josef Nature Tour: $56
  • From Christchurch: Mount Cook One-Way Discovery Tour: $119
  • From Queenstown: Mount Cook Private Day Tour: $1,199
  • Mount Cook to Queenstown Day Tour: $150
  • Mt Cook & Hooker Valley Hike Small Group Tour from Queenstown: $153
  • Mt Cook Small Group Tour from Queenstown with Optional Activities : $153
  • Mt Cook Tour: Return to Christchurch, Queenstown or Dunedin: $779
  • Mt Cook Tour: Return to Queenstown, Christchurch or Dunedin: $779
  • Mt Cook to Christchurch via Lake Tekapo Small Group Tour 1 way: $122
  • Mt. Cook to Queenstown Small Group Tour (1-way) : $107

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Te Anau $14
    Aoraki Mount Cook $21

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:

  • Classic Central Otago Wine Tasting Experience: $16
  • Valli Wine Tasting Experience: $28
  • Wild Irishman Wine Tasting Experience: $47


When comparing the travel costs between Te Anau and Aoraki Mount Cook, we can see that Aoraki Mount Cook 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 Te Anau Expensive? and Is Aoraki Mount Cook Expensive?.