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

Should you visit Surfers Paradise or Milford Sound?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Surfers Paradise or Milford Sound, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a thrilling, active, and ritzy city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Surfers Paradise travel costs.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a world renowned, remote, and iconic fiord. Milford Sound is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the skiing and hiking. See Milford Sound travel costs.

Surfers Paradise and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surfers Paradise or Milford Sound?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Surfers Paradise. Although Surfers Paradise and Milford Sound are popular destinations, Surfers Paradise has more sights and attractions for tourists. Surfers Paradise is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Milford Sound attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Milford Sound and is known for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. It is also well known for the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Milford Sound is famous for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Surfers Paradise different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Surfers Paradise or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

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

Milford Sound draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. 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.

Surfers Paradise is not a skiing destination.

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

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise. For the best views of the coastline head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa. It's in Australia's tallest residential tower. You can also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Sea World Marine Park, as well as countless other amusement parks or entertainment centers.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Surfers Paradise has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.

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 Surfers Paradise or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Surfers Paradise is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for nightlife.

Surfers Paradise has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.

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

Is Surfers Paradise or Milford Sound Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise is an amazing city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Milford Sound is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Surfers Paradise for its luxury resorts. The high-rise skyline is filled with luxury resorts and trendy hotels. Fancy pools and rooftop views make this is a glitzy and lively place to stay.

Milford Sound is not a resort destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Milford Sound Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise. There's no shortage of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that leave from the area. You'll see a diversity of marine life and interesting undersea reefs.

Milford Sound is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Milford Sound Better for Beaches?

Surfers Paradise is an amazing city to visit for the beach. However, Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Surfers Paradise offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. It's at the heart of the Gold Coast, and you'll enjoy two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful surf. The beaches are lined with high rise buildings and there's plenty of energy and amenities for visitors. This is a popular tourist destination and there is no shortage of water sports and other activities along the beaches.

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is terrific for its hiking trails. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Known for its hiking, Milford Sound draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Surfers Paradise. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

Is the Shopping Better in Surfers Paradise or Milford Sound?

Surfers Paradise is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to Surfers Paradise specifically to go shopping. Beachside markets sell local items. There are also large shopping malls that are filled with international fashion brands and boutique shops that sell unique items.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Milford Sound More Beautiful?

Milford Sound is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Surfers Paradise is not a destination known for its beauty.

Milford Sound is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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.

Surfers Paradise is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Surfers Paradise or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise is an amazing city 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, Surfers Paradise is very family-friendly. It's filled with activities that kids and adults will enjoy. There's everything from sandy beaches to amusement park rides and entertainment centers. Check out Infinity, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There's also countless minigolf places, kayaking, and other water sports.

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 Surfers Paradise or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Surfers Paradise and Milford Sound are both great to visit as a couple.

Surfers Paradise makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Walk along the beach or take in the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There are also many fun-filled adventure activities as well as restaurants and a lively party scene.

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 Surfers Paradise or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Surfers Paradise is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Surfers Paradise, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Backpackers who want fun entertainment, a lively beach scene, and water sports will find their place here. There are also hostels with reasonable rates and plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

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

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

Surfers Paradise has some public transit options. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

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 Surfers Paradise or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

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

Surfers Paradise is a somewhat walkable city. There are walking and bike paths around town.

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 Surfers Paradise Worth Visiting? and Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Surfers Paradise?

How long in Surfers Paradise or Milford Sound?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise.

One day in Surfers Paradise or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the thrilling destination of Surfers Paradise. 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.

You'll find skiing around the breathtaking destination of Milford Sound. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This fiord offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Surfers Paradise or Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Surfers Paradise. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

You'll find skiing around the world renowned fiord of Milford Sound. If you have a weekend, this fiord makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the hiking. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Surfers Paradise or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the active destination of Surfers Paradise. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Surfers Paradise or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the city of Surfers Paradise. 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.

Milford Sound is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Surfers Paradise 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. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Surfers Paradise or Milford Sound?

Surfers Paradise has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Surfers Paradise 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.