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

Should you visit Byron Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Byron Bay and Mount Aspiring National Park 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.

Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a carefree, Bohemian, and relaxed town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. The beauty of Byron Bay is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Byron Bay 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. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Mount Aspiring National Park travel costs.

Byron Bay and Mount Aspiring National Park : Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options
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 Byron Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Byron Bay than Mount Aspiring National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Byron Bay is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Mount Aspiring National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Byron Bay is more touristy than Mount Aspiring National Park and is known for its community spirit, undeveloped beaches, and world renowned festivals. Also, Byron Bay is famous for Cape Byron Lighthouse. Mount Aspiring National Park is well known for its mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes.

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

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

Byron Bay
Mount Aspiring National Park

Byron Bay is a moderate town for its sights and museums. However, Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Byron Bay offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. It's a small town that's all about the laid back beach scene so you won't find many museums or iconic buildings in town. Do check out the Cape Byron Lighthouse if you get the chance.

Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Byron Bay
Mount Aspiring National Park

Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay. The restaurant scene is just starting to gain momentum. There are a growing number of trendy bistros and international flavors around town. You'll find plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as smoothies and brunch cafes.

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 Byron Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Nightlife?

Byron Bay
Mount Aspiring National Park

Byron Bay is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for its evening party scene.

Byron Bay offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is all about relaxed luxury. There are high end cocktail bars, piano bars, live music venues, and DJ led parties. You can head to a bistro on the beach or dance the night away at one of the nightclubs.

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

Is Byron Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Resorts?

Byron Bay
Mount Aspiring National Park

Byron Bay is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a resort destination.

Byron Bay is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are luxury resorts, family-friendly villas, and contemporary apartments that offer great accommodation in a good environment.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Byron Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Beaches?

Byron Bay
Mount Aspiring National Park

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

The beaches in Byron Bay are among the best in the world. The pristine beaches are at the heart of the appeal in this town. Main Beach is, as the name implies, right in the heart of town. Many beaches are lined with forest and there are waves that are great for surfing. At its heart, this town will always be a surfer's town.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Byron Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Hiking?

Byron Bay
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Around Mount Aspiring National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Byron Bay offers some nice hiking trails. There are many walking trails that make nature accessible. Whether you want to walk along the coastline or into the hills, there are many places to enjoy a peaceful stroll.

Is the Shopping Better in Byron Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park?

Byron Bay
Mount Aspiring National Park

Byron Bay is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Byron Bay is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. In the past, this was never a shopping town, but in recent years it has attracted fashion icons and free spirits. There are many boutique shops on the main streets in town and there are still quirky stores that offer the unexpected.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Byron Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park More Beautiful?

Byron Bay
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Mount Aspiring National Park as well. The stunning mountain scenery and pristine, rugged hikes make this a truly spectacular alpine setting.

With stunning beauty, Byron Bay attracts visitors from all around. It's pristine beaches and laid back style make it a beautiful and relaxing place to visit.

Is Byron Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Families?

Byron Bay
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a very kid-friendly 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.

Byron Bay is a family-friendly town. It's laid back vibe and beautiful beaches offer a great place for families to vacation. There are plenty of family-friendly accommodation options and, while there aren't the theme parks and kid-centered activities of some places, there is still plenty to enjoy in the area.

Is Byron Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Couples?

Byron Bay
Mount Aspiring National Park

Both Byron Bay and Mount Aspiring National Park are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.

Byron Bay is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's known for its instagram-worthy settings and its popularity with influencers. Couples will appreciate the laid back vibe and chill beach scene. There are great restaurants and plenty of nice hotels and resorts to choose from.

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

Byron Bay
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Mount Aspiring National Park. Set in the beautiful Southern Alps, backpackers will love exploring the impressive mountain scenery and breathtaking views.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Byron Bay. It's lost some of its original hippie surf town vibe, but there is still a great backpacker scene. Now it's more popular with the influencer crowd, but the party scene and beautiful beaches attract backpackers as well.

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

Byron Bay
Mount Aspiring National Park

Both Byron Bay and Mount Aspiring National Park offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Byron Bay. There is a bus service that is provided by Blanch's Bus Company.

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 Byron Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park a more walkable city?

Byron Bay
Mount Aspiring National Park

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

Byron Bay is a somewhat walkable place. The town itself is compact and it's possible to explore on foot, but if you want to go further you'll need to have access to a vehicle.

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 Byron Bay Worth Visiting? and Is Mount Aspiring National Park Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Byron Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

In either Byron Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Byron Bay than Mount Aspiring National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Byron Bay, and 2-5 days is enough time in Mount Aspiring National Park .

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


  • How many days in Byron Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park ? Ideal Length of Stay
    Byron Bay 3-7 
    Mount Aspiring National Park  2-5

One day in Byron Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

The carefree destination of Byron Bay 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 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.

You'll find around the national park of Mount Aspiring National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Byron Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Byron Bay. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

You'll find around the breathtaking destination of Mount Aspiring National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Byron Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay has to offer.

You'll find around the remote national park of Mount Aspiring National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this national park makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer.


A week in Byron Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

The carefree town of Byron Bay offers nightlife and food. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in Australia, The Best Eco Tours in Australia, 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 Byron Bay?

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

  • Byron Bay Prices
    Australia Prices
    Mount Aspiring National Park Prices
    New Zealand Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Byron Bay $175
    Mount Aspiring National Park $122

The average daily cost (per person) in Byron Bay is $175, 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 Byron Bay and Mount Aspiring National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Byron Bay $67
    Mount Aspiring National Park $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Byron Bay $134
    Mount Aspiring National Park $116
Compare Hotels in Byron Bay and Mount Aspiring National Park

Looking for a hotel in Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay


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: Byron Bay Hotel Prices and Mount Aspiring National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Byron Bay $32
    Mount Aspiring National Park $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Byron Bay or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Prices for flights to both Mount Aspiring National Park and Byron Bay 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
    Byron Bay $83
    Mount Aspiring National Park $32
Typical Food Prices in Byron Bay

Some typical examples of dining costs in Byron Bay are as follows:


  • Dinner at Olivo (for 2)
    $59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Byron Bay

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Byron Bay.

  • Bangalow Native Bush Food Tour: $50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Byron Bay $36
    Mount Aspiring National Park $29
Typical Entertainment Prices in Byron Bay

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Byron Bay are as follows:


  • Buddha Gardens Spa (for 2)
    $124
  • Surf Lesson
    $43

Tours and Activities in Byron Bay

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Byron Bay are as follows:

  • Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens Entry Ticket: $33
  • Skip the Line: Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens Admission Ticket: $33
  • Brunswick River Scenic Kayak Tour: $40
  • WANDER BYRON Guided Sunrise Tours to Cape Byron Lighthouse: $46
  • Sunset River Cruise near Byron Bay: $47
  • Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $50
  • Cape Byron Aboriginal Tour: $50
  • Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $50
  • Byron Bay Private Bike Tour : $50
  • Cape Byron Aboriginal Tour: $50
  • Group 2.5 Hour Stand-Up Paddle Board Tour: $56
  • Stand-Up Paddle Board Tour in Byron Bay: $57

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Byron Bay $14
    Mount Aspiring National Park $5.07

Sample the Local Flavors in Byron Bay

Also in Byron Bay, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Arvo Session Brewery and Distillery Tour: $99
  • Afternoon Brewery and Distillery session : $104
  • Full-Day Brewery and Distillery Tour with Lunch: $136
  • Full Barrel Brewery and Distillery tour: $137


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Byron Bay and Mount Aspiring National Park , we can see that Byron Bay is more expensive. And not only is Mount Aspiring National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mount Aspiring National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Byron Bay would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Byron Bay than you might in Mount Aspiring National Park .

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