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

Should you visit Mashiko or Milford Sound?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mashiko or Milford Sound, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Mashiko

Mashiko is a charming, traditional, and rural town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a iconic, breathtaking, and world renowned fiord. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the skiing and hiking.

Mashiko and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Mashiko or Milford Sound?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mashiko. Although Mashiko and Milford Sound are popular destinations, Mashiko has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mashiko is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Milford Sound attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mashiko is more touristy than Milford Sound and is known for its local sake, rural farms, and longstanding tradition in pottery making. It is also well known for Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art. Milford Sound is famous for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Mashiko different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Mashiko or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Mashiko
Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a great fiord for skiing. However, Mashiko 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.

Mashiko is not a skiing destination.


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

Mashiko
Milford Sound

Mashiko is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Mashiko. There are a couple of museums around town that are focused on the local activities such as pottery. You can check out the Shoji Hamada Memorial Mashiko Sankokan Museum, the Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art, and the Entsuji Temple.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Mashiko
Milford Sound

Mashiko is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Mashiko is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants around town that serve udon, soba, and other Japanese favorites that use local ingredients.

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 Mashiko or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Mashiko
Milford Sound

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

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Mashiko. There are a couple of bars and pubs around town, but not a huge nightlife scene.

Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.


Is Mashiko or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Mashiko
Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a world-class destination for hiking. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

Known for its hiking, Milford Sound draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Mashiko. There are three mountains in the area with hiking trails that let you experience the Japanese countryside and natural beauty. These mountains are Mt. Amamakisan, Mt.Mitsudoyasan, and Mt. Takadateyama.

Is the Shopping Better in Mashiko or Milford Sound?

Mashiko
Milford Sound

Mashiko is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Mashiko. Local pottery is the main purchase in town, and there are many shops and local vendors who sell locally made pottery.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Mashiko or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Mashiko
Milford Sound

Mashiko and Milford Sound are both great destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Mashiko. Pottery is the claim to fame in this small town, and kids will thoroughly enjoy taking a children's pottery class. Its the perfect way to immerse them in the local culture in a fun and hands-on way. Farm life, and fruit picking are also popular here.

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.


Is Mashiko or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Mashiko
Milford Sound

Mashiko and Milford Sound are both great to visit as a couple.

Mashiko is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's a charming town with local farms, pottery, and sake. Many couples enjoy spending a few days soaking up the local atmosphere and enjoying the simple pleasures.

Milford Sound is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Mashiko or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mashiko
Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mashiko is not known for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Mashiko is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers don't venture to this community, but its seeped in quaint culture and small town atmosphere.

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

Mashiko
Milford Sound

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

Mashiko has some public transit options. There are local trains that stop by the strawberry picking farms. There are also local buses in the area.

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 Mashiko or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Mashiko
Milford Sound

Mashiko is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

Mashiko is a very walkable destination. Many people choose to walk around town and the pottery area is about a 20 minute walk from Mashiko Station.

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 Mashiko Worth Visiting? and Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Mashiko?

How long in Mashiko or Milford Sound?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Mashiko or Milford Sound? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mashiko 1-2 
    Milford Sound 2-6

One day in Mashiko or Milford Sound?

Even though Mashiko is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

In Milford Sound, you'll find skiing. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This fiord offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Mashiko or Milford Sound?

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

In Milford Sound, you'll find skiing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milford Sound has to offer.


Five days in Mashiko or Milford Sound?

Mashiko is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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.

Milford Sound is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milford Sound has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Mashiko or Milford Sound?

Mashiko is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milford Sound. Many people enjoy the skiing when visiting Milford Sound. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best 10-Day Tours in New Zealand, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Milford Sound or Mashiko?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mashiko is $64, while the average daily cost in Milford Sound is $117. 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 Mashiko and Milford Sound in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mashiko $33
    Milford Sound $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mashiko $66
    Milford Sound $134
Compare Hotels in Mashiko and Milford Sound

Looking for a hotel in Mashiko or Milford Sound? 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 Mashiko


Hotels in Milford Sound


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mashiko $11
    Milford Sound $14

Is it cheaper to fly into Mashiko or Milford Sound?

Prices for flights to both Milford Sound and Mashiko 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
    Mashiko $23
    Milford Sound $34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mashiko $8.85
    Milford Sound $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mashiko $5.13
    Milford Sound $13


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

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


Which is Bigger, Mashiko or Milford Sound?

Mashiko has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Mashiko 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.

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