A Travel Price Comparison for New Zealand Paihia vs. Milford Sound for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Paihia 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 Paihia 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.

Paihia

Paihia is a fun-filled, beautiful, and relaxing coastal town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a world renowned, remote, and iconic fiord. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the skiing and hiking.

Paihia and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paihia or Milford Sound?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paihia. Although Paihia and Milford Sound are both popular with visitors, Paihia has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Paihia is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Milford Sound is known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Paihia is more touristy than Milford Sound and is known for its warm year round climate, impressive beaches, and world class snorkeling and scuba diving. It is also home to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Milford Sound is popular for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Paihia different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Paihia or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Paihia is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Milford Sound. 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.

Paihia is not a skiing destination.

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

Paihia is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Paihia. There are some interesting cultural sights in the area like the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and the Museum of Waitangi.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Paihia has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local seafood, regional produce, and fresh ingredients make dining in the area a rewarding experience. You'll find fine dining restaurants, pizzerias, and local cafes to choose from.

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 Paihia or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Paihia is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Paihia. As a holiday spot, there are a number of clubs and bars that cater to tourists in the area.

Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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

Paihia is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Milford Sound is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Paihia. There are scuba diving and snorkel shops available around town where you can organize trips and excursions to experience the undersea world.

Milford Sound is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paihia or Milford Sound Better for Beaches?

Paihia is an amazing coastal town to visit for the beach. However, Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Paihia offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There are stunning beaches both in Paihia and throughout the Bay of Islands. Paihia Beach is in town. It's small but nice and makes a great picnic spot. For a more secluded spot head to Matauri Bay Beach or Takou Bay.

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Paihia or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. Also, Paihia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Milford Sound is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Paihia. The Bay of Islands is filled with coastal walks and peaceful hikes. This is a great way to soak up the area's atmosphere and take in some spectacular views.

Is the Shopping Better in Paihia or Milford Sound?

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

Paihia has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of retail stores around town where you can pick up clothes or enjoy some souvenir shopping.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Paihia or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Paihia is an amazing coastal town 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, Paihia is very family-friendly. Beaches, dolphin spotting, ice cream, and chocolate factories make the Bay of Islands the perfect place for a family vacation. There are amazing walking trails like the Manginangina Kauri Walk and opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. There are also adventure spots and great beaches.

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 Paihia or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

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

Paihia is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. You can enjoy sunset boat cruises, sip wine with a waterfront view, or walk through pristine natural areas. For thrill seekers there are adrenaline filled activities like parasailing or scuba diving.

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 Paihia or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paihia is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Paihia. There are a handful of hostels around town as well as many great activities for backpackers like scuba diving or parasailing.

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

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

Paihia has some public transit options. There are ferries and some intercity buses through the Bay of Islands.

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 Paihia or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Paihia is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

Paihia is a somewhat walkable coastal town. It's possible to explore parts of the town on foot.

Milford Sound is not a walkable coastal town. 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 Paihia Worth Visiting? and Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Paihia?

How long in Paihia or Milford Sound?

Paihia and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound than Paihia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Paihia, and 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

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

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

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

One day in Paihia or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the relaxing destination of Paihia. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Don't miss the beaches, 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.

Many travelers enjoy the skiing when visiting the destination of Milford Sound. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Paihia or Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paihia. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. 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.

Milford Sound is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Paihia or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the fun-filled destination of Paihia. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This coastal town 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milford Sound. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Paihia or Milford Sound?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the coastal town of Paihia. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

Travelers enjoy the skiing when visiting the breathtaking destination of Milford Sound. This fiord offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Paihia or Milford Sound?

Paihia has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Paihia 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.