A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kamakura vs. Milford Sound for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Kamakura or Milford Sound?

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

Should I visit Kamakura or Milford Sound? 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.

Kamakura

Kamakura is a quaint, charming, and laid back coastal city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a breathtaking, world renowned, and remote fiord. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for skiing and hiking.

Kamakura and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kamakura or Milford Sound?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kamakura than Milford Sound, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kamakura is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Milford Sound is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Kamakura is more touristy than Milford Sound and is popular for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches. Also, Kamakura is famous for the Great Buddha. Milford Sound is well known for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Kamakura different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Kamakura or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Kamakura is not a skiing destination.

Milford Sound is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. 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.

Kamakura is not a skiing destination.

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

Kamakura 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 Kamakura. This ancient city is filled with historic landmarks such as the Great Buddha, Hokokuji Temple, Hasedera Temple, and Hachimangu Shrine, among many others.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Kamakura has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Dining is part of the fun in this beautiful town. There are many great restaurants where you can sample luxury dishes, but there are also street food stalls with egg pancakes or noodle dishes.

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 Kamakura or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Kamakura is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Kamakura has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There's a diverse mix of bars and music venues. The nightlife scene is particularly active during the summer months when visitors head to the beach, but throughout the year you'll find tachinomiya standing bars, international style pubs, and jazz clubs where locals like to hang out.

Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Kamakura or Milford Sound Better for Beaches?

Kamakura is a good destination for the beach. However, Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Kamakura offers a nice beach destination. Many locals from Tokyo or Yokohama head here during July and August to cool off at the beach, relax in the sun, and go surfing. The beaches can get crowded, but they're long and sandy and can make for a nice escape.

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Kamakura or Milford Sound Better for its Old Town?

Kamakura is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Milford Sound does not have a historic old town.

Kamakura has an old town worth visiting. It's a quaint historic town with many shrines, temples, and historic landmarks that reflect its long running political past.

Milford Sound does not have a historic old town.

Is Kamakura or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its hiking trails.

People visit Milford Sound specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Kamakura. Just outside of town there are many hiking trails that crisscross through the wooded hills and connect the many temples. Many of the trails are relatively short and take just an hour or two to complete.

Is the Shopping Better in Kamakura or Milford Sound?

Kamakura is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Kamakura has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. While the city itself is ancient, you can head to Kamakura Komachi-dori Street to find trendy boutiques and modern shopping. This is a popular place to pick up a souvenir or check out the current fashions.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kamakura or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Milford Sound is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Milford Sound is 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.

Kamakura is a family-friendly coastal city. It's a town that's filled with history and character, which isn't every kids cup of tea. If you're traveling with young kids you might want to head to beach for a bit. There are also ice cream and donut shops that you can use as well to break up the sightseeing.

Is Kamakura or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Kamakura and Milford Sound make for a superb place to visit.

Kamakura is a very popular place to visit for couples. Many couples enjoy visiting this quaint town as a day trip from Tokyo. There are impressive temples as well as restaurants and gardens.

Milford Sound makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Kamakura or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Kamakura and Milford Sound are notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kamakura. It's an easy day trip from Tokyo, but there are also some affordable hostels that make it an easy place to spend the night.

Milford Sound is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Kamakura or Milford Sound Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Kamakura has some public transit options. There's a city bus system, but for the more remote places you'll want to take a taxi.

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 Kamakura or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Kamakura is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

Kamakura is a somewhat walkable coastal city. It's a small city, and most of the sights can be reached on foot.

Milford Sound is not a walkable coastal 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 Kamakura Worth Visiting? and Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Kamakura?

How long in Kamakura or Milford Sound?

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

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

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

One day in Kamakura or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the ancient destination of Kamakura. 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.

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 Kamakura or Milford Sound?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back destination of Kamakura. This coastal 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 Kamakura or Milford Sound?

You'll find food and shopping around the coastal city of Kamakura. 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 Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, The Best 10-Day Tours in New Zealand, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Kamakura and Milford Sound, we can see that Milford Sound 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 Kamakura is in Asia and Milford Sound 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 Kamakura Expensive? and Is Milford Sound Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kamakura or Milford Sound?

Kamakura has a larger population, and is about 380 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Kamakura 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.