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

Should you visit Surabaya or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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

Should I visit Surabaya 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.

Surabaya

Surabaya is a undiscovered, authentic, and local city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Surabaya travel costs.

Aoraki Mount Cook

Aoraki Mount Cook is a scenic, dramatic, and breathtaking mountain. The famous beauty of Aoraki Mount Cook is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Aoraki Mount Cook travel costs.

Surabaya and Aoraki Mount Cook: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Surabaya. Although Surabaya and Aoraki Mount Cook are popular destinations, Surabaya has more sights and attractions for tourists. Surabaya is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Aoraki Mount Cook attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Aoraki Mount Cook is more touristy than Surabaya and is popular for its glaciers, alpine setting, and being the highest mountain in New Zealand. Surabaya is famous for its role in Indonesia's independence revolution. It is also well known for the Submarine Monument.

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

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

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

While most people don't head to Surabaya specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You'll likely pass through town on your way somewhere else, but if you have some time to kill, check out Suramadu Bridge, the House of Sampoerna, Cheng Hoo Mosque, Sanggar Agung Temple, and Ampel Mosque. It's also worth a visit to the Submarine Museum and the Heroes Monument.

Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Surabaya is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's a port city, and the cuisine reflexs this. You'll find a mix of different flavors that combine Javanese, Chinese, Arabic, Dutch, and Indian cuisines. Dishes include a lot of vegetables as well as tofu and tempeh. Many dishes are also sweet in flavor or incredibly spicy.

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 Surabaya or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Nightlife?

Surabaya 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 Surabaya has a few options to choose from. Like the rest of the city, the nightlife scene has a local vibe. There are night markets, fascinating neighborhoods, and some lively clubs and bars.

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 Surabaya or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Beaches?

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

Surabaya offers a nice beach destination. You'll find a few beaches within a short drive of the city center. Some of the popular ones include Ria Kenjeran Beach, Bentar Beach, and Delegan Beach.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a beach destination.

Is Surabaya or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Hiking?

Aoraki Mount Cook is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

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.

Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Surabaya or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Surabaya is great for its shopping areas. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Surabaya. The city has a great mix of air-conditioned mega-malls and colorful street markets. Bratang Market has become a favorite but it's also worth checking out Tugu Pahlawan Market and Ampel Market.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Surabaya or Aoraki Mount Cook More Beautiful?

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

The famous beauty of Aoraki Mount Cook is one of the main draws. As the highest peak in New Zealand, this is a stunningly beautiful destination with glaciers, pristine forests, and world class views.

Surabaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Surabaya or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Families?

Aoraki Mount Cook is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Aoraki Mount Cook. 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.

For families, Surabaya is not always the best place to visit. You'll like be passing through this city enroute to somewhere else, but if you have some time to kill, check out the Submarine Museum. You can also wander through the market area of Qubah or explore Chinatown.

Is Surabaya or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Couples?

Aoraki Mount Cook is an unbeatable place for couples. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for romance.

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.

Surabaya is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are some sights an museums that you can visit while you're in town.

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

Aoraki Mount Cook is a popular place for backpackers. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Surabaya is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town but most backpackers don't spend more than a night in town.

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

Surabaya 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 Surabaya. There's a bus system, but it's mostly used by locals. There are two types of buses - normal buses and patas buses, which are express.

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 Surabaya or Aoraki Mount Cook a more walkable city?

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

Surabaya is a very walkable destination. It's one of the more walkable cities in Indonesia and it has the feel of a bunch of neighborhoods combined together.

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

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

How long in Surabaya or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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

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

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

One day in Surabaya or Aoraki Mount Cook?

When visiting Surabaya, people usually allow for lots of time. 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 Surabaya or Aoraki Mount Cook?

When visiting Surabaya, people usually allow for lots of time. 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 Surabaya or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the authentic big city of Surabaya. 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 Surabaya or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Surabaya 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, The Best 10-Day Tours in Indonesia, 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 Surabaya and Aoraki Mount Cook, we can see that Aoraki Mount Cook is more expensive. And not only is Surabaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Surabaya 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 Surabaya would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Surabaya 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 Surabaya.

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