A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Canberra vs. Fiordland National Park for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Canberra or Fiordland National Park?

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

Should I visit Canberra or Fiordland 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.

Canberra

Canberra is a under-rated, cultural, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is a stunning, iconic, and breathtaking national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking.

Canberra and Fiordland National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Canberra. Although Canberra and Fiordland National Park are popular destinations, Canberra has more sights and attractions for tourists. Canberra is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Fiordland National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Fiordland National Park is more touristy than Canberra and is known for its world renowned hiking trails and stunning natural environments. Canberra is famous for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves. It is also well known for the Australian War Memorial.

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

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

Canberra is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Fiordland National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Canberra specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

Fiordland National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Canberra is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Canberra. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

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 Canberra or Fiordland National Park Better for Nightlife?

Canberra is very good for nightlife. However, Fiordland National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Canberra. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

Fiordland National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Canberra or Fiordland National Park Better for Hiking?

Fiordland National Park is terrific for its hiking trails. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

People visit Fiordland National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Canberra. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Canberra or Fiordland National Park?

Canberra is very good for shopping. However, Fiordland National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Canberra. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Fiordland National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Canberra or Fiordland National Park Better for Families?

Fiordland National Park is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Fiordland National Park is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Canberra is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

Is Canberra or Fiordland National Park Better for Couples?

Fiordland National Park is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Fiordland National Park makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Canberra is a good city for couples to visit. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

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

Fiordland National Park is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Canberra is lacking in options for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Fiordland National Park is extremely popular 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.

Canberra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Despite being the capital city, few backpackers actually spend much time in town. There are some budget-friendly motels if you're stopping by.

Is Canberra or Fiordland National Park Better for Students?

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

Canberra is very popular with students. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

Fiordland National Park is not popular with students.

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

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

Canberra has some public transit options. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

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 Canberra or Fiordland National Park a more walkable city?

Canberra is very good for its walkability. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Canberra is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

Fiordland National Park is generally not very walkable. 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 Canberra Worth Visiting? and Is Fiordland National Park Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Canberra or Fiordland National Park?

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

Families should spend more time in Fiordland National Park than Canberra. 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.

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

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

One day in Canberra or Fiordland National Park?

You'll find nightlife and food around the under-rated city of Canberra. 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.

The beautiful national park of Fiordland National Park offers . 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 Canberra or Fiordland National Park?

Canberra is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Fiordland National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Canberra or Fiordland National Park?

Canberra is a great place to explore. 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Fiordland National Park 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 Fiordland National Park, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Canberra or Fiordland National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Canberra. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Fiordland National Park 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 national park offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in Australia, The Best Eco Tours in Australia, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand.

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

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