A Travel Price Comparison for New Zealand Mount Aspiring National Park vs. Milford Sound for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Mount Aspiring National Park or Milford Sound?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mount Aspiring National Park 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a breathtaking, undeveloped, and remote national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a breathtaking, world renowned, and remote fiord. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the skiing and hiking.

Mount Aspiring National Park and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mount Aspiring National Park or Milford Sound?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Milford Sound. Although Mount Aspiring National Park and Milford Sound are both popular with visitors, Milford Sound has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Milford Sound is more touristy than Mount Aspiring National Park and is popular for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains. It is also home to Mitre Peak. Mount Aspiring National Park is popular for its mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes.

How is Mount Aspiring National Park different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a skiing destination.

People head to Milford Sound specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a skiing destination.

Is the Food Better in Mount Aspiring National Park or Milford Sound? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Neither Mount Aspiring National Park or Milford Sound offer quality cuisine.

Most people don't head to Mount Aspiring National Park for a culinary experience, but it does have restaurants to choose from. Bring plenty of food supplies, because amenities are in short supply in many parts of the park.

Milford Sound has a small number of restaurants to choose from. 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 Mount Aspiring National Park or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Mount Aspiring National Park and Milford Sound are both places where visitors can find world-class hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Mount Aspiring National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. There are many different types of trails in the park that range from shorter day hikes to multi-day hikes. The difficulty level doesn't always correspond to the length of the hike, so do your research before you set out. Some of the most known hikes in the area are the Blue Pools Track, the Rob Roy Track, the Routeburn Track, and the challenging Cascade Saddle Route.

Around Milford Sound visitors will find world-class hiking 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.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Mount Aspiring National Park and Milford Sound are both great destinations for the whole family.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a very kid-friendly national park. The park offers a stunning natural setting that will inspire a child's love of nature. There are a number of kid-friendly hikes in the park with some of the most popular being the Blue Pools Track, Routeburn Nature Walk, the Roaring Billy Falls Walk, and the Thunder Creek Falls Walk.

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.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Mount Aspiring National Park and Milford Sound are both great to visit as a couple.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Filled with inspiring scenery and a breathtaking mountain setting, this park is perfect for couples who appreciate nature's beauty. There are hiking trails, waterfalls, and striking views that will spark the romance in any relationship.

Milford Sound makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Mount Aspiring National Park or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mount Aspiring National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Mount Aspiring National Park , as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. Set in the beautiful Southern Alps, backpackers will love exploring the impressive mountain scenery and breathtaking views.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park or Milford Sound Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Mount Aspiring National Park and Milford Sound offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Mount Aspiring National Park. It's possible to arrange transportation to the trailheads from Te Anau or Wanaka.

Public transit is mostly limited in Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

Is Mount Aspiring National Park or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Mount Aspiring National Park is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a somewhat walkable national park. There are day hikes as well as mult-day back country hikes through the park.

Milford Sound is not a walkable national park. 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 Mount Aspiring National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

How long in Mount Aspiring National Park or Milford Sound?

Mount Aspiring National Park and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound than Mount Aspiring National Park because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Mount Aspiring National Park , and 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park .

One day in Mount Aspiring National Park or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the undeveloped destination of Mount Aspiring National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Don't miss the hiking, 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.

The iconic destination of Milford Sound offers skiing. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. This fiord offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Mount Aspiring National Park or Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mount Aspiring National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milford Sound. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milford Sound has to offer.

Five days in Mount Aspiring National Park or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the remote destination of Mount Aspiring National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Milford Sound is a fun place to experience. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Anyone can find something fun to do here. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milford Sound has to offer.

A week in Mount Aspiring National Park or Milford Sound?

You'll find around the beautiful national park of Mount Aspiring National Park. 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.

You'll find skiing around the breathtaking fiord of Milford Sound. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It offers something for everyone. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Mount Aspiring National Park and Milford Sound, we can see that Milford Sound is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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