A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sendai vs. Fiordland National Park for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Sendai or Fiordland National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sendai or Fiordland National Park, 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.

Sendai

Sendai is a lively, high energy, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Sendai travel costs.

Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is a stunning, iconic, and breathtaking national park. Fiordland National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking. See Fiordland National Park travel costs.

Sendai and Fiordland National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sendai or Fiordland National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sendai. Although Sendai and Fiordland National Park are popular destinations, Sendai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sendai is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Fiordland National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Sendai is famous for the Tanabata Festival, which is the largest of its kind and held every August. It is also well known for the statue of Lord Masamune. Fiordland National Park is famous for its world renowned hiking trails and stunning natural environments.

How is Sendai different from Fiordland National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fiordland National Park and Sendai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sendai or Fiordland National Park?

Sendai is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Fiordland National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Sendai specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city grew up as a castle town, and today the castle ruins are a popular tourist destination. A park surrounds the area, Aobayama Park, and while only the stonewalls remain, you can visit the Sendai City Museum in the park as well. Zuihoden Temple is another landmark worth visiting, as is the AER observation terrace.

Fiordland National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Sendai or Fiordland National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sendai is very good for its restaurants. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Sendai. There are a number of local specialties in the area and if you're an adventurous eater, then this is your place. Many of the dishes are influenced by the city's proximity to the ocean. Make sure you try the harako-meshi (rice with fish eggs), sea squirts, and sashimi. Another local favorite is beef tongue.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Fiordland National Park. Te Anau is a town that serves as the basecamp for the park, and there are a range of restaurants and cafes there. Once you're in the park the dining options are limited, so it's best to come prepared with your own food supplies.

Is Sendai or Fiordland National Park Better for Nightlife?

Sendai is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Sendai has a large number of nightlife venues. Head to Kokubuncho for the best nightlife scene in the area. This downtown neighborhood is filled with bars, clubs, and karaoke that come alive in the evening. For live music, check out Rensa, which is one of the city's largest live music venues.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Fiordland National Park. There are few amenities in the park, so bring your own drinks and supplies.

Is Sendai or Fiordland National Park Better for Beaches?

Sendai is very good for its beaches. However, Fiordland National Park is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Sendai to enjoy the beach. There are a number of beaches in the area, but for the best options you'll want to head a bit out of town.

Fiordland National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Sendai or Fiordland National Park Better for Hiking?

Fiordland National Park is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Sendai is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Fiordland National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The park has world class hiking, and this is the main activity for most visitors. There are three main trails in the park, as well as many shorter hikes that you can do. Milford Track is probably the most famous hike, and it is often considered one of the best hikes in the world. Routeburn Track is a multi-day trek that passes through a variety of environments and landscapes. Other popular trails include Kepler Track, Hollyford Track, and Dusky Track.

Sendai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sendai or Fiordland National Park?

Sendai is a very popular place for shopping. However, Fiordland National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Sendai. You'll find shopping arcades in the downtown area like Ichibancho, which is one of the most popular shopping districts in the city. If you head out of town towards the suburbs, you'll find malls and other outlet stores.

Fiordland National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Sendai or Fiordland National Park More Beautiful?

Fiordland National Park is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Sendai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Fiordland National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This is one of the most beautiful parks in New Zealand. It has striking mountains, dramatic fjords, and pristine beech forests.

Sendai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sendai or Fiordland National Park Better for Families?

Fiordland National Park is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Fiordland National Park is an amazing family-friendly national park to visit. It's the largest national park in New Zealand, and it makes a great playground for the whole family. It's the perfect place to go for a hike or learn about the natural world. There are dolphins and seals, waterfalls, and glowworm caves. There are also fun adventures like kayaking and jet skiing.

Sendai is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of green spaces that kids will enjoy including parks and playgrounds. There are also kid-focused museums like the Anpanman Children's Museum and the 3M Sendai City Science Museum. If the young ones really need a break from the history, you can check out Yagiyama Beny Land.

Is Sendai or Fiordland National Park Better for Couples?

Fiordland National Park is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Fiordland National Park has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples who love the great outdoors will be in heaven in this stunning national park. There's gorgeous scenery, romantic boat trips, and world class hikes that are not to be missed.

Sendai is a good city for couples to visit. The city boasts beautiful temples as well as nice natural areas, parks, and gardens. If you have time to get out of town, Okama is a volcanic lake that is one of the most beautiful spots in the region, and well worth the excursion.

Is Sendai or Fiordland National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fiordland National Park is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Fiordland National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. As the largest national park in New Zealand, this is a world class backpackers destination and it is filled with amazing multi-day treks and once in a lifetime experiences.

Sendai is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels around the town and many of the activities are free as they involve strolling through parks or wandering down shopping streets.

Is Sendai or Fiordland National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sendai is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Visitors to Sendai can move around easily with public transportation. There are two subway lines the north-south Namboku Line and the east-west Tozai Line. These lines cross at Sendai Station.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Fiordland National Park. Public transit is basically nonexistent in the park and there are few roads as well. Even so, having your own car is important as it gives you the flexibility to reach the sections that you want to visit.

Is Sendai or Fiordland National Park a more walkable city?

Sendai is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Sendai is very walkable. There are many parts of the city that are walkable, especially around Sendai Station as well as in the Chuo-dori arcade and the the Kokubuncho neighborhood.

Fiordland National Park is generally not very walkable. There are trails throughout the park and it's possible to access it on foot via Routeburn Track from Mt. Aspiring National Park.

For even more information, also check out Is Sendai Worth Visiting? and Is Fiordland National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fiordland National Park or Sendai?

How long in Sendai or Fiordland National Park?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sendai than Fiordland National Park 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 Sendai.

One day in Sendai or Fiordland National Park?

You'll find nightlife and food around the high energy city of Sendai. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Fiordland National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Sendai or Fiordland National Park?

Sendai is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Fiordland National Park is a great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Sendai or Fiordland National Park?

Sendai is a great place to explore. 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fiordland National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Sendai or Fiordland National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sendai. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the stunning destination of Fiordland National Park. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in New Zealand.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sendai Expensive? and Is Fiordland National Park Expensive?.