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

Should you visit Nagasaki or Milford Sound?

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

Should I visit Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki

Nagasaki is a authentic, welcoming, and interesting city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagasaki or Milford Sound?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nagasaki. Although Nagasaki and Milford Sound are popular destinations, Nagasaki has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nagasaki is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Milford Sound attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Nagasaki is more touristy than Milford Sound and is known for its history, hot spring spas, and local cuisine. It is also well known for the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. Milford Sound is famous for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Nagasaki different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nagasaki or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki is not a skiing destination.

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

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki. Nagasaki Peace Park is a moving tribute to those lost during the atomic bomb attack. Other sights around town include the Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, Kofukuji Temple, and Huis Ten Bosch.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Nagasaki has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has a cosmopolitan cuisine which has been influenced by China and several Western cuisines. Popular local dishes include Chanpon (a noodle dish), Sara Udon (meat, vegetables, and noodles), and Kakuni Manju (pork belly on a dough bun).

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 Nagasaki or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

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

Nagasaki has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The best areas for nightlife are the Doza-machi and Shianbashi districts. Shinanbashi is filled with narrow alleys and its easy to get lost.

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

Is Nagasaki or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Nagasaki is not a hiking destination.

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.

Nagasaki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagasaki or Milford Sound?

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

Nagasaki has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to the waterfront for the best shopping opportunities. You'll find everything from malls to souvenir shops around town. You'll also find traditional market streets which are known as shōtengai.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nagasaki or Milford Sound More Beautiful?

Milford Sound is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nagasaki or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Milford Sound is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Milford Sound. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nagasaki. Check out Agiruno Oka Park, which has a small farm and other recreational activities. There are also several kid-friendly museums like the Nagasaki City Science Museum and the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium. There are also many parks and playgrounds as well as the Nagasaki Seaside Park.

Is Nagasaki or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Milford Sound is a very popular place for couples. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Nagasaki is a nice destination for couples. There's a unique cuisine with good restaurants. There are also many parks where couples can take a stroll, as well as relaxing hot springs nearby.

Is Nagasaki or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nagasaki and Milford Sound are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nagasaki. There are a number of hostels in the city, but you really should make reservations in advance as they tend to fill up.

Milford Sound is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Nagasaki or Milford Sound Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nagasaki is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its public transit.

Nagasaki offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city has four tram lines as well as city buses.

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 Nagasaki or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

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

Nagasaki is a somewhat walkable city. Many parts of the city can be explored by foot. The downtown is about a kilometer from Nagasaki Station and the Peace Park is several kilometers in the other direction from the station.

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 Nagasaki Worth Visiting? and Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Nagasaki?

How long in Nagasaki or Milford Sound?

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

Families should spend more time in Milford Sound than Nagasaki. 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.

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

One day in Nagasaki or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Nagasaki. 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 Nagasaki or Milford Sound?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the welcoming destination of Nagasaki. This city 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 Nagasaki or Milford Sound?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Nagasaki. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, 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 Nagasaki and Milford Sound, we can see that Milford Sound is more expensive. And not only is Nagasaki much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki.

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

Which is Bigger, Nagasaki or Milford Sound?

Nagasaki has a larger population, and is about 940 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Nagasaki 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.