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

Should you visit Ise 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 Ise 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.

Ise

Ise is a off-the-beaten-path, overlooked, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is a iconic, breathtaking, and world famous national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Ise and Fiordland National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • 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
  • Public transit not as usable


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ise. Although Ise and Fiordland National Park are popular destinations, Ise has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ise is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Fiordland National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Fiordland National Park is more touristy than Ise and is popular for its world renowned hiking trails and stunning natural environments. Ise is famous for its important Shinto shrines and its coastal setting. It is also well known for the Ise Jingu shrine complex.

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

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

Ise
Fiordland National Park

Ise is very good for its museums and history. However, Fiordland National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Ise is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While this is an often overlooked part of Japan for tourists, those who venture here will enjoy strolling through the forest and visiting the shrine complex of Ise Jingu.

Fiordland National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Ise
Fiordland National Park

Ise 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 Ise. You'll find some of Japan's best seafood around town and there are many local delicacies. Head to the downtown area around Iseshi Station to find a high concentration of places. One local specialty is the Japanese spiny lobster (also known as the Ise lobster).

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 Ise or Fiordland National Park Better for Nightlife?

Ise
Fiordland National Park

Ise is a decent place to visit for nightlife. However, Fiordland National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Ise. Most visitors don't stay long enough to take in the nightlife, which is limited.

Fiordland National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Ise or Fiordland National Park Better for Beaches?

Ise
Fiordland National Park

Ise is very good for its beaches. However, Fiordland National Park is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Ise to enjoy the beach. There are several nice and sandy beaches in the area that make for a nice break from the sightseeing.

Fiordland National Park is not a beach destination.


Is Ise or Fiordland National Park Better for Hiking?

Ise
Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Ise 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.

Ise is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ise or Fiordland National Park?

Ise
Fiordland National Park

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Ise. There's a shopping street in town with many of the shops housed in traditional buildings, giving the area a nice character.

Fiordland National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ise or Fiordland National Park Better for Families?

Ise
Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ise 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.

Ise offers lots of family activities. The Ise Jingu Shrine complex is large and sprawling, and has the feel of a park. The kids will likely find visiting all of the temples tedious, but the forest is peaceful and the setting is beautiful.


Is Ise or Fiordland National Park Better for Couples?

Ise
Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Ise is a good city for couples to visit. This is an off-the-beaten path destination that is far more than a shrine - it's a complex of shrines. It's spread out over a large space and filled with forest and peaceful walks that couples will enjoy.

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

Ise
Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Fiordland National Park. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Ise. It's off the radar for many backpackers, but those that make it here will find a couple of hostels and affordable accommodation options.

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

Ise
Fiordland National Park

Ise 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.

Ise has some public transit options. The CAN Bus is a tourist bus that connects the train stations to the main attractions and runs every half hour.

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 Ise or Fiordland National Park a more walkable city?

Ise
Fiordland National Park

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

Ise is somewhat walkable. There are walking paths through the complex that connect the shrines, but some of the distances can be significant.

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 Ise Worth Visiting? and Is Fiordland National Park Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Ise or Fiordland National Park?

Ise 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 Ise because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ise, and 3-6 days is enough time in Fiordland National Park.

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

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


  • How many days in Ise or Fiordland National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Ise 1-3 
    Fiordland National Park 3-6

One day in Ise or Fiordland National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the overlooked city of Ise. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

With around the world famous destination of Fiordland National Park, there's plenty to do. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Ise or Fiordland National Park?

Ise 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.

Many people visit Fiordland National Park for a weekend. With around the world famous national park of Fiordland National Park, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.


Five days in Ise or Fiordland National Park?

Ise 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.

With around the destination of Fiordland National Park, there's plenty to do. Many people spend five days here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Ise or Fiordland National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ise. 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, a popular national park, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, The Best Cultural Tours in Japan, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Fiordland National Park or Ise?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ise is $89, while the average daily cost in Fiordland National Park is $97. 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 Ise and Fiordland National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ise $42
    Fiordland National Park $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ise $84
    Fiordland National Park $96
Compare Hotels in Ise and Fiordland National Park

Looking for a hotel in Ise 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 Ise


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ise Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ise $43
    Fiordland National Park $42

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

Prices for flights to both Fiordland National Park and Ise 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
    Ise $24
    Fiordland National Park $23

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ise $5.83
    Fiordland National Park $20

Tours and Activities in Ise

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

  • Ise Grand Shrine Private Guided Tour: $88
  • Island Adventure Sea Kayak Tour(Ise-Shima): $39
  • Shirataki Takigyo Waterfall Meditation Experience in Toba: $29

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: $130

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ise $4.52
    Fiordland National Park $8.07


When comparing the travel costs between Ise and Fiordland National Park, we can see that Fiordland National Park 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. Even though Ise is in Asia and Fiordland National Park is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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