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

Should you visit Melbourne or Fiordland National Park?

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

Should I visit Melbourne or Fiordland National Park? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a friendly, cultural, and progressive city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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. Visitors also love the hiking.

Melbourne and Fiordland National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Melbourne. Although Melbourne and Fiordland National Park are popular destinations, Melbourne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Melbourne is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Fiordland National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Fiordland National Park is more touristy than Melbourne and is known for its world renowned hiking trails and stunning natural environments. Melbourne is famous for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. It is also well known for the Royal Botanic Gardens.

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Melbourne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

Fiordland National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Melbourne 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 Melbourne. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

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 Melbourne or Fiordland National Park Better for Nightlife?

Melbourne is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Fiordland National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Melbourne has a large number of nightlife venues. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

Fiordland National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Melbourne or Fiordland National Park Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Fiordland National Park is not a beach destination.

Melbourne is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Fiordland National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Melbourne or Fiordland National Park Better for Hiking?

Fiordland National Park is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

People visit Fiordland National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Melbourne or Fiordland National Park?

Melbourne is a very popular place for shopping. However, Fiordland National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Melbourne. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Fiordland National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Melbourne or Fiordland National Park Better for Families?

Fiordland National Park is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Fiordland National Park is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Melbourne is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

Is Melbourne or Fiordland National Park Better for Couples?

Fiordland National Park is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Fiordland National Park makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Melbourne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

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

Fiordland National Park is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Fiordland National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Melbourne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Melbourne or Fiordland National Park Better for Students?

Melbourne is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Fiordland National Park is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Melbourne. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Fiordland National Park is not popular with students.

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

Melbourne 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 Melbourne can move around easily with public transportation. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

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 Melbourne or Fiordland National Park a more walkable city?

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

Melbourne is very walkable. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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

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

How long in Melbourne or Fiordland National Park?

Melbourne 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 Melbourne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Melbourne, and 3-6 days is enough time in Fiordland National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Melbourne 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 Melbourne.

One day in Melbourne or Fiordland National Park?

People visit Melbourne because there is so much to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

You'll find around the national park of Fiordland National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Melbourne or Fiordland National Park?

Melbourne is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find around the stunning destination of Fiordland National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Melbourne or Fiordland National Park?

Melbourne is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find around the iconic national park of Fiordland National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this national park makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer.

A week in Melbourne or Fiordland National Park?

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

Fiordland National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand.

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

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