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

Should you visit Tauranga or Milford Sound?

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

Should I visit Tauranga 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.

Tauranga

Tauranga is a relaxing, nature-filled, and coastal town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. 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.

Tauranga and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tauranga or Milford Sound?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tauranga. Although Tauranga and Milford Sound are popular destinations, Tauranga has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tauranga is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Milford Sound attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Tauranga is more touristy than Milford Sound and is popular for its sandy beaches and beautiful walking trails. It is also well known for Mount Maunganui. Milford Sound is famous for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Tauranga different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Tauranga or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Tauranga 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.

Tauranga is not a skiing destination.

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

Tauranga 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 Tauranga. There are a number of historic buildings in town like the Elms Mission Station which dates back to 1847.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Tauranga is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find a great mix of restaurants in the town's downtown area. There are international flavors as well as seafood and other local favorites.

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 Tauranga or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Tauranga 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 Tauranga. The city is known for its laid back bar scene. There are venues with casual live music as well as pubs where locals and tourists intermingle.

Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Tauranga or Milford Sound Better for Beaches?

Tauranga is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Tauranga for it's beautiful beaches. Families and travelers head here for the sandy beaches and water activities. Surfing, kayaking, and fishing are all popular in the area. Some of the most popular beaches include Mount Maunganui Beach, Waihī Beach, and Anzac Bay.

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Tauranga or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Tauranga is not as famous, but is still a good town 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 Tauranga. The Bay of Plenty is filled with hiking trails that run along the coast or head inland through the mountains. There are forest and bush walks that range in length and skill level and there really is something for everyone.

Is the Shopping Better in Tauranga or Milford Sound?

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

Tauranga has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find all of the standard shopping malls, retail outlets, and clothing boutiques around town.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tauranga or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Tauranga is an amazing 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, Tauranga is very family-friendly. Check out the ropes courses at Adrenalin Forest or play in the water at Waimarino Adventure Park. There are also many different walking areas like McLaren Falls Park and Kaiate Falls. Kids will love hanging out at the beach around Mount Maunganui or Papamoa Beach. This is an affordable and kid-family destination for locals and international tourists alike.

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 Tauranga or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

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

Tauranga is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a romantic destination with great beaches and beautiful waterfalls. You can enjoy a picnic in the park or dine at one of the local restaurants. Kayaking is also a popular activity in the area.

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 Tauranga or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tauranga is an amazing town 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 Tauranga, as it is a very popular town for budget travelers. This is one of the more affordable destinations in New Zealand. There are also a number of backpacker-friendly jobs that make it a great place to base yourself.

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

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

Tauranga has some public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries in the area.

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 Tauranga or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

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

Tauranga is a somewhat walkable town. There are many walking and cycling paths in the area, but you really need a car to explore the area in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Tauranga?

How long in Tauranga or Milford Sound?

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

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

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

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

One day in Tauranga or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the coastal destination of Tauranga. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

The beautiful fiord of Milford Sound offers skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Tauranga or Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tauranga. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this fiord makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Milford Sound, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Tauranga or Milford Sound?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the coastal destination of Tauranga. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This town 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Milford Sound, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Tauranga or Milford Sound?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful town of Tauranga. 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.

Milford Sound is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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. This fiord offers something for everyone.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Tauranga 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 Tauranga Expensive? and Is Milford Sound Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tauranga or Milford Sound?

Tauranga has a larger population, and is about 250 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Tauranga 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.