Travel Budget for Aoraki Mount Cook Visit Aoraki Mount Cook on a Budget or Travel in Style

Aoraki Mount Cook, Canterbury, New Zealand
Pacific / New Zealand / South Island /
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Aoraki Mount Cook is a scenic mountain known for its glaciers, alpine setting, and being the highest mountain in New Zealand. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Aoraki Mount Cook and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're hiking in nature or taking in the beauty.

How much does it cost to travel to Aoraki Mount Cook?

You should plan to spend around $118 (NZ$210) per day on your vacation in Aoraki Mount Cook. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $43 (NZ$77) on meals
  • $26 (NZ$46) on local transportation
  • $112 (NZ$200) on hotels

A one week trip to Aoraki Mount Cook for two people costs, on average, $1,646 (NZ$2,940). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $118
    NZ$210
  • One Week Per person
    $823
    NZ$1,470
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $1,646
    NZ$2,940
  • One Month Per person
    $3,527
    NZ$6,300
  • One Week For a couple
    $1,646
    NZ$2,940
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $3,292
    NZ$5,880
  • One Month For a couple
    $7,053
    NZ$12,600
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Aoraki Mount Cook cost?

A one week trip to Aoraki Mount Cook usually costs around $823 (NZ$1,470) for one person and $1,646 (NZ$2,940) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Aoraki Mount Cook on average costs around $1,646 (NZ$2,940) for one person and $3,292 (NZ$5,880) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Aoraki Mount Cook will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Aoraki Mount Cook on average costs around $3,527 (NZ$6,300) for one person and $7,053 (NZ$12,600) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Aoraki Mount Cook expensive to visit?

Aoraki Mount Cook is a terrific mountain that captivates many with its charm, appealing to a wide range of travel styles and budgets. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.

Although Aoraki Mount Cook can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by enjoying the free hiking trails and finding more rustic accommodation.

On average, budget travelers spend $51 (NZ$91) per day, mid-range travelers spend $117 (NZ$210) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $233 (NZ$416) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Aoraki Mount Cook.

Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, Aoraki Mount Cook is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in the Pacific for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Lake Tekapo, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Fraser Island.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Aoraki Mount Cook Expensive?

Aoraki / Mt. Cook, New Nealand Aoraki / Mt. Cook, New Nealand

How much money do I need for a trip to Aoraki Mount Cook?

The average Aoraki Mount Cook trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Aoraki Mount Cook travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Aoraki Mount Cook cost?

Aoraki Mount Cook on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$24
(NZ$43) 		$56
(NZ$100) 		$112
(NZ$199)
Local Transportation1 $11
(NZ$20) 		$26
(NZ$46) 		$49
(NZ$87)
Food2 $19
(NZ$33) 		$43
(NZ$77) 		$86
(NZ$154)
Entertainment1 $10
(NZ$17) 		$22
(NZ$39) 		$42
(NZ$74)
Alcohol2 $4-13
(NZ$8-23) 		$10-29
(NZ$17-51) 		$18-55
(NZ$33-98)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Having realistic expectations about your travel budget in Aoraki Mount Cook is important. While you might think you can save money by cutting expenses, traveling comfortably requires a bit more spending for most people. Think about your favorite vacation activities and ideal travel style. Staying in a resort or comfortable hotel, along with sightseeing and dining out are generally what many people prefer. Your travel preferences will determine how much you'll end up spending on your trip.

What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?

You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $51 per day that backpackers typically manage.

Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.

What Makes You an Average Traveler?

If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. A trip to Aoraki Mount Cook wouldn't be complete without visiting its major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $117 per person, per day.

Looking to Travel in Luxury?

If you want an all encompassing getaway with top-notch amenities and exceptional service, get ready for a daily cost around $233. Staying in upscale hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, indulging in lavish activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the mountain will require a more luxurious budget.

Mount Cook, New Zealand Mount Cook, New Zealand

Accommodation Budget in Aoraki Mount Cook

In Aoraki Mount Cook, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $ and peak summer season rising to an average of $. Prices typically range from $ to $, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Aoraki Mount Cook for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $112 (NZ$200). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $56 (NZ$100) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $56
    NZ$100
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $112
    NZ$200

Hotels in Aoraki Mount Cook

Looking for a hotel in Aoraki Mount Cook? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Aoraki Mount Cook

Traveling during the shoulder or low season, instead of summer, can save you money on accommodations and spare you the heavy tourist crowds.



Transportation Budget in Aoraki Mount Cook

Unfortunately, Aoraki Mount Cook does not provide a solid public transit network. Having a car is essential unless you take a private tour that provides transportation.

Sadly, walking around most of the mountain is quite challenging. While there are many trails through the region, you really must have a car to access the trail heads and efficiently get around.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (poor)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (moderate)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $26 (NZ$46) per person, per day, on local transportation in Aoraki Mount Cook. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Aoraki Mount Cook is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $26
    NZ$46

You will most likely be passing through Twizel to enter the park, and this road takes you right into Mount Cook village. There is an airport down the road as well, called Mount Cook Airport. The best way to get here would be to rent a car and drive, that way you can navigate all throughout the park. Once you are in the park though, you can also walk! It is such a beautiful park that walking around it to get to trail heads or campsites really just feels like another scenic hike.

Transportation Tips

If you're driving, check that your hotel has parking available.



Flights to Aoraki Mount Cook
How much does it cost to go to Aoraki Mount Cook? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Aoraki Mount Cook
The price of renting a car in Aoraki Mount Cook will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Aoraki Mount Cook

Food choices in Aoraki Mount Cook are restricted and lack quality. Rather than spending a lot on dining out, focus on other activities that are more fulfilling. There are a few cafes and restaurants in the village, but if you're doing any hiking you should pack your own food.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Aoraki Mount Cook can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Aoraki Mount Cook is $43 (NZ$77) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $43
    NZ$77

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Aoraki Mount Cook is around $43 (NZ$77) per person, with previous travelers spending from $19 to $86. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Aoraki Mount Cook are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $4 to $13
  • Lunch: $6 to $17
  • Dinner: $13 to $30
  • Coffee: $3
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $6

There are two main restaurants in the park, but both are pretty expensive. The first is called the Old Mountaineers Cafe; it is next to the DOC Visitor Information Center. The other is located in the Glentanner Park Centre, about 15 minutes away from Mt Cook Village. This one is a bit less expensive. You can always just buy food from the grocery store to cook yourself if you have the proper camping/cooking equipment!

Food & Dining Tips

Lots of hotels throw breakfast into the room rate, but some will charge for it. The quality and price can differ by hotel. Understanding this in advance can help you figure out if you'll need to spend extra money. It may be worth splurging on the hotel buffet, or you could find a less expensive option at a nearby bakery or cafe.

Save some money and appreciate the beautiful scenery by having a picnic. Find a nearby grocery store or market, pick out some fresh food, and choose a nice park or scenic spot for your meal.

Take a water bottle along instead of purchasing drinks constantly. This is also an eco-conscious choice.

Before booking a tour, make a point of knowing which meals are part of the package. You may be responsible for some of your food costs, which can increase your overall budget.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Aoraki Mount Cook

Visitors find Aoraki Mount Cook irresistible, especially for its hiking, romance, family-friendly activities, and budget-friendly accommodations.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Aoraki Mount Cook typically cost an average of $22 (NZ$39) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $22
    NZ$39

The whole park in itself is a sight to see. Mount cook towers in the background of many miles of lush green landscapes. Although it can be expensive (but so are most things in New Zealand) seeing the park from above is a truly amazing experience. Air Safaris is a great company that offers a scenic flight over the park. You can do it in a small plane or a helicopter.

Mount Cook National Park and the regions surrounding it were recognized as the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve in 2012, so stargazing is definitely a must see while visiting this park. This area is almost completely light-pollution free, making the night skies some of the clearest you will ever witness.

Alternatively, as you approach the park, from the main highway you can see the Tasman Glacier, which is 27 kilometers long.

Lastly, there are many different types of birds and wildlife in the park to look out for. From Kaki/Black Stilt birds to black alpine Weta, you will most likely see one of these birds while there. Beware of the Kea birds though; these are mischievous parrots that always up to no good!



Tons of outdoor activities are available in Mount Cook National Park for all levels of fitness. These activities include walking, trekking, mountaineering, ice climbing, cycling, and many more. If you plan on climbing Mt Cook, it takes a lot of preparation in advance, and you will need ice-climbing gear.

The Department of Conservation website for New Zealand has information on all of the walks and treks in the area, so this is a great resource for travelers that are looking for that sort of activity. You can also ski on the Tasman Glacier!

A great activity for cyclists is the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail. The trail is 300 kilometers long and it starts at the Southern Alps in the park and ends at the Pacific Ocean in the town of Oamaru. This is a great way to see as much of the beautiful New Zealand scenery as possible, but is probably not for beginner cyclists.

Sightseeing Tips

Hiking:
Discovering the hiking trails around Aoraki Mount Cook is a delight. 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.

A nice way to explore destinations in Aoraki Mount Cook is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Gold Hunting Adventures for $225 details
  • Day Tours from Mount Cook for $122 details
  • Mt Cook to Christchurch One-Way Small Group Tour via Lake Tekapo for $109 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Aoraki Mount Cook

The nightlife options in Aoraki Mount Cook are virtually non-existent. There's an upscale bar at the Hermitage Hotel, but otherwise very little to do at night.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $19 (NZ$34) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Aoraki Mount Cook per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $19
    NZ$34
Nightlife Tips

Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.

Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Aoraki Mount Cook. A few favorites from other travelers include:

  • Kinross Winery: Premium Central Otago Wine Tasting Experience for $46 details
  • Kinross Winery: Valli Wine Tasting Experience for $27 details
  • Kinross Winery: Wild Irishman Wine Tasting Experience for $46 details

Recommended


Travel cost data last updated: Mar 2, 2025

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Aoraki Mount Cook

  • During the peak season of summer, prices are typically elevated and the mountain can be quite crowded. You can enjoy savings and a more relaxed atmosphere by visiting in the shoulder or low seasons instead.
  • Opting for a slower travel pace can help you keep your budget in check while enjoying the scenic beauty. If you overbook your days with activities, you'll find yourself spending more. But taking your time often results in lower costs and a more fulfilling experience.

Budgeting Challenges

  • In Aoraki Mount Cook, public transport options are quite limited. You might consider renting a car or scheduling some form of transportation in advance, such as a tour. However, be aware that this may impact your budget elsewhere.
  • Aoraki Mount Cook doesn't have a vibrant hostel scene, so if you were counting on finding a cheap dorm, it might be time to adjust your plans. Consider looking for an affordable hotel or an apartment rental instead.
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Traveling in Aoraki Mount Cook
Aoraki Mount Cook Mount Cook, New Zealand

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is located on the South Island of New Zealand. It was declared a national park in 1953 to protect and preserve the landscape. The park is home to the country's highest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook. In Maori, Aoraki means, "cloud piercer", and the English name, Mt Cook, refers to the navigator James Cook, who discovered New Zealand in the 18th century. Mt Cook was the training location for Sir Edmund Hillary, who was the first person to summit Everest in 1953. Other peaks in the park include Mount Tasman, Mount Sefton, and Mount Hicks. Not only can you find lush greenery all over the park, but also, glaciers cover 40% of the parks area.



Neighborhoods & Around

The town of Twizel is near the national park. You will most likely be passing through here before entering the park. There are three lakes in the region as well: Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo, and Lake Ohau. These are known as the bluest lakes in New Zealand. There are many campsites and accommodations in these areas if you choose to make a stop before actually heading into the park. For those Lord of the Rings fans, Lake Pukaki was the filming location for ‘Lake-town' in The Hobbit. The set was created at the Tasman Downs Station, which is on the shores of Lake Pukaki.

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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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