A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shiretoko National Park vs. Milford Sound for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Shiretoko National Park or Milford Sound?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Shiretoko National Park 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.

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine. With stunning beauty, Shiretoko National Park attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Shiretoko National Park 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. Other popular activities here include skiing and hiking. See Milford Sound travel costs.

Shiretoko National Park and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Shiretoko National Park or Milford Sound?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Milford Sound. Although Shiretoko National Park and Milford Sound are popular destinations, Milford Sound has more sights and attractions for tourists. Milford Sound is very popular for its skiing and impressive beauty, while Shiretoko National Park attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Milford Sound is more touristy than Shiretoko National Park and is popular for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains. It is also well known for Mitre Peak. Shiretoko National Park is famous for its pristine ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and rugged coastline.

How is Shiretoko National Park different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Shiretoko National Park or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Shiretoko National Park
Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a skiing destination.

Milford Sound is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Shiretoko National Park or Milford Sound?

Shiretoko National Park
Milford Sound

Shiretoko National Park is not a good area for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Shiretoko National Park. This is a beautiful and pristine park, but there are limited amenities and museums in the area. You can hit up the Shiretoko Rausu Visitor Center for information on the region.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Shiretoko National Park or Milford Sound? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shiretoko National Park
Milford Sound

Neither Shiretoko National Park or Milford Sound offer quality cuisine.

Shiretoko National Park has a small number of restaurants to choose from. There are a couple of restaurants on the edge of the park, but if you're planning to do any hiking, it's best to bring your own food.

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 Shiretoko National Park or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Shiretoko National Park
Milford Sound

Neither Shiretoko National Park or Milford Sound offer decent nightlife.

People don't go to Shiretoko National Park for the nightlife. Peaceful evenings and relaxing in nature are the best way to pass the time here, not socializing in a bar.

Milford Sound doesn't offer many options. Things get quiet at night and there's little in the form of nightlife.


Is Shiretoko National Park or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Shiretoko National Park
Milford Sound

Shiretoko National Park and Milford Sound are both places where visitors can find world-class hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Shiretoko National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The park is pristine with striking and varied landscapes as well as diverse wildlife. Hiking is the best way to experience the area, and the scenic views, and world class hiking trails are among the best.

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.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Milford Sound More Beautiful?

Shiretoko National Park
Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine 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.

Shiretoko National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The park is among the most beautiful in Japan. It has a scenic natural setting that is particularly nice during the winter season.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Shiretoko National Park
Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Milford Sound is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Shiretoko National Park is a family-friendly remote,natural,scenic,pristine. Kids who enjoy an outdoor adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are wildlife viewing opportunities as well as mult-day hiking trails. Some parts of the park are challenging to access, so younger kids may be limited in what they can do.


Is Shiretoko National Park or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Shiretoko National Park
Milford Sound

Shiretoko National Park and Milford Sound are both great to visit as a couple.

Shiretoko National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature, wildlife, and pristine hiking trails will enjoy a visit to this remote and natural park. There are many great hikes as well as scenic spots that you can explore.

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 Shiretoko National Park or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shiretoko National Park
Milford Sound

Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park. Multi-day treks are a great way to explore the park and see the parts that are less popular with tourists.

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 Shiretoko National Park or Milford Sound Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Shiretoko National Park
Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a moderate fiord for its public transit. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Shiretoko National Park. While there are buses that travel from Utoro to the east coast, they are infrequent. Your best options for visiting the park are having a private vehicle or joining a tour. Many parts of the park are only accessible by hiking or by boat.


Is Shiretoko National Park or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Shiretoko National Park
Milford Sound

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

Shiretoko National Park is a somewhat walkable remote,natural,scenic,pristine. It's a vast park with many hiking and cycling trails.

Milford Sound is not a walkable remote,natural,scenic,pristine. 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 Shiretoko National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Shiretoko National Park?

How long in Shiretoko National Park or Milford Sound?

Shiretoko National Park and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound than Shiretoko National Park because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Shiretoko National Park, and 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

Families should spend more time in Milford Sound than Shiretoko National Park. 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 Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park.


  • How many days in Shiretoko National Park or Milford Sound? Ideal Length of Stay
    Shiretoko National Park 3-4 
    Milford Sound 2-6

One day in Shiretoko National Park or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the national park destination of Shiretoko National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Don't miss the hiking, 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 remote fiord of Milford Sound. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. 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.

A weekend in Shiretoko National Park or Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shiretoko National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, 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.

Milford Sound is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


Five days in Shiretoko National Park or Milford Sound?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the national park destination of Shiretoko National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This remote,natural,scenic,pristine 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. Most people head to the area for the hiking. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

A week in Shiretoko National Park or Milford Sound?

You'll find around the beautiful remote,natural,scenic,pristine of Shiretoko National Park. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milford Sound. Most people head to the area for the hiking. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


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.


Which place is cheaper, Milford Sound or Shiretoko National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Shiretoko National Park Prices
    Japan Prices
    Milford Sound Prices
    New Zealand Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Shiretoko National Park $96
    Milford Sound $141

The average daily cost (per person) in Shiretoko National Park is $96, while the average daily cost in Milford Sound is $141. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Shiretoko National Park and Milford Sound in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shiretoko National Park $34
    Milford Sound $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shiretoko National Park $68
    Milford Sound $134
Compare Hotels in Shiretoko National Park and Milford Sound

Looking for a hotel in Shiretoko National Park or Milford Sound? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Shiretoko National Park


Hotels in Milford Sound


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Shiretoko National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shiretoko National Park $27
    Milford Sound $14

Is it cheaper to fly into Shiretoko National Park or Milford Sound?

Prices for flights to both Milford Sound and Shiretoko National Park change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Shiretoko National Park $45
    Milford Sound $58

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shiretoko National Park $15
    Milford Sound $38

Tours and Activities in Milford Sound

For Milford Sound, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Milford Sound Heli-Cruise-Heli + Earnslaw Burn Landing | 5hr: $974

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shiretoko National Park $11
    Milford Sound $13


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

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


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