how to travel new zealand on a budget

12 ways to experience New Zealand on a budget

Oct 22, 2023 • 7 min read

New Zealand's tramping (hiking) culture centers around an incredible network of free or cheap backcountry huts © Kaitlyn McLachlan / 500px / Getty Images

You’ve spent all that money on plane tickets getting to the bottom of the southern hemisphere. Now you want to make the rest of your travel fund stretch as far as possible. The good news is that affordable travel in New Zealand is possible – if you plan carefully.

Depending on your home currency and the exchange rate, New Zealand travel can be delightfully affordable or a bit of a stretch. Many travelers are shocked to discover how expensive food and goods are in New Zealand, the consequence of everything from gasoline to staples like rice having to travel a long way to get there. Meals out can seem expensive, but keep in mind that listed prices always include tax. You also don’t need to tip; New Zealand has one of the highest hourly minimum wages in the world. 

Despite the high cost of living, you can still make your dollars stretch. Here’s how to travel through NZ on a budget.

Daily costs

• Bed in an eight-bunk hostel dorm: NZ$30-60
• Basic private hostel room for two: NZ$100-150
• Holiday-park tent site: NZ$50
• Holiday-park cabin: NZ$145
• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): NZ$100-150
• Public-transport ticket: NZ$2-$5
• Flat white coffee: NZ$5.50
• Service-station sandwich: NZ$6
• Mince and cheese pie: NZ$5
• Dinner for two: NZ$60
• Pint of standard draught beer at a country pub: NZ$10 

Average daily cost: NZ$150 to $250, including three meals a day, cheaper accommodation and modest activities and transportation. 

Catch the bus

The InterCity bus network is the cheapest way to travel around New Zealand . The buses are reasonably comfortable with big windows, charging ports and regular stops. Tickets can be very cheap if you book ahead – Auckland to Wellington from NZ$68, for example.

A FlexiPass buys you “hours” on the bus so you can hop on and hop off, planning your own itinerary. InterCity also offers backpacker discounts if you have an association card such as YHA, BBH, ISIC or Hostelling International. 

Instead of renting a car, relocate one 

Although your itinerary will need to be flexible, one-way relocations of rental cars and campervans via websites such as Transfercar can save you money on travel, fuel and accommodation. Some will pay your ferry ticket if you have to cross between the North and South Islands .  

Embrace van life

Although it can seem like a big cost upfront, securing a campervan hire save money in the long run. With countless free and legal campsites across the country, you won’t have to shell out for accommodation and can cook your own food. Comparison sites, like Motorhome Republic , aggregate campervan offers so you can find the best deal.

If you’re staying longer, however, buying might be a better bet – it’s relatively easy to purchase, register and insure a vehicle in New Zealand. TradeMe (NZ’s online marketplace), hostel notice boards and backpacker Facebook pages are rife with vans for sale by travelers departing for home. If you have between NZ$7000 and $10,000 to spend on your ride, you’re likely to snag a van fully equipped with camping equipment. Provided you avoid misadventure and repairs, you probably won’t lose a lot of money when you sell it to the next eager budget traveler. 

Whatever you do, choose the most economical vehicle you can, because fuel (gasoline or diesel) in New Zealand is eye-wateringly expensive. 

Freedom camping can be a good option – but only with the right vehicle in the right place 

Free campsites and places to park up overnight can be found across New Zealand.

Known as “freedom camping,” this option has grown in popularity for obvious reasons. But it has also resulted in problems, including tourists leaving behind human waste and rubbish. As a result, most towns have set aside specific areas with rubbish and toilet facilities for budget travelers. Use an app like Rankers to find them. 

In order to freedom camp, your vehicle also needs to be certified as self-contained, meaning you can carry your own water and waste. Breaching regulations could result in a NZ$400 fine.

Department of Conservation (DOC) campsites are your best friend

The cheap and iconic government-run campsites are set in scenic places, with more than 200 of them around New Zealand. They offer a range of facilities in forest, lake and beach settings. Prices range from free and basic to the sum of NZ$23 per adult per night for a powered site. Some even have kitchens and laundry. 

DOC offers a campsite pass (with 30-day and 365-day options) that can be worth your while if you stay enough nights to cover the cost. Before you buy, check the sites you want to stay are included. 

Take advantage of holiday park chains 

Holiday parks are in pretty much every medium-sized town or scenic destination in New Zealand. These campgrounds boast powered sites, kitchen facilities, playgrounds and lounges. Many also feature small cabins or motel rooms, meaning you don’t need to have a tent or be traveling in a motorhome.

Getting a membership with a big national chain, such as Top 10 , gets you a 10% discount on accommodation, savings on the Interislander ferry between the North and South Island and regional discounts on restaurants and tourism activities. 

Don’t visit at the height of summer 

In New Zealand, late autumn (April and May), winter (June to August) and early spring (September and October) are beautiful with crisper days and no crowds . Seriously – no crowds (except for the ski hills). Out of the snow towns, activity prices are cheaper, accommodation hosts will have more time to chat, the famous sun is less intense and you’ll have those DOC campsites to yourself.  

Find the farmers markets

If you’re self-catering, the most nutritious way to eat on a budget is to increase your vegetable and fruit intake. Buy bulk staples, such as rice and beans, and find out when and where the local farmers market is when you arrive at a new destination. (Many towns and cities hold them on Saturdays.) Then you can really choose food in season. It’ll be cheaper and fresher than supermarkets, and you can search through local crafts for unique presents and souvenirs, too.

Volunteer in exchange for room and board

HelpX , WWOOF and Workaway.info  are all incredibly active sites in NZ, with Kiwis offering a room in exchange for four to six hours of work a day. Tasks typically include gardening, childcare or animal care. In return for your hard work, you’ll get time with a Kiwi family, local knowledge, new skills and potentially friends for life.

Housesitting is just as popular. In exchange for taking care of someone’s home and pets, you’ll get free accommodation. Opportunities are listed on sites such as  Kiwi House Sitters , but you’ll likely need a car as some of the homes can be far-flung.  

However, Immigration New Zealand considers volunteering in exchange for room and board “work,” even if it’s unpaid. In order to take advantage of these options, you’ll need to possess a valid work permit, such as a working holiday visa.  

Explore New Zealand’s free museums and galleries

Libraries, museums and art galleries are generally free to visit in New Zealand, although some may suggest you give a small koha (modest donation). Most towns have a small historical society or museum that you can nose around in for several hours. Spend a day browsing paintings, local books, artifacts and exhibits and come away far richer in knowledge.

Learn to love “tramping”

If you’re not already a hiker, New Zealand will make you one . The country loves its great outdoors, and there’s a rich backcountry mythology and etiquette to tramping (hiking) culture, centered around New Zealand’s incredible free or cheap network of backcountry huts . There are more than 1,000 spread across the country, and they’re like temples to some Kiwis. There was even a best-selling book,  Shelter from the Storm,  devoted to the huts, which was so dense with information it weighed in at 2.7kg (6lbs). 

The most important thing to do is obey hut rules: no boots inside, last one out sweeps up, use wood sparingly, leave dry firewood and kindling, clean your noodle scraps from the sink plughole, take that 5 a.m. pack-rustling outside, poo in the right place, leave your intentions in the hut book – and always, always, pay the hut fee.

Ask a Kiwi if you’re unsure about hut etiquette. They will delight in informing you of the proper backcountry courtesies, along with outrageous tales of unruly tourists who broke the hut codes. Don’t become one.

Explore related stories

Budget Travel

Oct 18, 2023 • 6 min read

How to visit Auckland, New Zealand when you haven't got an awful lot to spend.

Dec 25, 2021 • 5 min read

Jan 29, 2020 • 9 min read

Dec 11, 2019 • 5 min read

Aug 27, 2024 • 5 min read

Aug 26, 2024 • 5 min read

Aug 24, 2024 • 7 min read

Aug 23, 2024 • 7 min read

Aug 21, 2024 • 6 min read

Aug 21, 2024 • 4 min read

• Travel guides
• Budget travel
• Luxury travel
• Moving abroad
• Trip planning
• Inspiration
• Flight attendant
• Recent posts
• Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Netherlands
• Dominican Republic
• New Zealand
• Travel Resources

How to Travel New Zealand on a Budget (21 Money-Saving Tips)

• 2 November 2021 8 May 2023

To be completely honest, New Zealand is not a cheap country to travel to. Besides being halfway around the world for most travelers, the prices of goods and services once you’re in the country are high. There definitely are ways to save money, though! In this post, I’ll be giving all my best tips on how to travel New Zealand on a tight budget . I’ve broken it down by category to make it easier to reference later.

⇉ The Ultimate Guide to Traveling New Zealand

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. When you purchase through links on my site, I may make a small commission (at no extra cost to you!).

Travel off-season

Which expensive activities are worth the splurge, how much should i budget for new zealand.

Your actual costs while in the country can vary a lot based on your location, accommodation, activity, and food choices. Here are a few ranges that will give you an idea of how much to save per person, per day for your trip.

Budget : Daily budget of less than $100/day. This will cover a few cheap meals out, staying in campsites/holiday parks , and taking advantage of free activities . You probably won’t want to stay in more expensive cities, like downtown Auckland, more than you have to.

Mid-range : Daily budget of $100-200/day. In this range, you can afford a few nicer meals out, staying in Airbnbs/nicer hostels, and getting tickets to a few less-expensive activities. This is a good starting budget for most travelers.

Bougie : Daily budget of more than $200/day. With a bougie budget, you can have several restaurant meals a day and stay in boutique hotels/ luxury lodges . You’ll also be able to participate in once-in-a-lifetime experiences like helicopter tours to Franz Josef Glacier or adventure sports in Queenstown.

Travel New Zealand on a budget: Flights

International flights.

Getting to (and leaving) New Zealand will probably be the biggest expense you incur during your visit. Round-trip flights from Los Angeles to Auckland can cost upwards of $3,000 USD ($4,300 NZD) during peak times. Travel expenses are one of the hardest categories to cut back on because there’s no getting around them. There are a few ways to save a bit of money, though!

Firstly, try using websites like Skyscanner or Scott’s Cheap Flights to set price alerts. You can set your desired travel dates and get notifications when the price drops. Other third-party websites , like Kayak and Expedia, are great to compare routes and prices on.

When it comes to actually booking your tickets, though, I’d recommend booking directly with your airline. It’s usually the same price (or cheaper), you can accrue airline miles, and you’re more protected if something goes wrong.

Another way to get cheap international flights is to learn about travel hacking . This is the process of applying for credit cards and getting large sign-up bonuses, which you can then use on flights or hotels. Travel hacking is a complex subject that’s beyond the scope of this post, but check out the 10xTravel site for more information!

Domestic flights

Flying can often be one of the cheapest ways to get from city to city. New Zealand has two major airlines: Air New Zealand and Jetstar. Jetstar is the budget equivalent that you’ll want to use to save money . Always make sure to check the conditions of your ticket, however. Many of the cheaper ticket options don’t allow for extra bags or seat selection (there is usually an additional cost to pay if those are important to you).

If you’re able to, traveling during the shoulder season is a good way to save on flights (and usually on accommodation and activities as well). The summer months (November through February) are the most popular and most expensive time to visit New Zealand. Try booking your trip for the spring (September and October) or autumn (March and April) to save some money.

Travel New Zealand on a budget: Transportation

Rent a campervan.

Renting a campervan is hands-down the best way to travel around New Zealand. You’re able to go wherever you want on your own schedule and you’ll generally save a ton of money on accommodation costs. There are several campervan hire companies that offer slightly different set-ups. Here are a few of the most popular options:

• Spaceship Rentals : $27/day
• Jucy : $29/day
• Wicked Campers : $40/day
• Happy Campers : $45/day

⇉ How to Plan the Perfect New Zealand Road Trip

Public transportation in New Zealand is sparse at best — this applies to both the North and South Islands. In big cities like Auckland or Christchurch , it’s fairly easy to get from one part of the city to another. From city to city, however, the options are much more limited.

The best public transportation option to get around the country is InterCity’s FlexiPass . This hours-based bus pass lets you hop on and hop off any InterCity bus at your leisure. It also includes a ticket for the Interislander ferry , which is great if you’re going to be exploring both the North Island and the South Island. FlexiPass tickets range from NZD $98 for 10 hours of travel to $561 for 80 hours.

Hitchhiking is definitely the best option to lower your transportation costs, but also the most unpredictable. It is legal and safe to hitchhike in New Zealand — of course, you’ll always want to trust your gut and take the necessary precautions.

To increase your chances of getting picked up, stand in an area where cars can easily pull over. Solo travelers and couples have better odds, so if you’re traveling with a larger group, split up into twos. Most importantly, never get into a car if you’re getting weird vibes from someone. Better safe than sorry!

Travel New Zealand on a budget: Accommodation

Campsites & holiday parks.

If you’re renting a campervan (or are willing to rough it in a tent), campsites are the way to go.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) has over 200 campsites around New Zealand. Depending on the facilities, you can expect to pay up to $20 per person per night, with the more basic sites being completely free. Many of the sites do require a self-contained campervan sticker, so keep that in mind when deciding where to stay.

Holiday parks are great for budget travelers as well. Most holiday parks offer a mix of powered and unpowered campsites and motel rooms. Top 10 is a popular choice with locations all around the country. These are a bit more expensive than basic campsites (upwards of $50 NZD per person per day) but come with a few extra perks like washing machines and showers.

⇉ Everything You Need to Know About New Zealand Freedom Camping

Hostels in New Zealand are comparable in price to ones in Western Europe or North America. You can find a dorm bed in a shared room for around $25 NZD a night, with private rooms starting at around $50. YHA is a popular hostel association with many quality locations around the country.

Couchsurfing

For the extremely frugal, Couchsurfing can be a great option. After signing up, you can stay with any of the over 10,000 hosts in the country for free. You get to have a truly authentic experience and see what it’s like to live from a local’s perspective. As far as cheap accommodation goes, you can’t beat couchsurfing.

If you book far enough in advance, Airbnb can be a great bargain (especially if you’re traveling with a group). It’s also a useful site to browse for longer-term accommodation — if you know you want to spend a month or longer in one spot, you can often find hosts that offer discounts.

With Airbnb’s new flexible search option, you can also find the cheapest stays for your particular timeframe. You can filter by date, length of stay, and amenities. If you’re open to spontaneous travel plans, this search function could be a great option!

Travel New Zealand on a budget: Activities

Free activities.

While New Zealand is known for its once-in-a-lifetime experiences and adventure activities, it’s still possible to do a lot of cool things on a budget. Because the country is so unbelievably beautiful, all you really need to do is go outside! Outdoor activities in New Zealand are generally free or very cheap.

The best free activities in New Zealand:

• Hiking : This can be done all over the country. Hikes (or tramps ) range greatly in difficulty and length. Beginners can find flat walks with great views (like the Hooker Valley Track at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park ), while more advanced hikers can do a multi-day Great Walk .
• Beaches : You’re never too far from the ocean in New Zealand. The Auckland region , Coromandel Peninsula, Raglan, and the beaches outside of Abel Tasman National Park (to name a few) are all brilliant options.
• Lakes : Lakes, like beaches, are an inexpensive way to spend an afternoon. Lake Tekapo , Lake Taupo, and Lake Wakatipu near Queenstown are all examples of great places where you can chill out by the water.
• Stargazing : Tours from the Dark Sky Project in Tekapo cost upwards of $150. Instead, head a bit further out of town, post up on a comfy blanket, and watch the night sky for free.
• Glow worm caves : Skip the pricey caves in Waitomo and check out the Glow Worm Dell in Hokitika instead.
• Wildlife spotting : You don’t need to go on an expensive tour to spot some wildlife. Stop on the side of the road in Kaikoura to see dolphins, see some seals on the beach in Dunedin , or head over to the Catlins for a chance at seeing some rare penguins.

BookMe is a great option for booking discounted activities online. You’ll find things like scenic cruises, helicopter rides, and other popular activities for 20-90% off their usual prices.

GrabOne is a similar concept to BookMe. In addition to booking activity and tour packages, you can also find discounted accommodation and restaurant deals.

Backpacker Deals

Backpacker Deals is not New Zealand-specific, but they offer a number of activity and tour discounts as well. The deals are often limited time only and/or last-minute, making this a great site for backpackers with flexible schedules.

Although a bit pricier, these activities are unique and very fun. Keep in mind that organized tours are usually always more expensive than going somewhere on your own.

• Milford Sound cruise ($130): Milford Sound is one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand and a cruise is the best way to see it.
• Helicopter tour or scenic flight (from $200): These can be done all over the country, but I’d recommend one near Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
• Hobbiton ($60): Although quite touristy, taking a tour of the Lord of the Rings movie set is still super fun and worth doing (even if you’re not a huge fan of the movies).
• Glacier tour (average cost $60-400): Franz Josef glacier on the West Coast is very cool to see up close. You can either take a guided hike or a helicopter to the glacier.
• Bungee jumping or skydiving (from $100): If you’re up for some extreme sports, New Zealand is a great place to try bungee jumping or skydiving! Queenstown in particular is the best because it’s known as the adventure capital of the world.

Travel New Zealand on a budget: Food & drinks

FirstTable is a website that offers early bird restaurant deals. You get 50% off your meal at participating restaurants if you book the earliest table available! If you don’t mind eating dinner around 5 pm, this is a great option to save some money.

You’ll often find local farm stalls and markets when driving along the side of the road. Besides supporting a local business, the produce and goods from these stalls are often sold at lower prices than you’ll find at the supermarket. While you probably won’t be able to do all your shopping from local roadside stalls, you can definitely stock up on some snacks.

Take advantage of restaurant deals

Many restaurants offer happy hours or reduced-price meals on certain days of the week. Check out their menus online before you go to see if you can snag any deals.

Cook your own food

Cooking your own meals and snacks will always be cheaper than eating out at restaurants. This is where self-contained campervans, hostels, and Airbnbs make good economical sense. Having a kitchen means that you can save money on the cost of food during your travels!

When shopping for food, try going to Pak n Save or Countdown — these are the supermarkets with the lowest prices in New Zealand. Bread and pasta are inexpensive and can be used as a base for lots of different meals. When it comes to alcohol, wine and beer are generally a better deal than hard liquor.

Thanks for reading this guide on how to travel New Zealand on a budget! Hopefully it was helpful and gave you some new ideas you hadn’t thought of before.

Related posts

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Wanderful Stories.

New Zealand on a budget: 25 easy ways to save money on your trip

• April 4, 2020
• Money , New Zealand , Travel Tips

As much as I love (and I mean love ) New Zealand, I’ll be the first to admit that the country isn’t cheap. Traveling along the beautiful North and South Island can get pretty expensive pretty quickly. Luckily, it is really easy to adjust your trip to New Zealand to your budget. In my total of 7 months I’ve spent in the country by now, I have learned to save lots of money in super easy ways. So, today I’m sharing 25 easy ways to help you travel in New Zealand on a budget!

The tips below are divided into a few categories. Skip straight to the part you want to know more about or read them all for the ultimate New Zealand budget travel guide.

Yes, I want to travel New Zealand on a budget! Help me save money on…

• The trip to New Zealand
• Transportation
• Accommodation
• Food & drinks

Preparing your budget trip to New Zealand

First things first! There are 3 easy ways in which you can save money before you even start your trip around the islands.

1. Get the right plane ticket

Let’s begin with one of the biggest things you can save money on! When buying your plane ticket to the country, start by comparing lots of prices and dates on a flight comparison platform. My all-time favorite is Skyscanner .

Thinking about purchasing a flexible ticket with changeable dates? I personally wouldn’t recommend it. Changing a ticket like that can actually add pretty big extra costs (I’ve been there, unfortunately). It’s usually a lot cheaper to book multiple good one-way tickets.

2. Think about the time of year you’ll visit

Just like many other countries, New Zealand knows a distinct peak season. In summer (which is between December and February/March), the country is crowded with tourists from all over the world. As a result, the costs of pretty much everything rise: accommodation, transportation, even of many activities. If you’re not bound to a specific period, you might want to consider (partly) traveling in another season.

Want to know more about the best period for visiting? Read further in my complete New Zealand travel guide.

3. Find a travel buddy

Traveling with someone else not only makes exploring the country a lot of fun, but it is also one of the easiest ways to travel around New Zealand on a budget. You are able to share the costs of transport, food and sometimes even accommodation with someone else. Traveling by yourself? There are lots of other solo travelers looking for a travel mate, too. It’s really easy to meet new people in hostels, or you can hop on Facebook and find someone in one of the many travel groups.

Transportation: cheap ways to travel around New Zealand

4. find the budget-friendly travel option that’s right for you.

There are lots of ways to travel around New Zealand. In fact, I’ve written an entire blog post outlining all of them here: 8 x the best ways to travel around New Zealand . However, if you want to travel in New Zealand on a budget, I’d recommend one of these cheapest options:

• Hire a car – perfect if you’re staying up to about 1,5 months and want lots of freedom exploring the islands. Use apps like Skyscanner to find the best rental deals.
• Buy your own car – if you’ve got a little more time and want to get your own car, you can buy one and sell it later on. Buying a car can costs you very little money in the end, but does bring risks, of course. Check out my complete guide to buying a backpacker car in New Zealand for everything you need to know about the process.
• Get a bus pass – preferably with a good deal! If you love the social experience, busses are a great option. There are multiple types of busses driving all around New Zealand.
• Hitchhike – perhaps the ultimate budget option! Although it’s not for everyone and can have its downsides, hitchhiking is popular among backpackers and very common in New Zealand.

5. Want to hire a camper van? Consider a rental return!

Now, I know that camper vans are a super popular way to explore the islands for a couple of weeks. Unfortunately, renting one is often really expensive. Luckily, there is another option: camper van relocations. In a relocation, you basically bring a camper van from point A to point B. There are several organizations looking for people to return their vehicles, such as Transfercar .

6. Be smart with fuel

Although the prices fluctuate, fuel can be a pretty big expense if you’re driving around the islands. Getting to all the highlights will take quite a lot of kilometers. So, being smart when it comes to fuel really can save you some money! Here are the best tips I swear by:

• Before you get a car, check the kind of fuel it needs and its fuel consumption. New Zealand has lots of hills and fuel can disappear much quicker than you’d expect.
• Be smart about where you fill up your tank. There can be quite a big difference in prices between small towns and bigger cities.

7. Save your supermarket receipts

This sounds like a weird one, but you should! Many gas stations have deals with certain supermarkets, where scanning or showing the receipt will give you 10 cents or so off a liter. You’re shopping for groceries anyway, so might as well enjoy this little perk. I really got into the habit of doing this and it saved me a lot. Now, I miss it back home!

Accommodation: budget-friendly options & tips

Accommodation prices can really pile up the costs of your stay in New Zealand. Luckily, I’ve learned some good ways to cut down on them!

8. Give (freedom) camping a go

Camping is a great way to save money on accommodation in New Zealand. There are lots of campsites spread all across the country, where you can camp for free or only a few bucks a night. Compare this to the nightly rates of hostels (usually NZ$20 and up) and hotels (easily NZ$50-100), and you’ll see that camping really is a perfect budget option for your New Zealand trip.

Want to know all about camping in New Zealand? Check out the best budget tips in my ultimate NZ camping guide and my favorite South Island campsites .

9. Get your gear at the right place

Whether you’re roaming around the country in a camper van or are planning to sleep in a tiny tent on free campsites every night – there’s a good chance you’re gonna need some sort of gear. You don’t need to go to fancy camping stores and spend hundreds of dollars on a simple tent or sleeping bag. Get them online from Amazon or simply visit Kmart or the warehouse when you’re there. They have everything you can possibly need (and I mean everything ) for really, really good prices. And the quality is just fine!

10. Consider WWOOFing

If you want to significantly reduce the costs of your accommodation, WWOOFing (Willing Workers on Organic Farms) is another great option. When WWOOFing, you work a number of hours each day on a farm. In return, you receive free accommodation and food from the family that lives there. Although I’ve never done it myself, I’ve heard lots of positive stories from other travelers!

Good to know: because the government considers food & accommodation a valuable exchange for your work, you can only WWOOF if you hold a valid work visa, such as a Working Holiday visa .

11. Work for free hostel accommodation

Lots of hostels offer deals that let you stay for free if you work a few hours a day. Such tasks include cleaning the hostel and changing the bedding, for example. It’s a great temporary option to save big time on accommodation costs. Plus, you still have the majority of the day to explore the area! Check out backpackerboard for lots of offers. Again, make sure you have the right visa , though!

12. Try house sitting or couch surfing

House sitting is a big thing across the world and New Zealand is no different! In return for watching someone’s home and/or pets, you have a place to stay for free. There are multiple Kiwi organizations helping homeowners find suitable sitters. Alternatively, try couch surfing. This not only gives you a free place to stay but also allows you to meet locals!

How to spend as little as possible on activities

13. have fun for free.

New Zealand is a great country to explore on a budget, because many of the natural tourist attractions and national parks are totally free. So, you can see most of the country’s highlights without paying a dollar!

Another free thing I love to do in big cities is to take free walking tours. They are organized in most big cities, such as Auckland. Alternatively, organize your own self-guided tour by mapping out an itinerary beforehand!

Need inspiration? Read all about my top 15 favorite free things to do on the South Island .

14. Find deals on expensive activities

Of course, not all great New Zealand experiences are totally free. Those paid day trips and excursions really can make incredible memories you don’t ever want to forget. For example, I loved visiting the Waitomo Glowworm caves or cruising Milford Sound. For those activities, chances are you can find a great deal saving you 50% or so on the initial price. So, browse and book on discount websites. I’ve had great experiences with Bookme .

15. Join organized hostel activities

A lot of hostels will offer activities to their guest. These range from BBQs and other common meals, to small excursions and day trips to famous landmarks in the area. Depending on the activities, they are often cheap or even totally free. Besides saving money, it’s also a great way to meet new travel friends.

16. Use the perks on your bus pass

Lots of bus passes come with little perks. For example, the companies may offer deals on tickets or organize little day tours themselves. Not only does it help to save money and travel around New Zealand on a budget – it’s also a great way to make new friends!

Saving money on food & drinks

I’d say the costs of living are pretty high in New Zealand. This includes food and drinks. Luckily, there are some really easy ways to save expenses when it comes to this!

17. Cook your own food

While getting easy takeaway food may be the best option for some travel destinations, New Zealand probably isn’t one of them. So, head to the hostel kitchen or fire up your camping stove and make your own food. This can easily save you $10 or more a day. The same goes for making your own coffee, by the way!

18. Buy seasonal food

Seasonal food is a big thing in New Zealand. A lot of the food is locally grown: fruits, veggies, meat, fish, wine – you name it. By shopping the right products at the right time of year, you can save lots and lots of money. A great example is avocados: they can cost $1 during harvest season, but $7 during the off-season. Crazy, right!

19. Shop at the right supermarkets

New Zealand knows several big supermarket chains, some of which are cheaper than others. A few big names are Countdown, PAK’nSAVE, New World, Four Square and Fresh Choice. In my experience, PAK’nSAVE stores are usually the cheapest, with some of the biggest range of products. Only shopping at more expensive or local stores when necessary, ended up saving me a lot of money.

20. Share or save your food

Sharing food with one or more fellow travelers is a great way to cut down on the costs per meal. If you’re traveling solo, you can always find other backpackers in hostels who would love the company of a shared meal. And if you are eating alone, save your leftovers. Buy some simple food containers and a cooler (bag) to bring your food from one place to the next. It will save you so much wasted food – and money!

21. When you eat out, do so smartly

Even though you want to save money, you probably still want to treat yourself every now and then. I know I do! I recommend using your eating-out dollars for special occasions and local specialties. For example, you can’t miss the famous Fergburger, in Queenstown (South Island). By eating out smartly, you can enjoy the local specialties and treat yourself, but still travel around New Zealand on a budget.

22. Choose your alcohol wisely

Alcohol prices can vary greatly in New Zealand. While beer and liquor are generally considered to be pretty expensive, wine can be really cheap. If you’re a wine lover, head to a vineyard for a free or cheap wine tasting or cellar tour. Or shop your favorite bottle in the supermarket and enjoy the gorgeous landscapes.

23. Bring your own drinks

Another alcohol tip: bringing your own store-bought drinks is a lot cheaper than heading to a bar. If you want to spend a night drinking with friends, you can save a lot of money by buying your own. Get cozy at a campground, build a (small) party in your hostel or find a great scenic view. This’ll likely end up being much cheaper than spending your money at a bar. (Be mindful of hostel regulations or public drinking, though.)

24. Carry around your own water bottle

Drink from your own reusable water bottle instead of buying tons of plastic bottles every day. Not only is it much better for the environment, but it also adds up quickly in money saved. New Zealand tap water is just fine, so fill your own bottle before heading out for the day. You can even fill your bottles at most campgrounds, depending on the water quality (check the signs or research purifying bottles ).

25. Get discount cards

In New Zealand, discount cards can be found for pretty much everything. If you have your favorite supermarket, it’s worth getting a simple card to see if you can enjoy extra perks. Or get one at your go-to coffee shop chain and save up for free coffee. Though it’s not the biggest saver of them all, it’s a great way to enjoy some extra cash.

Those are my 25 ultimate tips to travel in New Zealand on a budget. With these easy and simple tricks, you’ll be able to enjoy the best the country has to offer, while saving lots of money. I hope you find them useful! Let me know in the comments if you have any other great ideas for budget travel in New Zealand.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning I earn a small percentage of any purchase made. They’re at no extra cost to you, but allow me to keep creating new content for you guys. Of course, you’re free to use any other link!

Liked this post? Save it for later!

You may also like…

Camping in New Zealand: everything you need to know

15 x the best free things to do in the South Island

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hey, I'm Anne Elise

Broke backpacker turned accidental six figure online entrepreneur. while traveling..

I’m living proof that your wildest dreams can come true, and here to help you do the same. If you want to know what it’s really like to live a digital nomad life and how you can travel while making (more than enough) money , you’re in the right place. I’m spilling the juice and giving you all the deets. ‘Cause YOU can have this lifestyle, too (really, trust me on this one). 

Crash course get to know me: I love photography (but honestly, am only sometimes in the mood to be in them) and writing words – this blog is the result of both. You can find me in the ocean, trying out any and every coffee place I come across or hiking in the mountains. Or on  Instagram , if that’s your thing. ;)

Join the adventure

Subscribe to the newsletter for the latest blogs, best travel tips and more, don't worry, we'll never send you spam, only the good stuff, anneelise.s.

Hi there, welcome! I'm Anne Elise, a Dutch long-term traveler, photographer and online storyteller. I'm all about living your own adventure - designing a life that's fully yours, with lots of travel in it. I think everyone should be able to love their life and explore the beauty of the world. So, have a look around, get inspired and let's go on awesome adventures together!

Destinations, travel guides, photography, join the club, © wanderful stories. all rights reserved. legal..

Protect Your Trip »

6 Ways to Travel New Zealand on a Budget

The sweeping mountain vistas, stunning beaches, vibrant cities and hospitable locals make New Zealand a bucket list travel destination for many. But as breathtaking as it is, plenty of travelers forgo a forage into hobbitdom due to the expensive costs of getting and staying there. The sticker shock might be high, but that doesn't mean there aren't ways to enjoy the beauty of this remote wonderland for relatively cheap.

See: Best Adventure Vacations in Australia and the Pacific

This is the easiest way to see New Zealand without spending a fortune. High season in New Zealand occurs in the summer (December to February). However, many top ski destinations like Queenstown , Wanaka, Cardrona and Tongariro National Park have a secondary high season during the winter (May to August). Travel during the shoulder seasons (March to April or September to October) to avoid the crowds and hefty price tags while still enjoying the weather, the activities and the incredible views. Some of the most beautiful times to visit are the spring when the flowers are in full bloom, and the fall when the trees turn vibrant hues of yellow, red or orange. 

If you plan on spending a substantial amount of time in New Zealand's bustling cities (like Auckland and Wellington), invest in a city pass. These discount passes will get you into many of the city's top attractions for a fraction of the cost of paying individual admission. With Auckland's Multipass , you get access to five of the city's top attractions like a Fuller ferry ride to Rangitoto Island and the Sky Tower . In the country's capital of Wellington, the city pass grants you entry into the famous zoo, a trip on the cable car, plus other citywide discounts. Queenstown doesn't offer an all-in-one pass, however, during the winter it does have ski passes and packages that grant access to multiple slopes for the cost of one.

Filling the gaps between the cities are lush forests, jagged mountain ranges and sparkling glacial lakes. Arguably the best way to see these natural wonders (without shelling out major cash for a guide) is to rent a car or a campervan. Much of the beauty of this remote country lies in the many places you stumble upon by accident, which is much easier to do when you're driving yourself. New Zealand has a variety of rental companies for budget price points, such as  Jucy Rentals  and  Thrifty , that offer cars and vans for as little as 22 New Zealand dollars (about $15 USD) a day. If that's still too steep, look into rental relocations, which let you rent a car for $1 NZD a day as long as you're cruising between popular relocation routes like Auckland and Christchurch or Christchurch and Queenstown. 

See: 10 Memorable Camping Trips

New Zealand is a country steeped in so much natural beauty and a great way to experience it is to sleep outside underneath the stars. Not only is camping one of the best ways to enjoy the splendor of both main islands, it's one of the most affordable lodging options, too. If you rented a camper van, you can freedom camp (which costs nothing), as long as the van comes equipped with a toilet. However, you can't pull over and set up camp wherever you please (due to reckless tourists and locals, many places no longer welcome campers), so do some research beforehand to avoid fines. If you're just setting up a tent, locals recommend staying at any of the Department of Conservation 's 250 campsites, which come equipped with basic toilets, water, and barbecues or fire pits. The cost is minimal, anywhere from $1 to $20 NZD. Holiday parks — campsites that offer more amenities like recreation rooms, kitchens, laundry facilities and nicer bathrooms — are also popular. Prices range anywhere from $10 to $40 NZD, which is still relatively inexpensive when compared to the cost of a hotel room (room rates typically begin at $100 NZD).

What makes New Zealand so popular is the abundance of adrenaline-packed adventures available around almost every corner. Although some of the most popular adventures come with a considerable price tag, many of New Zealand's famed outdoor experiences are free. To stay within budget, balance the expensive adventures with ones that don't cost a thing. For example, if you spend the $195 NZD to bungee jump at Queenstown's famous AJ Hackett Bungy , skip the heli-ski tour of the Franz Josef Glacier and take the hike up instead. Forgo the pricey "Lord of the Rings" film tours (which can cost up to $250 NZD) and take a cheaper bus ride to the Tongariro Crossing , which costs just $50 NZD and was a primary filming location for the movies (as well as one of the best day hikes in New Zealand). Plus, the entrances at most national parks are free and promise rugged hikes with amazing views. In addition to the great outdoors, many of the art galleries, botanical gardens and city beaches in Auckland and Queenstown are free. For great deals on the popular excursions (like the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves ), check New Zealand deal sites like Bookme , which offer hundreds of discounts for budget travelers.

Kiwis are incredibly hospitable, and many offer their homes to travelers at a fraction of the cost of neighboring hotels. To truly live like a local, rent a home or apartment on Airbnb or Bookabach . These websites let you rent a vacation home anywhere in New Zealand in a wide variety of price ranges. Not only are the accommodations cheaper, these homes are equipped with fully functioning kitchens, making it easy to prepare meals for yourself and avoid spending a fortune at restaurants. To make the most of your time here and truly immerse yourself in the Kiwi culture, ask your host for tips on cheap grocery stores and the best places to score a local meal on a budget.

See: The 10 Best Things to Do in Auckland

About the author: Claire Volkman is a social media journalist with a passion for food and travel. She's spent time in more than 30 countries and hundreds of cities writing, photographing and immersing herself in all things food, wine and culture. You can find her favorite recipes on her blog,  The Realistic Nutritionist . Follow her on  Facebook ,  Twitter ,  Instagram  and  Google+  to keep up with her adventures. 

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The 18 best barcelona tours.

John Rodwan Aug. 28, 2024

Best Fall Family Vacations

Aug. 27, 2024

The Top Fall Festivals in the U.S.

Katie Hearsum and Timothy J. Forster Aug. 27, 2024

Top Music-Themed Cruises

Gwen Pratesi Aug. 23, 2024

The Best Rome Tours

Kyle McCarthy and Ann Henson Aug. 23, 2024

The Best Kids Sail Free Cruises

Holly Johnson Aug. 21, 2024

7 Best San Francisco Wine Tours

John Rodwan and Marisa Méndez Aug. 20, 2024

The Best Weekend Getaways From LA

Sharael Kolberg Aug. 20, 2024

The 6 Best Chicago Walking Tours

Holly Johnson Aug. 20, 2024

The 9 Best Mexico City Tours

Gwen Pratesi Aug. 20, 2024

Follow our travels on Instagram!

How to Travel New Zealand on a Budget

Guest Post by Camille Daniels

New Zealand is well known for its mountain vistas, Great Walks , and pristine beaches . However, exploring Aotearoa doesn’t come cheap. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to travel this beautiful land with little money. 

In fact, there are many ways you can travel New Zealand on a budget. I spent over two months on an epic road trip around the land of the long white cloud and I was spending only $35 NZD per day. 

Are you looking for an affordable way to travel around NZ? Read on for the best tips on how to find cheap flights, accommodation, food and more in this stunning country. 

How to find cheap flights to New Zealand 

New Zealand is so far away that flying there is usually an expensive exercise, unless you go to New Zealand from Australia .

However, you can still find affordable flights from anywhere in the world if you choose your dates wisely and look around for deals and cheap fares.

One of the best ways to find cheap airfares is to use Skyscanner . You can sometimes find return flights from Paris to Auckland for around 550 euros (which is approximately $650 US). Even better, if you’re in the USA you’ll find return flights from New York to Auckland for around $500 US.

You can also have a look at AirFare Watchdog . This website is good for finding error fares or last-minute deals. And don’t forget to check Secret Flying , which offers cheap flight deals around the world. They don’t always have deals for every destination, so check back regularly – when they do, you can really save big bucks! 

Another way of finding good airfares is to travel off-season. Don’t forget that if you’re traveling in high season, airfares will be a lot more expensive. 

If you’re looking for cheap fares, consider going to New Zealand between September and November, which is springtime. Or in winter, between June and August. Just be flexible in your travel dates, and you’ll find some good deals.

How to get around New Zealand on a budget

Getting around New Zealand can quickly become expensive if you don’t know how to travel on a budget. However, there are a few affordable ways to visit this fantastic country including renting a campervan, going on a backpackers tour or hitchhiking. Let’s have a look at your options.

Rent a campervan

There are many ways to get around New Zealand, but the best way is definitely to rent a campervan. The land of the long white cloud is a beautiful country best explored on an epic road trip!

Honestly, there is no better way to enjoy New Zealand. The country is very well equipped in free and cheap campsites, commercial campgrounds and holiday parks.

Do you want to rent a campervan in New Zealand? Check out these companies for the best prices:

• Spaceship rentals from $21 NZD per day
• Happy Campers from $30 NZD per day
• Wicked Campers from $18 NZD per day
• Jucy Rentals from $34 NZD per day
• Traveller’s Autobarn from $17 NZD per day

If you’re planning on doing a road trip around New Zealand, you can stay in one of the 200 campsites managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC) for free or under $15 NZD per person per night (more on this later).

Take the bus

For those who don’t want to rent a campervan or don’t have a drivers license, your second best option would be to take the bus. 

Intercity is New Zealand’s most popular and largest bus network. They even offer bus passes for backpackers starting at $132 NZD. They offer two types of passes. The Flexi Pass and the Travel Pass .

The Flexi Pass is an hours-based bus pass which you can top up. Starting at $132 NZD for 15 hours, the Flexi pass is best for flexible travelers. This pass includes Interislander ferry and some day tours. 

The Travel Pass is a fixed-route pass. All you have to do is choose where you want to go from their pre-planned itineraries. The pass is valid for 12 months, and they offer many different routes on both islands.

Go on a backpackers tour

Another popular way of exploring New Zealand (especially among backpackers and young travelers) is to take a backpackers tour. There are two very popular companies for that: Kiwi Experience and Stray .

Kiwi Experience is best for young travelers (18-22 years old) looking to have some fun and meet new friends. The driver is also here to entertain and guide you along the way. Kiwi Experience offer routes on the South and North Islands and always have great deals! 

Stray is also a hop on/hop off guided tour bus for backpackers, but it is more popular among older travelers. It’s the best backpackers tour for mature adventurers and nature lover’s alike. They also offer deals with savings up to $400 NZD.

Hitchhiking in New Zealand is quite safe* and is a great way to travel New Zealand on a budget. Everybody goes to the same places, so don’t worry, you’ll surely find someone to take you to your next spot! 

Another great way to find people to travel with is to check out Facebook groups such as Backpackers New Zealand or apps like Thumbs up NZ and Coseats New Zealand.

Additionally, you can check out the boards in hostels where you’ll find people looking for rideshares.

*Compared to many other places in the world. However, hitchhiking is never 100% risk-free, so it’s always best to take some precautions, for example hitchhiking in pairs, and not hitchhiking at night.

Where to find cheap accommodation in New Zealand

The most affordable accommodation option in New Zealand is obviously camping. But if sleeping in the great outdoors is not for you, you can also choose to stay in a hostel or an Airbnb. 

Are you on a very tight budget? Try work exchange or house sitting. Below, you’ll find more details on the different ways you can find cheap accommodation in New Zealand.

Campsites and Holiday Parks

Most campsites in New Zealand are managed by DOC (department of conservation). They offer many camp spots in some of the most beautiful and remote places of the country. 

From free camps with limited facilities to more scenic spots offering a wide range of facilities, DOC campsites are definitely your best option for a hassle-free outdoor vacation. 

I spent most of my time in DOC campsites while I was traveling around New Zealand. They are usually very affordable (many of them are free or under $15 NZD), and are located in the most stunning spots. 

If you want a little bit of extra comfort, you can stay in holiday parks. You’ll find them everywhere in New Zealand. They offer a wide range of facilities over and above what the DOC campsites offer, such as flush toilets, showers, fully equipped kitchens, lounges and more. 

They are usually more expensive than DOC camps, but still, you’ll find some pretty affordable ones starting at $20 NZD per person per night.

Check out  Kiwi Holiday Parks for a wide range of holiday parks across New Zealand. Some of the best holiday parks in New Zealand include the following.

Te Anau Top 10 Holiday Park

Top 10 Holiday Parks is a big holiday parks chain in New Zealand and they usually offer great facilities. I stayed at a few of them, and my favorite is the one in Te Anau.

This holiday park offers clean and modern facilities, a nice and warm TV room with comfy chairs, and a big kitchen. You can use the laundry facilities for an extra fee. On top of that, this park is located in the heart of Te Anau, near the shops and restaurants.

Golden Bay Holiday Park

Located right on the beach, this holiday park is very popular among Kiwi families. You’ll find all the facilities you need, including a kitchen, showers, toilets, as well as a lounge and dining area. This holiday park is also a great spot to see the milky way at night.

Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park

Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park is located near the best attractions of Rotorua, including the famous Pohutu Geyser and Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. It features free hot pools, playgrounds for kids, and a swimming pool.

The park is also perfect for mountain bike lovers, as it is located only five minutes from the mountain bike trails.

Lake Tekapo Motels and Holiday Park

If you want to travel New Zealand on a budget, Lake Tekapo Motels and Holiday Park is definitely one of the best places to stay. Located right in front of Lake Tekapo, this holiday park offers campsites, cabins and dormitory rooms.

The park is situated right next to the Tekapo Hot Pools, and the beginning of Mt John Walkway.

Smiths Farm Holiday Park

Smiths Farm Holiday Park is a quiet family-owned holiday park near Picton. With its animals on-site, it’s the perfect place for families. The owners are very friendly, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by nature. There is even a place where you can see glowworms for free only ten minutes walk from the farm. Don’t miss that!

Hostels in New Zealand

Hostels are definitely a great way to stay in New Zealand on a budget and meet tons of friends at the same time. Best for solo travelers, hostels offer very affordable accommodation with all the facilities you need for a comfortable stay.

Usually located in the most popular tourist spots, hostels in New Zealand cost on average $20-30 NZD for a dorm room per night. Below, you’ll find some of my favorite hostels in the country.

Jailhouse Accommodation Christchurch

Jailhouse accommodation is an award-winning hostel set in a former prison. This unique hostel has an on-site cafe, a guest lounge, and free wifi.

Located only 10 minutes from Christchurch railway station, this awesome hostel has all the facilities you need including a laundry room, communal kitchen, and billiards table. Their information desk will help you organize your day trips , activities, and excursions in and around the city.

Adventure Queenstown Hostel

This modern hostel located in the heart of Queenstown offers comfortable budget accommodation for travelers. With nightly activities, unlimited internet and free coffee and tea all day, this fantastic hostel is your best choice in Queenstown.

With its small capacity (only 49 beds), big lounge and dining areas as well as balconies, you’ll love Adventure Queenstown hostel and its fun and vibrant atmosphere.

The Dwellington

The Dwellington is a luxurious hostel located near the ferry terminal of Wellington. With its incredible tennis court, cinema room, games room, and free breakfast this hostel is definitely worth a stay!

The Dwellington offers a variety of rooms from private doubles, twins to dorm rooms. Their friendly staff all help you book activities or the ferry to the South Island. Don’t miss this stunning place if you’re traveling to Wellington.

Haka Lodge Auckland

Haka Lodge is a funky hostel for budget travelers located in Auckland CBD. At the Haka Lodge, you’ll enjoy free wifi, a shared lounge area, and a shared kitchen.

This hostel offers dorm rooms for those traveling on a tight budget, but also private rooms with a flat-screen TV and private bathroom. With its clean rooms and comfy beds, Haka Lodge is definitely the best hostel in Auckland.

YHA Wanaka features breathtaking views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains. With its reading area, billiards tables, balcony and movie room, this hostel features great facilities.

Located in the best area of Wanaka, YHA backpackers offers dormitory rooms or private rooms with en suite bathrooms. This hostel is great value for money in Wanaka, so don’t miss it.

Airbnb in New Zealand

Believe it or not, you can sometimes find Airbnb rooms that are cheaper than hostels! And they are often more comfortable as you’ll most likely have your own room as opposed to sharing a dorm room.

Airbnb is a great way to meet the locals, stay in more remote parts of the country and get a real kiwi experience. You can even find unique Airbnb rooms that are definitely worth a visit. 

On Airbnb, you can find modern and comfortable rooms in homes near the city center of Auckland for only $35 NZD per night. Basically, you get the luxury of a hotel but for the price of a hostel!

For adventurers, Airbnb also offers cabins in the bush. They are great for those who want to unwind and connect with nature. Some don’t even have electricity or hot water, perfect for a retreat away from the hustle of the city.

If you still want to be in nature but with more comfort, you can also find tree houses. Usually made from recycled materials, these huts offer a warm and comfy bed, power and even free wifi. If you’re on a budget, and looking for a great escape, you’ll love it.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is definitely not for everyone, but for the adventurers, it might be a great option. When you’re traveling New Zealand on a budget, Couchsurfing is a fantastic way to meet the locals and build lifelong friendships with people around the world. 

On the platform, you’ll find many hosts who offer free accommodation to world travelers. Couchsurfing is safe and is really great for those traveling on a tight budget. 

Work Exchange

Work exchange is a fantastic way of traveling around New Zealand if you’re on a budget. If you’re new to work exchange, here is how it works: you work for a few hours per day (usually 4 to 6) in exchange for food and accommodation.

If you’re looking to stay at the same spot for a few weeks to save money, work exchange can be a great option for you. Helpx and Workaway are two popular websites you can use to find reliable hosts in New Zealand.

However, on both platforms, you must be a member to be able to contact your hosts.

House Sitting

House sitting is becoming a more and more popular way of traveling. Best for slow travelers, house sitting is a fantastic way to discover New Zealand while caring for pets. 

Most house sitters are often required to care for dogs or cats, sometimes do a little bit of gardening and general maintenance of the house. In exchange, you get free accommodation in a beautiful house in New Zealand. 

If you’re interested in house sitting check out Trusted House Sitters,  the biggest network of house owners and sitters worldwide.

For house sitting specifically in New Zealand, I definitely recommend using Kiwi House Sitters . The website is reliable and regroups the largest house sitting and pet sitting community in New Zealand.

How to book cheap activities in New Zealand

Activities in New Zealand will probably be your biggest expense. But splurging on experiences is something I always recommend, simply because these will be your best memories. 

The best way to find cheap activities in New Zealand is to book them with Book Me . I used this website countless times and got discounts for many major activities in New Zealand such as Milford Sound cruises, Tekapo Hot springs or Puzzling World in Wanaka. 

They offer fantastic discounts, with often more than 50% off the normal price. 

Can’t find what you’re looking for on Book Me? Try Backpacker Deals ! They also have a wide range of deals and discounts on many popular activities across New Zealand, including Hobbiton and skydive experiences.

Where to find cheap food in New Zealand

New Zealand is home to several big supermarket chains including Countdown, New World and Pak’nSave. 

If you want to save money, head to Pak’nSave! They have very good prices compared to Countdown. New World is the most expensive supermarket in New Zealand so I recommend you go there only if there’s nothing else around. 

You’ll only find Pak’nSave in big cities, but most other towns will have at least a Countdown. For fruits and vegetables, head to local markets where you’ll find products in season for a much cheaper price than in shops.

Here are examples of cheap meals you can have while traveling New Zealand on a budget:

Breakfast: Bread and peanut butter, a cup of tea, breakfast biscuits

Lunch: Sandwich made of bread, carrots, tomatoes, pickles, and cheese

Snack: Banana, apple, orange, feijoa, and nuts 

Dinner: Couscous with tempeh, beans or lentils

These meals are easy to make when you’re on a road trip and pretty cheap too. By the way, if you want to add a bottle of wine, you can find some at the supermarket for as low as $7 NZD. Alcohol in bars and restaurants is pretty expensive in NZ.

If you’re looking for cheap takeaway food for a treat, check out Pizza Hut and their $5 pizza! I had so many of these when I was traveling around New Zealand.

You’ll also find the usual fast food places in cities around the country. If you’re traveling the south island and craving some delicious Indian food, check out Coriander’s. They have really good prices, big portions and very tasty food. 

Bottom Line on Traveling New Zealand on a Budget

New Zealand is definitely one of the most beautiful countries to visit, and you can definitely travel around on a tight budget.

If you’re heading to this breathtaking place, rent a campervan and stay in free campsites to save money. Splurge on activities such as a Milford Sound cruise, a scenic helicopter flight above Mount Cook or a skydive experience.

AUTHOR BIO: Camille is a blogger at crystal healing ritual and craft blogger from France. Dedicated to traveling sustainably, Camille has been roaming the world and living abroad for over 7 years. When she’s not traveling, you’ll find her hiking or reading a good book.

Pin this for later!

Similar Posts

Akaroa Dolphin Swim – One of the Most Incredible Things to do in Akaroa, New Zealand

An Insider’s Guide to New Zealand’s Best Hikes – Great Walks NZ

Top 10 Things to do with Kids in Hamilton, New Zealand

Vegan Food Guide to Hamilton, New Zealand

Free Things to do in Christchurch, New Zealand

Free Things to do in Auckland, New Zealand

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Skip to right header navigation
• Skip to main content

Travel Blog

• New Zealand Travel
• New Zealand
• Balancing a Career with Travel
• Budget Travel
• Driving Overseas
• Moving Overseas
• Photography
• Winter Travel Tips
• Sustainability

How to visit New Zealand on a budget: 10 budget saving tips

June 21, 2019 //  by  Mae-Gene //   2 Comments

New Zealand (like my home country of Australia!) doesn’t have the best reputation for budget travel. But like all countries, traveling on a budget here can be done!

I’ve been fortunate enough to be a regular visitor to New Zealand and from each of my visits I’ve learned more and more about saving money when traveling here. 

Here are some of the things I’ve learned from visiting New Zealand on a budget:

1. Get yo’ self some cheap flights!

Look, this is easier said than done, but will make a huge difference to your New Zealand budget.

I have a post all about budget travel  where I also talk about getting cheap flights. My #1 suggestion for getting cheap flights? Sign up for a sale flight notification service!

My favorite one which I use is Scott’s Cheap Flights , and they’re how I got our cheap flights to New Zealand (which I’ve listed above in my New Zealand travel spend).

If you live further away, this will make an even bigger difference, so make sure you keep a lookout for cheap flights!

2. Get creative when it comes to which city you’ll be flying into

Look, sometimes sale flights aren’t perfect.

But if you come across a  really good, rare sale fare, don’t be put off if it’s not flying into your ideal city!

We wanted to visit New Zealand’s South Island, but when we came across sale fares to Wellington (which is located at the bottom of the North Island), we went for it.

We booked early enough that we got some cheap fares flying from Wellington to Christchurch (which is in the South Island) at less than $50 NZD pp.

This more than made up for the fact that the sale fares weren’t to our preferred island.

For my friends visiting from further away (like the US or Canada), this might mean getting a lil’ creative with flights into Australia or South East Asia.

There are also some great sale fares between Australia and New Zealand that are worth looking into!

(Psst: check out Jetstar Australia)

So get a lil’ creative when you’re booking flights, my friends!

3. Renting an RV or Campervan is not always cheaper

When planning our trip to New Zealand, I had dreams of driving around in a campervan.

But once we crunched the numbers, it turned out that this wasn’t necessarily the cheapest option.

Turns out that renting a campervan can get pretty expensive. Especially combined with petrol costs + renting a spot to park your campervan every night.

In many towns, there are many budget-friendly accommodation options that involve a roof over your head and even a kitchen (yes, my friends an actual  kitchen !)

So before you go, crunch the numbers.

We found that renting a small budget car coupled with budget accommodation options to be far cheaper than renting a campervan.

Psst: my recommendation for affordable car rental is GoRentals , a trustworthy New Zealand owned car rental company. I’ve used them for every trip to New Zealand and had incredible experiences with them every time. 

4. If you’re not taking a campervan, book your accommodation ASAP!

This is advice from someone who was traveling during one of the busiest weeks of the year (over the long Easter weekend where New Zealanders were on holiday too!)

We managed to get good deals by booking in advance, as the cheaper accommodation options book out first. 

We opted for budget motels and private rooms in hostels, which are great options for couples who don’t want the backpacker experience.

We also spent one night in a DOC managed hut (more on this later!) which also brought down our costs significantly.

Psst: I’ve put together an itinerary to help you plan your South Island adventure. You can find my 10-day New Zealand South Island itinerary here . It also includes driving times, suggestions on where to stay and things to do!

5. Speaking of accommodation, consider staying at the nearby YHA

YHA or the Youth Hostel Association is a great place to get quality, affordable accommodation.

Even though these are hostels, they’re not the hostels you probably remember from your backpacking days (no party hostels here!)

I’ve seen families, couples and solo travelers all stay at the local YHA.

My favorite YHA in New Zealand was in Mt Cook / Aoraki National Park. At the time, we paid 140 NZD (90 USD) for a private room/night, and had incredible mountain views!

6. If you’re planning on staying at a couple of YHA’s make sure you purchase a membership

If you’re planning on staying in a couple of YHA hostels, make sure you purchase a membership so that you can get 10% off your stay!

You can purchase them directly from New Zealand’s YHA for $25 NZD or from Hostelling International for $10 USD for an e-membership .

Your membership also gives you discounts worldwide. I bought mine for my New Zealand trip, but I’ll be using it when I head to Canada next year too!

7. If you like hiking, spend some nights at the DOC managed huts

DOC or the Department of Conservation is a government body which manages many of New Zealand’s public lands and National Parks.

In some of these locations, they also manage a group of huts, which are basically places you can sleep overnight for a small fee. The fee varies depending on the hut, but is can be around $10 – $30 NZD per person (they’re sometimes more depending on popularity!)

What do you get?

A comfortable mattress in a shared dorm, access to a stovetop to cook your own food and honestly? Some of New Zealand’s most beautiful views.

Psst: if you want to do this, check the DOC website for more information. You can book ahead for some huts (make sure to do this if possible!) and other huts work on a first-come-first-serve basis. 

Views from one of New Zealand’s most famous huts, Mueller Hut in Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park !

8. If you’re planning on staying at a couple of DOC’s huts, consider a Backcountry Hut Pass

You can purchase these passes for a 6-month or 12-month period, and they allow you unlimited use of most of the huts and campsites. The 6-month pass costs $92 NZD pp and the 12-month pass costs $122 NZD pp.

There are discounts for Youth, and also discounts for members of the YHA (see number 6 above!)

9. Cook your own food

I know, this seems pretty obvious, but on my first trip to New Zealand I didn’t take this seriously.

I ended up spending similar amounts $ on food and accommodation. 

While the food was never downright awful, many times it wasn’t that  great either.

We loved eating out in Christchurch and Wellington, but when we were in smaller towns, the food rarely wow-ed us.

And to be honest, we weren’t really in New Zealand for the food anyway!

So if you’re on a strict budget, cook where you can (you can seriously save a lot of $$)

Tips for cooking while road tripping:

• Stock up on essentials in major cities where food will be cheaper
• Tourist towns can have very expensive groceries (i.e. smaller towns like Wanaka are known to be more expensive than Queenstown)
• Affordable supermarket chain stores include Pak ‘n Save, Countdown and New World
• Keep your food fresh by freezing bottles of water and storing them with any food you’re leaving in your car

10. After cheap food? Visit the local bakery!

Bakeries offer some of New Zealand’s budget-friendly snacks and meals.

And if you’re from the US, you  need to try a meat pie!

I know this sounds bizarre, but these savory pies are traditionally filled with minced beef or chunks of steak. You can also get them filled with chicken, curry or any assortment of savory fillings.

They make for a great budget-friendly lunch, and honestly, every town has it’s own bakery so they aren’t too difficult to find!

While New Zealand has a reputation as an expensive country, it can  definitely be visited on a budget.

I loved my time in New Zealand, and it’s one of those places that regardless of your budget, you’ll have an amazing time!

Are you visiting New Zealand?

What are some of the ways you’ll be saving money on your trip .

Did you like this post? Pin it for later:

About Mae-Gene Yew

I'm obsessed with eating copious amounts of sushi and hiking in New Zealand. But on most days you can find me in my home city of Melbourne dreaming of my next adventure, working my lil' corner of the internet (this blog!) or gettin' ready to strap on my hiking boots. Read more...

Reader Interactions

July 13, 2019 at 8:15 am

Really informative article MG. Definitely using these tips when I plan my trip to NZ.

August 20, 2019 at 9:31 pm

Yesss so glad to hear this – let me know if you have any questions when you start planning your trip!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

How to Get Around New Zealand on a Budget

New Zealand is an easy country to navigate. Buses go everywhere, cars constantly pick up hitchhikers, campervans are easy to rent, and backpacker bus tours zigzag around the country.

Plus, there are scenic trains and plenty of domestic flights for those needing to save time.

In short, there’s no shortage of transportation options.

On my last trip to New Zealand, I used almost every one of these options. Today, I want to share the pros and cons of each (as well as some estimated prices) so you know how to get around New Zealand in the most cost-effective and efficient way possible!

Table of Contents

Backpacker Tours

Campervans and car rentals, hitchhiking/ridesharing.

One of the most popular ways young travelers navigate New Zealand is by backpacker bus. These buses offer a hop-on/hop-off service that allows travelers both the flexibility to go at their own pace and the convenience of having activities and accommodations organized for them. New Zealand has two major hop-on/hop-off buses: The Kiwi Experience and Stray.

The Kiwi Experience – The Kiwi Experience is the biggest and most popular backpacker bus in New Zealand. It attracts mainly young gap-year travelers. I like how they go out of their way to make sure everyone socializes and gets to know each other: the drivers play a lot of games and icebreakers, and there are group dinners most nights.

The downside is that: (a) the buses seat around 55 people, and when they’re full, they get a little bit cliquey (and during the busy season, the bus is pretty much always full); and (b) the passengers are really focused on getting drunk (the bus’s affectionate nickname is “The Green Fuck Bus”), hence why so many young people take it. I’d say if you’re 25 or younger (or just looking for a party), this bus is for you.

Tours range from 2-28 days and cost between 99-1,759 NZD per person for hop-on/hop-off tours while small group tours range from 2-18 days and cost between 1,649-3,949 NZD per person.

Stray Travel – Stray has smaller buses, providing a more intimate setting and making it easier to meet people. While there are many gap-year travelers on the bus, Stray also gets older, independent travelers. The bus drivers don’t play as many games or have as many icebreakers, making it a bit awkward when you first step on the bus alone and aren’t an extrovert.

If you aren’t really looking to party a lot or want to spend time with more mature travelers, Stray is for you.

Tours range from 8-24 days and cost between 2,765-5,945 NZD per person.

For small-group tours that cater to more than just the backpacker crowd, check out Haka Tours . They offer some epic adventure tours all around the country and are a good choice for travelers looking to get their adrenaline pumping. Adventure and Snow Tours range from 3-23 days long and cost between 699-4,999 NZD. Their premium 20-day tour costs 7,499 NZD.  

Here are some example prices (in NZD). Just keep in mind that prices vary each season:

  Prices vary based on when you book and whether you’ll be traveling in high or low season. Expect prices to be upwards of 50% more expensive if booked last minute (if there are even spots available, as these fill up fast).

I took the TranzAlpine across the South Island. It had been a dream of mine to do since my first visit in 2010 and I loved every minute of it. It lived up to all the hype. You pass rivers and mountains, cross gorges, and roll through vibrant green farmland. It was a really peaceful, informative, and scenic way to get across the South Island, and made me wish there were more trains around the country (come on, NZ, you can do it!).

This isn’t the most efficient or cheapest way to get around (heck, the Northern Explorer from Auckland to Wellington is 11 hours!) but it’s worth every penny. It’s an incredibly scenic way to see the country.

InterCity, New Zealand’s largest public bus network, is your main option. Skip Bus, a low-cost coach bus similar to Megabus, is available on the North Island and has over a dozen stops, making it another budget-friendly choice if you’re shopping for tickets. Keep in mind they have specials on “Go tickets” so you can get discounts between certain destinations and routes.

These are some example InterCity ticket costs for sample routes to help you budget (prices in NZD):

Prices exclude booking fees.

InterCity has two travel passes, both of which valid for up to 12 months: FlexiPass, an hours-based bus pass (10-80 hours) designed for backpackers and independent travelers; and the TravelPass, a fixed-route pass that’s only good for spots on that specific route.

FlexiPasses range from 10 hours (139 NZD) to 80 hours (641 NZD). You can top up your hours if you run out. The TravelPass has 14 different options and costs between 125-1,045 NZD.

With the InterCity TravelPass, you can stop anywhere along the route. For example, if your pass includes travel between Picton and Christchurch, you could do Picton to Blenheim, Blenheim to Kaikoura, and Kaikoura to Christchurch all on one trip.

I bought a 15-hour FlexiPass. Adding up my journeys on the South Island individually, the price of my tickets would have been 172 NZD. I paid 136 NZD so the pass did save me money. However, there’s a caveat: you can only use the FlexiPass on InterCity buses, and on the South Island they contract out a lot of routes, so I couldn’t use my pass on most of the routes to Milford Sound, Mt. Cook, or Bluff (to get to Stewart Island).

So what’s a traveler to do?

If you’re booking far in advance and getting the cheap discount fares, don’t buy a pass. I’d also skip the big fixed-route pass, as they don’t offer value when compared to other giant passes or tour operators.

I’d buy a FlexiPass since it is hours-based and valid for up to twelve months. Combine that with other cheap tickets bought far in advance, ridesharing, or anything else. Mix and match what you do for optimal savings. Use the pass for expensive routes and cheaper options for other, shorter routes!  

Here are prices for some popular one-way routes when booked in advance (prices in NZD):

• Travellers Autobarn
• Wicked Campers

Jucy is the most dominant in the country; I saw more of its cars and vans than any other company.

Prices vary a lot . Your daily rate will change depending on where you pick the vehicle up, if you are dropping it off at a different place, how long you are renting it for, how far in advance you book, and when you book (going during the high season? Prices seem to double!). You need a degree in accounting to figure out how these companies price their cars!

Here are sample daily rates for when you pick up and drop off at the same location (prices in NZD):

  Here are sample daily rates for when you pick up and drop off at a different location. Keep in mind some places charge you a flat drop-off fee or a one-way fee (150-250 NZD) in addition to the daily price:

If you drive, getting a campervan is one of the most economical ways to get around. You’ll be able to use your van/car as accommodation, pick up travelers to split the cost of gas, and maybe find travel partners to split the cost of the vehicle itself.

If you are spending 70 NZD per day for a Jucy campervan that can fit three people, that’s a savings of up to 50% compared to a hostel and daily bus ride, which will set you back 30-50 NZD a day.

If you use a campervan, be sure to download the awesome Campermate app, which helps you find nearby campsites, gas stations, and dump stations.

Additionally, you can just ask around any hostel for a ride — everyone is doing the same circuit and will be happy to have another person to split gas costs with. Hostels usually have boards where you can find rideshare offers as well. I hitchhiked from Wanaka to Queenstown to Fiordland on a whim and didn’t have any trouble (I saw tons of other backpackers doing the same thing as well).

You can find rides on websites like Craigslist , CoSeats , and Carpool World . Check out HitchWiki for more tips.

There are a lot of ways to get around New Zealand . If you’re OK driving, rent a car or campervan. Don’t want to drive? Bus it or get rides with other travelers — someone is always looking to split the cost of gas!

No matter what, you’re not going to have trouble getting from point A to B, even if you wake up and need transport that very day! New Zealand is an easy country to travel and, with some planning, it doesn’t have to break the bank !

Book Your Trip to New Zealand: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. My favorite places to stay are:

• Nomads (Queenstown)
• Urbanz (Christchurch)
• Rainbow Lodge (Taupo)

If you’re looking for more places to stay, here is a complete list of my favorite hostels in New Zealand .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on New Zealand? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on New Zealand  for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

Related Posts

GET YOUR  FREE TRAVEL STARTER KIT

Enter your email and get planning cheatsheets including a step by step checklist, packing list, tips cheat sheet, and more so you can plan like a pro!

• Get in touch
• Angel The Wanderlust
• Cook Islands
• New Zealand
• Living Abroad

Get your travel inspiration, guides to start off your journey today!

How much to budget for New Zealand Trip (Updated 2024)

New Zealand Travel Budget

Page Contents

New Zealand is known for its amazing landscapes, jaw-dropping scenery, and the land of sheep haha. It’s probably also known as one of the most expensive countries to visit and live in. I have lived here for 8+ years now, and got my residency here (woohoo) and it is true that the cost is getting crazier by the year! But despite all these, New Zealand is still a popular tourist destination, for any type of traveler; including budget travelers. So don’t be discouraged! Here I will show suggestions and tips on how much to budget for New Zealand trip!

When there’s a will, there’s a way

All you need to know is that it’s possible Wolf, A trial hiker

Save it to budget your trip later 🙂

This article will be in NZD, use this currency converter to convert to your own country’s currency!

I came here first as a student on a budget but still managed to travel through the country with limited funds. And after I graduate, I have a bit more money so my budget becomes higher! So I’m going to show you the budget for both budget travelers, and mid-range travelers. Not going to touch much on luxury travel, as I haven’t fully done it myself, and to be honest, there’s no ceiling for luxury travelers. You can always find something to splurge on 🙂 

Considering your priority

Before you jump into budgeting your trip, you should first consider what are the things you 100% can’t compromise. And what are the things you prioritize when it comes to traveling? I’m alright staying in the lower scale of accommodation if it means I can splurge more on activities and food. As I think I’d be too busy exploring the country and not stay in my room often anyway.

So really it’s understanding yourself and your travel habits, don’t be shy when doing this, especially when you’re deciding this with your travel companion. There’s no right and wrong answer 🙂 And it’s better to discuss it before, than during the trip!! It’s true that not all friendships/ relationships are suited to travel together!

I’m going to break it down into 5 main sections. Flights, accommodation, food, car rental, and activities just depend on what you are interested in 🙂 And I won’t mention public transportation, as really driving is the best and cheapest way!

I actually thought hard before writing this topic, as it’s very hard to estimate. It largely depends on when you go, which part of New Zealand you travel to, how many people you’re traveling with, and what activities you join. But I decided to write this in the hopes of encouraging people to travel to NZ, and to show it is possible to travel without breaking your bank!

New Zealand Travel Breakdown cost for Budget Travelers

  new zealand travel breakdown cost for mid-range travelers.

Car Rentals prices are before insurance. And it’s always good to add on full insurance to reduce hassle on-road 🙂 And for accommodation, car rental; daily cost could get cheaper if you stay longer! As for fuel, it goes without saying the more people you split with the cheaper it is.

Flights-  How much to budget for New Zealand Trip

International Flights

I’m not going to put any actual prices here, as I know it really depends on where you fly from; when you visit, where you book from, etc. Summer in New Zealand (December- February) is the busiest season for tourists, hence everything including flights would be more expensive. So avoid this time if you’re on a budget! 

I usually use Skyscanner to compare flights, they compare a huge range of deals and companies. Also, I’ll go look at each airline’s direct website to check if they have any deals or promotions going on! You’d be surprised what kind of promotions they put on sometimes, but do note usually the travel dates are quite restrictive. So you need to be flexible with your travel dates 🙂

Another thing to consider is your luggage and meal plans. Some cheap airlines offer a really good price, but it often doesn’t come with any checked-in bag or meals. And after you add on both, the prices are more expensive than big airlines or only a few dollars off. 

Domestic Travel

On a side note, it’s possible to drive everywhere in NZ. Even from North Island to South Island, you can travel on a ferry which you can bring your car on.

As for the cost of domestic flights within New Zealand, it is actually quite crazy, sometimes it’s more expensive to travel domestically than internationally to Australia or nearby islands (Cook Island, Fiji etc.) 

There are two main airlines

Air New Zealand

Which is often the more expensive option, but their service and comfy level are better as well. You can sometimes score good deals on Grabaseat but usually only flights from Mon-Thursday.

Air NZ does fly to more places in NZ than JetStar does.

The cheaper option, but have a fair amount of reviews saying extreme delays or cancellations. I personally never experience it! So I actually like this airline, just sometimes the landing can be a bit rough haha. Fly to limited places,  but cover the big tourist towns like Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown, Christchurch, and Dunedin!

It’s always good to add at least one checked-in bag, especially if you know that you don’t travel light. It often is very expensive to add on more luggage at the airport. And airlines are quite restrictive with the weight, so be mindful before you check-in! I have experienced multiple embarrassments of trying to move my stuff from one bag to another lol

Accommodation- How much to budget for New Zealand Trip

New Zealand has a variety of accommodation styles that cater to different travelers. Hostels, motels, campgrounds, hotels, luxury homes, etc. And the cost can range from $30 to as high as you’d like! You can definitely find somewhere to stay that suits your preferences and budget.

And of course again with the different seasons and locations; the prices can differ, and it’s always good to book in advance if you can only travel during the peak season (Dec-February)

I’m going to start with the cheapest option and on to the more expensive ones! I am not going into details about camping or traveling in a campervan. I will write a detailed one in another article 🙂

$40-$100 for a bunk bed

$100-$200 for private rooms

Suitable for budget travelers

Good place to find travel buddies, and new friends

Arranged activities at the hostel

Shared kitchen

Hostel bunk beds are usually the cheapest option unless you’re renting a campervan or have a tent for camping. And it is a great place to meet new friends, find a travel buddy to share fuel costs, food etc. They also often have arranged activities at the hostel, like bar crawls, movie nights, pizza nights, or arrange a day tour and so on.  Which could either be free or at a very reasonable cost.

And if you’re looking for more privacy, there are private rooms as well. And they’d still be cheaper than most other accommodation, especially if you split the cost between two people.

If you’re traveling solo, bunk beds would usually be the cheapest. However, if you’re traveling as 2+ people; it might be cheaper with private rooms or not much difference at all. So it might be worth the upgrade 🙂

HostelWorld is where I usually compare when I’m booking hostels, they have a good range of hostels and you can change regions, currency, etc. They also have a good amount of reviews from travelers!

Airbnb + Motels

Family Friendly

Usually have free parking

Most have kitchen space

Airbnb and Motels’ costs are quite similar I think, so I put them in the same section. New Zealand motels are actually quite nice, it doesn’t give out the creepy vibe (at least the ones I’ve stayed in haha)

And a lot of families choose to stay in motels, as it has parking, big space and comes with a kitchen. So you could save a lot by cooking yourself! Airbnb can actually go way higher than $250, but as I’m focusing on budget and mid-range travelers, that’s the price I think it’s reasonable within the category.

Booking.com is where I compare motels, and I believe is where most people do their research as well. After all, that’s the first thing that pops up in google when you type “accommodation in xxx”. And it is actually really good, with many traveler reviews, good deals, and tiers of the account which come with different benefits 🙂

I usually go on Airbnb when I’m trying to find a unique stay, or if I want to learn more about the local lifestyle!

$200+ (4 and 5 stars)

Restaurants on-site

Facilities like gym, pools

24 hours staff on-site

Most expensive choice out of all mentioned, especially as it rarely comes with a kitchen. And eating out in NZ is no joke, the cost really builds up if you eat out for all meals during your trip! So I really don’t recommend staying at hotels for your whole trip, it’s ok to splurge a bit for a few nights. Unless of course, you are looking for luxury all the way! 

Food in New Zealand- How much to budget for New Zealand Trip

This is one of the things you can really control the budget for your New Zealand trip, and it’s inevitable to cook yourself if you want to save up. So learn a dish or two before your trip haha.

Groceries cost for self-cooking

Approx $100-$150 per week for a couple 

To save money on food, the best way is to cook most of the meals during the trip. And you can save a huge amount of money by doing so! Buy your groceries from three main supermarkets, PAK’nSAVE, Countdown, and New World. With PAK’nSAVE being the cheapest, and New World the most expensive. ( First Costco is opening up in Auckland in 2022, will update this if they are cheaper !) First Costco officially opened in September 2023, and YES they have a lot of cheaper options but of course they sell in bulk. Also, the gas is cheaper comparing to many others!

Always buy enough groceries before going to one of the tourist destinations, especially on South Island like Lake Tekapo, Fox Glacier, and Mount Cook. Those tourist destinations usually don’t have any of the big supermarkets, instead, they have FourSquare which is fairly overpriced, as you are paying for the convenience!

As of now 2024, New Zealand is mostly only having cage-free eggs. If you’re an egg lover, you might have to budget a bit more or be disappointed as you might find many supermarket eggs are very expensive!

Dine out in New Zealand

As I mentioned before, the cost is quite crazy to dine out. So you would need to budget a good amount of money for food if you’re planning to dine out often. Below is some sample cost for dining out based on one person:

• Meat Pies: $5-$7
• Fish and Chips takeaway: $9+ per fish, $4+ for chips
• Fast Food Restaurants: $12-$20 for a meal
• Chinese Takeaway: $15-$25 for a meal
• Breakfast/Brunch food: $14-$30 for a meal
• Asian Restaurants: $16-$30 per meal
• Higher Scale Restaurants: $100-$200

Due to the nature of ingredients costs increasing, you can see many restaurants up their price as a result. (As of 2024)

Drinks- How much to budget for New Zealand Trip?

Feel free to skip this if you’re not a drinker, and tap water is all you need 🙂 Many restaurants, bars, and pubs have happy hour(s). Usually, between the time of 3-6 pm, use this time to get lots of cheap drinks 🙂 Or buy from supermarkets or liquor shops if you’re planning to drink lots! Always a good idea to pre-drink at your accommodation before going off to the club!

• Beer: $9-$12 per glass
• Wine: $11-$20 per glass
• Mixed drinks: $12-$20 per glass
• Sodas: $4-$8
• Juices: $5-$10
• Coffee: $4-$10
• Hot/Iced Chocolate: $6-$10

You can find a bottle of wine from supermarkets/liquor shops for $10, 4 cans of beer for $12, and soju for $6. 

Of course, you can always find even more expensive food or drinks than the price I listed out!

Drink Responsibly, DO NOT drink and drive, be safe on the road. Take care of yourself and the people you love

Activities in New Zealand- How much to budget for New Zealand Trip

New Zealand is known for its natural beauty, landscapes, and scenic roads. So you don’t necessarily need to budget anything for activities on your trip to New Zealand. Hiking is free, driving on a scenic road is free, visiting a viewpoint is free, jumping in a lake/ocean to swim is free, stargazing is absolutely free, and so much more 🙂

But of course, I would recommend allocating some budget to at least one of the below activities (based on one person)

• Learn about Maori Culture: $30-$120
• Hot Pools: $25-$80
• Scenic Flights : $150-$300
• Glacier Heli-Hike : $450-$600
• Bungy Jump: $150-$275
• Big Swing: $140-$230
• Milford Sound Cruise : $60-$150
• Whale watching : $120- $150
• Skydiving :  $280-$500

Book your activities on Bookme to get discounted deals 🙂

Read More: Best things to do on South Island, New Zealand I Places to visit on North Island, New Zealand

Rental Cars- How much to budget for New Zealand Trip

Car itself $55+

Rental Car insurance plan: $15+ per day

The most basic car can be as cheap as $55 per day before the insurance cost. And if you’re getting a 4-wheel car or campervans etc. It will be more expensive.

And fuel is ridiculously high now, it’s currently at $3+ per liter in NZ. Getting more people to share the fuel cost with you would save a lot of money! Or walk to places when it’s within walking distance, it can save you fuel and parking. 

It is best to research and compare different companies before making a decision. Discovercars is a good website to compare rental companies. Insurance plans can vary between companies as well, so make sure to compare the total prices after you add on insurance.  Also, some companies will charge under $25 driver fee or an extra driver fee; so take all these into account before making the final decision!

Snaprental : I personally recommend this as I have rented with them before, the price was very good, and the process is very simple and quick. I remember only paying $400 for 7 days including the most comprehensive insurance back in 2021. But this is when the border was closed, I believe it’s not that cheap anymore 🙁

Summary- How much to budget for New Zealand Trip

Other costs to budget for your trip to nz.

• Travel Insurance- Very important!
• Winter Clothing- If you’re traveling during winter (May-September)

My recommendation is to always set your budget a bit higher than what you estimate, for emergencies, cancellations, spontaneous decisions, or other unexpected events. I know you think that is what travel insurance is for, and yes it is. But travel insurance doesn’t cover EVERYTHING as much as you’d like! And after all, you’re on a trip where you’re supposed to be enjoying your time and not constantly worrying about going over budget!

Lastly, to repeat again it is 100% possible to visit New Zealand on a budget, don’t let the cost scare you away. New Zealand is so worth the little extra money; when you see the landscapes, and experience how beautiful this country is. You will not have any regrets!!

There’s a quote I LOVE! 

“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer”

Like what you’re reading? Save it to help plan your next NZ trip!

Drop a comment and let me know what you think, and when are you planning to visit New Zealand 🙂

Get more inspiration

Best day trips from Auckland- Epic Destinations 2022

Fun indoor things to do on a rainy day in auckland, new zealand.

14 Best things to do in Auckland in 2023

Ultimate Guide to The Pinnacles, Coromandel- Amazing Hike 2022

Great advice and tips to budget for a trip to New Zealand. Hoping to get there in the next 6 months so all these tips will come in very handy as I plan my trip. Thanks.

Lovely!! I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time in NZ 🙂

I have been planning a trip there so this was very helpful!!

Awesome 🙂 Thank you!

ANUKRATI DOSI

These are such great tips for New Zealand. Loved reading them.

Thank you 🙂

These are helpful tips & I’ll consider hiring a car for my next NZ trip! Thanks so much for sharing!

Awesome 🙂 Thanks for reading!!

I definitely want to visit NZ one day. Thanks for so much advice!

Yeah hope you make it to NZ one day, It is amazing 🙂

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Please enter an answer in digits: 6 + 19 =

• Life abroad
• New Zealand Travel

I am Angel, a travel enthusiast from Taiwan and currently located in New Zealand. Follow my journey to get inspiration and guides to travel the world :)

Accueil - Travailler avec nous - Pensées de voyage - Voyage famille - Envie d'écrire ? - A propos

Home - Travel resources - Family trip - Contact - About - Media Kit

Inicio - Contacto - Quiénes somos

• DESTINATIONS
• PHOTOGRAPHY
• LEARN PHOTOGRAPHY
• TRAVEL TIPS
• DREAM DESTINATIONS

The Budget to travel to New Zealand? Travelling to the end of the world

Last update : 07/18/2024

Our blog continues to grow thanks to you, our readers. This post may contain affiliate links, which means we can earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps us to continue to bring you more and support our work !

If you have decided to travel to New Zealand, in the near future, unless you are lucky enough to be earning plenty of money, the question of budget will arise! I have just returned from a 3-week road trip in New Zealand which naturally led me to want to share with you the budget you’ll need for such a trip . Like the thorough article I did on the budget needed for a trip to French Polynesia , I will try to do the same here.

Knowing your travel budget when planning a trip abroad is always a complex issue and every traveller will have their own ideas based on their income, how long they plan to be away travelling, what they hope to do on their travels, etc. Some people love the preparation process, including planning their budget, while others just think about turning up with a backpack on their back looking forward, quite simply, to discovering new places and making new friends. Here I will give you an overall view of the type of expenses you are likely to encounter on your trip to New Zealand . Are you someone who likes to plan everything before you set off or are you just looking forward to having an adventure?

Whether you are travelling around the world and hoping to discover the Pacific Islands or simply planning your first trip to New Zealand, this article is for you. A road trip here remains one of the classics when doing a round the world tour. Many backpackers even stop for several months to work here (with a WHV / PVT = Working Holiday Visa / Permis Vacances Travail). They very often continue their journey to Southeast Asia, New Caledonia, Easter Island or South America. So, how much does a trip to this distant island cost?

The system is changing in New Zealand and having a Visa will be mandatory for French people from October 2019.

For those of you looking for activities over here at rock bottom prices, I’m used to compared prixes on this great website.

The cost of a trip to New Zealand - and how to travel for less?

How much does a stay in New Zealand cost for travelers? In my opinion there are 6 main expenses to calculate into your budget. On your trip, expect: the flight to get there, the travel between the main islands, how do you want to travel during your trip, accommodations, activities and food.

In addition, there will, of course, be incidental expenses such as souvenirs, travel insurance, gifts, credit card withdrawal taxes, in short, all the typical expenses which occur when you’re travelling around the world.

Just so you know, $1 NZL = €0.58 (when I was there)

1 – How to get there – Cheap flights to New Zealand

If you are in Europe, you can find flights (with stopovers) to New Zealand from almost any capital city. From Paris, London or Berlin, you will find flights from around 600€ if you are flexible on dates. For me, this is relatively cheap with the distance I have to travel. Do have a look at this super flight comparator that I have been using for more than 10 years for finding cheap flights.

From the USA, similarly, all the major cities offer flights to New Zealand, starting at $700 from the west coast, where flights seem to be cheaper than in other parts of the country. Especially if you’re flying out of San Francisco or Los Angeles , directly to Auckland. However, the cheapest flights from the United States to New Zealand are from Hawaii, with flights for under $400/500 round-trip .

For Canadians, you will find flights starting at $900 Canadian dollars , flying out of the major cities.

It’s worth noting that it is often possible to include New Zealand when purchasing a round-the-world ticket. Something to think about?!

2 - Travel between the country's 2 islands

I spent 3 weeks in New Zealand on the North Island, by choice as I find that I now prefer travelling at a more leisurely pace.

Travel between the North and the South islands is something to consider when calculating the cost of your trip to New Zealand. For those who want to travel between the islands, there are several options available:

• 200$ for a car with one person, 270$ for 2 people (150€),
• 420$ for a campervan or a mobile home for 2 people,
• If you are on foot : it will cost 65$ NZL (38€) per person making the crossing.

If you are travelling by bus or are hitchhiking across the country you do not have to take the ferry to reach the island opposite. Air travel is much cheaper than travelling by ferry. This is one of the ways to save money during your trip to New Zealand if you are planning to go around on foot. Here are some of the average prices:

• One-way ticket Auckland – Christchurch: 45 €
• Auckland – Wellington: 40 €
• Wellington – Christchurch : 40 €
• Christchurch – Dunedin : 70 €
• Auckland – Dunedin : 50 €

If you are looking for the cheapest domestic flights from New Zealand’s major cities to other parts of the country, you can use the best flight comparator , the very one I have used for years.

3 - Traveling in New Zealand

Depending on how you choose to travel and what you plan to do, this is the time when your budget can explode and you find yourself spending more than expected. There are plenty of options available to you no matter what your budget, from the most economical to the most expensive. I have already written an article on driving in New Zealand and you will find a lot of useful information there. Here I am talking about the 3 means of transport which most people usually choose.

Rent a car in New Zealand

As everywhere, the price of renting a car is very variable, depending on many hypotheses: the person renting (age, number of years driving, etc.), kilometers of the car, its maintenance, the type of insurance chosen, etc. I particularly recommend this site . I’ve booked twice via this great car rental comparator and found great prices!

The lowest prices start at around 15/20 $ NZL per day for a small low-end car (certainly not one of the newer models…), at around 150 $ NZL for a large 4×4. I’ll tell you about my personal expenses and experience with car rental in New Zealand which is at the end of this article.

Renting a motorhome / campervan in New Zealand

This is one of the options that many choose, often for simplicity. In my opinion, based on what I’ve heard during my three weeks in New Zealand, this is not the most economical option when travelling in New Zealand. However, that’s another story and one I’ll tell you about in an article about travelling with a small budget in New Zealand. To rent a campervan, prices range from $70/80 to about $100 per day for a small campervan. The prices for renting the large motorhomes are crazy and unless you rent one of these beasts between several people, I wouldn’t recommend it.

Are you looking for the best comparator for motorhome or campervan rental companies?

For those who are looking for a motorhome or campervan at the best price for their trip to New Zealand, I recommend this site in particular.

Travelling by bus in New Zealand

This is also one of the possibilities when travelling on a limited budget in New Zealand. However, over a few weeks or months, this is not the best option as the cost is far too high.

There are two main companies in New Zealand: Kiwi Experience and Stray Travel . Prices vary widely depending on the duration of your bus pass and your desired route. Both companies offer travel passes which last a few weeks, months, or even a year. These are usually valid for 12 months.

Prices range from $650 for a 15-day pass to over $1500 for a one-month or 1.5-month pass. This may be an option for those wanting to go to all the top tourist spots in a limited time. Unfortunately, with these buses you have less freedom of movement and you might find yourselves on more of an organised excursion.

Hitchhiking and carpooling seems to work rather well in New Zealand and is definitely the most economical way to travel around there. The only downside is that this takes more time and is less certain. So, how do you think you would prefer to travel?

4 - Accommodation in New Zealand

Things get more complicated here. Depending on what you want for your accommodation, you should be able to find something from very cheap to very expensive. Here I’ll give you the main options for accommodation in order from the cheapest to the most expensive.

Camping in New Zealand

This is obviously going to be the cheapest option and was the one I chose during my trip. Prices vary from $6 to $20 per person per night, depending on whether you are staying on a very basic campsite (toilet only) or one with all the creature comforts (laundry, internet, etc.). There is a great application that offers a map of all the country’s campsites.

There are also a number of free campsites scattered across the country. I provide the details for these in my article on camping in New Zealand . Beware of camping in the wild as it’s very regulated….

Airbnb and Bed & Breakfasts in New Zealand

This is a more expensive option than camping, but one which is still quite reasonable. Prices start from $30 for 2 people and go up to around $70/80 depending on the location.

It is quite possible to find beautiful Airbnb rooms at very reasonable prices.

Youth hostels

These can be found in all medium and large cities in New Zealand. Prices generally start at 20/30$ for a bed in a dormitory. You can expect 50/60$ for a private room.

With a little hindsight, I would have preferred to sleep in an Airbnb in Auckland rather than staying in a youth hostel (Base Backpackers).

I personally did not stay in any of the hotels during my stay, but from what I saw, the prices vary from $100 to $150 per night for 2 people.

This is clearly the most expensive option when finding a place to stay in New Zealand and if you’re on a limited budget I suggest you find another path.

Below is a selection of the best places to stay the night. I have stayed in some of them, others have been recommended a number of times by other travelers, especially by friends who go to New Zealand regularly. Living in Polynesia, New Zealand is almost next door, and I can count on friends to give me the best “sleeping tips”.

Entry level

Queen Street Backpackers

Kiwi International Hotel

Attic backpackers

City Lodge Backpackers

Grand Central Serviced Apartments

Star Park Serviced Apartments

SkyCity Grand Hotel Auckland

Four Points by Sheraton Auckland

South Island

Abel Tasman National Park Adventure Inn Marahau

Christchurch Sandy Feet Accommodation

Glacier Franz Jospeh Franz Josef Montrose Hostel Lodge

Te Anau Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers

Invercargill Southern Comfort

North Island

Cap Reinga Self catering in Kerikeri

Péninsule du Coromandel Hunua Ranges

Rotorua Rotorua Central Backpackers

Lake Taupo Riverstone Backpackers

Wellington Whitby Sea View

5 - Activities and leisure activities

The price of a trip to New Zealand will also depend on what you want to do there. I am not necessarily in favor of paid activities and don’t think you need to partake in them in order to have a good time, quite the contrary actually. However, New Zealand is an expert in making money and there is very little you can do here for free.

There is a wide range of offers on canyoning, rafting, bungee jumping, helicopter rides, climbing, boat trips, etc. To put it bluntly, activities in New Zealand are expensive!

It will cost between $50 and $80 for one activity per person. At that price, you will have to think about what you really want to do, especially if you don’t want to blow your whole budget on a few activities.

There are discount cards and offers available on some websites at very attractive rates, especially for ‘thrills’ and extreme sports. I will tell you more about them in my article on travelling cheaply in New Zealand.

Another thing, almost none of the tourist sites are free and those that do exist are not easy to find. For example, a visit to the geothermal site of Wai O Ta Pu (next to Rotorua) costs 65$ for 2 people. Hobbiton (The Lord of the Rings shooting location) 158$ for 2 people -> Generally, Hobbit / Middle-earth fans can’t resist visiting this spectacular site.

Anyway, it all adds up fast.

On the other hand, for those travelling economically and/or with a passion for grandiose landscapes and wide-open spaces, you will have enough to enjoy without breaking the bank. Hiking to see the geysers, fjords, volcanoes, glaciers, rainforest, snow-capped peaks and others amazing sights will guarantee that you have a worthwhile visit to New Zealand without financial ruin. The great tour of the Coromandel Peninsula in the north of the country offers a large number of hiking trails and beautiful white sandy beaches, for example, and you will be relatively far away from the tourist attractions of the south of the country. The country’s national parks offer the opportunity to discover beautiful landscapes at a low cost as well.

From North to South, the landscapes seem to change greatly. New Zealand’s wildlife is much more beautiful on the South Island, and you can see breathtaking scenery! I was told it was a hiker’s paradise! So, don’t focus on paid activities, they are not compulsory, simply take the time to enjoy what this wild nature has to offer: lakes, hiking, penguins, sea lions, endemic flora and fauna, hot springs, etc. The beautiful areas in the South Island are not to be missed, and I hope to see them on my next visit.

For those who prefer to book their activities before leaving home, here is a site that lists a set of fun things to do, some of the most classic and some of the more off the beaten track. Here is a selection of 5 very cool activities to do once in New Zealand:

• Visit Hobbiton, from Rotorua as well as other activities in the area
• Gondola lift of Queenstown and Milford Sound Cruise
• Kayak and whale watching in Kaikoura
• Auckland: entrance ticket for the Sky Tower and others!

The Last point to consider for the budget on your trip to New Zealand : food.

Living in Tahiti at the time of writing this article, my opinion may not be the same as those living in other parts of the world. Overall, I found the food relatively cheap. The French people I met over there told me that the food was a little cheaper than in France, in general. Even restaurants are “relatively accessible”.

Here are some prices to expect to pay for food in New Zealand:

• A dish in a restaurant: between $20 and $30,
• A burger in a snack bar: $15
• A muffin in a supermarket: $1.5,
• One litre of milk: $1.89,
• FCheese (Cheddar) 1 Kg: $12
• Pad Thaï Noodles: $1.5/2 per package
• A coffee (on the road or in a bar): $5

7 - My budget for 3 weeks in New Zealand

And so we come to a roundup of the type of budget to expect when travelling to New Zealand. First, I’ll clarify some points about my trip:

• We travelled in a group of 3 people: 2 adults and a 2 year old toddler (there will soon be a full article for tips on travelling to New Zealand as a family, with a baby),
• We opted for the most economical option, in my opinion (car rental + camping),
• We did not choose the smallest and most economical car (because of the baby and for fear of having problems with the car…),
• We are generally used to travelling economically,
• We stayed mainly in the better campsites, those with hot water (for the little one and for us), electricity and internet,
• We only ate twice in restaurants during our stay, the rest of the time we bought food and cooked in the evenings at the campsites,
• We did not do any of the paid activities, other than to visit natural parks and similar visits,
• We were there in October and November, so before the tourist season.

Here are the main expenses of our trip:

• Airfare : 600 € (We only paid for one ticket, the other being “free with airline miles” + free for the baby)
• Accommodation : 522 € (An average of 23,72€/night for 22 nights)
• Paid activities : 255 €
• Car rental : 380 € (for 19 days, or about 20$/day),
• Petrol : 300 €
• Food/Coffee/Restaurants : 920 € (including expenses for the baby)

TOTAL : 2980 € all included.

In the end, I think we did quite well considering that we stayed for 3 weeks and were travelling with a baby, which always involves additional expenses.

8 – Your budget for a trip to New Zealand

If you arrive from outside French Polynesia, the price of the flight ticket will probably be higher given you’ll be travelling further and, of course, I only paid for one.

The rest of the expenses could be about the same if you rent a car, do some camping and don’t spend too much on the paid activities. Another point to note, we drove 3500 km in 3 weeks and we stayed on the North Island. If you plan to drive more than that and perhaps go to the South Island, the budget will clearly increase (petrol + ferry between the 2 islands). On the other hand, you may well have less food expenses if you’re travelling without a baby or small child.

My guess would be that for 2 people, spending 3 weeks in New Zealand, you can expect to spend something like 4000€ including your flights, although this could be 500€ more or less depending on the type of activities you want to try and the accommodation you choose.

I would say you need to allow 800€ per week once in the country for 2 people. It will obviously be possible to spend less than that if you stay in the free campsites, and don’t eat in restaurants!

If you don’t want to plan your trip to the South Pacific Ocean yourself, there are a large number of travel agencies in New Zealand and around the world which will organize tailor-made trips or accompanied tours for you. Although that’s not my preferred way to travel, that way you will at least be certain that you don’t miss out on any of the country’s must-see attractions. However, please note that you lose freedom to wander off the beaten track when you go down that route.

I hope that this article on the travel budget necessary for a trip to New Zealand has given you lots of ideas. I wish you luck with your preparation!

If you have any questions about this article, and specifically your travel budget, I would be happy to answer them! So, are you ready to immerse yourself in New Zealand?

See you soon.

Written by Sylvain PONS

Living in French Polynesia at the time, I explored New Zealand from 2017 to 2020 during two road trips of two months each. As a family, we camped and discovered the beauty of these two islands.

Despite our care, a mistake may have slipped into this article. If you find any, please don't hesitate to let us know so we can correct it as soon as possible and keep our information up-to-date!

Did you like the post? Follow us!

You may also like

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Post comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

NEW ZEALAND ON A BUDGET: Auckland and Rotorua Travel Guide

New Zealand is one of those destinations that need no introduction. There’s a big chance that you — my friend, reading this post right now — have either dreamed of visiting at least once in your life or have already decided to visit in the near, far, or far, far future. New Zealand is spellbinding in that way. Just a mere mention of its name captivates, conjuring up images of a fantasy world: magical, enchanting, and absolutely epic.

New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland is the most accessible gateway to the country. It is home to 1.45 million people, a third of New Zealand’s population. During my stay, I tried to document as much details as possible so I could create this quick travel guide on how you can enjoy a piece of it too.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

When to Visit

New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere so their summer kicks in around December and winter in June. In general, when it comes to weather, Auckland is pleasant year-round, but summer (December-February) is the most popular. The downside, it is also the peak season, which means higher airfare and hotel rates. Winter gets some rain showers every now and then but rarely goes to the extreme.

The months of May (end of fall) and November (spring) are the most highly recommended because the weather is still great but you can avoid thick tourist crowds.

How to Get to Auckland

If you’re coming from Manila, Philippine Airlines flies directly to Auckland , which is a good option to have! Every booking comes with baggage allowance, meals, and other full-service airline perks.

There are no low-cost direct flights from Manila to Auckland, so if budget is a concern you will have to make a connection somewhere else. But that’s when it gets tricky. A good connection to Auckland from Manila is hard to find if you’re traveling on a tight budget. But here are a few reminders:

• As much as possible, book the legs of your journey with the same airline. Why? So you don’t need to worry about your luggage. You just check it in and pick it up in Auckland. This also gets you covered in case the first flight gets delayed and you miss the next flight. The airline will accommodate you in their next flight for FREE. If you book the second flight with a different airline, they’re not under any obligation to provide new tickets.
• If you’re booking the connecting flight separately, ask if that airline has some sort of partnership with the other airline. Some carriers have agreements that might include seamless baggage transfer. Also check the layover time. Know that if you book flights separately, in many cases you will have to collect your baggage and check in again before you can board the next flight. ALSO, if it’s connecting in a city that requires a visa, you might need to pass through Immigration first before the baggage pick-up so check the visa policy of that country.
• If you’re on a holiday, take TIME as currency too. It’s not always about the price. Consider the travel time. Some fares may be so low but they entail a super-lengthy layover. You don’t want to spend more than 20 hours en route when you could have used that time to explore New Zealand.

Important! New Zealand is very strict with biosecurity. Be sure to declare or dispose of the following items before entering New Zealand. False declaration can incur a nz$400 fine:

• Any food – includes cooked, uncooked, fresh, preserved, packed, or dried.
• Animals or animal products – meat, dairy, fish, honey/bee products, eggs, feathers, shells, raw wool, skins, bones, insects
• Plants or plant products – fruit, flowers, seeds, bulbs, wood, bark, leaves, nuts, vegetables, parts of plants, fungi, cane, bamboo or straw
• Animal medicines, biological cultures, organisms, soil, water
• Equipment used with animals, plants or water, including for gardening, beekeeping, fishing, water sport, or diving activities.
• Items used for outdoor activities such as footwear, tents, camping, hunting, hiking, gold, or sports equipment.
• Prohibited / restricted goods – medicines, weapons, indecent publications, endangered species of flora or fauna, illicit drugs, or drug paraphernalia
• Alcohol more than 3 bottles (not exceeding 1.125 litres each) and 4.5 litres of wine or beer
• Tobacco more than 50 cigarettes / 50 grams of tobacco

How to Get from Auckland Airport to City Center

From the airport to Auckland CBD, you can take the SkyBus, which operates 24/7 to and from the airport.

One way ticket prices: nz$18 – Adult nz$6 – Child (5-15 years old)

Return ticket prices: nz$32 – Adult nz$ 12 – Child (5-15 years old)

Where to stay in Auckland

From budget hostels to luxury hotels, there are a lot of accommodation options for everyone in Auckland.

Mid-range to Luxury Options

If comfort is your priority and budget isn’t a problem, here are some of the Auckland hotels and resorts with the best reviews on TripAdvisor.

Budget Options

If you’re on a budget, consider hostels. But don’t expect hostel rates that can match those in Southeast Asia. A dorm bed here costs around NZD 30 (USD 22, PHP 1100) per night. The cheapest is at around NZD 22 (USD 16, PHP 780).

Private rooms at a hostel usually entail a NZD 150/night (USD 110, PHP 5300) damage to your wallet.

Here are the best rated hostels in Auckland that are below USD 55 (PHP 2700) per night.

Search for more: Auckland Hotels

How to Get Around Auckland

Walk if you can especially for short distances. It’s healthy and free. And the city isn’t that big. But you can also take these other modes.

The bus is the most popular mode of transportation. You can use the Link Bus Service to get around.

• CityLink Bus (Red) will take you around the city center.
• InnerLink Bus (Green) will take you around the inner city.
• OuterLink Bus (Yellow) will get you around the inner suburbs of Auckland.

No need to check the timetables because a new bus arrives every few minutes.

For more information, visit the following:

• Route Information
• Fare Information

You can also visit the Auckland Transportation website to plan your journey. Just enter your origin and destination and their app will tell you how to get there, what time, and how much to pay. Check it out here .

If you think you’ll be taking a lot of bus, train or ferry rides in a day, you may purchase an AT HOP Day Pass , which will give you unlimited access to most of Auckland’s public transportation systems. It costs NZD 18 and expires at midnight of the day you first use it. So if, say, you use first use it at 8am on a Saturday, it will expire at 11:59 of the same day. Similarly, if you first use it at 11pm, you only have an hour left before it becomes invalid.

There are bikes available for rent at Devonport Wharf. Here are the rates.

Day Bike – from nz$14 Road Bike – from nz$59

If you prefer traveling by Uber, here are the rates:

Fare breakdown for UberX Base fare nz$1.30 per Minute nz$0.30 per KM nz$1.35

Minimum fare: nz$5.00 Cancellation fee: nz$10.00

Places to Visit in Auckland

MT. EDEN (250 Mt. Eden Rd) At 196m, Mt. Eden is the tallest volcano in Auckland. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the summit of the mountain. Just a five-minute drive from Auckland CBD. Admission is free.

DOMAIN WINTERGARDENS The Wintergardens houses a lot of vibrant plants, mostly flowering. There are two Victorian styled glass houses in the area. One shelters tropical types while the other houses those that thrive in colder environments. If you are already in the area, it is a nice place to check out. Admission is free.

SKY TOWER (Victoria St W & Federal St, Auckland 1010, New Zealand) If you’re in Auckland, the Sky Tower is very hard to miss since most of the time you look up, you’ll see the tower. The tower has been one of Auckland’s icons for 20 years. Activities on the highest level of the tower include dining in a revolving restaurant, SkyJump, and the Sky Walk to name a few.

WAIHEKE ISLAND Just a 35-minute ferry ride from Auckland, Waiheke Island gives you access to a number of vineyards, olive groves, and beaches.

Here are a few tours from Auckland to Waiheke Island:

Wine On Waiheke (includes Ferry, Tour, and All Day Bus Pass) Departs Auckland 1pm Wednesday to Sunday Return Ferry Ticket & Tour – nz$130 Tour Only – nz$110

Taste Of Waiheke (includes Ferry, Tour, Light Lunch, and All Day Bus Pass) Departs Auckland 11am Daily Return Ferry Ticket & Tour – nz$140 Tour Only – nz$120

Other than wine tours, there is also a tour that shows you the beautiful views of the island

Waiheke Explorer (Ferry, Guided Tour, and All Day Bus Pass) Departs Auckland Daily at 10am, 11am, and 12pm Return Ferry & Tour – Adult nz$57 Child nz$ 28.50 Family nz$143

For people who want to explore the island on their own, there is also a car hire available.

Wheels On Waiheke (includes Ferry and All Day Car or Scooter Hire) Departs Auckland Daily Returrn Ferry Ticket & Car Hire – nz$99 per adult

How to Get from Auckland to Hobbiton and Rotorua

Most tourists in Auckland also visit the neighboring lands, especially Rotorua and Matamata, which is home to the famous Hobbiton (Lord of the Rings).

Day tours from Auckland are available, but they are ridiculously expensive. What we recommend is that you go to Matamata, tour Hobbiton, and then proceed to to Rotorua by bus after the tour, spend a night there, and take the other tours from there.

To go to Hobbiton , you can book an Intercity bus to Matamata. Fare: NZD 22 (USD 16, PHP 780) . Once in Matamata, you can go to the Hobbiton Tour pick up spot which is either of the following, depending on what you booked.

From Shire’s Rest 501 Buckland Rd, Hinuera, Matamata.

From Matamata i-SITE The Matamata i-SITE, 45 Broadway, Matamata.

Klook offers discounted Hobbiton Set Tour tickets so it would be best to book online.

After your tour, you can make your way to Rotorua. Fare from Matamata to Rotorua is NZD 15 (USD 11, PHP 532).

Note that when you book with InterCity online, you are charged a one-time NZD 3.99 booking fee so best if you could plan your trip well and book all your tickets at once.

Places to Visit from Rotorua

These are just some of the most popular places you can visit from Rotorua. Although I listed down the regular cost of the tour or day pass below, I also included links to Klook in case you want too book with them. Klook usually offers discounted rates.

If it’s your first time to book with Klook and you’re based in the Philippines, use the promo code KLOOKTPT to get an additional P200 discount on your first booking! Valid until December 31, 2017 only.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Waitomo meaning ‘water entering a hole in the ground’ is home to the Arachocampa Luminosa (spider-like, light-producing larva) is a Glowworm species unique to New Zealand. To be what it is now, it took 24 million years to actually shape the caves through natural occurrences such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

There are buses like Intercity and GreatSights that take passengers from Rotorua to Waitomo Caves. Fares vary depending on availability and date of travel. InterCity’s 7:45am bus can sometimes go as low as NZD 39 but it can also reach up to NZD 88. But it seems to be generally cheaper than the afternoon bus.

Tours for Waitomo:

Glowworm Caves Only Adult nz$50 Child nz$23 Family nz$124 / nz$16 per extra child

Klook offers a slight discount for Waitomo Tours too!

Aside from the Glowworm Cave, there are two other caves in the Waitomo area that you can explore. If you want to see all three, here are the rates.

Glowworm Caves + Ruakuri Cave: Adult nz$87 Child nz$32 Family nz$188 / nz$19.5 per extra child

Glowworm Caves + Aranui Cave: Adult nz$72 Child nz$32 Family nz$157/ nz$19.5 per extra child

Glowworm Caves + Ruakuri Cave + Aranui Cave: Adult nz$95 Child nz$42 Family nz$209 / nz$30 per extra child

For combo passes, it would be best to book directly at the Waitomo site.

If you’re a Lord of the Rings / The Hobbit fan, this place is definitely a must-see attraction when you’re in New Zealand. Construction of the place was started in 1999 for the Lord of the Rings trilogy and was refurbished in 2011 for The Hobbit trilogy.

Tour prices are: Adult (17+ yrs) – nz$79 Youth (9-16 yrs) – nz$39 Child (0-8yrs) – Free with paying adult

Five minutes away from Rotorua’s city center, Te Puia is home to the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute established in 1920.It is a place to learn more about the Maori culture. Aside from this, you will also see the famous Pohutu geyser, the largest geyser in the southern hemispehere, in Te Puia.

Tour prices are: Adult (17+ yrs) – nz$ 46.80 Child (5-15yrs) – nz$ 23.4

Ruakuri Black Water Rafting – Black Labyrinth

Rotorua Skyline Gondola

Mitai Maori Village Evening Tour

Whakarewarewa Village Tour

Huka Falls Jet Ride

Lakeland Queen Cruise

Where to Stay in Rotorua

Mid-range to upscale options.

Here are the best-reviewed, top-rated hostels and B&Bs in Rotorua.

Search for more: Rotorua Hotels

Sample 5d-4n itinerary and expenses.

This itinerary assumes you are taking the Philippine Airlines flight from Manila, staying in a twin room at City Garden Lodge in Auckland (NZD68/night) and a double room at Crash Palace Backpackers (NZD70/night) in Rotorua, and traveling with one companion with whom you could split the cost of accommodations.

DAY 0 – TRANSIT 11:00pm – Depart Manila via PR218

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN AUCKLAND 2:05pm – Arrive in Auckland, transfer to hotel ( NZD 18 ) 4:00pm – Check in Hotel (NZD 62/room/night or NZD 31 /person) 7:00pm – Dinner 9:00pm – Night walk back to hotel

Day 2 – AUCKLAND CITY TOUR + WAIKEHE ISLAND 6:00am – Quick breakfast, go to Mt. Eden ( NZD 3 ) 8:00am – Visit Mt. Eden / Wintergardens (FREE admission) 10:40am – Go to Ferry Terminal ( NZD 3 ) 11:00am – Board ferry to Waiheke Island (Explorer Tour: NZD 57 ) 11:40am – Arrive at Waiheke Island 3:40pm – Head back to ferry terminal to go back to Auckland. 4:00pm – Board the ferry to Downtown Auckland. 4:40pm – Arrive in Auckland 5:00pm – Walk around the city / (window) shopping in Downtown Auckland. 7:00pm – Dinner 8:00pm – Back to hotel (NZD 62/room/night or NZD 31 /person)

Day 3 – HOBBITON 6:30 am – Breakfast 7:30am – Check out hotel & depart for Hobbiton (NZD 22) 12:00am – Quick lunch 1:00pm – The Shire / Hobbiton movie set tour (NZD 79) 04:10pm – Transfer to Rotorua ( NZD 15 + NZD 4 Booking Fee) 5:30pm – Check-in at hotel (NZD 70/room/night or NZD35 per person) 7:15pm – Dinner

Day 4 – WAITOMO 6:00am – Breakfast (NZD 4) 7:45am – Transfer to Waitomo Caves (NZD 39 or NZD 77) 10:10am – Waitomo Caves (NZD 50) , lunch 4:00pm – Depart Waitomo (NZD 86) 7:00pm – Back to hotel (NZD 70/room/night or NZD35 per person)

Day 5 – TE PUIA & DEPARTURE 7:30am – Breakfast (NZD 4) , early checkout, leave bags 9:00am – Te Puia Tour (NZD 46.8) 1:00pm – Lunch, pick up bags 4:00pm – Depart for airport (NZD 28) 8:24pm – Arrival at airport, Dinner 12:30am (next day) – Depart Auckland via PR219

If you follow this itinerary and you limit your meal expenses to only NZD 30 per day, prepare to shell out around NZD 800 (USD 562, PHP 28,100) .

This does not yet include the airfare and visa fees .

Also, it depends highly on your spending habits and where you would stay. You can still bring down the cost by picking cheaper accommodations (like staying in a dorm instead) and booking your tickets in advance.

More Tips for the Poor Traveler

• If you want to follow the itinerary above and you’re flying with Philippine Airlines, pick a Wednesday or Sunday flight so you can catch a return flight in time. PAL flies to Auckland only 3 days weekly so timing is important.
• Set ample time from the airport to your hotel since it might take you a while to get out of Auckland’s airport due to their very strict bio security checks.
• Most hostels have an open kitchen that you can use. Instead of eating out, head over to the supermarket and buy ingredients. It’s a lot cheaper this way.
• When walking around Downtown Auckland, I found it helpful to use the Sky Tower as reference to my location.
• If you’re booking with InterCity, plan your trip well and book all your tickets at once. They charge a one-time NZD 3.99 booking fee.

This is a work-in-progress. We will be updating this travel guide as we receive more info and experience more of New Zealand. Last edited by @yoshke, July 2017.

2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣6️⃣ • 1️⃣1️⃣ • 4️⃣

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Is this post helpful to you?

Related Posts:

• BIRI ISLAND ON A BUDGET: Northern Samar Travel Guide & Itinerary
• BACKPACKING EUROPE: How to Plan Your Dream Euro Tour on a Budget
• ANAWANGIN COVE: Travel Guide & Budget Itinerary
• ISLA VERDE BATANGAS: Travel Guide & Budget Itineraries
• HO CHI MINH CITY Travel Guide: Budget, Itinerary, Things to Do
• MARINDUQUE TRAVEL GUIDE with Budget Itinerary
• NICE TRAVEL GUIDE with Sample Itinerary & Budget (South of France)
• ZAMBOANGA CITY TRAVEL GUIDE with Requirements, Itinerary & Budget

• Recent Posts

• NEW ZEALAND ON A BUDGET: Auckland and Rotorua Travel Guide - 4 November 2016

A cheaper method for getting from the airport to the city centre is by taking bus 380 from either terminal (cost $1.80 NZD, duration 25 min) to Papatoetoe train station. From there take the train to Britomart station (cost $4.90 NZD, duration 35 min), which is right at the city centre. For all this you will need the Hop card, so be sure to buy at the airport or convenience store before boarding.

Hi Austin! Thanks for sharing! We’ll add this to the post! :D

This is very informative. NZ is one of our target out-of-the-country destinations. We will definitely use this information when we plan our NZ adventure. :)

A very informative post. I was planning for a short vacation in New Zealand next year. This makes my holiday planning so much easier. Thank you!

[…] blog post entitled “New Zealand on a Budget: Auckland and Rotorua Travel Guide 2016” from the blog The Poor Traveler. The blog post, based on my understanding, is traveling the New […]

Thanks, Vanj! :)

It was great to stumble upon this post. I need help with this too! I’ve forgotten the last time I filled out a form on paper. I mostly use PDFfiller to edit. You can easily fill NAVMED 1300/1 here

Hi, do you recommend renting a car for the tour? Because places are far apart. And do you recommend to do the 3 cave package or only the gloworm cave? Because we have the same tour of 5days and 4nights. Thanks in advance.

It is definitely an advantage to rent a car which gives you the freedom as compared to taking a public transportation. But please be advised that New Zealand cars drives on the left side of the road and the driver’s seat is on the right. Depends on where you are going, most roads can be narrow and windy and as a driver you could be easily distracted by the country’s scenic views so please be extra cautious :)

Excellent guide! I’m sure you’ll help a lot of people with this post. Rotorua, and New Zealand in general, is absolutely fantastic. The geothermal wonders here are mesmerising, it really makes you feel as though you’ve been transported to an entirely different planet!

Awesome tips. Definitely helpful for a poor traveler especially for an expensive place such as New Zealand.

I’ve saved up so I can go backpacking New Zealand for six months next year (PS you forgot Campgrounds as an awesome budget option! They are TONS of them there!!!). This info on how to make money go the distance in the cities is EXTREMELY helpful! Plus, I now have to add Waiheke Island and the Glowworm Caves onto the list of ‘to do’ as well.

Hi, I wonder why the hiking stuff is prohibited? I’m a mountaineer and looking for a chance to hike a mountain in NZ. Let me know how can I possibly bring my gears?

This blog is so helpful!!!

Thank you! :)

Thanks for this as we are planning our Auckland trip exactly like yours. However, it seems Waitomo Caves is too far and the time itinerary you made is not correct.

I checked intercity.co.nz and it says Rotorua to Waitomo Glowworm Caves travel duration is from 7:45am to 10:10am. But based on your itinerary you arrive in Waitomo glowworm at 9:00am.

If I google map Rotorua to Waitomo Glowworm caves it takes 1 hour 45 mins and up to 2 hours and 25 mins.

With this, going to Waitomo Glowworm and going back to Te Puia is not feasible and is too far away.

Thanks for your clarification,

Thomas Also from PH

Wondering if you already sorted out your travel here in New Zealand? If not, we would love to have a chat with you on how you could maximize your time here that still works out within your budget. We are a NZ Tour Agency owned by Filipinos and we would gladly assist you. Email me at [email protected] http://www.budgettoursnz.com

P.S. Thanks the Poor Traveller website, I love your site and are looking forward into placing some ads on your page :)

Hi Thomas, yes, you’re right.

We adjusted the itinerary and moved Te Puia to the next day. We also applied the recent changes to the schedule of PAL flights.

Hope you can also post a blog on how to successfully apply a New Zealand visa. :)

yes please .. kindly post how to apply New Zealand Visa

Please post how to apply tourist visa in NZ

Hi, do you have also a step by step procedure for New Zealnd Visa application?

Hi Vian, wala pa po. :(

Is it true that visitors are required to hold proof of sufficient funds of at least NZD 1000/person per month of stay? Does airport immigration or check in counter really check this?

Philippine Airlines now flies direct to AKL from MNL every M-Th-F, departing at 06:55H at NAIA Terminal 1 and arriving in AKL at 22:05H. Return to MNL departs at 23:55H and arrives 05:35H the next day. :)

hello! hopefully you can still see this po. During visa application po, did you submit a hotel booking already? thank you!

Featured On

We heard you!

Your comment is now queued for moderation! We’ll try to get back to you soonest. While waiting, follow us on these channels.

Subscribe on Youtube! Follow us on Instagram!

• LATIN AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
• MIDDLE EAST
• US & CANADA

Backpacking New Zealand on a Budget: Exactly How Much I Spent

New Zealand has a reputation for being expensive. It’s definitely not the cheapest place I’ve visited, but it’s honestly not the most expensive either. Traveling New Zealand on a budget is absolutely doable , and here’s your proof. On my own solo trip for seven weeks, I spent US$2921 (NZ$4787 / €2680 / £2396)*, excluding flights. That works out to under US$59 per day . Curious what made this all up? Scroll down below for the full budget breakdown!

*Exchange rates as of New Zealand summer/fall 2020.

HOW I TRAVELED NEW ZEALAND FOR $59 PER DAY

Accommodation

$1397 (NZ$2289 / €1282 / £1146)

Unless you’re couch surfing or trading work for accomodation, this is going to be your largest expense . I spent an average of $23 a night, staying primarily at YHA hostels in shared dorm rooms. I definitely travel on a budget, but I don’t skimp on housing. I like to be in a clean and comfortable spot, so I’ll pay a dollar or two more a night to get a 4-bed over an 8-bed, or a spot right by the main bus stop over one an extra bus ride away. If you don’t mind inconveniences like those, you can definitely get by on less than my own $23 a night .

$521 (NZ$854 / €478 / £427)

This was the first trip where I cooked regularly, and it truly made huge savings for my budget. Staying in hostels allowed me to cook for myself in the communal kitchens, so I was able to spend just $10 a day on food ! I still ate out every now and then, but I actually really enjoyed never having to walk around looking for a spot to eat. I always had food waiting to be made when I woke up or got back to the hostel, and I could even prep sandwiches to take on longer hikes . Like housing, food is another area where I have a budget, but don’t skimp out on. I won’t choose the unhealthy version of something just to save a buck or two, and there’s only so much instant ramen a girl can eat! So this is another area where you can spend even less than I did if you would like.

Pro tip : If you like hot sauce on eggs for breakfast (or anything else unique) – bring it from home . I love Tepatillo and can’t stand Tabasco, but there was practically none in sight in New Zealand. I finally found one tiny bottle left on the shelf after one month and guarded it with my life for the remainder of my trip!

$405 (NZ$664 / €372 / £332)

New Zealand excursions are the easiest way to blow your whole budget . This country has got it all, helicopter-hikes, bungee jumping, water rafting… the list goes on and on. If you’re keen to do anything and everything in the adventure capital of the world, definitely look up costs for each activity before your trip, tally them all up, and save enough to meet the amount of money necessary. Luckily for me, most of the activities I personally wanted to do in New Zealand were free hikes (post coming soon!). I did splurge now and then, though, mostly because some free or cheap activities required a tour to get there (since I did not have a car). Below are the activities I did do, as well as quotes for popular activities I skipped out on.

• Surf lessons in Raglan : I paid $59 (NZ$88)
• Water rafting in Rotorua : I paid $57 (NZ$85)
• Return shuttle for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing : I paid $48 (NZ$71)
• Abel Tasman kayak and hike day trip from Nelson : I paid $100 (NZ$150)
• Queenstown gondola and luge rides : I paid $40 (NZ$61)
• Milford Sound day trip from Queenstown : I paid $100 (NZ$150) for a nicer tour at a discount from BookMe , but you could snag a Jucy tour for NZ$45 there too if booked in advance
• Hobbiton entry fee : normally $60 (NZ$90)
• Waitomo glowworm caves tour : normally starting from $27 (NZ$40)
• Franz Josef Glacier helicopter-hike : normally $270 – $335 (NZ$400 – NZ$500)
• Bungee jumping from Queenstown’s famous bridge : normally $135 (NZ$200)

Transportation

$411 (NZ$674 / €377 / £337)

There are many different ways to travel New Zealand, from hitchhiking, to living in a camper van. After doing my research, I decided the best option for a solo female two-month budget trip was the InterCity Flexipass . This travel pass was the bulk of my travel costs , plus a ride-share here or shuttle there. There were a few times when I questioned if I should have rented a car instead, so you can see the pros and cons of the InterCity decision here . 

Travel Insurance

$118 (NZ$193 / €108 / £96)

For peace of mind, I purchase travel insurance before my trips these days. I purchased a five-month plan for both New Zealand and Australia, but sadly never made it to Australia due to the novel coronavirus. The entire plan cost was $350.

Tourist Entry Fees

$31 (NZ$47 / €29 / £25)

The cost to enter New Zealand will vary based on your country of passport and how long you are visiting . As an American on a tourist visa, I had to apply for the NZeta and pay the tourist tax before departing. If you’re under 31, you can apply for a working holiday visa to stay and be able to work for up to one year. The price for this would obviously differ. Check the official New Zealand immigration website (links are above) to decide which you would like to apply for.

$26 (NZ$43 / €24 / £21)

Honestly, I was surprised with how little laundry I did. I packed enough undergarments for two weeks, and I got by hand washing smaller items until I was able to have a full load. On average, expect to pay NZ$4 – NZ$5.50 (US$2.45 – US$ 3.45 ) per wash and per dry cycle . Some places also charge NZ$1 – NZ$1.50 (USD) for a scoop of detergent. Every hostel I stayed at had a clothesline where you could hang-dry clothes to save on the drying costs, if you wanted. This is more reliable of an option on the North Island, where it rains much less than in the South Island.

Grand Total

$2921 (NZ$4787 / €2680 / £2396)

And there ya have it folks – exactly how much it cost me to backpack New Zealand!! My grand total for 50 days in New Zealand came out to $2921, or just under $58.50 per day (excluding flights). As I mentioned several times through this article, there are plenty of easy ways to drive this cost down even lower, if you need. And considering I spent $83 a day for five weeks in Northern Italy last year, I think New Zealand is pretty alright for traveling on a budget!

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Have any more questions on traveling New Zealand on a budget? Or traveling New Zealand by bus? Drop a comment below, and I’ll get back to you.

Save this Article for Later on Pinterest

Further Reading...

Essential Tips for Hiking Roy’s Peak in Wanaka, New Zealand

Complete Guide to Flying RyanAir (& Not Getting Ripped-Off)

One Day Itinerary for Essaouira, Morocco

No comments, leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Top Things to Do in Queenstown for Non-Adrenaline Junkies

21 can't-miss attractions and things to do in dubai, that travelista.

Over Yonderlust

Shaun and Erica: Snarky, Travel, Trouble

20 Tips for Tackling New Zealand on a Tight Budget

Bringing in the weekend we have an awesome post by Bethaney of Flashpacker Family. Here is a great list of how to to New Zealand on a budget!

New Zealand is top of many a bucket list. It’s a dream destination with towering mountains, icy glaciers, bubbling hot pools and sweeping scenes straight out of Middle Earth. The only catch… it’s expensive. If you’re making the trek all the way down under though you’ve got to make it count. It’s got to be a trip of a lifetime. Save yourself a few precious bucks along the way by trying out some of these simple tips.

1. Take advantage of some Kiwi hospitality and Couchsurf . New Zealanders are a very friendly bunch and many will open their door to couchsurfers for a night or two. Locals always know of secret spots off the tourist trail so the insider knowledge is just as valuable as the free bed.

2. If you want to road trip at least a portion of the country, look for a relocation car rental . Instead of spending $60 a day on a car rental you can get a relocation between most major centres for $1 a day. There are quire a few companies who offer relocation. Some will even throw in petrol money and ferry tickets for the driver. The only downside is the limited time allowed for the relocation – from Christchurch to Queenstown usually just a day or two and from Christchurch to Auckland four or five days.

3. Wifi is notoriously expensive in NZ. A Vodafone dongle with just 2GB of data will set you back a whopping $69. Many cafés will have limited wifi (20MB) available with purchase. This isn’t going to get you very far. You will find free Wifi at McDonald’s and public libraries .

4. House sitting is popular in New Zealand . There are always plenty of properties in New Zealand on house sitting websites. Because the country is so geographically isolated, many Kiwis only take one or two long extended trips abroad in their lifetime. It’s common for couples & families to head off and explore Europe for six weeks, leaving their lovely homes behind. By house sitting in New Zealand you can save yourself a tonne of cash and extend your trip. Plus you get to live as part of a community and see what life is live for the locals.

5. Buy New Zealand dollars when they’re cheap . The NZ dollar is currently sitting at record highs against the US dollar but it does wobble around quite a bit. Back in the 90s, one NZD only bought about 40 US cents – now it’s over double that. This makes it even more expensive for Americans to visit Aotearoa. Monitor the currency and buy up your NZ dollars when it dips. You’ll need a lot of them while you’re here, this country ain’t cheap.

6. If you want to extend your holiday, look for wwoofing opportunities . Wwoofing is a work exchange programme which gives volunteers free room and board in exchange for work on farms, vineyards and orchards. New Zealand is an agricultural country so there are opportunities for wwoofing all over the country.

7. Find bargains on group booking . New Zealanders’ love group booking sites and there a few around the country that offer deals on meals, activities, hotel accommodation and even car & camper hire. In general you save about 50% on the ticket price but occasionally there’s a really great deal on these sites. I’ve seen tickets for the Shotover Jet in Queenstown on sale for just $1… that’s 99% off! Check out my post on how to get cheap accommodation and activities in New Zealand for a complete list of these sites .

8. Sign up to Jetstar’s “Friday Fare Frenzy” alert newsletters . Jetstar only flies between the main centres but often posts fares for as little as $9 including taxes! Cheap fares are emailed out every Friday afternoon NZ time. You’ll need to move quickly to book them as they get snapped up fast.

9. Get to know Grabaseat . Air New Zealand offers up cheap flights in New Zealand through their fun Grabaseat site. There are quite a few different options for making the most of Grabaseat including auctions and standby tickets. For a complete rundown on the different ways to save money with Grabaseat check out my post on finding cheap flights in New Zealand .

10. Prepare to self-cater . Eating out in Aotearoa is one of the biggest ways to blow your budget. Bring or buy a plastic bowls, cutlery and utensils so you can prepare a few simple meals on the fly.

11. Supplies are more expensive in smaller towns so stock up on essentials when you’re in the big city . If you’re self-catering in a camper, apartment or motels, do your grocery shopping in the main centres. Pak n’ Save is the cheapest major supermarket chain. Farmers’ markets are becoming increasingly popular and are great value.

12. Petrol is going to be a major cost if you’re roadtripping in a camper or car and it’s some of the world’s most expensive. Collect fuel vouchers from the bottom of your supermarket receipts to save a few cents per litre. Sign up for an AA rewards card at BP. This will give you 6 cent per litre discount every time you get gas at BP. Fill up in the main centres as they are cheaper than the small towns.

13. Clothes, books, electronics, sunscreen, cosmetics and medicines are particularly expensive in New Zealand. Bring these from home if you need them . If you do need to buy any of these items when you’re in New Zealand, The Warehouse is the cheapest store for almost everything.

14. If you need to get a sim card, Two Degrees is the cheapest network across New Zealand – $5 for a regular sim card or $20 for a micro sim card with 100MB of data.

15. New Zealand is paradise for adrenaline junkies and home of the bungey jump. Taking part in these thrilling activities will take a big bite out of your budget – a bungy jump in Queenstown will cost you NZ$180 plus another $45 if you want the DVD. Know when these big ticket items are coming around in your itinerary and keep money aside for them rather than trying to eek it out of your daily budget.

16. Balance the expensive activities with free activities . There are plenty of free things to do in New Zealand and most of them involve getting out into the great outdoors. If you really want to skydive then opt for the free walk to the Franz Josef & Fox glaciers instead of the heli-hike.

17. Bring a refillable water bottle. Tap water in New Zealand is safe to drink and tastes good especially in cities like Christchurch where the water comes directly from the melting snow on the Southern Alps. Much better than buying bottled water!

18. Steer clear of the travel in the peak season. New Zealander’s take their summer holiday at Christmas meaning that for three or four weeks between Christmas and mid-January every road, campground, jet boat ride and sunny beach will be chock-a-block. If you want sunshine, February and March are an even better time to visit than January anyway. Be aware that places like Queenstown and Wanaka fill up with snow bunnies in the winter.

19. Mix your modes of transport. Plan your route and then identify where you can get a transportation bargain. You can fly between Auckland and Wellington for only $29 any day of the week on the Air New Zealand Nightrider. You can drive from Queenstown to Christchurch in a relocation car for only $1. You can get deals on campers that include ferry tickets which, on their own, can cost you $250. It might be cheaper to buy a car and sell it on than to rent. I’ve got everything you need to know in this post about cheap transportation in New Zealand .

20. Whatever you do, make to most of your time in New Zealand . You’ve spent a tonne of money to get all the way down here and, chances are, you won’t be here again anytime soon. It’s cheaper to whack an extra $200 on that credit card today for your whale watching, bungy jumping or skydiving experience than to buy another $2000 return ticket to New Zealand in a few years time because you regret not doing it all when you were here the first.

Bethaney Davies is one third of Flashpacker Family – a semi-nomadic, globetrotting family from Christchurch, New Zealand. Bethaney, Lee and their toddler Reuben spend half the year at home and the rest out exploring and enjoying the world. Flashpacker Family has great tales from the road, tips on travelling on a budget & travelling with a toddler and information on living a location independent lifestyle. You can follow Flashpacker Family on Google +Bethaney Davies , Twitter and Facebook .

All images property of Flashpacker Family.

Share this:

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

Published by Guest

View all posts by Guest

16 thoughts on “20 Tips for Tackling New Zealand on a Tight Budget”

Thanks so much for sharing guys! I loved writing this post. It’s actually really useful for me to have all my NZ travel tips in one place. Hope you can swing coming to NZ at some point soon so you get to use them all.

This is a fantastic post, which I know to expect from Bethaney! I buy things like sunblock etc in the US because that type of thing is so expensive here in NZ.

bringing bowls and cutlery is a really good tip!

Some great advice here! I haven’t been to NZ for the reason that it’s too much for my budget, but definitely will do in the future and use these tips to kee my costs down. Especially love to see WWOOF’ing on the list; after trawling through loads of free volunteering websites I always drool over the ones in NZ – there are so many incredible ones!

Great post, Bethaney! We’ll need these tips for our next trip over. We sort of blew our budget in New Zealand this time. 🙂 But we’ll be back….

So many great tips! We want to go to NZ so badly when we travel, but certainly worry about the cost of it. All of this helps ease my mind that we can do a budget trip to NZ.

Great tips on getting around and saving some dollars in the various places and activities.

I’ve always wanted to go, but now I’ll have to save up a bit to get to see some of those amazing landscapes.

Ohh this would have been handy when we were there last January! 🙁 I think we hit the worst exchange rate too. Oh well. We did get to couchsurf and love drinking from the tap. Can’t wait to go back!

Thank you for writing for us! This has turned out to be an extremely popular post! I hope you’re getting some hits your way. 😀

Great tips! I hopped over to NZ a couple of years back while studying in Australia. What an amazing country! I was only there 10 days but I’ll definitely be looking into wwoofing or housesitting to make it last. Thanks for sharing!

I have a few friends planning a budget trip I New Zealand this fall- this will help them so much!

Who has never been in New Zeeland cannot understand its beauty. In a month time the winter will come in New Zeeland, but do not expect a Canadian winter, but a wormer one.

• Pingback: 7 Tips for Travelling New Zealand on a Budget - YourAmazingPlaces.com

How about some tips especially for Senior Travelers? Great job, Bethany!!

• Pingback: 7 strategies for Going Newzealand on the Budget | AmazingPlacEarth

You’re on point, awesome tips here! Traveling to New Zealand is expensive, but with a little bit of research and preparation, there’s always a way to travel on a budget!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

• facebook-official
• youtube-play
• pinterest-circled

New Zealand Budget & Backpacking Itinerary: 3 Weeks / 21 Days

Support nz pocket guide and get our huge ebook collection to access our tips on the go, 21-day budget itinerary for new zealand.

A destination that many of us have to travel tens of thousands of kilometres to get to, New Zealand is a country you’re going to want to spend as much time in as possible to experience it to its fullest. Three weeks or 21 days is our recommended minimum timeframe to travel both of New Zealand’s main islands. Additionally, as we know that New Zealand isn’t the cheapest country to travel to, we’ve whipped up this New Zealand budget and backpacking itinerary for three weeks.

This budget itinerary covers exciting destinations, free and cheap activities, budget accommodation and how to get around. The 21-day budget itinerary for New Zealand is pretty flexible too, starting in Auckland and ending in Christchurch . You can travel the itinerary from end to beginning or create a loop by taking a flight between Christchurch and Auckland.

New Zealand Budget and Backpacking Itinerary for 3 Weeks: Overview

• Day 1 – Auckland Airport to Auckland Central
• Day 2 – Explore Auckland
• Day 3 – Auckland to Waitomo
• Day 4 – Waitomo to Rotorua
• Day 5 – Explore Rotorua
• Day 6 – Rotorua to Tongariro National Park
• Day 7 – Explore Tongariro National Park
• Day 8 – Tongariro National Park to Wellington
• Day 9 – Wellington to Picton
• Day 10 – Explore Picton
• Day 11 – Picton to Westport
• Day 12 – Westport to Greymouth
• Day 13 – Greymouth to Franz Josef
• Day 14 – Explore Franz Josef
• Day 15 – Franz Josef to Makarora
• Day 16 – Makarora to Queenstown
• Day 17 – Explore Queenstown or Milford Sound
• Day 18 – Queenstown to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park
• Day 19 – Explore Aoraki Mt Cook National Park
• Day 20 – Aoraki Mt Cook National Park to Christchurch
• Day 21 – Christchurch to Christchurch Airport.

How to Get Around New Zealand in 3 Weeks on a Budget

Most backpackers experience New Zealand by travelling around the country, rather than staying in one place. In 21 days, you have just enough time to visit both the North and South Islands. The best ways to get around are as follows:

Rent a Car or Campervan

For complete freedom to visit all of the stops we recommend in this budget three-week itinerary, rent a car or campervan. As this itinerary starts in Auckland and ends in Christchurch, we recommend choosing a rental company that has a depot in both cities – there are many. Start planning using The Guide to Renting a Car or Campervan in New Zealand and  The Best Backpacker Campervan Rentals in New Zealand .

Use the National Bus Service

InterCity offers the cheapest way to get between the destinations mentioned in this budget itinerary. Find out more about the passes available in What’s the Difference Between InterCity Backpacker Bus Passes?

Do an Escorted Bus Tour

While bus tours won’t follow the below itinerary exactly, they’ll have their own set itineraries around the country hitting most of the destinations mentioned. We like the 21-Day New Zealand Adventure Tour with Backyard Roadies ; a small-group tour providing a fun and safe experience hitting New Zealand’s amazing nooks and crannies at a relaxed pace. Check out more tour companies that travel the whole country in The 15 Best Bus Tours in New Zealand .

Do a Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Like a bus tour, hop-on hop-off buses follow a set itinerary around the country but give you the flexibility to stay in some destinations longer to catch the next bus. They tend to be cheaper than escorted bus tours. Find out more in What is a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus?

Taking the Ferry

This itinerary includes the ferry journey between Wellington and Picton. Learn more in The Ferry Between the North Island and South Island .

Domestic Flights

The below itinerary begins in Auckland and ends in Christchurch. Both cities have international airports and are well-connected with domestic flights . If you’re leaving from Auckland, you will need to consider booking a domestic flight from Christchurch to Auckland.

For more transport methods for backpackers, check out the 5 Cheapest Ways to Travel Around New Zealand .

Day 1 – Auckland Airport to Auckland Central

Travel time: 40 minutes

Welcome to Aotearoa/New Zealand! Because this country is far from where most of you are coming from, chances are you’ll be tired and jet-lagged. With that in mind, we recommend either picking up your car rental if it’s at the airport or using one of the affordable bus and shuttle options to get to Auckland Central where you can take it easy while getting accustomed to the new time zone.

Check in at your budget accommodation in Auckland and start exploring the city centre attractions, like the Sky Tower (more info on  Viator and  Klook ) , the Auckland Museum (on  Viator and  Klook )  or the bushwalks in the Auckland Domain . It’s best to keep active if it’s still daylight to help with the jet lag. Check out more tips in 10 Simple Ways to Get Over Jet Lag .

Budget Accommodations in Auckland

• YMCA Auckland
• ibis budget Auckland Central
• Empire Apartments
• Attic Backpackers
• Haka Lodge Auckland

Check out some of our top recommendations in the 20 Best Budget Accommodations in Auckland City and the  30 Best Backpacker Hostels in Auckland .

Day 2 – Explore Auckland

It’s day two of getting your body in tune with New Zealand’s time zone, as well as a day to explore some of Auckland ‘s highlights. If you’re looking for free or ultra-cheap things to do in the city, check out the list below. Otherwise, we highly recommend a ferry trip to one of Auckland’s outer islands, whether it’s the volcanic island of Rangitoto or the bird sanctuary of Tiritiri Matangi .

Free and Cheap Things to Do in Auckland

• See Auckland from the top of the Sky Tower (more info on  Viator and  Klook )
• Watch a free movie at Silo Park (in summer)
• Climb Mt Eden for amazing views
• Take a cheap ferry to Devonport or Rangitoto Island
• Walk among New Zealand bush… in the Auckland Domain .

Find out more about each activity and much more in 20 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Auckland .

Day 3 – Auckland to Waitomo

Travel time: 2 hrs 20 mins

Ready to hit the road and see some glowworms? Set off in the morning to Waitomo , which will give you time to do a cave tour once you arrive. If you need to pick up supplies or want to grab a bite to eat, take a quick detour to Hamilton . It’s also worth a stop by the quirky town of Otorohanga which is the self-proclaimed Kiwiana Capital of the World!

You have a wide array of tours available to experience in the famous glowworm caves of Waitomo: walking cave tours, underground tubing, boat tours, caving tours and free walks. Check out tour options in the 10 Best Waitomo Cave Tours .

Free and Cheap Things to Do in Waitomo

• Take a road trip to see free sights like Marokopa Falls , Mangapohue Natural Bridge and more
• Do the Ruakuri Bushwalk
• Learn something new at the Waitomo Museum of Caves
• Visit Otorohanga and do the Ed Hillary Walkway
• Dig your own hot pool at Kawhia Beach .

For more suggestions, head to the 15 Free Things to Do in Waitomo .

Budget Accommodations in Waitomo

• Juno Hall Backpackers
• Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Waitomo Village Chalets
• Waitomo Caves Guest Lodge
• Waitomo Orchard Estate B&B

For more listings, check out the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Waitomo .

Day 4 – Waitomo to Rotorua

Travel time: 1 hrs 55 mins

Start your day off with any of the activities you might have missed in Waitomo then it’s less than two hours’ drive to Rotorua .

If you’re a Middle-earth enthusiast, take a 15-minute detour to the Hobbiton Movie Set for their film set tour. Check out  Viator or  Klook to book your tickets  or head to  How to Get the Best Hobbiton Discount  for tips on how to save money.

Otherwise, a scenic 5-minute detour to the Putaruru Blue Spring/Te Waihou Walkway is well worth it to see a vividly blue transparent stream along a three-hour return walkway.

Once you reach Rotorua , you can get started by checking out the free geothermal Kuirau Park in the city centre or scouting out the free hot pools around the city . Check-in at your accommodation from the recommendations listed below.

Budget Accommodations in Rotorua

• Rock Solid Backpackers
• Holdens Bay Holiday Park
• BKs Rotorua
• Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park
• Rotorua Downtown Backpackers

For more details on accommodations, take a look at the 20 Best Budget Accommodations in Rotorua and the 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Rotorua .

Day 5 – Explore Rotorua

You have the whole day to experience Rotorua along with its free and affordable attractions (more of that in the list below). If you have some budget to spare, however, we recommend experiencing the Maori culture and a traditional hangi meal at Te Pā Tū  (formerly Tamaki Maori Village – more info on Viator and Klook ) , Mitai Maori Village or Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village (on Viator and Klook ) . You’ll also find a lot more recommendations for things to do between Zorb , Velocity Valley and more, in the 25 Best Things to Do in Rotorua .

Free and Cheap Things to Do in Rotorua

• Relax in one of the free thermal pools
• Check out one of the surrounding walks , such as the Blue Lake Walk or the Tarawera Trail
• Check out the free geothermal park, Kuirau Park
• Visit the National Bird of Prey Centre, Wingspan
• Walk or cycle in the Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest .

For more ideas, just head to the 15 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Rotorua .

Day 6 – Rotorua to Tongariro National Park

Travel time: 2 hrs 10 mins

Next on this 21-day budget and backpacking itinerary is the Tongariro National Park , but not without a few stops along the way. If you have the budget, it’s well worth stopping by the amazing geothermal parks between Rotorua and Taupo. You have Wai-O-Tapu , Waimangu Volcanic Valley  and Orakei Korako .

Stop by Taupo for its cosy cafes using The Food Guide to Taupo or  Cheap Eats in Taupo . Additionally, check out the powerful rapids of Huka Falls , soak in the free hot pools at Otumuheke Stream, or try the Hole in One Challenge on the lakeside. For more options, head to the 15 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Taupo .

If you are not enthused by the already suggested stops, then you might like the 2-hour walk around Lake Rotopounamu . The walk is an excellent example of New Zealand’s lush native forest and a picturesque lake that shines green when the sun reflects off it. What’s more, it’s free!

Your final destination today is Whakapapa Village or National Park Village , depending on where you can get accommodation. The villages in the heart of the Tongariro National Park are 10 minutes’ drive apart.

Budget Accommodations in Whakapapa and National Park Villages

• Skotel Alpine Resort
• Manowhenua Lodge
• National Park Backpackers
• Howard’s Mountain Lodge
• The Crossing Lodge

Find out more about these accommodations in the  5 Best Hostels in National Park Village & Whakapapa .

Day 7 – Explore Tongariro National Park

If the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is on your list of must-dos, you’re in the best place for it as you wake up in the closest villages to the hiking trail. Shuttles will transport you to the day hike, which you can organise using Tongariro Crossing Accommodation and Transport: A Practical Guide . Note that the Tongariro Crossing is not safe to do in winter.

For those of you who would rather not do a 19.4 km (12 mi) hike, there’s a myriad of short walks in Whakapapa to take advantage of. Taranaki Falls is a good one, boasting views of the volcanic cone of Mt Ngauruhoe on a clear day, as well as featuring a waterfall plunging off an old lava flow. More waterfall delights await on the Tawhai Falls , while the Ridge Track offers more excellent volcano views.

Free and Cheap Things to Do in Whakapapa and National Park

• Hike the Tongariro Crossing
• Check out the stunning Taranaki Falls
• Do short walks like Tawhai Falls and the Ridge Track
• See the creamy-white terraces of the Silica Rapids Walk
• Check out the exhibitions at the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre .

Learn about the walks and more in the 15 Walks Around National Park Village & Whakapapa Village .

Day 8 – Tongariro National Park to Wellington

Travel time: 4 hrs 30 mins

This might be the longest drive you’ll experience on the North Island but there are plenty of quirky towns that beg to be stopped at along the way.

First, you’ll pass through Ohakune where you might want to hire bikes and cycle the Old Coach Road , do a bushwalk on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu , or just check out the giant carrot sculpture.

Next, there’s the National Army Museum in Waiouru and a giant gumboot sculpture in Taihape . You’ll pass through Bulls , whose many shops and services feature puns about bulls – because, why not? Check out the giant windmill in Foxton , grab a bite to eat in Levin , and stretch your legs on the beaches and sand dunes of Queen Elizabeth Park in Paraparaumu .

Once you arrive in Wellington , check in at your budget accommodation and, if you have any energy left, perhaps take a stroll to the Te Papa Museum . New Zealand’s national museum is free-entry and open until 6 pm, so is always an easy visit when you first arrive. For more ideas on what to do, check out the list below.

Free and Cheap Things to Do in Wellington

• Visit the Te Papa Museum
• Check out the views from Mt Victoria
• Take the Cable Car to the Botanic Garden
• People-watch and check out the art on the Wellington Waterfront
• See the seals on the Red Rocks Walkway .

Find out more about each activity and much more in 20 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Wellington .

Budget Accommodations in Wellington

• The Marion Hostel
• Microtel by Wyndham Wellington
• The Dwellington
• Trinity Hotel
• Capital View Motor Inn

For more details on our top picks, check out the 15 Best Budget Accommodations in Wellington and the 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Wellington .

Day 9 – Wellington to Picton

Travel time: 3 hours

Depending on what time your ferry sailing is, you might have time to check out some of the Wellington attractions that you missed yesterday. Then, it’s onto the Cook Strait ferry.

The ferry trip isn’t just a means of getting between New Zealand’s two main islands but it’s a scenic cruise, starting at the Wellington Harbour and taking you through the Marlborough Sounds. Learn more about the journey and prices in our guide to The Ferry Between the North Island and South Island .

Before you race off down the South Island, we recommend staying a day in Picton . Picton makes an excellent base to explore the Marlborough wine region on various wine tours , as well as scenic boat trips to explore the Queen Charlotte Sound , which hosts an array of wildlife such as seals and dolphins. The area also has historical significance as a landing place for the first Maori and British explorers of the South Island. Check out our top recommendations for more paid activities in the 12 Best Things to Do in Picton . Otherwise, we go through some of the budget-friendly activities in the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Picton .

Budget Accommodations in Picton

• Tombstone Backpackers
• Harbour View Motel
• Picton Accommodation Gateway Motel
• Waikawa Bay Holiday Park
• Sequoia Lodge & Backpackers

For more on our top recommendations, take a look at the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Picton and the 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Picton .

Day 10 – Explore Picton

You have the whole day to explore the (usually) sunny top of the South Island. Aside from the wine and boat tours that we mentioned yesterday, there’s also an array of free and affordable activities that your wallet will thank you for.

Free and Cheap Things to Do in Picton

• Do a short walk in the Victoria Domain or the Tirohanga Track
• Visit the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum
• Check out the Picton Heritage & Whaling Museum
• Hit the Picton mountain bike trails
• Check out the views from Karaka Point .

For more activities and information on each, check out the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Picton .

Day 11 – Picton to Westport

Travel time: 3 hrs 45 mins

From Picton, drive through the wine country of Marlborough, stopping by St Arnaud , which is a small alpine village on the edge of the Nelson Lakes National Park . Enjoy epic views from the shores of Lake Rotoiti, as well as short bushwalks to enjoy .

Refreshments can be found in Murchison , as well as scenic white water rafting if that’s on our bucket list. Then, from Murchison to Westport, you have the stunning Buller Gorge to enjoy. Stop by the Buller Gorge Swing Bridge for bushwalks, a jet boat tour and, yes, a long swingbridge (note this is a paid attraction). Make sure to pull over at the Kilkenny Lookout to soak in the river and mountain scenery.

Your final destination is the town of Westport . If you have time, Denniston (30 minutes north of Westport) is well worth checking out for awesome views of the South Island, as well as its collection of preserved mining relics, railways lines and coal bins.

Free and Cheap Things to Do in Westport

• Hike to a waterfall on the Charming Creek Walkway
• Take a trip to the historical site of Denniston
• Ride the Nile River Rainforest Train
• See seals on the Cape Foulwind Walkway
• Check out the Coaltown Museum .

For more details on each activity and others, check out the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Westport .

Budget Accommodations in Westport

• Bazil’s Backpackers
• Tripinn Hostel
• Westport Kiwi Holiday Park & Motels
• Havenlee Homestay
• Beaconstone Eco Stay

For more about each recommended accommodation, check out the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Westport and the   5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Westport .

Day 12 – Westport to Greymouth

Travel time: 1 hrs 30 mins

There’s plenty to see between Westport and Greymouth, so let’s get started! If you didn’t stop by there yesterday, check out the Cape Foulwind Walkway .

As you head further south, enjoy the views on the Great Coast Road. You’ll reach Punakaiki and the Paparoa National Park , where you can walk the 20-minute Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk , as well as other tracks like the Pororari River Track or the Punakaiki Cavern .

In Barrytown , craft yourself a unique souvenir, either at Barrytown Knifemaking or the Skeleton Crew Carving Studio .

For more activities near Greymouth , check out the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Greymouth or the quick list below.

Free and Cheap Things to Do in Greymouth

• Check out the historical Brunner Mine Site
• See mining relics in the forest of the Woods Creek Track
• Lap up the coastal scenery of the Point Elizabeth Walkway
• Browse the jade art and more at Left Bank Art Gallery
• Spend the day at Moana and Lake Brunner .

For more details on each activity and more, check out the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Greymouth .

Budget Accommodations in Greymouth

• Apostles View Motel
• Noah’s Ark Backpackers
• Greymouth Seaside TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Scenicland Motels
• Brunnerton Lodge

For more details on our top recommendations, check out the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Greymouth and the  5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Greymouth .

Day 13 – Greymouth to Franz Josef

Travel time: 2 hrs 15 mins

Yep, there’s a lot of ground to cover on the West Coast but at least you can stop by the town of Hokitika . Here, you’ll have the opportunity to visit greenstone carving studios, check out glowworms at the Hokitika Glow Worm Dell and put your toes in the sand. A popular attraction is Hokitika Gorge , which is a 45-minute detour for its milky blue waters and dramatic river gorge scenery. However, you will be seeing a similar attraction later in this itinerary if you don’t want the extra drive here. Find out about more activities in the area in the 10 Awesome Things to Do in Hokitika .

Just past Hokitika is the affordable West Coast Treetop Walk . Alternatively, there’s a 10-minute detour to the Okarito Lagoon and its extremely rare white herons visible on walks ranging from 20 minutes to 3 hrs 30 mins.

We’ll talk more about the activities in Franz Josef tomorrow. For now, check-in at your budget accommodation.

Budget Accommodations in Franz Josef

• Rainforest Retreat
• Franz Josef Montrose
• Alpine Glacier Motel
• Glow Worm Accommodation
• Franz Josef TOP 10 Holiday Park

For more details on our top picks, check out the  10 Best Budget Accommodations in Franz Josef and the  5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Franz Josef .

Day 14 – Explore Franz Josef

Heli-hiking on the Franz Josef Glacier is on the bucket list for many travellers, even those on a budget. If it’s also yours, keep your fingers crossed for good weather. Otherwise, reschedule for tomorrow morning or wait to do a glacier hike in Aoraki Mt Cook which comes later in this itinerary. Find out more about heli-hiking on the Franz Josef Glacier on Viator .

Admittedly, glacier heli-hiking is often the most expensive activity travellers do in New Zealand, so if you’d rather save your cash, then there’s an array of breathtaking walks in the area – even walks to view the glacier .

Free and Cheap Things to Do in Franz Josef

• See the glacier on the Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk
• Watch rare birds at the Okarito Lagoon
• Check out the glowworms on the Terrace Walk
• See kiwi birds at the West Coast Wildlife Centre
• Hike the challenging but remarkable Roberts Point Track .

For more free and cheap activities, head over to the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Franz Josef .

Day 15 – Franz Josef to Makarora

Travel time: 2 hrs 50 mins

There’s something amazing to see every 20 minutes or so on this road trip, so let’s get started!

In Fox Glacier , stop by the Lake Matheson Walk to enjoy vivid reflections of the Southern Alps or try one of the other 6 Epic Things to Do in Fox Glacier .

Further toward Haast , get your beach and bush fix and the Monro Beach Walk or walk along the beach boardwalks at Ship Creek .

Stop for refreshments in Haast, then continue down the Haast Pass with its array of short walks to Roaring Billy Falls, Thunder Creek Falls, Fantail Falls, Haast Pass Lookout and the Blue Pools of Haast . The latter is a one-hour return walk to a vibrant blue river with a swingbridge crossing (much like Hokitika Gorge, which we were talking about earlier). For more things to do around the Haast area, check out the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Haast .

At the end of Haast Pass is the tiny settlement of Makarora which makes a good stopover before your journey to Queenstown tomorrow. It has a couple of budget stays with million-dollar views. Book early to reserve your spot. Otherwise, stay in Wanaka, where you can find more details in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Wanaka .

Budget Accommodations in Makarora

• Wonderland Makarora Lodge
• Makarora Mountainview

For more details on each accommodation, check out the 5 Best Budget Accommodations in Haast .

Day 16 – Makarora to Queenstown

Travel time: 1 hr 50 mins

Enjoy views of Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka as you make your way to Queenstown, stopping by Wanaka to take a photo of #ThatWanakaTree. You can check out more things to do in the town in our 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Wanaka .

We then recommend a scenic drive through the Crown Range, where highlights include the Cardrona Bra Fence and horse riding with The Cardrona . If you fancy stretching your legs, the Rock Peak Track offers excellent views.

Once you get to Queenstown , you can easily get carried away with jet boat rides, skydiving, bungy jumps, ziplining, white water rafting, canyon swinging and other adventures in the “Adrenaline Capital of New Zealand”. Be choosy and plan ahead to stick to your budget, using our 20 Best Things to Do in Queenstown .

There’s plenty of budget accommodation but still, book early for a spot at this busy tourist destination.

Budget Accommodations in Queenstown

• Absoloot Hostel QT
• Adventure Q2 Hostel
• Queenstown TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Melbourne Lodge
• Driftaway Queenstown

For more details on our top picks, check out the 15 Best Budget Accommodations in Queenstown and the  15 Best Backpacker Hostels in Queenstown .

Day 17 – Explore Queenstown or Milford Sound

Time to start checking things off your Queenstown bucket list, of which we have many suggestions in the 45 Best Things to Do in Queenstown .

If you’re on a tight budget, however, you can still have a blast between the walking trails, gardens and eateries. Check out a full list of recommendations to help you stick to your budget in the  20 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Queenstown .

Free and Cheap Things to Do in Queenstown

• Hike up Queenstown Hill
• Play disc golf in the Queenstown Gardens
• Take a scenic drive up The Remarkables
• Scout out the  Queenstown cheap eats
• Go ice skating at the  Queenstown Ice Arena .

For more information on each activity and more ideas, check out 20 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Queenstown .

Day Trip to Milford Sound

On the other hand, this day is a great opportunity to see the “Eighth Wonder of the World” Milford Sound .

Because you have done A LOT of driving at this point, you might want to take a bus tour to Milford Sound with a cruise in the fiord included. Bus tours include plenty of stops at short walks and cafes along the way, so you won’t miss out too much compared to driving yourself. Check out recommended tours in the 10 Best Milford Sound Tours from Queenstown & Te Anau .

For those of you who want to drive the seven-hour return journey yourself, take a look at The Guide to Milford Sound and the Milford Road , as well as The Guide to Milford Sound on a Budget .

Day 18 – Queenstown to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park

Travel time: 3 hrs 10 mins

Get ready to have your mind blown with magnificent scenery on your way to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. It starts when leaving Queenstown, stopping by the historic Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge and perhaps even giving bungy jumping a try. You’ll then continue along the Gibbston Valley, its wineries and the Goldfields Mining Centre with the Goldfields Jet .

At the end of the Gibbston Valley is Cromwell , where you can stop for refreshments including fresh fruit that the town is renowned for. Then, head north to one of the most beautiful roads in New Zealand , Lindis Pass .

On the other side of Lindis Pass is Omarama . Take a 30-minute detour to the Clay Cliffs for its otherworldly formations of pinnacles and narrow ravines. Then, Twizel offers plenty of cafes, the Twizel River Trail and your last convenience store stop before Aoraki Mt Cook.

It’s a super scenic journey alongside the vibrant blue waters of Lake Pukaki on your way to Aoraki Mt Cook Village where you’ll find the following budget accommodation.

Budget Accommodations in Aoraki Mt Cook

• Mt Cook Lodge & Motel
• Glentanner Park Centre
• Twizel Holiday Park
• High Country Lodge, Motels & Backpackers

For more details on each accommodation, check out the 5 Best Budget Accommodations in Mt Cook .

Day 19 – Explore Aoraki Mt Cook National Park

Hikes, hikes and more hikes: these are the best ways to soak in the scenery of New Zealand’s highest mountains and longest glacier without spending a dime. Check out our top recommended walks in the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Mt Cook . If you have the budget, however, Aoraki Mt Cook National Park is another excellent place for glacier heli-hiking, scenic flights, glacier lake tours and more – check out these paid activities in the 25 Unmissable Things to Do in Mt Cook .

Free and Cheap Things to Do in Aoraki Mt Cook

• Hike the Hooker Valley Track
• Visit the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park Visitor Centre
• Check out the views from the Red Tarns Track
• Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
• Do some stargazing!

For more details, hikes and experiences, see the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Mt Cook .

Day 20 – Aoraki Mt Cook National Park to Christchurch

Travel time: 4 hours

While this is the longest drive on our itinerary so far, there are plenty of reasons to take it easy. After one hour into your trip, you’ll reach Lake Tekapo with its scenic lookout from the Church of the Good Shepherd and soothing hot pools complex.

After driving over Burkes Pass, you’ll reach Fairlie where it’s mandatory to get a pie from the Fairlie Bakehouse . The next significant town is Geraldine , known for its canyoning, whitewater rafting and alpaca farm tours – check out more in the  10 Excellent Things to Do in Geraldine .

Cruise on through the Canterbury Plains with farmland as far as the eye can see until you reach Ashburton , giving you another excuse to get refreshments and perhaps explore the Ashburton Domain. Take a photo of the giant fish sculpture in Rakaia before making the final stint to Christchurch .

Check-in and relax at your Christchurch accommodation.

Budget Accommodations in Christchurch

• The Bealey Quarter
• Southwark Hotel & Apartments
• BreakFree on Cashel
• Tasman Holiday Parks – Christchurch

For more details on our top picks, check out the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Christchurch and the  5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Christchurch .

Day 21 – Christchurch to Christchurch Airport

Travel time: 15 minutes

For your last day in New Zealand, try to fit in a couple of attractions in Christchurch before heading to the airport.

Christchurch is the South Island’s largest city, also known as the “Garden City” so it would almost be a crime to not visit its gorgeous outdoor displays such as the Botanic Gardens or Mona Vale . Check out the 10 Beautiful Gardens & Parks in Christchurch for more information.

Learn more about the city and how it dealt with the 2010/11 earthquakes at Quake City or the free-entry Canterbury Museum . For those who want to explore a little further, Sumner and New Brighton Beaches are popular go-to’s, while taking the ferry to Quail Island from Lyttelton offers some unusual surprises.

Free and Cheap Things to Do in Christchurch

• Explore the Botanic Gardens
• Visit the Canterbury Museum
• Check out Sumner or New Brighton Beach
• Take the ferry to Quail Island
• See the warplanes at the Air Force Museum .

For more inspiration, check out the 25 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Christchurch .

Remember to give yourself plenty of time to return your rental vehicle at Christchurch Airport before your flight. There are connecting flights between Christchurch and Auckland if you are flying out of Auckland, otherwise, many international flights leave from Christchurch .

Stressed About Driving in New Zealand? Leave it to Backyard Roadies

We know, there’s a lot of ground to cover on this budget and backpacking itinerary for New Zealand and driving long distances isn’t for everyone. An easy way to leave out the hassle of driving, and give yourself more time to enjoy the scenery, is to take a guided tour of New Zealand.

Meet Backyard Roadies who formed out of the pandemic showing locals their awesome New Zealand “backyard”. They’re keen to show international travellers the highlights too on their variety of New Zealand tours ranging from 10 to 21 days! To add to the “Kiwi” vibe, Backyard Roadies is not only 100% New Zealand-owned and operated, but they go the extra mile to make their guests feel like locals, spending more time at each destination than most other tours. With small groups and a mix of male and female guides, Backyard Roadies offers fun, safe and great-value tours for all.

Learn more about their tours, including their 21-Day New Zealand Adventure Tour and become part of the Backyard Roadies family over at backyardroadies.com .

More About a New Zealand Budget Itinerary for 3 Weeks/21 Days

That’s it for our New Zealand budget and backpacking itinerary for 21 days. If that wasn’t the itinerary you were looking for, check out these alternative 21-day itineraries:

• New Zealand in 3 Weeks : Road Trip Itinerary
• New Zealand Family Itinerary: 3 Weeks
• New Zealand Honeymoon & Romance Itinerary: 3 Weeks
• New Zealand Food Itinerary: 3 Weeks
• New Zealand Luxury Itinerary: 3 Weeks
• How to Plan the Perfect New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary

Finally, get advice on planning more of your backpacking or budget trip to New Zealand with  The Travel Guide to New Zealand on a Budget and  NZ Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to New Zealand Cost?

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
• TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
• NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
• Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

Was this article useful?

Related posts, new zealand food itinerary: 3 weeks / 21 days 🥝 [2024], new zealand in 3 weeks (21 days): road trip itinerary [2024], new zealand honeymoon & romance itinerary: 3 weeks / 21 days, new zealand luxury itinerary: 3 weeks / 21 days 🍷 [2024], new zealand family itinerary: 3 weeks / 21 days 👪 [2024], recommended for you, new zealand budget & backpacking itinerary: 1 month / 4 weeks / 30 days, the best new zealand car & campervan rentals for ages 18 to 25, the best affordable motorhome & campervan rentals in new zealand, destinations, travel tips, connect with us, accommodation.

Welcome/Kia Ora By using this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and terms of use within it which includes sponsored posts and affiliate links.

Connect with us

Welcome/Kia Ora! By using this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and the terms of use within it.

© 2024 NZ Pocket Guide. Contact – Disclaimer – About Us – Our Standards

New Zealand Road Trip Budget Breakdown (And Infographic)

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: January 27, 2023

Categories New Zealand

New Zealand is without a doubt one of the most beautiful countries in the world. There is a huge variety of landscapes and the people of New Zealand are very friendly.

The country is easy to travel to, the roads are generally in good condition and you can travel around for years without running out of things to do in New Zealand.

If I have to think of one downside to New Zealand it has to be that it’s not the cheapest country in the world…

But don't worry, it's possible to travel to New Zealand on a budget!

In this post, you will find a full New Zealand road trip budget breakdown and clever budget-saving tips in order to make the most of your money in New Zealand.

New Zealand road trip budget

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

Why you should visit New Zealand

The Māori name for New Zealand is Aotearoa , which roughly translates into ‘ land of the long white cloud ‘. New Zealand is one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited, mainly because its landscapes are so diverse and unique.

Are you looking for majestic mountains? Visit the Southern Alps.

Do you want to climb a volcano? Hike the Tongariro Crossing.

Prefer to spend some time at a beautiful lake ? Just pick your favorite, there are plenty to choose from.

I can go on, there are the ocean, tropical forest, waterfalls, beaches, hills, spectacular cliffs, and much more. You name it, New Zealand has got it.

Besides the beautiful nature, New Zealanders are incredibly friendly.

If you're having a coffee, they’ll have a chat with you and proudly tell you about their amazing country and awesome places you should visit. These are usually the kind of places you won’t find in the Lonely Planet, so it’s worth keeping your ears open.

If you are lost or so much appear to need anything, a friendly Kiwi will surely help you out.

What's more, the country is geared towards tourists and backpackers, so traveling around New Zealand is very easy and straightforward.

Now that I've convinced you to visit New Zealand, let's dive into the nitty-gritty details of our New Zealand trip budget.

New Zealand travel budget infographic

Since you are reading this post, you are probably curious about the average daily travel budget in New Zealand.

Of course, the amount you'll spend depends on your travel style, the length of your trip, and the type of accommodation you choose.

Generally speaking, you can travel around New Zealand on a budget of $60-$120 per day (per person). As you can see in the infographic, we spent €101/$114/160 NZD per day as a couple during our 6-week New Zealand road trip.

In the infographic, you can find our complete New Zealand budget breakdown and how much we paid for our campervan, accommodation, food & drinks, and activities.

New Zealand budget travel: important facts and figures

• I traveled to New Zealand with my husband, and all expenses mentioned are for the two of us together.
• This New Zealand budget breakdown doesn't include plane tickets to New Zealand.
• Our NZ trip started in Christchurch and ended in Auckland . We spent 6 weeks in New Zealand : 4 weeks on the South Island (which definitely has the most beautiful nature) and 2 weeks on the North Island (where you find more history and a lot more Maori culture).
• While driving in New Zealand is not necessarily difficult, there are some important things to know when you are going to self-drive in New Zealand .
• In total, we drove over 6500 kilometers of beautiful road, and still, there is so much more to see so I definitely plan on going back to New Zealand in the future.

How to save money when planning a trip to New Zealand

When planning your New Zealand trip, it's important to be flexible with your itinerary to make the most of your travel budget for New Zealand.

Avoid peak season (travel during the low season instead)

Start by researching the best time of year to visit New Zealand as flight costs, campervan rental prices , and campground fees can vary throughout the year.

The high season in New Zealand is from December to February . During these months prices for accommodation and other tourist facilities are at their highest.

So if you have the option to be flexible with your travel dates and able to travel during shoulder season, this is a great way to save money on your New Zealand trip.

While temperatures are at their highest during New Zealand's summer months (December until February), traveling in October, November, March, and April will reduce your travel costs considerably.

The daily rental rate of a campervan will be (much) lower and most campsites also charge less per night during these months.

Save money on flights

Let's face it: New Zealand is far away from every other country in the world. Even Australia is at least a 3-hour flight away, so plane tickets will make up a large chunk of your New Zealand travel budget.

That's why you can save a lot of money by searching for cheap flights to New Zealand on websites like Kiwi.com . Try different travel dates and see how this affects the price of your flight.

Generally speaking, the cheapest days to fly are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Airlines often offer discounted fares on these days, so it's worth checking the booking sites and comparing prices on different days of the week.

You’ll get a better deal by booking your flight in advance. For domestic flights 1-3 months before your trip is ideal.

For international flights, it’s best to book 2-8 months in advance. Tickets to Auckland are pretty much always the cheapest option but keep an eye open for tickets to Christchurch as well (the second-largest airport in New Zealand).

Lastly, you may be able to find cheaper flights if you're willing to be flexible with your departure and arrival times.

Sure, it’s not ideal to arrive in the middle of the night, but if it saves you hundreds of dollars it’s worth losing one night of good sleep.

✈️ Click here to find the best ticket deals

Book your accommodation in advance

Once you've got your flights booked, it’s time to research budget accommodation. I always use Agoda and Booking to find the best value-for-money accommodation for our trips.

I recommend checking both platforms before you book to make sure you get the best deals on hotel rooms.

Please note that Agoda includes taxes in their price whereas Booking doesn't always include this. Make sure to check this before finalizing your booking.

Also, if you're in a country with hefty ATM fees or a limit on how much cash you can withdraw per transaction it can be better to book with Agoda as you can often pay online with your credit card (thereby reducing your need for cash).

More New Zealand money-saving tips

• Travel from the South Island to New Zealand's North Island (instead of the other way around). We did this as well and flew into Christchurch. However, most people fly into Auckland and then travel south. You might find some good deals doing the opposite.
• Look into car or campervan relocations, sometimes you can find great deals for as little as 5NZD a day!

Have you always dreamed about doing a working holiday in New Zealand ? Check out Global Work & Travel and get a €100 discount with the coupon code PHENOMENALGLOBE .

New Zealand travel expenses: categories

Now that you know some great ways to save money in the planning phase of your New Zealand trip, it's time for a deep dive into our New Zealand travel expenses.

Our New Zealand travel costs are divided into four categories:

• Accommodation accounted for 53% of our travel expenses, the average cost was 83,74NZD per day (=€53 = $60)
• Transportation took up 22%, on average 35NZD per day (= €22 = $25)
• Food ate up some 17% of the travel budget, on average 27NZD per day (=€17 = $19)
• Activities accounted for 8%, on average 13,26NZD per day (=€8,50 = $9,50), but with the amazing tours and activities that New Zealand has to offer this could easily be a lot more;-)

Cost of accommodation in New Zealand

In total we spent 3601NZD (= €2294 = $2572) on accommodation, averaging 83,70NZD (=€53 = $60) per day. Our New Zealand accommodation costs are split into three categories:

• Campervan rental fee ( check prices here ) • Campsites • Hotels

Costs to rent a campervan in New Zealand

For our New Zealand road trip, we rented a campervan and truly fell in love with van life. It was the first of many (campervan) road trips but certainly not the last…

The freedom of having your own wheels, going everywhere you want, driving winding (gravel) roads, pulling over anywhere you want to enjoy another spectacular view… In my personal opinion, it's the best way to travel!

The total cost for our campervan was 3060NZD , read more about renting a campervan in New Zealand here .

How to save on campsites in New Zealand

The second category of accommodation costs is campsite fees, which costs us 360NZD for the 41 nights we spent on various campsites (Holiday Parks, DOC campsites, and free campgrounds). 

Read all about the campgrounds we stayed at in this post .

The days when you could carelessly pull over anywhere and stay the night are long gone.

Because more and more tourists are coming to New Zealand, the government put stricter camping regulations in place and those not obeying those regulations risk a 200NZD fine.

This site contains more information about freedom camping.

That being said, there are still lots of places you can camp for free. In fact, of the 41 nights, we stayed on campsites 18 nights were completely free!

Don't stay in hotels in New Zealand if you want to save money

We only stayed in private rooms at one hostel and one hotel in New Zealand. All the other nights we slept in our campervan.

The day we arrived in Christchurch we stayed at Jailhouse Accommodation , a former prison built in 1874 that has been converted into a beautiful and comfortable hostel.

We stayed in our very own prison cell, luckily we also had our own key…

The day before we left New Zealand we stayed at Ibis Budget Hotel Auckland Airport , which was fine but nothing special.

We stayed here because it was a 15-minute walk to the airport, very convenient because of our early flight the next day.

Cost of transportation in New Zealand

While there is public transport available in New Zealand, I highly recommend renting a campervan (or renting a car if you prefer to stay in hotels or hostels).

Public transport requires planning and will only bring you to the main hubs, not to trailheads or off-the-beaten path locations.

Also, while I haven't done the exact math, I think it's cheaper to travel by campervan if you're traveling as a couple, as a family , or as a group of friends.

In total, we spent 1506NZD (= €960 = $1076) on transportation, averaging 35NZD per day (= €22 = $25).  Our New Zealand transportation costs can also be split into three categories:

• Boat ticket from South Island to North Island

How to save on fuel in New Zealand

As I said before in this post, having your own wheels is the best and I definitely recommend this way of traveling in New Zealand.

But unfortunately, our loyal campervan didn’t run on love alone so we ended up stopping for petrol every other day.

In total, we spent a whopping 1257NZD on fuel which comes down to 30NZD a day . We paid anything from 1.50NZD up to 2NZD per liter when we were there.

My two best tips to save money on fuel:

• Get a free AA card, which entitles you to a discount per liter of fuel (the amount changes daily but is usually around 6ct). Read more about the AA card here.
• Do not, and I repeat, do not find yourself in the position of having to fill up your tank in Franz Josef. We paid 2NZD p/l (yes, really!) because the nearest fuel station was over 90km away (we only just got enough fuel in Franz Josef to get to Hokitika where the fuel price was only 1,70NZD p/l).

Particularly on the South Island, there are a couple of stretches where you’ll find no gas stations for more than 100 km.

So before hitting the road, check the level of your tank and your planned route for gas stations to avoid getting stranded or paying the premium price.

The Cook Straight ferry: how much is a boat ticket?

We rented our van in Christchurch and dropped it off in Auckland. And so our trusted camper crossed the Cook Straight with us, to travel from the South Island to the North Island.

For 2 adults and our (less than 5.5 meters and therefore falling into the category ‘Private Car’) campervan, we paid 226NZD with Bluebridge Ferries .

Bluebridge has excellent customer service, they responded to my email requesting a date change within the hour and carried out the change without extra charge.

Our bus fees in New Zealand

We only took the bus twice in New Zealand so we only spent 23 NZD on bus fees .

We paid 16NZD (8 per person) to get from Christchurch International Airport to the city center and 7NZD (3,5 per person) to get from Jailhouse accommodation to a shopping mall at Riccarton Road and back again.

Cost of food in New Zealand

In total we spent 1161NZD (= €739 = $829) on food, averaging 27NZD (=€17 = $19) per day . Food costs can be split into two categories:

• Food, drinks, snacks

How much do groceries cost in New Zealand?

We spent 877NZD on groceries , which is approximately 20NZD a day . In my opinion, 20 NZD a day for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks for two people isn’t much.

Cooking your own meals is an absolute key to keeping your New Zealand road trip budget in check!

Our advice to save money on groceries in New Zealand:

• Buy your groceries in large supermarkets such as Pak ‘n Save, New World, FreshChoice, or Countdown! This is much cheaper than shopping in small villages where there is usually only one small store (mostly the Four Square). Of course, buying fruit, veggies, eggs, etc. from farms and stalls by the road is a great way to support local farmers, also, these products are usually excellent quality and really fresh.
• Get a free New World membership card, which gives you discounts on selected items.

I loved cooking meals in our van and having lunch or dinner while looking over a beautiful lake or listening to a trickling stream or the rushing ocean.

Eating out in New Zealand: costs for drinks and snacks

In total, we spent some 284NZD on various food and drinks . While it’s good to monitor your spending, you should also enjoy your trip and have that ice cream after hiking for three hours.

Or that cold beer after climbing Mount Doom. Or a good cup of coffee every now and then.

Although, one piece of advice if you’re also into coffee: we found a little espresso maker in Westport which reduced our coffee costs because we made our own delicious espresso and cappuccino once we got that.

Cost of activities in New Zealand

When you’re in New Zealand, make sure to take advantage of all the free activities the country has to offer.

Explore lovely cities such as Napier and Wellington , admire the stunning National Parks, and enjoy endless hiking opportunities . Doing so will help you make the most of your vacation while still sticking to your budget.

During our New Zealand trip, we spent 570,50NZD (= €363 = $408) on paid activities, on average 13,26NZD per day (=€8,50 = $9,50) .

We didn't do too many organized tours, but we did take a cruise around Milford Sound , went on an eco-friendly dolphin tour in the Bay of Islands, and visited the hot springs in Hanmer Springs, amongst other things.

So it's definitely possible to have fun and travel around NZ on a budget at the same time.

That being said, there are countless amazing tours and activities to be found in New Zealand, such as skydiving in Queenstown , going on a wine tour in the Gibbston valley , cruising Lake Wakatipu on the legendary TSS Earnslow, and visiting the famous glowworm caves in Waitomo .

Plan your New Zealand trip like a pro with these tools: ? Rent a campervan for your NZ road trip (or a car via Rentalcars.com ). ? Arrange your NZ working holiday with Global Work & Travel . ? Stay connected with a New Zealand SIM card . ? Plan your journey with the New Zealand Lonely Planet . ?️ Find the best hotel deals on Booking.com or Agoda . ? Join the best tours in New Zealand via Get Your Guide or Viator . ?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

Travel insurance costs

I didn't include the cost of travel insurance in our New Zealand budget breakdown because we use our travel insurance for all our trips, not just for our New Zealand itinerary.

However, that doesn't take away the fact that making sure you have proper travel insurance is super important .

It helps protect you and your belongings in the event of a mishap during your travels. Furthermore, it provides coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost or stolen items, and more.

Also, having good travel insurance will provide you peace of mind, knowing that if something goes wrong, you have a safety net in place.

With so much to consider when planning a trip, having the right travel insurance can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey without stressing out about things that can go wrong.

Unforeseen costs: the parking accident

I’ll be honest with you, there is one expense I did not include in all budget breakdowns… The truth is, I had a teeny tiny parking accident with our rental van which resulted in this:

Stupid. Mistake. Luckily, we had paid a fee of 390NZD for 0-liability, so the damage I caused was paid by the rental company. They were very kind about it, but I felt rather embarrassed nonetheless…

The thing about their Zero Excess policy is that it only covers one accident (which I think is totally fair since it is a very reasonable fee, much lower than what I have seen at other rental companies).

So we had to decide if we would pay the Zero Excess fee again. We had 17 days left, meaning we would have to pay 17*19NZD = 320NZD. Definitely money I would have preferred to spend on something more fun.

Nevertheless, we decided to purchase Zero Excess again. We just didn't want to run the risk of having to pay up to 3000NZD.

If by some streak of bad luck or my apparently not-so-good parking skills, we would have another accident it would mean cutting our trip short because we wouldn’t have enough money left for the remaining months.

Lesson learned.

My recommendation about traveling, in general, is to make sure you have a buffer for unforeseen expenses, say 10% of your total budget.

Because a lot can (and will;-) happen on a long trip and it’s better to be prepared.

10-day New Zealand South Island Itinerary

Don't feel stressed out by the prospect of planning your epic New Zealand adventure. Get the ultimate 10-day South Island itinerary for the trip of a lifetime!

What's included:

• A day-by-day outline of your 10-day trip around the South Island of New Zealand (including Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Queenstown, Milford Sound, and the West Coast). • Accommodation recommendations • Tips for great restaurants • A Google Map with all the highlights • Driving distances • And more…

Budgeting in New Zealand: in conclusion

I know, it’s a long post. But you made it to the end, congrats! Now you know all about our New Zealand expenses.

Even though it was the most expensive place we traveled to during our 5-month trip, it was also our favorite country.

I fell in love with the incredibly varied nature, the beautiful wide skies, the friendly people, and the relaxed pace of things which altogether added up to an ultimate feeling of freedom and happiness.

New Zealand is one of my favorite countries in the world and I hope this post has convinced you that you can make a New Zealand budget trip.

Below you can download the New Zealand budget breakdown infographic, happy travels!

Also read these New Zealand posts:

• Hiking New Zealand South Island
• Practical advice about traveling in New Zealand

This post was updated in December 2022.

Brian Fisher

Thursday 23rd of January 2020

Hey Lotte, crackin' post! Loads of useful information. So Hi, I'm Brian from near Manchester UK. I am currently considering a 4 week trip to NZ. I will be travelling alone and I would love my own campervan - just a small one. Are there plenty of places to wild-camp? I don't like the idea of having to use campsites, full of kids and noise - selfishly I would love a wild camp with an ocean or mountain view and none or very few folk about.

Friday 24th of January 2020

You can check out this post for campsite ideas: https://www.phenomenalglobe.com/where-to-find-the-best-campsites-in-new-zealand/. Please note you CANNOT wild camp in New Zealand, while there are several free sites these are often only for self-contained campervans, so that's something to take into account when renting a campervan.

As more and more tourists visit New Zealand, the government has taken measures to preserve the pristine nature of NZ and that's why wild camping is no longer allowed. If you are looking for ocean and mountain views, DOC (Department of Conservation) campsites are the place to go. These sites are very basic but often offer the most gorgeous views. Enjoy your trip!

Sunday 29th of December 2019

Hi Lotte. Your article is very helpfull and detailed! We are planning a trip right now and have a question about the driver's license. Is a Dutch license enough? We are now travelling and not in the position to get a international license. We read different stories on the internet. Thanks!

Monday 30th of December 2019

Most welcome, happy to hear you found the post helpful:-) Regarding your question, I'm sorry but I can't give you a conclusive answer. We weren't specifically asked for our International Drivers Permit however, I don't know if different rental companies have different policies. It may even just depend on the person behind the desk... Sorry I can't give you a final answer, I hope you get to go to NZ anyway and have a fabulous trip!

Thursday 19th of September 2019

Love this post!

Just to clarify - Did you guys spend 6838 NZD as a couple? So 3419NZD each?

Thanks so much!

Friday 20th of September 2019

Thanks so much for your kind words! Happy you like the post:-) To answer your question, yes we spent 3419NZD per person. Have a great NZ road trip!

Tuesday 16th of July 2019

That’s a great guide. Gutted about the car damage. When I hire a car I’m always in two. I do about whether this extra insurance is really worth it... clearly it was for you guys!

Saturday 20th of July 2019

Yeah we were pretty unhappy about the car damage too... It would be so great if there was a way to know beforehand weather or not you should take out the insurance, something about predicting the future;-) But I guess in the end it's just best to choose what you feel most comfortable with.

Wednesday 15th of May 2019

g\Great article! Lots of useful tips. I think one more thing to save some money that is worth mentioning are car / campervan relocations.

Also try to go during shoulder seasons and travel from south to north. Most people fly into Auckland and then travel south. So you might find some good deals doing the opposite.

Cheers guys

Saturday 25th of May 2019

Hey Philip,

Thanks for reading and thank so so much for the great tips! I've added them to the article, hopefully it will help other travelers in their NZ trip planning:-)

Happy travels! Lotte

How to Travel on a Budget: A Guide to Exploring the World Affordably

Budget travel tips.

T raveling is an incredible experience that allows you to explore different cultures, try new cuisines, and create lasting memories. However, the cost of travel can sometimes be a deterrent for many people. The good news is that you don't have to break the bank to travel the world. With some careful planning and smart choices, you can embark on your dream adventures without blowing your budget. In this guide, we will share some valuable tips on how to travel on a budget.

Travel on a Budget

Traveling on a budget requires a bit of research and flexibility. Here are some key strategies to help you save money during your travels:

• Plan your trip in advance: Booking flights, accommodations, and activities in advance can often save you a significant amount of money. Keep an eye out for deals and discounts to make the most of your budget.
• Travel during off-peak seasons: Prices for flights and accommodations tend to be lower during off-peak seasons. Consider traveling during less popular times to get the best deals.
• Be flexible with your itinerary: Being open to alternative destinations or changing your travel dates can result in substantial savings. Look for flight and hotel deals to find the most affordable options.
• Utilize budget airlines: Many budget airlines offer cheaper fares compared to traditional carriers. While they may not offer all the amenities, they can help you reach your destination without draining your bank account.
• Opt for accommodations with kitchen facilities: Booking accommodations with kitchen facilities allows you to cook your meals, which can save you a significant amount of money compared to eating out for every meal.
• Use public transportation: Instead of relying on taxis or private transfers, explore the local public transportation options. Public buses, trains, and trams are often more affordable and can provide a unique way to experience the destination.
• Research free or low-cost attractions: Many destinations offer a range of free or low-cost attractions. Take the time to research these options so that you can explore the city without spending a fortune.

Cheap Travel Destinations

Some destinations are known for being more budget-friendly than others. Here are a few examples:

• Thailand: Thailand offers a combination of beautiful beaches, rich culture, and delicious street food at affordable prices.
• Vietnam: Vietnam is a vibrant and diverse country with stunning landscapes, bustling cities, and affordable street markets.
• Bali, Indonesia: Bali is a popular destination known for its stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and affordable accommodations.
• Portugal: Portugal offers stunning coastal towns, picturesque landscapes, and delicious cuisine at a fraction of the cost compared to other European destinations.
• Cambodia: Cambodia is a budget-friendly destination with stunning temples, vibrant markets, and a fascinating history.

Affordable Travel Guide

Here are some additional tips to help you plan and execute your affordable travel adventures:

• Set a realistic budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend on your trip and plan your expenses accordingly. Stick to your budget to ensure a stress-free travel experience.
• Research local customs and etiquette: Understanding the local customs and etiquette can help you avoid any unnecessary expenses or uncomfortable situations during your trip.
• Pack light: Avoid checked baggage fees by packing light and opting for carry-on luggage. This can also make your travel experience more convenient and efficient.
• Stay in budget accommodations: Consider staying in budget hotels, hostels, or even alternative accommodations such as homestays or guesthouses. These options are often more affordable and can provide a unique cultural experience.
• Try local street food: Sampling local street food is not only a delicious experience but also a budget-friendly option compared to dining at restaurants every day.
• Stay hydrated and bring a reusable water bottle: Purchasing bottled water can quickly add up. Stay hydrated by refilling a reusable water bottle, which is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

Money-Saving Travel Tips

Here are some additional money-saving travel tips to help you make the most of your budget:

• Use travel rewards credit cards: Travel rewards credit cards can help you earn points or miles that can be redeemed for flights, accommodations, or other travel-related expenses.
• Consider alternative transportation options: Depending on your destination, consider renting a bicycle, taking a local bus, or even walking to explore the city. This not only saves money but also allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture.
• Book attractions and activities in advance: Many popular attractions offer discounted prices if you book in advance. Take advantage of these deals to save money and secure your spot.
• Research local deals and discounts: Explore local deal websites or inquire about tourist discount cards that offer savings on attractions, transportation, and dining.
• Avoid peak tourist areas: Popular tourist areas tend to be more expensive. Research hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path locations that offer unique experiences at a lower cost.
• Monitor your expenses: Keep track of your expenses during your trip to ensure you stay within your budget. This will also help you identify areas where you can cut back on spending.

Traveling on a budget doesn't mean sacrificing the quality of your experience. With careful planning, research, and these money-saving tips, you can explore the world affordably. So pack your bags, embark on your next adventure, and create unforgettable memories without breaking the bank!

The post How to Travel on a Budget: A Guide to Exploring the World Affordably appeared first on Things That Make People Go Aww .