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

Should you visit Okinawa or Milford Sound?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Okinawa and Milford Sound. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Okinawa

Okinawa is a lush, serene, and idyllic archipelago. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a breathtaking, world renowned, and remote fiord. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include skiing and hiking.

Okinawa and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Okinawa or Milford Sound?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Okinawa. Although Okinawa and Milford Sound are popular destinations, Okinawa has more sights and attractions for tourists. Okinawa is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Milford Sound attracts visitors for its skiing. Okinawa is more touristy than Milford Sound and is popular for its pristine tropical environment, stunning blue water, and impressive marine life. It is also well known for the Kerama Islands. Milford Sound is famous for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Okinawa different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Okinawa or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Okinawa is not a skiing destination.

Milford Sound is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. 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.

Okinawa is not a skiing destination.

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

Okinawa 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 Okinawa. Although most visitors come for the natural beauty and beach setting, there are some nice historic sights and museums in the region. Favorites include Shurijo Castle, Futenma Shrine, and Churaumi Aquarium.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Okinawa is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Okinawa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Food in the region is truly unique, and sometimes a bit bizarre. There's a surprising amount of international influence on the cuisine because the islands are close to China and Taiwan, and there's a large American presence due to the US military. Despite this, the cuisine has its roots in the area's long history. Local dishes include rafute (pork belly in a stew), goya chanpuru (stir fry with melon, pork, and tofu), and umibudo (sea grapes).

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 Okinawa or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Okinawa is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Okinawa has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The diverse population has impacted the nightlife scene, and you'll see international influences at the bars and clubs in the area. Many locals begin their night out at a izakaya, which is part bar, part restaurant. The cities are also known for their jazz clubs and karaoke scene.

Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Okinawa or Milford Sound Better for Resorts?

Okinawa is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Milford Sound is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Okinawa to choose from. There are large resorts as well as smaller, elegant hotels. If you want to be near the water, check out the coastal areas of Onna, Miyakojima, and Ishigaki.

Milford Sound is not a resort destination.

Is Okinawa or Milford Sound Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Okinawa is an amazing archipelago to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Milford Sound is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Okinawa. The waters around Okinawa are filled with a rich biodiversity of corals and tropical fish. You'll also find sea turtles and other larger marine animals. There are also mangrove forests that form the breeding ground for many types of marine life. The snorkeling and diving in the area is world class, and attracts both beginners and experienced divers.

Milford Sound is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Okinawa or Milford Sound Better for Beaches?

Okinawa is an amazing archipelago to visit for the beach. However, Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Okinawa offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The region is filled with white sand beaches and turquoise water. Some of the beaches are accessible and lively while others are more remote and peaceful. Furuzamami Beach is both easy to access but also has a relaxed atmosphere. Nishihama Beach is more remote but well worth the effort and Aharen Beach is a popular day trip by ferry.

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Okinawa or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Okinawa and Milford Sound, and they are terrific.

Okinawa is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The island's tropical setting provides hikers with lush jungles and unique geology to explore. One of the most popular areas for hiking is Yambaru National Park. In this park you can walk through the mangroves and spot local wildlife. The region also has many off-the-beaten-path hiking opportunities for those looking for an adventure.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Okinawa or Milford Sound?

Okinawa is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Okinawa has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping streets in the urban areas. You'll also find large outlet malls near the US military base. A favorite shopping street in Naha is Kokusai-dori Shopping Street, which has local shops and souvenir vendors.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Okinawa or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Okinawa is an amazing archipelago to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Okinawa is very family-friendly. There are so many kid-friendly activities in the area, that this has long been a favorite family vacation destination. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the snorkeling, beaches, mangroves, boat rides, and adventure activities like ziplining. Kayaking in Yambaru Mangrove Forest is a favorite activity, but also check out the sea turtles at Ikei Island.

Milford Sound is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Okinawa or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Okinawa is an amazing archipelago to visit for couples. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Okinawa is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its stunning beaches, world class snorkeling, and relaxing resorts, couples and honeymooners will love a trip to these beautiful islands. There's a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural activities that will keep any couple entertained.

Couples visit Milford Sound frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Okinawa or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Okinawa and Milford Sound are nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Okinawa. Despite being one of the most fascinating places in Japan to visit, it can be challenging as a backpacker. There aren't many hostels in the area and transportation can be a bit tricky.

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 Okinawa or Milford Sound Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Okinawa is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its public transit.

Okinawa has some public transit options. Public transit through the area is decent in urban areas but gets more limited outside of the cities. On the main island there are buses, shuttles, and a monorail, but off the main island you'll want your own vehicle.

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 Okinawa or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Okinawa is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

Okinawa is generally not a very walkable archipelago. The islands range from developed to remote, so if you want to efficiently explore, it's helpful to have a car or at least a bicycle.

Milford Sound is not a walkable archipelago. 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 Okinawa Worth Visiting? and Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Okinawa?

How long in Okinawa or Milford Sound?

Okinawa and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Okinawa than Milford Sound because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Okinawa, and 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

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

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

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

One day in Okinawa or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the idyllic destination of Okinawa. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

In Milford Sound, you'll find skiing. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This fiord offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Okinawa or Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Okinawa. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Milford Sound, you'll find skiing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milford Sound has to offer.

Five days in Okinawa or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the serene destination of Okinawa. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This archipelago 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milford Sound has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Okinawa or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beautiful archipelago of Okinawa. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milford Sound. Many people enjoy the skiing when visiting Milford Sound. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best 10-Day Tours in New Zealand, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Okinawa 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. Even though Okinawa is in Asia and Milford Sound 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 Okinawa Expensive? and Is Milford Sound Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Okinawa or Milford Sound?

Okinawa has a larger population, and is about 290 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Okinawa 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.