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

Should you visit Ubud or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Ubud and Aoraki Mount Cook. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Ubud

Ubud is a famous, cultural, and breathtaking town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Ubud offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Ubud 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.

Ubud and Aoraki Mount Cook: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ubud. Although Ubud and Aoraki Mount Cook are popular destinations, Ubud has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ubud is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, shopping, and small town charm, while Aoraki Mount Cook attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Ubud is more touristy than Aoraki Mount Cook and is popular for its cultural and religious sites, dramatic rice paddies, and local handicrafts. It is also well known for Tegallalang rice terrace. Aoraki Mount Cook is famous for its glaciers, alpine setting, and being the highest mountain in New Zealand.

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

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

Ubud 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 Ubud. The town is filled with temples and cultural sights such as the Ubud Monkey Forest, Goa Gajah (the Elephant Cave), the Ubud Royal Palace, and the Blanco Renaissance Museum.

Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Ubud is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Ubud, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. You'll find some of the best restaurants on Bali in this town. There is everything from family-owned eateries to award winning restaurants. Dishes range from vegan to meat-filled and you'll find both local favorites and western cuisine.

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 Ubud or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Nightlife?

Ubud 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 Ubud has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is mostly focused on cultural activities and live music. Many people head here to escape the party scene that is so popular elsewhere on the island.

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 Ubud or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Resorts?

Ubud is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Ubud for its luxury resorts. You'll find beautiful luxury resorts with impressive pools and dramatic landscapes.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a resort destination.

Is Ubud or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Hiking?

Aoraki Mount Cook is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Aoraki Mount Cook is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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 visitors go to Ubud for the hiking trails. There are many stunning walks and hikes just outside of town. There are stunning views from Campuhan Ridge Walk, which is best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset. Jalan Subak Sok Wayah Walk will take you through the rice paddies and Kajeng Rice Field Walk is close to town but tucked away from the crowds. One of the biggest draws of the area is the Tegallalang Rice Terraces Walk.

Is the Shopping Better in Ubud or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Ubud. Head to the Ubud shopping street for boutiques, markets, and local items. The town has grown into a shopper's paradise with many Balinese handicrafts around.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ubud or Aoraki Mount Cook More Beautiful?

Aoraki Mount Cook is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and 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.

Ubud is a gorgeous place to visit. It's a stunning setting, which makes it appealing to tourists, but to truly enjoy the beauty you'll want to get a bit outside of town.

Is Ubud or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Families?

Both Ubud and Aoraki Mount Cook are nice family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ubud. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the jungles and rice paddies. There are also many great restaurants that are family-friend. Ubud is a bit cooler than the beach towns of Bali, so kids will enjoy an escape from the hotter temperatures.

Aoraki Mount Cook offers lots of family activities. 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 Ubud or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Couples?

Ubud and Aoraki Mount Cook both terrific destinations for a couple.

Ubud is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Honeymooners flock to this small town for its stunning scenery and beautiful temples. There are luxury hotels, spas, massages, and poolside escapes that will make for the perfect honeymoon. You'll also find world class restaurants and breathtaking hikes in the area.

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.

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

Ubud is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Aoraki Mount Cook is not as popular, but is still a nice mountain for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Ubud. If you need a break from the party scene on Bali, then you'll enjoy the reprieve of this small town. There are still plenty of backpackers and hostels, but the town itself offers a more relaxed setting.

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.

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

Ubud 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 Ubud. Many people hire a vehicle or driver to explore the area. There are also tourist shuttles around with Perama Shuttle being one of the most established.

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 Ubud or Aoraki Mount Cook a more walkable city?

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

Ubud is a very walkable destination. The town is generally walkable and easy to explore on foot, but you'll need other transportation if you want to get outside of town.

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

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

How long in Ubud or Aoraki Mount Cook?

It's fun to spend time in either Ubud or Aoraki Mount Cook. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Ubud due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Ubud, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aoraki Mount Cook.

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

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

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

One day in Ubud or Aoraki Mount Cook?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Ubud, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Aoraki Mount Cook. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Ubud or Aoraki Mount Cook?

With museums and nightlife around the cultural town of Ubud, 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. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Ubud or Aoraki Mount Cook?

With nightlife and food around the popular destination of Ubud, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

You'll find around the world renowned destination of Aoraki Mount Cook. This mountain offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ubud or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Ubud is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One of the main draws to the area is the food. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The dramatic mountain of Aoraki Mount Cook offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Indonesia, The Best Budget Tours to 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 Ubud and Aoraki Mount Cook, we can see that Ubud is more expensive. And not only is Aoraki Mount Cook much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ubud 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 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 Ubud would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ubud 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 Ubud Expensive? and Is Aoraki Mount Cook Expensive?.