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

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Milford Sound?

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 Milford Sound. 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a world renowned, remote, and iconic fiord. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the skiing and hiking.

Koh Tarutao and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Milford Sound?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Tarutao. Although Koh Tarutao and Milford Sound are popular destinations, Koh Tarutao has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Tarutao is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Milford Sound attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Milford Sound is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is known for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains. Koh Tarutao is famous for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting. It is also well known for Crocodile Cave.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Koh Tarutao or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Koh Tarutao is not a skiing destination.

Milford Sound draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. 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.

Koh Tarutao is not a skiing destination.

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

Koh Tarutao is not a good area for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Koh Tarutao is a decent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

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 Koh Tarutao or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Koh Tarutao is not a good area for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Koh Tarutao or Milford Sound Better for Resorts?

Koh Tarutao is not a good area for its luxury resorts. However, Milford Sound is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Koh Tarutao offers a few options. 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.

Milford Sound is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Milford Sound Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Koh Tarutao offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

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

Milford Sound is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

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 Milford Sound?

Koh Tarutao is not a good area for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Milford Sound is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Milford Sound. 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.

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 Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Koh Tarutao and Milford Sound both excellent destinations for a couple.

Koh Tarutao makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Couples visit Milford Sound frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Koh Tarutao or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tarutao and Milford Sound are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Plenty of budget travelers 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 Koh Tarutao or Milford Sound Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Koh Tarutao and Milford Sound.

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 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 Koh Tarutao or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Koh Tarutao is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Milford Sound is not a walkable island. 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 Koh Tarutao Worth Visiting? and Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Milford Sound?

Koh Tarutao and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound 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 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

Couples should spend more time in Koh Tarutao than Milford Sound. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Tarutao.

One day in Koh Tarutao or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the secluded destination of Koh Tarutao. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the skiing when visiting the iconic fiord of Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Tarutao. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. 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.

Visitors enjoy the skiing when visiting the remote destination of Milford Sound. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This fiord offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Koh Tarutao or Milford Sound?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the remote destination of Koh Tarutao. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This island 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.

Visitors enjoy the skiing when visiting the world renowned fiord of Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound?

You'll find around the beautiful island of Koh Tarutao. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

Many people enjoy the skiing when visiting Milford Sound. 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 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 Koh Tarutao and Milford Sound, we can see that Milford Sound is more expensive. And not only is Koh Tarutao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Tarutao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Tarutao.

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 Milford Sound Expensive?.