A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chichibu-Tama-Kai vs. Milford Sound for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a natural, beautiful, and peaceful national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a iconic, breathtaking, and world renowned fiord. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include skiing and hiking.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Milford Sound?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Milford Sound than Chichibu-Tama-Kai, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Milford Sound is better known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai is more popular for its museums & sights and food. Chichibu-Tama-Kai is well known for its beautiful hikes and accessibility from Tokyo. Milford Sound is well known for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains. Also, Milford Sound is famous for Mitre Peak.

How is Chichibu-Tama-Kai different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is great for skiing. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Milford Sound?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Chichibu-Tama-Kai specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are hikes that pass by historic villages and you'll see several ancient shrines such as Musashi-Mitake-jinja Shrine. Between the months of June and November you may even be able to see kagura, which is a traditional Shinto dance performance that has been passed down through the generations.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Milford Sound? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a decent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a couple of restaurants in and near the park, but if you're going for a longer hike, you're better off packing your own picnic.

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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Neither Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Milford Sound offer decent nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Chichibu-Tama-Kai Soaking up the natural beauty is what brings people here, not the nightlife.

People don't go to Milford Sound for the nightlife. Things get quiet at night and there's little in the form of nightlife.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is a must-visit destination for hiking. Also, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a popular spot for hiking. There are a range of hikes in this park that include everything from day trip hikes and multi-day treks with camping and mountain huts available. The trails run along gorges, pass by lakes, and take you through pristine forests.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Milford Sound are very good to visit with kids.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very family-friendly destination. This national park offers educational programs, hiking, and outdoor adventures that the entire family can enjoy. If you kids need a break from history and cities, then this is the perfect place to reconnect with nature for a few days.

Milford Sound is a very kid-friendly national park. 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Milford Sound are very good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. Hiking, natural beauty, and adrenaline-filled adventures all make this a wonderful couples destination for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of town.

Milford Sound is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Milford Sound are notable places to visit.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a good national park to visit for backpackers. It's less than two hours from Tokyo, so backpackers can enjoy easy access to an accessible natural area.

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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Milford Sound Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Milford Sound both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's recommended that you have a car to efficiently explore the park. There are some bus options within the park, such as the Nishi Tokyo Bus that runs to popular hiking spots in the Okutama and Mitake areas and the Yamanashi Kotsu bus service that goes to trails in Yamanashi.

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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

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

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very walkable destination. There are hiking trails that cater to every level, from beginner to more experienced.

Milford Sound is not a walkable national park. 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai Worth Visiting? and Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

How long in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Milford Sound?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound than Chichibu-Tama-Kai because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Chichibu-Tama-Kai, and 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai.

One day in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the relaxing destination of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With skiing around the destination of Milford Sound, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

With skiing around the remote fiord of Milford Sound, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Milford Sound?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the relaxing destination of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park 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.

With skiing around the breathtaking destination of Milford Sound, there's plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. If you have five days, this fiord makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

A week in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Milford Sound?

You'll find around the beautiful national park of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Milford Sound is a popular choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. This fiord offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Contiki Tours to Japan, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Milford Sound, we can see that Milford Sound is more expensive. And not only is Chichibu-Tama-Kai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Chichibu-Tama-Kai is in Asia and Milford Sound 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Milford Sound would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Milford Sound than you might in Chichibu-Tama-Kai.

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