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

Should you visit Nara or Milford Sound?

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

Should I visit Nara or Milford Sound? 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 cultural, traditional, and tranquil city. Nara offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Nara travel costs.

Milford Sound

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

Nara and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nara or Milford Sound?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nara. Although Nara and Milford Sound are both popular with visitors, Nara has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nara is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Milford Sound is known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Nara is popular for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer. It is also home to Nara Park. Milford Sound is popular for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Nara different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nara or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is notable for snow skiing. However, Nara 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.

Nara is not a skiing destination.

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

Nara is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Nara. 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.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Nara is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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).

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 Nara or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Nara is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for nightlife.

Nara has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Milford Sound. Things get quiet at night and there's little in the form of nightlife.

Is Nara or Milford Sound Better for its Old Town?

Nara is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Milford Sound does not have a historic old town.

Nara has an old town worth visiting. 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.

Milford Sound does not have a historic old town.

Is Nara or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

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 Milford Sound?

Nara 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 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.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nara or Milford Sound More Beautiful?

Milford Sound is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Milford Sound as well. This is one of the most spectacular natural settings in New Zealand. The remoteness, combined with the mountains, waterfalls, and stunning views make this a true bucket list destination.

Nara offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The city is filled with green space, parks, and natural areas. You'll find deer roaming freely and tranquil lawns where you can relax.

Is Nara or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nara or Milford Sound.

Nara is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

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 Nara or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Nara and Milford Sound make for a superb place to visit.

Nara is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

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 Nara or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Nara and Milford Sound are good destinations for backpackers.

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

Milford Sound is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Nara or Milford Sound Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nara is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its public transit.

Nara offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots.

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 Nara or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

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

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

Milford Sound is not a walkable city. 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 Nara Worth Visiting? and Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Nara?

How long in Nara or Milford Sound?

Nara and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound 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 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

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

Couples should spend more time in Nara than Milford Sound. 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 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 Nara.

One day in Nara or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the traditional destination of Nara. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

Visitors enjoy the skiing when visiting the destination of Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nara. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Milford Sound is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Nara or Milford Sound?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the natural destination of Nara. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city 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.

Visitors enjoy the skiing when visiting the iconic destination of Milford Sound. This fiord 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 Milford Sound?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of 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 length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

The breathtaking fiord of Milford Sound offers skiing. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nara or Milford Sound?

Nara has a larger population, and is about 840 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Nara 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.