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

Should you visit Mount Bromo or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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

Should I visit Mount Bromo 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.

Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo is a breathtaking, scenic, and spectacular volcano. Many visitors also come to Mount Bromo because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Mount Bromo travel costs.

Aoraki Mount Cook

Aoraki Mount Cook is a dramatic, breathtaking, and world renowned mountain. Many visitors also come to Aoraki Mount Cook because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Aoraki Mount Cook travel costs.

Mount Bromo and Aoraki Mount Cook: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Aoraki Mount Cook than Mount Bromo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Mount Bromo is well known for its sunrise views and scenic setting. Aoraki Mount Cook is well known for its glaciers, alpine setting, and being the highest mountain in New Zealand. Also, Aoraki Mount Cook is famous for the Hooker Valley Track.

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

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

Mount Bromo
Aoraki Mount Cook

Dining out at restaurants in both Mount Bromo and Aoraki Mount Cook can be an enjoyable experience.

Mount Bromo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find cheap noodle and rice dishes at the warungs in Cemoro Lawang. Some hotels have breakfast and you should pick up some food and water for the hike at a grocery store in town. There are also some stalls along the route, some that are open even at 3am to accommodate early hikers.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Aoraki Mount Cook. There are a few cafes and restaurants in the village, but if you're doing any hiking you should pack your own food.


Is Mount Bromo or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Nightlife?

Mount Bromo
Aoraki Mount Cook

Neither Mount Bromo or Aoraki Mount Cook offer decent nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mount Bromo The stars and the early morning hike are the only nightlife you'll find here.

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 Mount Bromo or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Hiking?

Mount Bromo
Aoraki Mount Cook

Aoraki Mount Cook is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Mount Bromo is a popular spot for hiking. The setting is beautiful, and best experienced at sunrise, which means most people hike through the night. Some people take horses and most people organized guided tours.

Is Mount Bromo or Aoraki Mount Cook More Beautiful?

Mount Bromo
Aoraki Mount Cook

Mount Bromo and Aoraki Mount Cook both are comparable with their amazing scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Mount Bromo because of it's amazing beauty. The setting and landscapes are spectacular, particularly at sunrise when most visitors make the trip.

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.


Is Mount Bromo or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Families?

Mount Bromo
Aoraki Mount Cook

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

Mount Bromo offers lots of family activities. It really depends on the age of your kids and their personality and adaptability as to whether this is a good trip for them. Many of the tours start in the middle of the night so you can see the spectacular sunrise. The trip can be a bit uncomfortable, but everyone is guaranteed an adventure!

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 Mount Bromo or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Couples?

Mount Bromo
Aoraki Mount Cook

Aoraki Mount Cook is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano 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.

Mount Bromo is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic sunrises and stunning views make this a wonderful destination for couples. The surroundings are surreal and you will long remember the experience.

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

Mount Bromo
Aoraki Mount Cook

For backpackers, both Mount Bromo and Aoraki Mount Cook are notable places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Mount Bromo. Some backpackers choose to go without a guided tour, and this will let you save money. Cemoro Lawang is the closest town to the volcano.

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

Mount Bromo
Aoraki Mount Cook

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Mount Bromo. Most people visit with a guided tour because this saves a lot of time and allows you to see the sunrise.

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 Mount Bromo or Aoraki Mount Cook a more walkable city?

Mount Bromo
Aoraki Mount Cook

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

Mount Bromo is a somewhat walkable volcano. The walk takes you across the sand and up some stairs. It's usually less than an hour.

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

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

How long in Mount Bromo or Aoraki Mount Cook?

It's fun to spend time in either Mount Bromo 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 Mount Bromo, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aoraki Mount Cook.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mount Bromo 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 Mount Bromo.


  • How many days in Mount Bromo or Aoraki Mount Cook? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mount Bromo 1-2 
    Aoraki Mount Cook 2-4

One day in Mount Bromo or Aoraki Mount Cook?

With around the destination of Mount Bromo, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the dramatic mountain of Aoraki Mount Cook. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A weekend in Mount Bromo or Aoraki Mount Cook?

With around the scenic volcano of Mount Bromo, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking destination of Aoraki Mount Cook. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This mountain offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Mount Bromo or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the spectacular destination of Mount Bromo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

The breathtaking mountain of Aoraki Mount Cook offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Mount Bromo or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Mount Bromo is a popular choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This volcano 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.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Aoraki Mount Cook. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Aoraki Mount Cook or Mount Bromo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mount Bromo is $25, while the average daily cost in Aoraki Mount Cook is $124. 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 Mount Bromo and Aoraki Mount Cook in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mount Bromo $10
    Aoraki Mount Cook $59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mount Bromo $20
    Aoraki Mount Cook $118
Compare Hotels in Mount Bromo and Aoraki Mount Cook

Looking for a hotel in Mount Bromo or Aoraki Mount Cook? 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 Mount Bromo


Hotels in Aoraki Mount Cook


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mount Bromo $7.03
    Aoraki Mount Cook $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Mount Bromo or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Prices for flights to both Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Bromo 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
    Mount Bromo $8.84
    Aoraki Mount Cook $46

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mount Bromo $7.88
    Aoraki Mount Cook $23

Tours and Activities in Aoraki Mount Cook

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Aoraki Mount Cook.

  • 45-Minute Mount Cook Ski Plane and Helicopter Combo Tour: $299
  • Day Tours from Mount Cook: $120
  • Gibbston Valley Wines - Cave Tour : $17
  • Guided Tour with Cheese & Wine Pairing: $21
  • Half-Day Self-Guided Ride and Wine Bike Tour from Arrowtown: $59
  • Moeraki Boulders Self Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Mt Cook & Tasman Glacier lookout Small Group Tour from Queenstown: $150
  • Mt Cook Small Group Scenic Day Tour from Queenstown: $150
  • Mt Cook Tour: Finish at Christchurch, Queenstown or Dunedin: $1,053
  • Mt Cook Tour: Finish at Queenstown, Christchurch or Dunedin: $1,040
  • Mt Cook to Christchurch One-Way Small Group Tour via Lake Tekapo: $108
  • Mt Cook to Lake Tekapo Small Group Tour (one-way): $99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mount Bromo $4.43
    Aoraki Mount Cook $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Aoraki Mount Cook

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Aoraki Mount Cook:

  • Kinross Winery: Classic Central Otago Wine Tasting Experience: $15
  • Gibbston Valley Wine Tour - Self-Guided Audio Tour: $24
  • Kinross Winery: Premium Central Otago Wine Tasting Experience: $45


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mount Bromo and Aoraki Mount Cook, we can see that Aoraki Mount Cook is more expensive. And not only is Mount Bromo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mount Bromo is in Asia and Aoraki Mount Cook is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Mount Bromo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mount Bromo 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 Aoraki Mount Cook would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aoraki Mount Cook than you might in Mount Bromo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mount Bromo Expensive? and Is Aoraki Mount Cook Expensive?.