A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Beijing vs. Fiordland National Park for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Beijing or Fiordland National Park?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Fiordland National Park 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.

Beijing

Beijing is a cultural, fascinating, and historic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Beijing is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Beijing travel costs.

Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is a iconic, breathtaking, and world famous national park. The famous beauty of Fiordland National Park is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Fiordland National Park travel costs.

Beijing and Fiordland National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
  • Home to the Forbidden City
Things to Consider
  • Less charming
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Milford Track
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Beijing or Fiordland National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Beijing than Fiordland National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Beijing is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Fiordland National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Beijing is more touristy than Fiordland National Park and is popular for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. Also, Beijing is famous for The Forbidden City. Fiordland National Park is well known for its world renowned hiking trails and stunning natural environments.

How is Beijing different from Fiordland National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Beijing or Fiordland National Park?

Beijing
Fiordland National Park

Beijing is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Fiordland National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Beijing from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

Fiordland National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Beijing or Fiordland National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beijing
Fiordland National Park

Beijing is a world-class destination for its restaurants. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Beijing has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Fiordland National Park. Te Anau is a town that serves as the basecamp for the park, and there are a range of restaurants and cafes there. Once you're in the park the dining options are limited, so it's best to come prepared with your own food supplies.

Is Beijing or Fiordland National Park Better for Nightlife?

Beijing
Fiordland National Park

Beijing is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Beijing has a large number of nightlife venues. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Fiordland National Park. There are few amenities in the park, so bring your own drinks and supplies.

Is Beijing or Fiordland National Park Better for Hiking?

Beijing
Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Beijing is not a hiking destination.

Around Fiordland National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The park has world class hiking, and this is the main activity for most visitors. There are three main trails in the park, as well as many shorter hikes that you can do. Milford Track is probably the most famous hike, and it is often considered one of the best hikes in the world. Routeburn Track is a multi-day trek that passes through a variety of environments and landscapes. Other popular trails include Kepler Track, Hollyford Track, and Dusky Track.

Beijing is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Fiordland National Park?

Beijing
Fiordland National Park

Beijing is a very popular place for shopping. However, Fiordland National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Fiordland National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Beijing or Fiordland National Park More Beautiful?

Beijing
Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Fiordland National Park is one of the main draws. This is one of the most beautiful parks in New Zealand. It has striking mountains, dramatic fjords, and pristine beech forests.

Beijing is a gorgeous place to visit. The parks, gardens, palaces, and temples all offer a glimpse into the past, while also letting you enjoy the city and culture that exists today.

Is Beijing or Fiordland National Park Better for Families?

Beijing
Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Fiordland National Park is an extremely popular national park to visit for families. It's the largest national park in New Zealand, and it makes a great playground for the whole family. It's the perfect place to go for a hike or learn about the natural world. There are dolphins and seals, waterfalls, and glowworm caves. There are also fun adventures like kayaking and jet skiing.

Beijing offers lots of family activities. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.


Is Beijing or Fiordland National Park Better for Couples?

Beijing
Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Fiordland National Park is a great national park for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Couples who love the great outdoors will be in heaven in this stunning national park. There's gorgeous scenery, romantic boat trips, and world class hikes that are not to be missed.

Beijing is a nice destination for couples. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

Is Beijing or Fiordland National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing
Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Fiordland National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. As the largest national park in New Zealand, this is a world class backpackers destination and it is filled with amazing multi-day treks and once in a lifetime experiences.

Beijing is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

Is Beijing or Fiordland National Park Better for Students?

Beijing
Fiordland National Park

Beijing is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Fiordland National Park is not popular with students.

Beijing is very popular with students. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

Fiordland National Park is not popular with students.


Is Beijing or Fiordland National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Beijing
Fiordland National Park

Beijing is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Visitors to Beijing can move around easily with public transportation. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Fiordland National Park. Public transit is basically nonexistent in the park and there are few roads as well. Even so, having your own car is important as it gives you the flexibility to reach the sections that you want to visit.

Is Beijing or Fiordland National Park a more walkable city?

Beijing
Fiordland National Park

Beijing and Fiordland National Park both are respectable when exploring on foot.

Beijing is generally not very walkable. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

Fiordland National Park is generally not a very walkable city. There are trails throughout the park and it's possible to access it on foot via Routeburn Track from Mt. Aspiring National Park.

For even more information, also check out Is Beijing Worth Visiting? and Is Fiordland National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fiordland National Park or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Fiordland National Park?

Beijing and Fiordland National Park both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Beijing than Fiordland National Park because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Beijing, and 3-6 days is enough time in Fiordland National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Beijing than Fiordland 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 Beijing.


  • How many days in Beijing or Fiordland National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Beijing 3-7 
    Fiordland National Park 3-6

One day in Beijing or Fiordland National Park?

People visit Beijing because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Fiordland National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


A weekend in Beijing or Fiordland National Park?

Beijing is a popular choice for travelers. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Fiordland National Park, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Beijing or Fiordland National Park?

Beijing is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Fiordland National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Fiordland National Park has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Beijing or Fiordland National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beijing. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fiordland National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Fiordland National Park. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Fiordland National Park or Beijing?

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

  • Beijing Prices
    China Prices
    Fiordland National Park Prices
    New Zealand Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Beijing $91
    Fiordland National Park $113

The average daily cost (per person) in Beijing is $91, while the average daily cost in Fiordland National Park is $113. 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 Beijing and Fiordland National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Beijing $40
    Fiordland National Park $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Beijing $80
    Fiordland National Park $96
Compare Hotels in Beijing and Fiordland National Park

Looking for a hotel in Beijing or Fiordland 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 Beijing


Hotels in Fiordland 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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Beijing $7.83
    Fiordland National Park $41
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:


  • Taxi
    $4.78
  • Train from Airport for Two
    $7.01
  • Taxi to Hotel
    $8.41
  • 2 Metro Passes
    $2.24
  • Metro
    $0.56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:

  • [Airport Transfer] Beijing Capital Airport ⇔ Beijing City Transfer (one way) ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $25
  • VIP Mutianyu Great Wall Tour: Expert Guide & Private Transfer: $87
  • Universal Beijing Resort Private Transfer one way, City/Airport: $45
  • Ultimate Forbidden City and Mutianyu Great Wall Discovery with Airport Transfer: $186
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Beijing APT-HTL (PEK): $41
  • Transfer: Beijing City Center to Beijing Airport (PEK): $42
  • Transfer: Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) to Beijing City: $40
  • Transfer to Daxing Intl Airport : $60
  • Transfer to Beijing Capital Intl Airport : $35
  • Transfer from Daxing Intl Airport : $60
  • Tianjin Port Private transfers to Beijing Hotel&optionals: $219
  • Tianjin International Cruise Port to Beijing Capital Airport by private transfer: $148

Is it cheaper to fly into Beijing or Fiordland National Park?

Prices for flights to both Fiordland National Park and Beijing 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
    Beijing $34
    Fiordland National Park $39
Typical Food Prices in Beijing

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:


  • Popcorn
    $0.84
  • Hot Pot Dinner
    $7.01
  • Dumpling Breakfast for Two
    $2.80
  • Watermelon
    $1.96
  • Peking Duck Dinner for 2
    $17
  • Two Popsicles
    $0.84

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.

  • Online Cooking Class Kungpao Chicken: $20
  • Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
  • Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
  • Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $45
  • Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
  • Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $54
  • China's Favourite Street Food Cooking Workshop: $55
  • Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
  • Private Local Food Tour in Beijing with a Local Guide: $59
  • Beijing Walking Food Tour with a Local Friend: $60
  • Authentic Local Food Tour in Center Beijing: $70
  • Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $72

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Beijing $24
    Fiordland National Park $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing

Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entry to Summer Palace for Two
    $8.41
  • Two Opera Tickets
    $60
  • Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)
    $9.81
  • Forbidden City (for 2)
    $17
  • Forbidden City Tickets
    $17
  • Audio Guides at Forbidden City
    $11

Tours and Activities in Beijing

Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1-Day Mutianyu Great Wall and Beijing Airport Drop off Tour: $235
  • 4-Hour Beijing Layover Tour to Hutong from Daxing Airport: $145
  • All Inclusive Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Private Tour: $188
  • All Inclusive Private Tour: Juyongguan Greatwall, Sacred Road, MingTombs : $180
  • Beijing 2 Summer Palace Private Garden Tour: $140
  • Beijing Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall with English Driver : $121
  • Beijing Private Tour of Ming Tombs, Summer Palace, Bird's Nest and Water Cube: $297
  • China Art Museum and 798 Art Zone Private Tour: $137
  • China National Museum Ticket Pre-booking and Tiananmen Square : $9.50
  • Forbidden City Private Walking Tour with Optional Sights: $81
  • Forbidden City Tour : $116
  • Forbidden city with Tian'anmen square layover tour of Beijing : $240

Tours and Activities in Fiordland National Park

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

  • Te Anau: River Jet Boat and Bike Ride Tour with Local Guide: $141
  • Milford Sound: Premium Small Group Cruise with Canape Lunch: $404

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Beijing $12
    Fiordland National Park $8.03

Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:

  • Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
  • Tipsy Travel: Beijing Local Food and Bar Crawl night in Hutong: $158
  • 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
  • Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $199
  • Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238


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

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