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

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Fiordland National Park?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Koh Tarutao and Fiordland National Park. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Koh Tarutao

Koh Tarutao is a remote, beautiful, and undiscovered island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches and hiking.

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. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Koh Tarutao and Fiordland National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Fiordland National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Tarutao than Fiordland National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Tarutao is better known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Fiordland National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Fiordland National Park is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is known for its world renowned hiking trails and stunning natural environments. Koh Tarutao is well known for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting. Also, Koh Tarutao is famous for Crocodile Cave.

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

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

Koh Tarutao is not a good area for its museums and history. However, Fiordland National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Tarutao. This island is all about remote natural settings that will take your breath away, but you won't find anything in the form of temples or museums.

Fiordland National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Koh Tarutao and Fiordland National Park can be an enjoyable experience.

Koh Tarutao may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are three restaurants on the island that have limited hours so, if possible, it's best to arrive with some snacks. The food is simple and can get repetitive if you eat the same meals several days in a row.

Fiordland National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. 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 Koh Tarutao or Fiordland National Park Better for Nightlife?

Koh Tarutao is not a good area for nightlife. However, Fiordland National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Koh Tarutao doesn't offer many options. There's a good chance you'll have this island almost completely to yourself. The few restaurants on the island close early and you'll likely head to bed early after taking in the stunning night sky.

Fiordland National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Koh Tarutao or Fiordland National Park Better for Resorts?

Koh Tarutao is not a good area for its luxury resorts. However, Fiordland National Park is not a resort destination.

While Koh Tarutao is not known as a resort destination, there are some nice places to stay. You won't find luxury resorts (or any resorts) on the island. What you will find is simple bungalows, or tents available for rent at the ranger stations.

Fiordland National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Fiordland National Park Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Fiordland National Park is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Koh Tarutao is a very popular vacation destination. A true island paradise, you'll find isolated beaches here that are so remote that you'll likely have them to yourself for large parts of the day.

Fiordland National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Fiordland National Park Better for Hiking?

Fiordland National Park is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Fiordland National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Koh Tarutao. There are hiking trails through mangrove coves, inland through the dramatic vegetation, and up cliffs to impressive viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Fiordland National Park?

Koh Tarutao is not a good area for shopping. However, Fiordland National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping in Koh Tarutao can be found for those interested. There's a small shop at the visitor center where you can pick up simple drinks and snacks.

Fiordland National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Fiordland National Park Better for Families?

Fiordland National Park is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Fiordland National Park is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Koh Tarutao. For families who want seclusion, this beautiful island is the place to spend a night or two. There are great beaches, interesting hikes, and kayaks available to visitors.

Is Koh Tarutao or Fiordland National Park Better for Couples?

Fiordland National Park is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Fiordland National Park is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Couples visit Koh Tarutao frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For a truly remote experience, couples will enjoy this often overlooked island. There are hikes and isolated beaches that offer romance in its most simple form.

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

Fiordland National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Fiordland National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. 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 budget travelers visit Koh Tarutao. Most backpackers overlook this beautiful island for the more party-oriented destinations of Thailand, but those who spend a night or two here will be rewarded with a truly unique and authentic experience.

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

Koh Tarutao is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Koh Tarutao. There are shuttle taxis that travel around the island at fixed times. You can also rent a mountain bike at the ranger stations.

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 Koh Tarutao or Fiordland National Park a more walkable city?

Koh Tarutao and Fiordland National Park are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Koh Tarutao is generally not a very walkable island. The island is quite large and difficult to explore on foot alone.

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 Koh Tarutao Worth Visiting? and Is Fiordland National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fiordland National Park or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Fiordland National Park?

Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Tarutao because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Koh Tarutao, and 3-6 days is enough time in Fiordland National Park.

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

One day in Koh Tarutao or Fiordland National Park?

You'll find around the secluded island of Koh Tarutao. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. 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.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the iconic national park of Fiordland National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Koh Tarutao or Fiordland National Park?

Koh Tarutao is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the stunning destination of Fiordland National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Koh Tarutao or Fiordland National Park?

Koh Tarutao is a great place to explore. Most people head to the area for the beaches. 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.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the iconic national park of Fiordland National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Koh Tarutao or Fiordland National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Tarutao. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Fiordland National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Tarutao and Fiordland National Park, we can see that Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Tarutao Expensive? and Is Fiordland National Park Expensive?.