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

Should you visit Canberra or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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

Should I visit Canberra 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.

Canberra

Canberra is a diverse, under-rated, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Canberra travel costs.

Aoraki Mount Cook

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

Canberra and Aoraki Mount Cook: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Canberra. Although Canberra and Aoraki Mount Cook are both popular with visitors, Canberra has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Canberra is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Aoraki Mount Cook is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Aoraki Mount Cook is more touristy than Canberra and is known for its glaciers, alpine setting, and being the highest mountain in New Zealand. Canberra is popular for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves. It is also home to the Australian War Memorial.

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

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

Canberra is great for its historical sights. However, Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Canberra. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Canberra has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

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 Canberra or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Nightlife?

Canberra is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Canberra has a few options to choose from. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

People don't go to Aoraki Mount Cook for the nightlife. There's an upscale bar at the Hermitage Hotel, but otherwise very little to do at night.

Is Canberra or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Hiking?

Aoraki Mount Cook is terrific for its hiking trails. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Canberra. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Canberra or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Canberra is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Canberra has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Canberra or Aoraki Mount Cook More Beautiful?

Aoraki Mount Cook is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Canberra is not a destination known for its beauty.

Aoraki Mount Cook is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As the highest peak in New Zealand, this is a stunningly beautiful destination with glaciers, pristine forests, and world class views.

Canberra is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Canberra or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Families?

Canberra is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Aoraki Mount Cook is not as popular, but is still a nice mountain for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Canberra. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

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 Canberra or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Couples?

Aoraki Mount Cook is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Canberra is a good city for couples to visit. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

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

Aoraki Mount Cook is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Canberra is lacking in options for backpackers.

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.

Canberra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Despite being the capital city, few backpackers actually spend much time in town. There are some budget-friendly motels if you're stopping by.

Is Canberra or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Students?

Canberra is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not popular with students.

Many students visit Canberra. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not popular with students.

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

Canberra is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Canberra offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

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 Canberra or Aoraki Mount Cook a more walkable city?

Canberra is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its walkability.

Canberra is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

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

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

How long in Canberra or Aoraki Mount Cook?

It's fun to spend time in either Canberra 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, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Canberra, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aoraki Mount Cook.

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

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

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

One day in Canberra or Aoraki Mount Cook?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Canberra, there's plenty to do. 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.

The beautiful mountain of Aoraki Mount Cook offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Canberra or Aoraki Mount Cook?

With museums and nightlife around the diverse city of Canberra, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this mountain makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Aoraki Mount Cook, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Canberra or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of Canberra. 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 popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Canberra or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Canberra is a popular choice for travelers. This city 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.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This mountain offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Melbourne, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

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