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

Should you visit Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands 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.

Yaeyama Islands

Yaeyama Islands is a tropical, pristine, and luxurious archipelago. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a breathtaking, world renowned, and remote fiord. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for skiing and hiking.

Yaeyama Islands and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yaeyama Islands or Milford Sound?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Yaeyama Islands than Milford Sound, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Yaeyama Islands is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Milford Sound is more popular for its skiing and hiking. Yaeyama Islands is more touristy than Milford Sound and is popular for its jungle, tropical setting, and pristine beaches. Also, Yaeyama Islands is famous for Nishihama Beach. Milford Sound is well known for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Yaeyama Islands different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Yaeyama Islands or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a skiing destination.

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.

Yaeyama Islands is not a skiing destination.

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

Yaeyama Islands is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Yaeyama Islands specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The islands are known for their beaches, snorkeling, and jungles, but don't expect much in the form of museums.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Yaeyama Islands is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are many fruits and vegetables that are local to the region. Tropical fruits are common including pineapples, passionfruit, mango, shikuwasa, watermelon, papaya, and dragon fruit. You can try Yaeyama Soba (noodle soup) or any other local favorite at the restaurants in the area, most of which are usually concentrated around the villages on the island.

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 Yaeyama Islands or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. You can sip a cocktail and enjoy the view from your resort's bar.

Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Milford Sound Better for Resorts?

Yaeyama Islands is an amazing archipelago to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Milford Sound is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Yaeyama Islands for its luxury resorts. There are luxury international resorts as well as smaller upscale hotels. Many resorts are found on the largest island, Ishigaki.

Milford Sound is not a resort destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Milford Sound Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands. The islands offer great scuba diving and snorkeling with coral reefs and tropical fish as well as manta rays and pelagic fish.

Milford Sound is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Milford Sound Better for Beaches?

Yaeyama Islands is an amazing archipelago to visit for the beach. However, Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Yaeyama Islands offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. This tropical paradise has white sand beaches and turquoise water. There are water sports, including snorkeling and diving, and the beaches on each island have their own atmosphere and vibe.

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Yaeyama Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its hiking trails.

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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Yaeyama Islands. The islands offer relatively easy access to jungle hikes, which will quickly make you feel like you've been swept into a hidden paradise. There are waterfalls, wildlife, butterflies, and scenic spots to explore.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Both Yaeyama Islands and Milford Sound are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Yaeyama Islands is a very family-friendly place to visit. This island setting has blue waters and water sports that the whole family can enjoy. There are also family-friendly resorts with kids clubs and nearby nature.

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.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Yaeyama Islands is an amazing archipelago to visit for couples. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Yaeyama Islands is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Beautiful blue water and fun water sports make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are nice resorts and fine dining opportunities that make this a great couple's retreat.

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 Yaeyama Islands or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milford Sound is a good destination for backpackers. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Yaeyama Islands is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Backpacking can be challenging as transportation is limited and accommodation can be expensive.

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

Both Yaeyama Islands and Milford Sound offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Yaeyama Islands. There is very little in the form of public transit but you can get from the largest island, Ishigaki Island, to nearby islands by ferry.

Public transit is mostly limited in Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Yaeyama Islands is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

Yaeyama Islands is generally not a very walkable archipelago. Some of the islands are small enough to get around on foot.

Milford Sound is not a walkable archipelago. 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 Yaeyama Islands Worth Visiting? and Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Yaeyama Islands?

How long in Yaeyama Islands or Milford Sound?

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

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

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

One day in Yaeyama Islands or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the idyllic destination of Yaeyama Islands. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

The remote destination of Milford Sound offers skiing. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Yaeyama Islands or Milford Sound?

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

The fiord of Milford Sound offers skiing. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Yaeyama Islands or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the idyllic destination of Yaeyama Islands. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This archipelago 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 great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. This fiord offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Yaeyama Islands or Milford Sound?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the beautiful archipelago of Yaeyama Islands. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Many people enjoy the skiing when visiting Milford Sound. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, 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 Yaeyama Islands and Milford Sound, we can see that Milford Sound is more expensive. And not only is Yaeyama Islands much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Yaeyama Islands is in Asia and Milford Sound is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Yaeyama Islands would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands.

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