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

Should you visit Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay 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.

Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a relaxed, mellow, and vegan-friendly town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. With stunning beauty, Byron Bay attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and hiking. See Byron Bay travel costs.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a breathtaking, world renowned, and remote fiord. You'll find world class beauty in Milford Sound as well. And you can't forget about the skiing and hiking. See Milford Sound travel costs.

Byron Bay and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Byron Bay or Milford Sound?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Byron Bay. Although Byron Bay and Milford Sound are both popular with visitors, Byron Bay has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Byron Bay is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Milford Sound is known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Byron Bay is more touristy than Milford Sound and is popular for its community spirit, undeveloped beaches, and world renowned festivals. It is also home to Cape Byron Lighthouse. Milford Sound is popular for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Byron Bay different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Byron Bay or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

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

People head to Milford Sound specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and 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.

Byron Bay is not a skiing destination.

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

Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. It's a small town that's all about the laid back beach scene so you won't find many museums or iconic buildings in town. Do check out the Cape Byron Lighthouse if you get the chance.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Byron Bay has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The restaurant scene is just starting to gain momentum. There are a growing number of trendy bistros and international flavors around town. You'll find plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as smoothies and brunch cafes.

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 Byron Bay or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Byron Bay is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for nightlife.

Byron Bay has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene is all about relaxed luxury. There are high end cocktail bars, piano bars, live music venues, and DJ led parties. You can head to a bistro on the beach or dance the night away at one of the nightclubs.

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

Is Byron Bay or Milford Sound Better for Resorts?

Byron Bay is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Milford Sound is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Byron Bay to choose from. There are luxury resorts, family-friendly villas, and contemporary apartments that offer great accommodation in a good environment.

Milford Sound is not a resort destination.

Is Byron Bay or Milford Sound Better for Beaches?

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

Byron Bay offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The pristine beaches are at the heart of the appeal in this town. Main Beach is, as the name implies, right in the heart of town. Many beaches are lined with forest and there are waves that are great for surfing. At its heart, this town will always be a surfer's town.

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Byron Bay or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

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.

Byron Bay offers some nice hiking trails. There are many walking trails that make nature accessible. Whether you want to walk along the coastline or into the hills, there are many places to enjoy a peaceful stroll.

Is the Shopping Better in Byron Bay or Milford Sound?

Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay. In the past, this was never a shopping town, but in recent years it has attracted fashion icons and free spirits. There are many boutique shops on the main streets in town and there are still quirky stores that offer the unexpected.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Byron Bay or Milford Sound More Beautiful?

Milford Sound is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Milford Sound as well. 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.

With stunning beauty, Byron Bay attracts visitors from all around. It's pristine beaches and laid back style make it a beautiful and relaxing place to visit.

Is Byron Bay or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Milford Sound is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Milford Sound is a very kid-friendly fiord. 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.

Byron Bay is a family-friendly town. It's laid back vibe and beautiful beaches offer a great place for families to vacation. There are plenty of family-friendly accommodation options and, while there aren't the theme parks and kid-centered activities of some places, there is still plenty to enjoy in the area.

Is Byron Bay or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

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

Byron Bay is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's known for its instagram-worthy settings and its popularity with influencers. Couples will appreciate the laid back vibe and chill beach scene. There are great restaurants and plenty of nice hotels and resorts to choose from.

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 Byron Bay or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay. It's lost some of its original hippie surf town vibe, but there is still a great backpacker scene. Now it's more popular with the influencer crowd, but the party scene and beautiful beaches attract backpackers as well.

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

Both Byron Bay and Milford Sound offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Byron Bay. There is a bus service that is provided by Blanch's Bus Company.

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 Byron Bay or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

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

Byron Bay is a somewhat walkable town. The town itself is compact and it's possible to explore on foot, but if you want to go further you'll need to have access to a vehicle.

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 Byron Bay Worth Visiting? and Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Byron Bay?

How long in Byron Bay or Milford Sound?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay.

One day in Byron Bay or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the mellow destination of Byron Bay. 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.

You'll find skiing around the fiord of Milford Sound. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Byron Bay or Milford Sound?

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

You'll find skiing around the iconic destination of Milford Sound. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this fiord has to offer. This fiord offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Byron Bay or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the mellow destination of Byron Bay. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town 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.

You'll find skiing around the remote fiord of Milford Sound. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this fiord makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this fiord has to offer.

A week in Byron Bay or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the beautiful town of Byron Bay. 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 popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Byron Bay and Milford Sound, we can see that Byron Bay is more expensive. And not only is Milford Sound much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Milford Sound would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Milford Sound 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 Byron Bay would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Byron Bay than you might in Milford Sound.

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

Which is Bigger, Byron Bay or Milford Sound?

Byron Bay has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Byron Bay 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.