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

Should you visit Torquay or Milford Sound?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Torquay 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.

Torquay

Torquay is a laid back, hip, and thriving surf town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Milford Sound

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

Torquay and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Torquay or Milford Sound?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Torquay. Although Torquay and Milford Sound are both popular with visitors, Torquay has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Torquay is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Milford Sound is known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Torquay is popular for its world renowned surfing scene and its relaxed atmosphere. It is also home to Bells Beach. Milford Sound is popular for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Torquay different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Torquay or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is great for skiing. However, Torquay 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.

Torquay is not a skiing destination.

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

Torquay 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 Torquay. Surfing enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Australian National Surfing Museum, which goes into the sports history and influence on the region.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Torquay is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find all of the classic beach town options. There are pizza places, international restaurants, and seafood. All kinds of styles are available ranging from modern, upscale, and trendy to casual and affordable.

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 Torquay or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Torquay 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 Torquay. There's a laid back vibe with several great pubs, breweries, and clubs where people hang out.

Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Torquay or Milford Sound Better for Beaches?

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

Torquay offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The town is along the Great Ocean Road, and there are a huge number of beaches that are popular for surfing. There are also nudist beaches as well as family-friendly areas. The most convenient beach is Torquay Surf Beach, which is popular with surfers. For calmer water, check out Torquay Front Beach, and for the most iconic surfing beach in the area, visit Bells Beach.

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Torquay or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is renowned for hiking. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Torquay is a popular spot for hiking. There are many coastal walks in the area that range from a few hours to several days. One of the more well known ones is the Surf Coast Walk, which goes on for days and passes by stunning viewpoints and beautiful landscapes.

Is the Shopping Better in Torquay or Milford Sound?

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

Torquay has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find the standard shopping centers with everything from boutiques to major brands.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Torquay or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Milford Sound is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Milford Sound is very family-friendly. 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.

Torquay is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people think of great surf when they think of this town, but there are some secluded places like Cozy Corner, which is good for kids. There are also many outdoor activities like walks and snorkeling at Point Danger Marine Sanctuary.

Is Torquay or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

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

Torquay is a great surf town if you're traveling as a couple. With its amazing beaches, popular surfing, and countless outdoor activities, there's plenty for couples to enjoy around town. You can also head to the vineyards at Bellbrae Estate, check out the local breweries, or take a long walk along the coast.

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 Torquay or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Torquay and Milford Sound are good places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Torquay. Surfing is the big draw for backpackers to the area. There are a handful of hostels and excellent beaches that make this a great stop off for anyone in the area.

Milford Sound is a good surf town to visit for backpackers. 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 Torquay or Milford Sound Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Torquay has some public transit options. There are buses that travel to town from the surrounding areas.

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 Torquay or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

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

Torquay is a very walkable destination. The Torquay Promenade Walk offers a great place to stroll along the waterfront. You'll pass by view points and many restaurants and cafes.

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

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Torquay?

How long in Torquay or Milford Sound?

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

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

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

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

One day in Torquay or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the trendy destination of Torquay. 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.

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 Torquay or Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Torquay. 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. 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 Torquay or Milford Sound?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back destination of Torquay. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This surf 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 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 Torquay or Milford Sound?

You'll find food and shopping around the surf town of Torquay. 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.

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 Budget Tours to Australia, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best 10-Day Tours in New Zealand, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Torquay or Milford Sound?

Torquay has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Torquay 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.