A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sapporo vs. Milford Sound for Skiing, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Sapporo or Milford Sound?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Sapporo and Milford Sound can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Sapporo

Sapporo is a snowy, vibrant, and laid-back city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a iconic, breathtaking, and world renowned fiord. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the skiing and hiking.

Sapporo and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sapporo or Milford Sound?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sapporo. Although Sapporo and Milford Sound are popular destinations, Sapporo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sapporo is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Milford Sound attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Sapporo is more touristy than Milford Sound and is known for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. It is also well known for Odori Park. Milford Sound is famous for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Sapporo different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Sapporo or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Sapporo and Milford Sound are very good places to visit for winter sports such as skiing.

Sapporo draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. There are many great ski areas that are an easy day trip from the center of town. Very close by you'll find Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort and Sapporo Teine is where the 1972 Winter Olympics were held. It's divided into the family-friendly Olympia Zone and the more advanced Highland Zone.

Milford Sound is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other 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.

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

Sapporo 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 Sapporo. There are a number of shrines and museums in the city. Make sure you check out Hokkaidō Shrine, Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Sapporo Science Center.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Sapporo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local cuisine focuses on the world class fishing in the area as well as the great agriculture. Pork is a common meat ingredient and many dishes include ramen, vegetables, or grilled seafood.

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 Sapporo or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

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

Sapporo has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city's nightlife scene is laid back and mostly concentrated in the Susukino area. In particular, King Xmhu is famous for its party nights and wild decor.

Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Sapporo or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is a world-class destination for hiking. However, Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

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.

Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sapporo or Milford Sound?

Sapporo 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 Sapporo. Shopping malls are the most popular places to enjoy browsing the stores. This is particularly nice during the snowy winter months when you can escape into the heated malls.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Sapporo or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Both Sapporo and Milford Sound are very good to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Sapporo. The city has many activities for families, any time of year. There's skiing and winter sports in the winter and theme parks and camping in the summer. There's also a Puppet Theater and indoor play areas for when the weather is poor.

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 Sapporo or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Both Sapporo and Milford Sound are very good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Sapporo is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy the parks, gardens, museums, and winter sports in the area. A highlight for everyone is a visit to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which features many ice sculptures.

Milford Sound is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Sapporo or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sapporo 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 Sapporo. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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 Sapporo or Milford Sound Better for Students?

Sapporo is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Milford Sound is not popular with students.

Many students visit Sapporo. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

Milford Sound is not popular with students.

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

Sapporo 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.

Sapporo offers a very effecient public transportation network. Most visitors use the subway system to get around. There are three lines - the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line- all of which pass through Odori Station. The city also has a streetcar and buses.

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 Sapporo or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

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

Sapporo is a very walkable destination. The city center, where you'll find many of the attractions, is walkable. Susukino Station is about a 20 or 30 minute walk from JR Sapporo Station.

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 Sapporo Worth Visiting? and Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Sapporo?

How long in Sapporo or Milford Sound?

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

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

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

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

One day in Sapporo or Milford Sound?

Sapporo is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Sapporo or Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sapporo. 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.

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 Sapporo or Milford Sound?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant big city of Sapporo. 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.

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 Sapporo or Milford Sound?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Sapporo. 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.

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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, 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 Sapporo 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 Sapporo 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 Sapporo Expensive? and Is Milford Sound Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sapporo or Milford Sound?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 4330 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Sapporo 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.