A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Adelaide vs. Milford Sound for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Adelaide or Milford Sound?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Adelaide and Milford Sound can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Adelaide

Adelaide is a welcoming, friendly, and under-rated city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a world renowned, remote, and iconic fiord. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include skiing and hiking.

Adelaide and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Adelaide or Milford Sound?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Adelaide than Milford Sound, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Adelaide is better known for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Milford Sound is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Adelaide is well known for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events. Also, Adelaide is famous for the Adelaide Botanic Garden. Milford Sound is well known for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Adelaide different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Milford Sound and Adelaide. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Adelaide or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Adelaide is not a skiing destination.

Milford Sound offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Adelaide is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Adelaide or Milford Sound?

Adelaide is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Adelaide. There are some interesting buildings along North Terrace such as the Parliament House, the State Library of South Australia, and the South Australian Museum. At the Botanic Garden there's the Santos Museum of Economic Botany. Also make sure you check out the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Adelaide or Milford Sound? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Adelaide is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Adelaide is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There's great wine, local restaurants, and charming cafes. You'll find local dishes as well as international flavors around town. The local produce is good and the restaurants offer fresh and delicious recipes.

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Adelaide or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Adelaide is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Adelaide. The nightlife scene is filled with rooftop bars, live music venues, and boutique wine bars. Whether you're looking for trendy and luxury or casual and laid back, there are many places to spend a night out.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Milford Sound. Things get quiet at night and there's little in the form of nightlife.

Is Adelaide or Milford Sound Better for Beaches?

Adelaide is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Adelaide for it's beautiful beaches. Part of what makes the city's beaches so great is how accessible they are. You don't have to go far to be at some of the area's best beaches. Glenelg is a family-friendly beach near town. It's also the most popular and most accessible. Brighton is relaxed with cafes and small restaurants nearby. And for seafood, head to Henley.

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Adelaide or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is renowned for its hiking trails. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Milford Sound visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

Adelaide offers some nice hiking trails. Outside of town there are national parks and reserves with hiking trails. You don't have to go far to explore the coastline or bushland in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Adelaide or Milford Sound?

Adelaide is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Adelaide. Rundle Mall is the most well known shopping area in town. You'll find boutique shops as well as large department stores. Whether you're looking for international fashion brands or something more local, there are many places to explore.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Adelaide or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Milford Sound is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Milford Sound is a very family-friendly destination. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Adelaide. There are kids museums, water parks, playgrounds, and beaches that are fun to explore with children. The city has a family-friendly vibe with kid-friendly restaurants and a welcoming personality.

Is Adelaide or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Milford Sound is a very popular place for romance. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Milford Sound makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

Adelaide makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. A great date activity is a night at the opera. There are also boat rides, hot air balloon rides, and nice restaurants that make for a fun evening out.

Is Adelaide or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Adelaide and Milford Sound are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Adelaide is a good city to visit for backpackers. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but those who venture here will enjoy a great wine scene, beautiful beaches, and lively festivals.

Plenty of backpackers visit Milford Sound. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

Is Adelaide or Milford Sound Better for Students?

Adelaide is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Milford Sound is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Adelaide. It's a friendly and affordable city that has a nice student culture. It's very livable and accessible to other interesting places.

Milford Sound is not popular with students.

Is Adelaide or Milford Sound Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Adelaide is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its public transit.

Adelaide offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center.

Public transit is generally limited in Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

Is Adelaide or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Adelaide is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

Adelaide is a very walkable destination. The city is compact and laid out in a grid pattern, so it's easy to explore on foot.

Milford Sound is not a walkable city. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Adelaide Worth Visiting? and Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Adelaide?

How long in Adelaide or Milford Sound?

Adelaide and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound than Adelaide because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Adelaide, and 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Adelaide than Milford Sound 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 Adelaide.

One day in Adelaide or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the elegant destination of Adelaide. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The beautiful fiord of Milford Sound offers skiing. 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 Adelaide or Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Adelaide. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Milford Sound is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this fiord 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 Milford Sound, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Adelaide or Milford Sound?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly destination of Adelaide. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Milford Sound is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Milford Sound, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Adelaide or Milford Sound?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Adelaide. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Milford Sound 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 fiord offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Australia, The Best Budget Tours to Australia, The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Adelaide and Milford Sound, we can see that Milford Sound 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 Adelaide Expensive? and Is Milford Sound Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Adelaide or Milford Sound?

Adelaide has a larger population, and is about 2470 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Adelaide and Milford Sound, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.