A Travel Price Comparison for New Zealand Wellington vs. Mount Aspiring National Park for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Wellington or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

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

Should I visit Wellington or Mount Aspiring National Park? 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.

Wellington

Wellington is a compact, laid-back, and funky city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Wellington travel costs.

Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a breathtaking, undeveloped, and remote national park. Mount Aspiring National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking. See Mount Aspiring National Park travel costs.

Wellington and Mount Aspiring National Park : Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Wellington or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Wellington than Mount Aspiring National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Wellington is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Mount Aspiring National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Wellington is more touristy than Mount Aspiring National Park and is popular for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches. Also, Wellington is famous for Zealandia Ecosanctuary. Mount Aspiring National Park is well known for its mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes.

How is Wellington different from Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mount Aspiring National Park and Wellington. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Wellington or Mount Aspiring National Park?

Wellington
Mount Aspiring National Park

Wellington is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Wellington offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Wellington or Mount Aspiring National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Wellington
Mount Aspiring National Park

Wellington is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Wellington. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

Mount Aspiring National Park has a small number of restaurants to choose from. Bring plenty of food supplies, because amenities are in short supply in many parts of the park.

Is Wellington or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Nightlife?

Wellington
Mount Aspiring National Park

Wellington is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for its evening party scene.

Wellington offers plenty to do in the evening. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

Mount Aspiring National Park doesn't offer many options. Stargazing is the best nightlife in the area.

Is Wellington or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Beaches?

Wellington
Mount Aspiring National Park

Wellington is a well-known place for the beach. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Wellington. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a beach destination.


Is Wellington or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Hiking?

Wellington
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

People visit Mount Aspiring National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are many different types of trails in the park that range from shorter day hikes to multi-day hikes. The difficulty level doesn't always correspond to the length of the hike, so do your research before you set out. Some of the most known hikes in the area are the Blue Pools Track, the Rob Roy Track, the Routeburn Track, and the challenging Cascade Saddle Route.

Many people include a hike when visiting Wellington. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

Is the Shopping Better in Wellington or Mount Aspiring National Park?

Wellington
Mount Aspiring National Park

Wellington is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Wellington is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Wellington or Mount Aspiring National Park More Beautiful?

Wellington
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Wellington is not a destination known for its beauty.

Mount Aspiring National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The stunning mountain scenery and pristine, rugged hikes make this a truly spectacular alpine setting.

Wellington is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Wellington or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Families?

Wellington
Mount Aspiring National Park

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Wellington or Mount Aspiring National Park.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Wellington is very family-friendly. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.

Mount Aspiring National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The park offers a stunning natural setting that will inspire a child's love of nature. There are a number of kid-friendly hikes in the park with some of the most popular being the Blue Pools Track, Routeburn Nature Walk, the Roaring Billy Falls Walk, and the Thunder Creek Falls Walk.

Is Wellington or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Couples?

Wellington
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Mount Aspiring National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with inspiring scenery and a breathtaking mountain setting, this park is perfect for couples who appreciate nature's beauty. There are hiking trails, waterfalls, and striking views that will spark the romance in any relationship.

Wellington is a good city for couples to visit. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

Is Wellington or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Wellington
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Mount Aspiring National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. Set in the beautiful Southern Alps, backpackers will love exploring the impressive mountain scenery and breathtaking views.

Wellington is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow backpackers to hang out with.


Is Wellington or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Students?

Wellington
Mount Aspiring National Park

Wellington is a nice place to visit for students. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not popular with students.

Wellington is a good city to visit for students. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not popular with students.

Is Wellington or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Wellington
Mount Aspiring National Park

Wellington is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Wellington can get you to some places easily. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

Public transit is mostly limited in Mount Aspiring National Park. It's possible to arrange transportation to the trailheads from Te Anau or Wanaka.

Is Wellington or Mount Aspiring National Park a more walkable city?

Wellington
Mount Aspiring National Park

Wellington is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Mount Aspiring National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for its ease of walking around.

Wellington is a very walkable city. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a somewhat walkable city. There are day hikes as well as mult-day back country hikes through the park.


For even more information, also check out Is Wellington Worth Visiting? and Is Mount Aspiring National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mount Aspiring National Park or Wellington?

How long in Wellington or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

In either Wellington or Mount Aspiring National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Mount Aspiring National Park than Wellington because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Wellington, and 2-5 days is enough time in Mount Aspiring National Park .

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Wellington than Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Wellington.


  • How many days in Wellington or Mount Aspiring National Park ? Ideal Length of Stay
    Wellington 2-3 
    Mount Aspiring National Park  2-5

One day in Wellington or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

The funky destination of Wellington offers shopping and museums. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With around the rugged national park of Mount Aspiring National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Wellington or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wellington. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Wellington has to offer.

With around the destination of Mount Aspiring National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this national park.

Five days in Wellington or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Wellington is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Mount Aspiring National Park, a popular national park, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this national park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Wellington or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

You'll find food and shopping around the laid-back city of Wellington. Most people come for the beaches. It offers something for everyone. 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Mount Aspiring National Park or Wellington?

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

  • Wellington Prices
    New Zealand Prices
    Mount Aspiring National Park Prices
    New Zealand Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Wellington $124
    Mount Aspiring National Park $122

The average daily cost (per person) in Wellington is $124, while the average daily cost in Mount Aspiring National Park is $122. 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 Wellington and Mount Aspiring National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Wellington $60
    Mount Aspiring National Park $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Wellington $120
    Mount Aspiring National Park $116
Compare Hotels in Wellington and Mount Aspiring National Park

Looking for a hotel in Wellington or Mount Aspiring National Park ? 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 Wellington


Hotels in Mount Aspiring National Park


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Wellington Hotel Prices and Mount Aspiring National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Wellington $12
    Mount Aspiring National Park $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Wellington

Also for Wellington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Wellington Airport (WLG) to Wellington Port: $26
  • Private Transfer from Wellington Port to Wellington Airport (WLG): $26
  • Wētā Workshop Guided Tour Ticket + Transfer: $57
  • Private Large SUV Airport Transfers Wellington - Executive Travel: $58
  • Wētā Workshop Guided Transfers & Tour: $59
  • Private Airport Transfer Service Vice Versa in Wellington by SUV: $75
  • WLG Airport to City Private RoundTrip Transfer: $93
  • Private Transfer from Wellington hotels to Wellington Cruise Port: $106
  • Wellington Airport(WLG) to Wellington-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $156

Is it cheaper to fly into Wellington or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Prices for flights to both Mount Aspiring National Park and Wellington 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
    Wellington $51
    Mount Aspiring National Park $32
Typical Food Prices in Wellington

For Wellington, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner
    $8.87

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Wellington

For Wellington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 3 Hour Walking Food Tour: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Wellington $16
    Mount Aspiring National Park $29

Tours and Activities in Wellington

For Wellington, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Return Cable Car Ticket: $6.95
  • Wellington Zoo General Entry Tickets: $15
  • Private Group Puzzle-Solving Adventure Game: Atlantis: $27
  • Private Group Puzzle-Solving Adventure Game: Temple: $27
  • Private Group Puzzle-Solving Adventure Game: Spaceship: $27
  • Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Entry Ticket: $28
  • Wētā Workshop Guided Tour Ticket: $32
  • Wētā Workshop Creative Classes Experience Ticket: $32
  • Wētā Workshop Experiences Tour - Wellington: $33
  • Axe Throwing Lesson and Tournament: $33
  • Zealandia by Day Tour: $37
  • Auckland: Wētā Workshop Unleashed Creative Classes Ticket: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Wellington $12
    Mount Aspiring National Park $5.07

Sample the Local Flavors in Wellington

Also in Wellington, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wellington Craft Brewery Half-Day Guided Tour with Tastings: $99
  • From Martinborough Wine Tasting Tour: $168
  • Exclusive Martinborough Wine Tour: $210
  • Chefs Private Martinborough wine tour with Gourmet Lunch: $391


When comparing the travel costs between Wellington and Mount Aspiring National Park , we can see that Wellington 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. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Wellington Expensive? and Is Mount Aspiring National Park Expensive?.