A Travel Price Comparison for New Zealand Lake Tekapo vs. Milford Sound for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo 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.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a remote, basic, and small town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a remote, iconic, and breathtaking fiord. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include skiing and hiking.

Lake Tekapo and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lake Tekapo or Milford Sound?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Milford Sound. Although Lake Tekapo and Milford Sound are popular destinations, Milford Sound has more sights and attractions for tourists. Milford Sound is very popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Lake Tekapo attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm. Lake Tekapo is famous for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky. Milford Sound is famous for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains. It is also well known for Mitre Peak.

How is Lake Tekapo different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Lake Tekapo or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Lake Tekapo is not a skiing destination.

Milford Sound is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. 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.

Lake Tekapo is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Lake Tekapo may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The town is very small with just a couple of restaurants and fast food joints.

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 Lake Tekapo or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Lake Tekapo is not a good area for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Lake Tekapo doesn't offer many options. This is a very small town and there isn't a real nightlife scene. The night sky is incredible though, and you should absolutely do some stargazing.

Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Lake Tekapo or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is terrific for its hiking experiences. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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.

Many visitors go to Lake Tekapo for the hiking trails. There are many beautiful hikes in the area with some of the most popular being the Mount John Summit Track, the Richmond Trail, and Cowan's Hill Walkway.

Is the Shopping Better in Lake Tekapo or Milford Sound?

Lake Tekapo is not a good area for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping in Lake Tekapo can be found for those interested. There are a couple of shops where you can pick up basic necessities.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lake Tekapo or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Both Lake Tekapo and Milford Sound are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Lake Tekapo is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy a visit to Tekapo Springs, which is particularly fun in the winter months. There's snow tubing, ice skating, and, of course, the hot pools. There are also short hikes in the area like the Mount John Summit Walk. Biking, paddleboarding, and kayaking are also popular in the area.

Milford Sound is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Lake Tekapo or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Milford Sound is a great destination for couples. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Lake Tekapo is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the stunning scenery, beautiful hikes, and the romantic hot springs. Stargazing is another popular activity in the area.

Is Lake Tekapo or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lake Tekapo and Milford Sound are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Lake Tekapo. It's a small town with a couple of cheap places to stay that backpackers will appreciate.

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 Lake Tekapo or Milford Sound Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Milford Sound is a fiord with a few options for its public transit. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Lake Tekapo. Public transportation in the area is very limited. If you don't have a car, you'll want to arrange tours to get out and about.

Is Lake Tekapo or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

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

Lake Tekapo is a somewhat walkable town. The town is small enough to get around on foot, and you can hire a tour to get out into the region.

Milford Sound is not a walkable town. 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 Lake Tekapo Worth Visiting? and Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Lake Tekapo?

How long in Lake Tekapo or Milford Sound?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo.

One day in Lake Tekapo or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the remote destination of Lake Tekapo. 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.

Visitors enjoy the skiing when visiting the remote 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 Lake Tekapo or Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lake Tekapo. 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.

Visitors enjoy the skiing when visiting the iconic 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 Lake Tekapo or Milford Sound?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the remote destination of Lake Tekapo. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town 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 Lake Tekapo or Milford Sound?

You'll find around the beautiful town of Lake Tekapo. 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.

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 Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lake Tekapo and Milford Sound, we can see that Milford Sound is more expensive. And not only is Lake Tekapo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lake Tekapo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo.

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

Which is Bigger, Lake Tekapo or Milford Sound?

Milford Sound has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Lake Tekapo. When comparing the sizes of Lake Tekapo 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.