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

Should you visit Yaeyama Islands or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Yaeyama Islands and Mount Aspiring National Park. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Yaeyama Islands

Yaeyama Islands is a serene, idyllic, and tropical archipelago. You'll find world class beauty in Yaeyama Islands as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, nightlife, and food. See Yaeyama Islands travel costs.

Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a rugged, breathtaking, and undeveloped national park. You'll find world class beauty in Mount Aspiring National Park as well. It's also known for hiking. See Mount Aspiring National Park travel costs.

Yaeyama Islands 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
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • 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 Yaeyama Islands or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Yaeyama Islands. Although Yaeyama Islands and Mount Aspiring National Park are popular destinations, Yaeyama Islands has more sights and attractions for tourists. Yaeyama Islands is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Mount Aspiring National Park attracts visitors for its hiking. Yaeyama Islands is more touristy than Mount Aspiring National Park and is known for its jungle, tropical setting, and pristine beaches. It is also well known for Nishihama Beach. Mount Aspiring National Park is famous for its mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes.

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

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

Yaeyama Islands
Mount Aspiring National Park

Yaeyama Islands is a moderate archipelago for its sights and museums. However, Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Yaeyama Islands offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The islands are known for their beaches, snorkeling, and jungles, but don't expect much in the form of museums.

Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Yaeyama Islands
Mount Aspiring National Park

Yaeyama Islands is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Yaeyama Islands. There are many fruits and vegetables that are local to the region. Tropical fruits are common including pineapples, passionfruit, mango, shikuwasa, watermelon, papaya, and dragon fruit. You can try Yaeyama Soba (noodle soup) or any other local favorite at the restaurants in the area, most of which are usually concentrated around the villages on the island.

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 Yaeyama Islands or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Nightlife?

Yaeyama Islands
Mount Aspiring National Park

Yaeyama Islands is a nice place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Yaeyama Islands. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. You can sip a cocktail and enjoy the view from your resort's bar.

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

Is Yaeyama Islands or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Resorts?

Yaeyama Islands
Mount Aspiring National Park

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

Yaeyama Islands offers an unforgettable resort vacation. There are luxury international resorts as well as smaller upscale hotels. Many resorts are found on the largest island, Ishigaki.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Yaeyama Islands or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Yaeyama Islands
Mount Aspiring National Park

Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. The islands offer great scuba diving and snorkeling with coral reefs and tropical fish as well as manta rays and pelagic fish.

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

Is Yaeyama Islands or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Beaches?

Yaeyama Islands
Mount Aspiring National Park

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

The beaches in Yaeyama Islands are among the best in the world. This tropical paradise has white sand beaches and turquoise water. There are water sports, including snorkeling and diving, and the beaches on each island have their own atmosphere and vibe.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Hiking?

Yaeyama Islands
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Yaeyama Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its hiking trails.

Mount Aspiring National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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 explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Yaeyama Islands. The islands offer relatively easy access to jungle hikes, which will quickly make you feel like you've been swept into a hidden paradise. There are waterfalls, wildlife, butterflies, and scenic spots to explore.


Is Yaeyama Islands or Mount Aspiring National Park More Beautiful?

Yaeyama Islands
Mount Aspiring National Park

Yaeyama Islands and Mount Aspiring National Park both are comparable with their world-class scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Yaeyama Islands as well. White sand, blue water, tropical jungles and coral reefs make this a breathtakingly beautiful part of Japan.

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.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Families?

Yaeyama Islands
Mount Aspiring National Park

Both Yaeyama Islands and Mount Aspiring National Park are great family-friendly destinations.

Yaeyama Islands is a very family-friendly place to visit. This island setting has blue waters and water sports that the whole family can enjoy. There are also family-friendly resorts with kids clubs and nearby nature.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Mount Aspiring National Park is very family-friendly. 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 Yaeyama Islands or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Couples?

Yaeyama Islands
Mount Aspiring National Park

Yaeyama Islands 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.

Yaeyama Islands has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Beautiful blue water and fun water sports make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are nice resorts and fine dining opportunities that make this a great couple's retreat.

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

Yaeyama Islands
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is terrific for backpackers. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Yaeyama Islands is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Backpacking can be challenging as transportation is limited and accommodation can be expensive.

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

Yaeyama Islands
Mount Aspiring National Park

Both Yaeyama Islands and Mount Aspiring National Park offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Yaeyama Islands. There is very little in the form of public transit but you can get from the largest island, Ishigaki Island, to nearby islands by ferry.

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 Yaeyama Islands or Mount Aspiring National Park a more walkable city?

Yaeyama Islands
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a good destination for its walkability. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for its high level of walkability.

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

Yaeyama Islands is generally not a very walkable archipelago. Some of the islands are small enough to get around on foot.


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

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

How long in Yaeyama Islands or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

In either Yaeyama Islands or Mount Aspiring National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Yaeyama Islands has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Yaeyama Islands than Mount Aspiring National Park . In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Yaeyama Islands, and 2-5 days is enough time in Mount Aspiring National Park .

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mount Aspiring National Park than Yaeyama Islands 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 Mount Aspiring National Park .


  • How many days in Yaeyama Islands or Mount Aspiring National Park ? Ideal Length of Stay
    Yaeyama Islands 3-5 
    Mount Aspiring National Park  2-5

One day in Yaeyama Islands or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

The pristine destination of Yaeyama Islands offers nightlife and food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. This archipelago offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The breathtaking destination of Mount Aspiring National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Yaeyama Islands or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yaeyama Islands. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

The national park of Mount Aspiring National Park offers . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Yaeyama Islands or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Yaeyama Islands 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. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Yaeyama Islands has to offer.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. This national park offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.


A week in Yaeyama Islands or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

You'll find nightlife and food around the idyllic archipelago of Yaeyama Islands. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It offers something for everyone. It's no surprise that beaches 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.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Mount Aspiring National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, 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 Yaeyama Islands?

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

  • Yaeyama Islands Prices
    Japan Prices
    Mount Aspiring National Park Prices
    New Zealand Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Yaeyama Islands $118
    Mount Aspiring National Park $122

The average daily cost (per person) in Yaeyama Islands is $118, 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 Yaeyama Islands and Mount Aspiring National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Yaeyama Islands $56
    Mount Aspiring National Park $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Yaeyama Islands $112
    Mount Aspiring National Park $116
Compare Hotels in Yaeyama Islands and Mount Aspiring National Park

Looking for a hotel in Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands


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: Yaeyama Islands Hotel Prices and Mount Aspiring National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Yaeyama Islands $19
    Mount Aspiring National Park $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Yaeyama Islands or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Prices for flights to both Mount Aspiring National Park and Yaeyama Islands 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
    Yaeyama Islands $50
    Mount Aspiring National Park $32

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Yaeyama Islands $8.93
    Mount Aspiring National Park $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Yaeyama Islands $6.51
    Mount Aspiring National Park $5.07


When comparing the travel costs between Yaeyama Islands and Mount Aspiring National Park , we can see that Mount Aspiring National Park 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. Even though Yaeyama Islands is in Asia and Mount Aspiring National Park is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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