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

Should you visit Tokyo or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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

Should I visit Tokyo 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.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a eclectic, cutting edge, and high tech 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 live music, food, and shopping.

Aoraki Mount Cook

Aoraki Mount Cook is a dramatic, breathtaking, and world renowned mountain. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Tokyo and Aoraki Mount Cook: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tokyo. Although Tokyo and Aoraki Mount Cook are popular destinations, Tokyo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tokyo is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Aoraki Mount Cook attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Tokyo is famous for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. It is also well known for The Sensō-ji Temple. Aoraki Mount Cook is famous for its glaciers, alpine setting, and being the highest mountain in New Zealand.

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

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

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. However, Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Tokyo has many famous sights for visitors. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Tokyo 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 Tokyo, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. With an astonishing number of Michelin star restaurants, this is one of the most interesting and impressive food destinations in the world. Not all restaurants are high end though. You'll find plenty of cheap eateries that offer their own rewarding culinary experience. Must try local dishes include okonomiyaki, ramen, and of course, sushi.

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 Tokyo or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Nightlife?

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Tokyo is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The professional urgency that you feel during the day morphs into a vibrant, laid back city at night. The neon lights turn on and locals head out to destress. There are karaoke bars, casual pubs, high energy nightclubs, and more. Popular areas for nightlife include Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Tokyo or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Music?

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

Tokyo has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The music scene features both national and international artists and the music style is as eclectic as the city itself. You'll find many underground venues, vintage record stores, and local bars that have each created their own niche.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a live music destination.

Is Tokyo or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Hiking?

Aoraki Mount Cook is renowned for hiking. However, Tokyo 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.

Tokyo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tokyo or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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

Many people travel to Tokyo specifically to go shopping. The city is known for its electronics, anime products, and trendy fashion brands. Many neighborhoods are also shopping districts with malls or markets throughout. Prices can be steep, but products are generally high quality. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tokyo or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Families?

Tokyo 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, Tokyo is very family-friendly. This is an incredibly kid-friendly city. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. Kids will also enjoy experiencing the city's fascinating culture. They can visit temples, museums, and the Tokyo Tower. Another fun local experience is to go to a baseball game.

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 Tokyo or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Couples?

Aoraki Mount Cook is renowned for couples. Also, Tokyo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Aoraki Mount Cook makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Tokyo is a very popular place to visit for couples. This high tech city offers luxury hotels and spas, award winning restaurants, and unique date night opportunities like karaoke or sushi making classes. The city has many parks and gardens as well as malls, dynamic neighborhoods, and interesting museums.

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

For backpackers, both Tokyo and Aoraki Mount Cook are nice places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Tokyo. Known for it's high prices, it can be a bit difficult to visit this city on a budget. There are dorm rooms available but they still come with a high price tag. Food is a bit easier as the eateries are diverse with many options on the cheaper side.

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

Is Tokyo or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Students?

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

Tokyo is a very popular place to visit for students. The city attracts many international students and there are a number of prestigious universities to choose from. Perhaps the biggest challenge is navigating the language difference, but that is all part of the experience when studying abroad.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not popular with students.

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

Tokyo 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 Tokyo can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Trains, subways, and buses make up the complex transportation system and, while it may seem overwhelming at first, the system is actually very clean, efficient, and reliable.

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 Tokyo or Aoraki Mount Cook a more walkable city?

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

Tokyo is a very easy city to get around on foot. Many neighborhoods are very easy to explore on foot, so it's fun to just wander without a plan, seeing where you end up.

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

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

How long in Tokyo or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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

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

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

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

One day in Tokyo or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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

In Aoraki Mount Cook, many people enjoy the that this dramatic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This mountain 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 Tokyo or Aoraki Mount Cook?

When visiting Tokyo, people usually allow for lots of time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aoraki Mount Cook. 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 Tokyo or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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

Aoraki Mount Cook is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Aoraki Mount Cook. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tokyo or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Tokyo is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

You'll find around the world renowned destination of Aoraki Mount Cook. 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 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tokyo and Aoraki Mount Cook, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Aoraki Mount Cook much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tokyo 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo 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 Tokyo Expensive? and Is Aoraki Mount Cook Expensive?.