A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nara vs. Fiordland National Park for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Nara or Fiordland National Park?

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

Should I visit Nara 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.

Nara

Nara is a tranquil, natural, and historic city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is a world famous, stunning, and iconic national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Nara and Fiordland National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nara. Although Nara and Fiordland National Park are popular destinations, Nara has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nara is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Fiordland National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Fiordland National Park is more touristy than Nara and is popular for its world renowned hiking trails and stunning natural environments. Nara is famous for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer. It is also well known for Nara Park.

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Nara specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with history. There are many ancient temples such as Tōdai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple, and Tōshōdai-ji Temple. You can also visit the Nara National Museum as well as the many parks and gardens.

Fiordland National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nara is very good for its restaurants. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Nara. The cuisine is simple and traditional with its roots in the history of the area. Many residents start their morning with a simple rice porridge. The area is also known for its persimmon leaf sushi and miwa somen (a thin, chewy noodle).

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 Nara or Fiordland National Park Better for Nightlife?

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

Nara has a large number of nightlife venues. The town offers a serene and relaxed atmosphere at night. There are plenty of bars around town that are known for their friendly bartenders and you'll find many of the bars in Naramachi, which is the old town area.

Fiordland National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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

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

Nara is a good destination for visiting its old town. Naramachi is the old town of Nara. This is the old merchant district and today you'll find several traditional residential buildings and warehouses that are open to the public.

Fiordland National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Nara or Fiordland National Park Better for Hiking?

Fiordland National Park is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its hiking trails.

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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Nara. The city is all about its surrounding nature. There are historic pilgrim routes that pass through the hills and mountains, taking you by sacred sights and ancient forests. In the area you'll find some of Japan's most ancient byways.

Is the Shopping Better in Nara or Fiordland National Park?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nara. Sanjo-dori is the main street through town. This is where you'll find many souvenir shops that sell local items and traditional food. Mochiido Center Town is the oldest shopping arcade in town and it is filled with history.

Fiordland National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nara or Fiordland National Park Better for Families?

Fiordland National Park is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Nara. Head to Nara Park for a bit of nature in the city. Deer roam freely in the park, which is filled with pine trees and beautiful lawns. Kids will also appreciate a visit to Ikomasanjo Amusement Park or the NARAMACHI-KARAKURI Toy Museum. You can also take a ride on the Ikoma Cable Line or spend some time at the Tennenyamato Hot Spring Nara Kenko Land.

Is Nara or Fiordland National Park Better for Couples?

Fiordland National Park is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Nara makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is smaller than you might expect, and it's filled with green space and parks. You can wander through Nara Park, see the deer, and soak up the romantic atmosphere. You can also visit one of the beautiful temples such as Todaiji Temple. Many couples also enjoy exploring Yoshikien Garden.

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

Fiordland National Park is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Nara is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers and the budget travel crowd.

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

Nara 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 Nara can move around easily with public transportation. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots.

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 Nara or Fiordland National Park a more walkable city?

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

Nara is very walkable. Many of the sights are within walking distance of each other, so many visitors enjoy exploring on foot.

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

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

How long in Nara or Fiordland National Park?

Nara 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 Nara because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Nara, and 3-6 days is enough time in Fiordland National Park.

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

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

One day in Nara or Fiordland National Park?

You'll find nightlife and food around the traditional city of Nara. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Fiordland National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Nara or Fiordland National Park?

Nara is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Nara or Fiordland National Park?

Nara 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.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking destination of Fiordland National Park. This national park offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Nara or Fiordland National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nara. 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 entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The stunning national park of Fiordland National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Japan, The Best Cultural Tours in Japan, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Nara and Fiordland National Park, we can see that Fiordland National Park 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. Even though Nara is in Asia and Fiordland National Park is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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