A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Matsue vs. Fiordland National Park for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Matsue or Fiordland National Park?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Matsue and Fiordland National Park can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Matsue

Matsue is a serene, historic, and quiet town. Matsue is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Matsue travel costs.

Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is a iconic, breathtaking, and world famous national park. The famous beauty of Fiordland National Park is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Fiordland National Park travel costs.

Matsue and Fiordland National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Matsue or Fiordland National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Matsue. Although Matsue and Fiordland National Park are popular destinations, Matsue has more sights and attractions for tourists. Matsue is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Fiordland National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Matsue is famous for its 17th century castle and its quaint atmosphere. It is also well known for the Matsue Castle. Fiordland National Park is famous for its world renowned hiking trails and stunning natural environments.

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

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

Matsue is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Fiordland National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Matsue specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Most people visit town specifically to see the Matsue Castle, which is one of the last original castles left in Japan. The city also has parks and gardens, as well as the Shimane Art Museum, Yaegaki Shrine, and Miho Shrine.

Fiordland National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Matsue is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Matsue. There are peaceful restaurants and cafes around town where you can sample the local dishes. Many restaurants have beautiful gardens and set lunch menus, which is a great way to sample fine dining cuisine at a reasonable price.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Fiordland National Park. 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 Matsue or Fiordland National Park Better for Nightlife?

Matsue is a decent place to visit for nightlife. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Matsue. It's a quiet town and there's not much of a nightlife scene, but if you spend the night you can probably find a quaint local bar where you can hang out.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Fiordland National Park. There are few amenities in the park, so bring your own drinks and supplies.

Is Matsue or Fiordland National Park Better for its Old Town?

Matsue is very good for its historic old town. However, Fiordland National Park does not have a historic old town.

Matsue is a good destination for visiting its old town. The town has one of the last of the twelve original castles that are still in Japan. There are also many canals that cross the town.

Fiordland National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Matsue or Fiordland National Park Better for Hiking?

Fiordland National Park is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Matsue is not a hiking destination.

Around Fiordland National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Matsue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Matsue or Fiordland National Park?

Matsue is very good for shopping. However, Fiordland National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Matsue. Kyomise Shopping District is a charming street near Ohashi Bridge. It is lined with shops and restaurants and tourists will enjoy visiting the souvenir and specialty stores in the area.

Fiordland National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Matsue or Fiordland National Park More Beautiful?

Fiordland National Park is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Fiordland National Park is one of the main draws. This is one of the most beautiful parks in New Zealand. It has striking mountains, dramatic fjords, and pristine beech forests.

With stunning beauty, Matsue attracts visitors from all around. This is a pretty town with a peaceful atmosphere, beautiful gardens, and a lakefront setting.

Is Matsue or Fiordland National Park Better for Families?

Fiordland National Park is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Fiordland National Park is an extremely popular national park to visit for families. 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.

Matsue offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the city's history as much as adults. There are several temples and shrines to explore as well as Lake Shinji. The best views of the lake are from the Shimane Art Museum.

Is Matsue or Fiordland National Park Better for Couples?

Fiordland National Park is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Fiordland National Park is a great national park for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Matsue is a good town for couples to visit. Castles, gardens, and museums all make this a beautiful and romantic destination. Couples will enjoy immersing themselves in the city's history. There's also a beautiful lake and the impressive Matsue Vogel Park.

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

Fiordland National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Fiordland National Park. 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 backpackers visit Matsue. There are a couple of hostels and guesthouses as well as budget hotels around town for backpackers.

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

Matsue is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Visitors to Matsue can move around easily with public transportation. There are city buses as well as Ichibata Bus. Tourists will mostly use the Lakeline loop, which connects the two railway stations with all of the city's major attractions. Buses run every 20 minutes.

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 Matsue or Fiordland National Park a more walkable city?

Matsue is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Matsue is very walkable. Most of the town's sights can be reached on foot. You can walk from the JR Matsue Station to the castle in half an hour and it's only 15 minutes from the Shinjiko Onsen Station.

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 Matsue Worth Visiting? and Is Fiordland National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fiordland National Park or Matsue?

How long in Matsue or Fiordland National Park?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Matsue than Fiordland National Park 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 Matsue.

One day in Matsue or Fiordland National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the peaceful town of Matsue. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Fiordland National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Matsue or Fiordland National Park?

Matsue is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Fiordland National Park is a great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Matsue or Fiordland National Park?

Matsue is a great place to explore. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fiordland National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Matsue or Fiordland National Park?

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

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking destination of Fiordland National Park. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Matsue and Fiordland National Park, we can see that Fiordland National Park is more expensive. And not only is Matsue much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Matsue is in Asia and Fiordland National Park 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 Matsue would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Matsue 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 Fiordland National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fiordland National Park than you might in Matsue.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Matsue Expensive? and Is Fiordland National Park Expensive?.