A Travel Price Comparison for New Zealand Auckland vs. Milford Sound for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Auckland or Milford Sound?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Auckland and Milford Sound can help you decide which place is right for you.

Auckland

Auckland is a adrenaline-filled, thrill-seeking, and cosmopolitan city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. 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. Visitors also love the skiing and hiking.

Auckland and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Auckland or Milford Sound?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Auckland. Although Auckland and Milford Sound are both popular with visitors, Auckland has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Auckland is more popular for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Milford Sound is known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Auckland is more touristy than Milford Sound and is known for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. It is also home to the Sky Tower. Milford Sound is popular for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Auckland different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Auckland or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Auckland is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Milford Sound. 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.

Auckland is not a skiing destination.

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

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Auckland. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Auckland has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.

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 Auckland or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for nightlife.

Auckland has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

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

Is Auckland or Milford Sound Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Auckland for it's beautiful beaches. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Auckland or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many people visit Milford Sound specifically for its hiking. 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.

Auckland has hiking trails worth exploring. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.

Is the Shopping Better in Auckland or Milford Sound?

Auckland 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 Auckland. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Auckland or Milford Sound Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Auckland or Milford Sound.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Auckland is very family-friendly. There's a big focus on getting kids outside in the city, so you'll find many outdoor parks and play spaces. Popular activities for families include visiting the Huia Lodge Discovery Centre, going to the Museum of Transport and Technology, and wandering through the botanical garden.

Milford Sound is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Auckland or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Both Auckland and Milford Sound are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Auckland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic restaurants in the city, as well as spas, cocktail bars, and evening venues. Couples will also enjoy one of the many thrill-seeking activities that New Zealand is famous for.

Couples visit Milford Sound frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

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

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Auckland. Auckland is high on many backpackers' wish list, and usually they pass through the city at some point during their trip. You'll find a number of hostels in the city that are perfect for socializing and saving money.

Plenty of budget travelers 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 Auckland or Milford Sound Better for Students?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Milford Sound is not popular with students.

Many students visit Auckland. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

Milford Sound is not popular with students.

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

Auckland is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its public transit.

Auckland has some public transit options. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.

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 Auckland or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Auckland is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

Auckland is generally not a very walkable city. It is a very car-centric city and it can be challenging to explore on foot alone.

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 Auckland Worth Visiting? and Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Auckland?

How long in Auckland or Milford Sound?

Auckland and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound than Auckland because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Auckland, and 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

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

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

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

One day in Auckland or Milford Sound?

Auckland is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Auckland or Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auckland. 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 Auckland or Milford Sound?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cosmopolitan big city of Auckland. 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 Auckland or Milford Sound?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Auckland. 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 Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best 10-Day Tours in New Zealand, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Auckland and Milford Sound, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. And not only is Milford Sound much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Milford Sound would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Milford Sound 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 Auckland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Auckland than you might in Milford Sound.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Auckland Expensive? and Is Milford Sound Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Auckland or Milford Sound?

Auckland has a larger population, and is about 960 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Auckland 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.