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

Should you visit Kamakura or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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

Should I visit Kamakura 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.

Kamakura

Kamakura is a laid back, ancient, and quaint coastal city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Kamakura travel costs.

Aoraki Mount Cook

Aoraki Mount Cook is a breathtaking, world renowned, and scenic mountain. You'll find world class beauty in Aoraki Mount Cook as well. It's also known for hiking. See Aoraki Mount Cook travel costs.

Kamakura and Aoraki Mount Cook: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kamakura than Aoraki Mount Cook, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kamakura is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Aoraki Mount Cook is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Kamakura is well known for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches. Also, Kamakura is famous for the Great Buddha. Aoraki Mount Cook is well known for its glaciers, alpine setting, and being the highest mountain in New Zealand.

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

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

Kamakura 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 Kamakura. This ancient city is filled with historic landmarks such as the Great Buddha, Hokokuji Temple, Hasedera Temple, and Hachimangu Shrine, among many others.

Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Kamakura has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Dining is part of the fun in this beautiful town. There are many great restaurants where you can sample luxury dishes, but there are also street food stalls with egg pancakes or noodle dishes.

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 Kamakura or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Kamakura for the nightlife scene. There's a diverse mix of bars and music venues. The nightlife scene is particularly active during the summer months when visitors head to the beach, but throughout the year you'll find tachinomiya standing bars, international style pubs, and jazz clubs where locals like to hang out.

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 Kamakura or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Beaches?

Kamakura is a good destination for the beach. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a beach destination.

Kamakura offers a nice beach destination. Many locals from Tokyo or Yokohama head here during July and August to cool off at the beach, relax in the sun, and go surfing. The beaches can get crowded, but they're long and sandy and can make for a nice escape.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a beach destination.

Is Kamakura or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for its Old Town?

Kamakura is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Aoraki Mount Cook does not have a historic old town.

Kamakura has an old town worth visiting. It's a quaint historic town with many shrines, temples, and historic landmarks that reflect its long running political past.

Aoraki Mount Cook does not have a historic old town.

Is Kamakura or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Hiking?

Aoraki Mount Cook is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its hiking trails.

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 Kamakura. Just outside of town there are many hiking trails that crisscross through the wooded hills and connect the many temples. Many of the trails are relatively short and take just an hour or two to complete.

Is the Shopping Better in Kamakura or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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

Kamakura has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. While the city itself is ancient, you can head to Kamakura Komachi-dori Street to find trendy boutiques and modern shopping. This is a popular place to pick up a souvenir or check out the current fashions.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kamakura or Aoraki Mount Cook More Beautiful?

Aoraki Mount Cook is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Kamakura is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Aoraki Mount Cook as well. As the highest peak in New Zealand, this is a stunningly beautiful destination with glaciers, pristine forests, and world class views.

Kamakura is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kamakura or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Kamakura or Aoraki Mount Cook.

Kamakura is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a town that's filled with history and character, which isn't every kids cup of tea. If you're traveling with young kids you might want to head to beach for a bit. There are also ice cream and donut shops that you can use as well to break up the sightseeing.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a family-friendly coastal city. 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 Kamakura or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Couples?

Aoraki Mount Cook is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Kamakura makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Many couples enjoy visiting this quaint town as a day trip from Tokyo. There are impressive temples as well as restaurants and gardens.

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

Both Kamakura and Aoraki Mount Cook are notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kamakura. It's an easy day trip from Tokyo, but there are also some affordable hostels that make it an easy place to spend the night.

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

Kamakura 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 Kamakura offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a city bus system, but for the more remote places you'll want to take a taxi.

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 Kamakura or Aoraki Mount Cook a more walkable city?

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

Kamakura is a somewhat walkable coastal city. It's a small city, and most of the sights can be reached on foot.

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

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

How long in Kamakura or Aoraki Mount Cook?

It's fun to spend time in either Kamakura 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, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kamakura, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aoraki Mount Cook.

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

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

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

One day in Kamakura or Aoraki Mount Cook?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Kamakura, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. 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 Kamakura or Aoraki Mount Cook?

With museums and nightlife around the quaint coastal city of Kamakura, 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 Kamakura or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back destination of Kamakura. 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 Kamakura or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Kamakura is a popular choice for travelers. This coastal 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 Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Kamakura and Aoraki Mount Cook, we can see that Aoraki Mount Cook 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 Kamakura is in Asia and Aoraki Mount Cook 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 Kamakura Expensive? and Is Aoraki Mount Cook Expensive?.