new zealand trip budget from philippines

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.

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• 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!

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The Travel Guide to New Zealand on a Budget 💸 [2024]

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, how to plan a cheap trip to new zealand.

New Zealand : it’s a country of two main islands, the North Island and the South Island , renowned for its diverse natural landscapes that, otherwise, too few places have preserved. The convenience of such sublime scenery is that you can’t put a price on it. That’s what makes travelling New Zealand so ideal for a budget getaway (after airfares , of course, because, yes, New Zealand is pretty isolated). Many of the country’s natural wonders are free to visit . All you need to do is plan a budget trip to New Zealand using affordable transport, accommodation, food and other nifty tips that we give in this travel guide to New Zealand on a budget.

New Zealand Budget Travel Guide: Listen to the Article

Don’t have time to read our guide to New Zealand on a budget? Listen to the video or keep scrolling for the full article.

An Intro About New Zealand

Location : New Zealand is a country in the Oceania continent. It’s located in the South Pacific Ocean, about 1,500km (930 miles) east of Australia and around 1,000km (620 miles) south of the South Pacific Islands . See  Where is New Zealand? for more information.

Climate : New Zealand has a diverse climate determined by the ocean, mountains and prevailing winds. The mean average temperatures are 10°C (50°F) in the South Island to 16°C (61°F) in the North Island. See  The Guide to The New Zealand Climate or check out the “ When to Visit New Zealand ” section below.

Time zone : UTC/GMT+12

Population :  5 million. Learn more about New Zealand’s population here .

Languages : English, Maori and New Zealand Sign Language. Learn more about the New Zealand language in our guide .

Size : 268,021km 2 (103483 mi 2 ) in total. It is approximately 1,600km (990mi) long and around 400km (250mi) at its widest point.

How to Get to New Zealand on a Budget

First of all, be sure to check if you are actually able to travel to New Zealand. After the COVID-19 outbreak, the border restrictions for New Zealand have been constantly evolving. We find that the best source for up-to-date travel information is the New Zealand Government-run website covid19.govt.nz .

With that out of the way, what’s the best way to travel to New Zealand? Most travellers on a budget get to New Zealand via the skies. Direct flights to New Zealand can be found in the US , Canada , South America , Asia , Australia and the South Pacific Islands . Coming further afield from destinations such as in Europe and you’ll need to catch at least one connecting flight.

Check out A Beginner’s Guide to Getting to New Zealand . Otherwise, here’s a quick rundown.

Flight Times to New Zealand

Argentina – 12h30min, Brazil – 15h30min, Canada – 16h30min, China – 13h30min, Denmark – 22h, Finland – 20h, France – 23h30min, Germany – 22h30min, Hong Kong – 11h, Israel – 32h, Italy – 22h30min, Japan – 11h, Korea – 12h, Malaysia – 11h, Netherlands – 22h30min, Philippines – 10h30min, Singapore – 10h30min, Sweden – 21h, Taiwan – 11h, United Kingdom – 22h30min, USA – 12h, Vietnam – 12h30min

The Cheapest Times to Fly to New Zealand

Airfares depend on different factors: what time of year you choose to fly, how long in advance you book, where you’re flying from, what type of ticket you get, and the route you take to get to New Zealand. While specific money-saving airfare tips are virtually impossible in the ever-changing climate, we have a few general tips to keep in mind.

The cheapest time to fly to New Zealand is during New Zealand’s spring, winter and autumn months (between July and November ). Summer and particularly around Christmas is the most expensive time to fly to New Zealand.

It is also usually cheaper to fly at “inconvenient times” of the day such as late at night or during the early hours of the morning, as well as mid-week rather than on weekends. Having a flexible travel plan allows you to choose the cheapest flights. Check out How to Book a Cheap Flight to New Zealand for more advice.

What You Need to Know About Customs Declarations

New Zealand has strict biosecurity measures at the border to stop unwanted pests and diseases from entering the country. With that, anyone arriving in New Zealand is asked to declare any “risk items” they have in their luggage. This includes common items like food and sports gear. Failing to declare such items can incur an instant NZ$400 fine – not a good way to start a budget holiday! Be sure to read up on Everything You Need to Know About Arriving in a New Zealand Airport so that you are prepared.

When to Visit New Zealand

With the notion that New Zealand has “four seasons in a day”, i.e. the weather is very changeable even in summer, we do not recommend planning your trip too much around the weather. Nevertheless, here is what you can typically expect in each season:

Summer (December-February)

Summer is the warmest time of year reaching highs of 25°C (77°F). Expect finer days than during the rest of the year and see what to pack in our Packing List for Summer in New Zealand .

Autumn (March-May)

Autumn has milder temperatures anywhere between 6°C (43°F) and 20°C (68°F). Weather patterns start to become more interchangeable with a few more rainy days than summer. Be prepared with our  Packing List for Autumn in New Zealand .

Winter (June-August)

Temperatures can be anywhere between -3°C (27°F) and 15°C (59°F) depending on which parts of the country you are in. Snow falls in alpine regions and rainfall is more frequent. Again, packing tips can be found in our Packing List for Winter in New Zealand .

Spring (September-November)

Temperatures rise again during this shoulder season, where lows are 2°C (36°F) and highs are 17°C (63°F). Expect a balance of fine and rainy days. And yes, we have a  Packing List for Spring in New Zealand too!

For more information on the climate, check out What is the Weather Like in New Zealand?

The Cheapest Time to Visit New Zealand

When choosing a time to visit New Zealand when it’s the cheapest, avoid visiting in summer ( December to February ). This is the most popular time to visit. With that, flights, tours and rentals tend to be more expensive.

Visiting in any of the shoulder seasons , i.e. from March to May and from September to November , brings warmer weather than winter along with more affordable travel deals.

The off-season, i.e. winter, is the cheapest time to travel with the exception of visiting some of the ski resort towns, such as Queenstown , Wanaka and Ohakune . If you’re travelling on a campervan trip (more on that below), check out  Renting a Campervan in Winter: New Zealand Road Trip Tips .

For more tips from this travel guide to New Zealand on a budget, head to When is the Best Time to Go Backpacking in New Zealand?

What to Pack for New Zealand

Just a large backpack or suitcase with a day pack is all you need for New Zealand – there’s no need to go too crazy. New Zealand has plenty of shops and services should you need anything while you’re travelling.

A Quick Packing List

The key to packing lightly for New Zealand is versatile outfits. New Zealand tends to lean more toward the casual style, rather than fashion. Some handy items to remember include:

• Leggings/sweatpants/hiking pants
• Shorts (for warmer days)
• Sweater/hoody/mid-layer
• Hiking shoes
• Thermal underlayer (top and/or bottoms)
• Waterproof and windproof jacket
• Woollen socks
• A warm jacket (winter/spring/autumn)
• A selection of light tops
• Toiletries including a mini first aid kit, sunscreen and insect repellent
• New Zealand travel adapter
• Camera/phone
• Electronic device chargers  (extra batteries are a good idea)
• If you plan on camping , pack a lightweight tent and sleeping mat, and/or for staying in huts, a 4-season sleeping bag and a torch/flashlight – see our Camping Essentials Checklist for New Zealand .

Get the full list in the New Zealand Packing List: What to Pack for New Zealand .

New Zealand Visas

A tourist/visitor visa for New Zealand activates automatically upon entry to New Zealand for most countries, usually allowing visitors to stay for up to three months. Visitors also need to pay for an NZeTA and IVL before arrival in New Zealand . Other popular visa options to stay in New Zealand longer are the  Working Holiday Visa  and  Student Visas .

Travel Insurance for New Zealand

Although the ACC in New Zealand partly covers accidental injury medical bills, many travellers opt for travel insurance for extra peace of mind. Our recommended insurance for budget travellers is Orbit Protect , which is based in New Zealand. Find out more in our article,  Medical and Travel Insurance for New Zealand .

Identification: Passport and Driving License

Your passport is obviously coming to New Zealand with you. For driving, bring your driving license – if your driving license is not written in English then it will need to be accompanied by an International Driving Permit . Note that there are only three valid forms of ID to buy alcohol in New Zealand , so consider getting a  Hospitality New Zealand 18+ Card  if you are staying in New Zealand for a while.

New Zealand Currency

The  currency in New Zealand is New Zealand Dollars (NZD) . There are plenty of ATMs in towns and cities where you’ll be able to withdraw cash. Credit cards are also widely accepted, however, there is a small fee with each credit card overseas transaction. If you are staying in New Zealand for a few months, you will save a lot of money by opening a New Zealand bank account .

Get more tips on how to save money on withdrawing cash and paying with card (locally known as paying with “ EFTPOS “) in our article, The Best Way to Pay in New Zealand .

How Long Do You Need for a Trip to New Zealand

Unlike many destinations, New Zealand’s attractions are spread out across the country. Therefore, you will want to travel around, which takes time. In addition, spending as little amount of time in New Zealand as possible can seem like the obvious way to spend less, but an extended trip on a working holiday visa , for instance, allows you to save money by working for accommodation or getting a job .

Whether you’re seeking a short budget trip or a gap year, our tips for different time frames in New Zealand below should help.

1-2 Weeks in New Zealand

Within this time, you should explore just one of the main islands. Take a look at the itineraries: North Island Budget Itinerary: One Week ,  South Island Budget Itinerary: One Week ,  North Island Budget Itinerary: Two Weeks  and  South Island Budget Itinerary: Two Weeks .

3-4 Weeks in New Zealand

There are a number of bus tours that allow you to see both islands in this timeframe or you can rent a vehicle. Get an idea of what you will have time to see in our New Zealand Budget Itinerary: Three Weeks and check out backpacker tours in The Best 20+ Days Tours of New Zealand .

Just Over a Month

Take a hop-on hop-off bus or InterCity bus around both islands or rent a campervan or car following our New Zealand Budget Itinerary: One Month .

2 Months – One Year

Now you have the option to travel by bus or buy your own car to see a great deal of the country. Check out our 30 Tips for Backpacking in New Zealand for advice on an extended trip to New Zealand on a budget.

Budget Transport Around New Zealand

There’s no right or wrong way to get around New Zealand. It depends on your personal style, budget and what experience you want to get out of it. Here are your most wallet-friendly options:

National Bus (Public Transportation)

This is the cheapest way of getting from A to B. InterCity forms the most extensive public transport network in the country. Find out more about planning a trip by bus in our guide to the InterCity bus passes .

Hop-On Hop-Off Buses

These are flexible bus tours on a set route with the option to hop-off at any point for as long as you wish. Activities and accommodation are optional and pay-as-you-go. Learn more in our New Zealand hop-on hop-off bus guide .

Renting a car provides freedom for independent travel. There are budget car rentals available, with some listed in The Best Car Rental Companies in New Zealand . Plus, see money-saving tips in the 21 Ways To Save Money on Car Rental in New Zealand .

Rent a Campervan

Make your vehicle your accommodation by renting a campervan. However, with camping restrictions and the need to recharge some vehicles, there are extra costs to take into consideration. See How to Travel by Campervan in New Zealand  for more advice. Plus, choose from the cheapest rental companies in The Best Budget Campervan Rentals in New Zealand .

Buy Your Own Vehicle

Secondhand cars and campervans are easy to buy and sell in New Zealand, working out to be very cost-effective if you plan to stay in New Zealand for a while. Check out   Should You Rent or Buy a Vehicle to Travel New Zealand? to see if it’s right for you. If it is, then you’ll need  10 Tips for Buying a Secondhand Car in New Zealand .

These are structured tours around New Zealand often with some food and accommodation included. It’s a stress-free way to travel the country with other people. While not the cheapest, they can offer good value for money. Get started with your research using The Best National Bus Tours in New Zealand and   The Best Backpacker Bus Tours in New Zealand .

Domestic Flights

While not as popular as other countries,  domestic flights in New Zealand are only a good idea for travelling long distances or between the North and South islands.

There are ferry services in New Zealand to get between the mainland and off-shore islands, as well as between the North and South islands. Find out more in our guide to The Ferry Between the North Island and South Island .

Still don’t know where to start? Start with the  10 Best Ways to Travel Around New Zealand .

The Best Backpacking and Budget Destinations in New Zealand

New Zealand has a vast number of destinations across the North Island , South Island and other off-shore islands . You’ll find each of the below destinations linked to our budget travel guides so you can plan further.

North Island

• Bay of Islands Budget Travel Guide – islands and beaches
• Auckland Budget Travel Guide – volcanoes and city life
• Rotorua Budget Travel Guide – geothermal activity and Maori culture
• Ohakune (Tongariro) Budget Travel Guide – volcanic landscapes
• Taranaki Budget Travel Guide – volcanoes and surf
• Wellington Budget Travel Guide – capital city vibes

South Island

• Picton Budget Travel Guide – water activities
• Nelson/Abel Tasman Budget Travel Guide – beaches and forest
• Kaikoura Budget Travel Guide – marine wildlife
• Franz Josef Glacier Budget Travel Guide – glaciers
• Queenstown Budget Travel Guide – adrenaline activities
• Aoraki Mt Cook Budget Travel Guide – mountains
• Stewart Island Budget Travel Guide – remote wilderness and wildlife.

And that’s just the hotspots! We encourage you to explore other destinations in our Budget Destinations guides . Plus, for more ideas, see the 10 Awesome New Zealand Travel Ideas .

Things to Do in New Zealand

Spoiled, you are! Spoiled! New Zealand has so much to do that we could barely fit it all in our   101 Things to Do in New Zealand: The Ultimate List .

Free and Cheap Things to Do in New Zealand

Sticking to a budget is easy thanks to the overwhelming array of free activities. Just check out the 50 Best Free Things to Do in New Zealand for an idea. In short, New Zealand’s free and budget activities include hikes/short walks to natural attractions, wildlife viewing , free hot pools , museums , art galleries, gardens, markets, glowworm caves , geothermal parks and more.

For those willing to spend a little, affordable attractions include New Zealand’s bird sanctuaries, brewery tours, wine tastings, mountain biking, kayaking, farm tours and much more. See our budget activity guides for inspiration:

• 50 Activities Under $50 in New Zealand
• 30 Activities Under $30 in New Zealand
• 20 Activities Under $20 in New Zealand
• 10 Activities Under $10 in New Zealand

And don’t forget to browse our New Zealand Activities category listing everything Aotearoa (the Maori name for New Zealand) has to offer.

Budget Accommodation in New Zealand

New Zealand offers many forms of budget accommodation across the country. Stay in cheap accommodation, preferably with self-catering facilities, so you can save money on food. It’s the easiest way to keep the costs down.

Stay in shared dorms or private rooms where you’ll share facilities, such as a kitchen, laundry and bathrooms with other guests. See A Beginner’s Guide to Backpacker Hostels to get an idea of how New Zealand does hostels. Plus, Check out listings for every town in New Zealand in our New Zealand Hostel category .

Holiday Parks

Stay in motel units, private cabins, backpacker dorm cabins, tent sites or powered sites for campervans at this popular type of New Zealand accommodation. Get tips in our Accommodation Guide to Holiday Parks in New Zealand and check out listings in our New Zealand Holiday Parks category .

Campsites are where you can pitch a tent or park a campervan overnight. Find out more in our guide to Camping in New Zealand and check out listings in our New Zealand Camping category .

Budget Hotels and Motels

Hotel and motel prices are sporadic in New Zealand, but there are some offering budget private rooms out there. We list them in our New Zealand Budget Accommodation category .

Stay with a local in a spare room listed on booking websites like Booking.com , Expedia and Airbnb . See our guide on Everything You Need to Know About Airbnb in New Zealand , as well as listings in our New Zealand Homestays category .

Other Cheap Accommodation Ideas

For anything we haven’t mentioned, follow the links for more guides about them:

• Couchsurfing
• WWOOFing (work for accommodation)
• Housesitting

Do you seriously need more information than that?! Head over to our New Zealand Accommodation category and browse until your heart is content.

Food Shopping and Eating Out

New Zealand mostly has Westernised food, including fried food like fish and chips, burgers and pizzas. You can, however, find much more culturally diverse food, especially in larger towns and cities.

How to Save Money When Eating Out in New Zealand

Eating out is notoriously expensive in New Zealand, typically costing between NZ$20-$30 per person for a main – and that’s without a drink! Be choosy when you eat out, perhaps by following our New Zealand Foodie Guides for each town and city across New Zealand or checking out the following cheap eats articles:

• The Top Cheap Eats in Auckland
• The Top Cheap Eats in Wellington
• The Top Cheap Eats in Christchurch
• The Top Cheap Eats in Queenstown
• The Top Cheap Eats in Rotorua
• The Top Cheap Eats in Taupo
• The Top Cheap Eats in Tauranga & Mt Maunganui
• The Top Cheap Eats in Dunedin
• The Top Cheap Eats in Nelson
• The Top Cheap Eats in Whakatane
• The Top Cheap Eats in Invercargill

We also list some cheap eats in all of our travel guides to New Zealand on a budget .

Self-Catering in New Zealand

Many accommodations have cooking facilities, so there’s no excuse to not enjoy a self-catering holiday in New Zealand. Buying groceries is much cheaper than eating out, so it’s highly recommended for budget travellers.

Typical food prices in supermarkets are as follows:

• 1 litre (35fl oz) of milk : NZ$2.40
• A dozen eggs : NZ$5.40
• 1kg (2.2lbs) of rice : NZ$2
• 500g (1.1lbs) pasta : NZ$1.20
• A loaf of sliced bread : NZ$1.20
• 1kg (2.2lbs) cheese : NZ$11
• 100g (3.5oz) dry freeze coffee : NZ$7
• 1kg (2.2lbs) of apples : NZ$5
• 1kg (2.2lbs) of bananas : NZ$3
• 1kg (2.2lbs) of tomatoes : NZ$10
• 1kg (2.2lbs) of onions : NZ$2
• 1kg (2.2lbs) of chicken : NZ$13
• 1kg (2.2lbs) of beef mince : NZ$13.

See more food prices in  How Expensive is New Zealand? Plus, get advice for grocery shopping in our guide to  Food Shopping in New Zealand .

So, What is the Budget for a Trip to New Zealand?

I.e. how much does a trip to new zealand cost.

Even in the category of “budget travellers”, we all travel very differently making a precise budget for our millions of readers an impossible task! Nevertheless, you can work out your own needs, thus budget, by simply looking at the typical prices listed below and in our article, What is the Cost of Backpacking in New Zealand? or for more generic travel prices,  NZ Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to New Zealand Cost?

Transport Budget

• Hop-on hop-off bus national pass/ year: NZ$1,000-NZ$2,000
• National coach bus / 4-hour trip: NZ$30-$80
• Car hire / day: NZ$30-$150
• 2-person campervan hire / day: NZ$60-$260
• Used 2-person campervan (15+ years old): NZ$3,500-$15,000
• Secondhand car  (15+ years old): NZ$2,000-$5,000
• Petrol / litre (0.3 gallons): NZ$1.90-$2.50  (Check out weekly fuel price data on the  MBIE website )
• Domestic flights / one way: NZ$50-$240
• Train / one way: NZ$100-$260

Accommodation Budget

• Hostel dorm bed / night: NZ$27-$35
• Hostel or holiday park double room with shared bathroom / night: NZ$80-$90
• Hostel, motel or holiday park ensuite double room / night: NZ$90-$120
• Campervan powered site / two people per night: NZ$22-$40
• Department of Conservation (DOC) campsite / person per night: NZ$15 (see DOC campsite passes here )
• Motel self-contained unit / two people per night: NZ$140
• Hotel double room / night: NZ$160

Activities Budget

• Hiking trails : Free
• Skydive from 15,000ft: NZ$339-$439
• Bungy Jump : NZ$150-$290
• White Water Rafting : NZ$100-$140
• Jetboat : NZ$80-$130
• Dolphin swimming : NZ$110-$160
• Whale watching : NZ$120-$160
• Glacier Hiking : NZ$390-$470
• Cruise in Milford Sound : NZ$60-$100
• Rotorua geothermal park : NZ$30-$70
• Horse Trekking : NZ$50-$150
• Canyoning : NZ$150-$300
• Hobbiton : NZ$80-$100
• Glowworm caving : NZ$125-$280
• Great Walk hut /night: NZ$32-$110.

That’s all from this travel guide to New Zealand on a budget. Well done for making it all the way to the end! If there’s one final nugget of wisdom we can give you, it’s our 31 Tips for Travelling in New Zealand .

– Happy Travels!

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:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
• Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [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 approved by Robin, who is the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. With more than 15 years of experience in the New Zealand tourism industry, Robin has co-founded three influential tourism businesses and five additional travel guides for South Pacific nations. He is an expert in New Zealand travel and has tested over 600 activities and 300+ accommodations across the country.

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Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

The Cost of Traveling New Zealand

New Zealand . The land of Middle Earth, Great Walks, kiwis, backpackers, adventure sports, delicious wine, and pristine remote landscapes.

It’s also a land that sucks all your money from your wallet like a giant vacuum.

I first visited New Zealand over a decade ago. The country was so much more expensive than I thought it would be. Back then, I was a cheap(er) backpacker and focused on saving as much money as I could. I cooked most of my meals, hitchhiked, skipped all the costly adventure sports, and drank a diet of cheap boxed wine and happy hour beer.

But, on my most recent visit, I changed my MO. I was going to say yes to everything — regardless of cost.

I wanted to really know how much money you need in New Zealand for a variety of budgets.

What does it cost to be a broke backpacker? A mid-range traveler? Or a mix of the two?

What if you want to eat out a lot but also hike or sleep in a van? What if you want to do all the adventure activities in the world?

What if you just let the tab pile up?

So I became the Nomadic Matt of many budgeting hats. And, in the process I learned a lot about, the true cost of traveling New Zealand . Let’s break it down.  

Table of Contents

How Much Did I Spend in New Zealand?

How much does new zealand really cost, how to save money in new zealand.

That’s a lot of money. Like holy hell a lot of money! Way more than my $50 USD a day guideline .

Here’s how my spending broke down:

• Accommodations: 913.64 NZD (36 NZD/day)
• Spark phone service: 164.68 NZD (6.50 NZD/day)
• Pharmacy: 39.98 NZD (1.60 NZD/day)
• Internet: 15.29 NZD (.60 NZD/day)
• Groceries: 235.52 NZD (9.40 NZD/day)
• Transportation: 1,014.32 NZD (40.50 NZD/day)
• Activities: 823.65 NZD (33 NZD/day)
• Restaurants: 1343.82 NZD (53.70 NZD/day)

Total: 4,550.90 NZD (182 NZD/day)

I spent a lot of money, but, again, I said yes to everything. I knew that taking scenic planes, trains, and helicopter rides; staying in private rooms, and meals out were going to cost a lot of money.

But even I was surprised by how much I spent when I wasn’t tracking my spending.

Looking back, there were plenty of things I could have done to lower my costs.

For example, I could have saved money by eating out less or by booking less expensive Airbnbs instead of hostel private rooms (which are always a terrible deal but I wanted to be around other travelers).

With a lot of ground to cover, I couldn’t always spend a day on a bus so flying really increased my costs. Additionally, the scenic rail I took (while awesome) was also 159 NZD! And transportation to Stewart Island was 160 NZD!

And I definitely blew through way too much phone data. As a person not used to data limits, being data-limited at hostels was new territory for me as I tried to stream Netflix. I picked up the slack on my phone by just ordering more data and not really thinking about it. (This won’t be an issue next time I go back, as unlimited Wi-Fi is standard in most hostels now.)

If I was slightly more conscious about my dining, accommodation, and spending habits, I easily could have cut 30 NZD or more per day from my budget.

A more “I want to do a lot but still keep things affordable” budget of around 150-225 NZD per day gets you private rooms from Airbnb, a large number of activities (I let no winery go unvisited!), the occasional flight, and restaurant meals about 70% of the time.

If you’re going on a backpacker’s budget, I’d say you need around 70-95 NZD per day. That gets you a hostel dorm room, bus transportation, happy hour drinks, one or two expensive activities (bungy jumping, skydiving, etc.), and self-cooked meals.

If you are going to rent a campervan or self-drive, you could knock 15-25 NZD daily off your budget since your van will act as accommodation too. However, gas prices have risen and fluctuate often so be sure to factor this into your budgeting.

On an even tighter budget, with Couchsurfing, hitchhiking, few if any activities, and cooking 90% or more of your meals, you could get by on 50 NZD per day. It’s not easy to do but I met travelers who did it. It requires a lot of discipline though.

Here are some sample costs:

• Spark Phone plan (with 4.5 GB of data) – 50 NZD (20 NZD with 1.5 GB of data)
• Buses booked far in advance – 30-60 NZD per ride
• Buses booked last minute – 60-100 NZD
• Airfare – Varies wildly but you’re looking at least 50 NZD each way for a domestic flight (double or more if booked last-minute)
• Scenic trains – 99-219 NZD each way
• Full-day Bay of Islands cruise – 135-160 NZD (90 NZD for half-day)
• Hobbiton tour – 82-89 NZD
• Nevis Bungy – 290 NZD
• Franz Josef Glacier Guides Heli Hike – 360-535 NZD
• Waitomo glowworm caves – 61-265 NZD depending on if you walk, raft, or abseil
• Hostel dorms – 25-40 NZD per night
• Hostel private rooms – 80-100 NZD per night
• Airbnb – 65-85 NZD for a private room, 120-150 NZD for an entire apartment
• Wine tours – 85-225 NZD
• Drinks – 9-11 NZD for a beer, 12-15 NZD for a glass of wine, 13-18 NZD for a cocktail
• Casual restaurant meal – 20-25 NZD
• Fast food meal – 14-20 NZD

I mean, a heli-hike in Franz Josef can be upwards of 500 NZD! That’s CRAZY! Moreover, with most meals costing 20-30 NZD, your budget is going to be gone quickly if you eat out a lot (food represented 34.7% of my total spending).

New Zealand’s groceries weren’t that expensive (it’s an agricultural country after all), and there are a lot of free hikes to replace those expensive activities. Taking advantage of these should help lower your costs substantially.

When I was in Wanaka , I only spent around 50 NZD each day (30 NZD for my dorm, 20 NZD for food and drink, and 0 for activities since nature was free!). It can be done.

Simply put, New Zealand doesn’t have to be expensive if you don’t want it to be. After all, if it was, so many backpackers wouldn’t come here in droves.

I mean, how many hordes of backpackers go to Norway ? Not a lot! Why? It’s expensive unless you camp the whole time. New Zealand has a middle ground. It’s whatever it is you want it to be.

Here are some tips to help you save money while there:

1. Cook (a lot) – I know this is going to sound crazy, and I can already hear the comments coming, but the food scene in New Zealand isn’t that mind-blowing. Yes, there are nice cafés, some hip gastronomy, and really delicious meals, but nothing that’s so mouth-wateringly delicious you have to blow your budget on it. I never walked away going “That was a meal I couldn’t get at home! I’m glad I just spent sixty bucks!”

No. In fact, my biggest regret is that I spent so much on food. I should have cooked a lot more. I feel like I wasted a lot of money not doing so. I probably could have saved about 800 NZD by cooking more and, honestly, I don’t feel like I would have missed anything too great.

A week’s worth of groceries will set you back between 65-85 NZD. The cheaper supermarkets are Pak’nSave and Countdown.

So, cook as much as possible. You’ll save a ton of money.

2. Choose your tours wisely – Tours cost a lot of money in New Zealand. Going on just a few is enough to bust any budget and send you home before you had planned. Pick the ones you really want to do and save the rest for another trip.

3. Hit happy hour – The backpacker bars have cheap happy hours — take advantage of them. You can also use the app Get Happy to find cheap happy hours in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown. If you plan on enjoying a few drinks during your trip, be sure to use this app to save money!

4. WWOOF it – WWOOFing is a way to get free accommodation and food in return for working on a farm or in a B&B. You can do it for a few days or a few months. It’s a popular activity with travelers because it allows you to travel cheaper and for longer.

Keep in mind though that most farms require you to have some experience, as too many inexperienced workers have caused them trouble in the past.

5. Work at a hostel – Many hostels let you trade a few hours of cleaning and making beds for free accommodation. Ask when you check in if this is possible — it might just save you some money! Worldpackers is a great resource for finding opportunities as well.

Additionally, you can also check Backpackerboard.co.nz for temporary paying gigs.

6. Rideshare – Rideshares are a popular transportation option for travelers looking to lower costs — all you need to do is chip in for gas. You can find rides on websites like Craigslist , CoSeats , and Carpool World .

Additionally, you’ll see people asking/offering rides on hostel bulletin boards.

7. Couchsurf – While there are not a ton of Couchsurfing options in the country, there are hosts in all of the major cities. If you don’t mind sleeping on a couch or floor, this is not only a great way to save money on accommodation but you get to meet some amazing locals too.

(Don’t just use this as a free hotel though; it’s a cultural exchange. If you don’t want to interact with your hosts, don’t use this site.)

8. Hitchhike – Hitchhiking is easy in New Zealand. Besides Iceland , it’s probably the easiest country in the world to hitchhike in. There are plenty of people who will pick you up. Additionally, you can just ask around any hostel and find a ride — everyone is doing the same circuit. I got from Wanaka to Queenstown to Fiordland that way.

Between bulletin boards, the Couchsurfing app, the people you meet in hostels, and just thumbing it on the side of the road, you can always find a ride. Check out HitchWiki for more tips.

9. Take a free walking tour – Walking tours are my favorite way to get to know a place. There are a few free walking tours in New Zealand (usually in the larger cities) that offer visitors insight into each destination. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

10. Remember that nature is free – New Zealand, home to the Great Walks of the World, has tons of free outdoor activities. While adventure sports, wine tours, glacier treks, and boat cruises can eat into your budget, all the trails and walks are free. You can easily fill your day with free hikes, excursions to the lakes, or days on the beach!

And keep in mind the majority of museums in the country are also free!

11. Get a bus pass – I tend to buy transportation last minute so I never scored super discount fares, which is where bus passes come in. I bought an InterCity FlexiPass, which gave me 15 hours of travel. As of 2023, the pass costs 169 NZD.

I’d suggest this since the passes are hours based and last for an entire year. It will save you a lot of money versus booking last-minute tickets on the bus. Passes range from 10 hours (139 NZD) to 80 hours (641 NZD).

You can find out more on how to get around on a budget in this post. I list a lot of resources there.

12. Skip the backpacker buses – While they’re fun, backpacker bus tours like the Kiwi Experience are expensive! Best to avoid them if you are on a tight budget. If your budget isn’t so tight and you do want to check them out, be sure to sign up for their mailing lists first — there is always a sale on.

13. Use Book.me.nz – This website provides last-minute discounts on activities (and pub crawls) throughout the country. If you’re flexible about when you want to do things, you can save up to 60% off attractions and activities! I can’t recommend it enough. It saved me a lot of money.

14. Travel by campervan – Campervans are a win for budget-conscious travelers as they serve as both accommodation and transportation. New Zealand is especially suited to traveling by campervan, especially on the nature-heavy South Island where people hike and camp. Be sure to download the awesome Campermates app, which shows you nearby campsites, gas stations, and dump stations.

For even more savings, look into campervan relocation, where companies need to move vans from one location to another. As the driver, you’ll get steeply discounted rates and perks like extra days and free fuel for doing so. Check out Coseats and Transfercar to get started.

Saving money in New Zealand is about picking and choosing your battles. As you can see, when you just don’t care, costs can skyrocket. I made plenty of spending choices that drastically upped my daily average.

But if you get a bus pass, cook a lot of your meals, find rideshares, stick to Airbnb rooms (or split rooms with friends), or campervan it, New Zealand won’t be that expensive.

Just be sure to watch your budget!

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)
• Trek Global (Wellington)

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 (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation 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.

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The Beginner’s Guide to Traveling New Zealand on a Budget

Ahh, New Zealand. Land of the long white cloud. From glistening beaches, to snow-capped mountains, to active volcanoes, to lush greenery, this small nation of islands truly packs a punch . It’s got something for every type of traveler, and contrary to stereotype, that thankfully includes those of us on a budget. So after having recently completed my own two-month trip backpacking suitcasing the country, I’ve put together this beginner’s guide to traveling New Zealand on a budget.

NEW ZEALAND BUDGET TRAVEL GUIDE: TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Best Time of Year to Visit New Zealand
• New Zealand Visa Requirements
• Traveling New Zealand by Camper Van
• Traveling New Zealand by Car
• Hitchhiking in New Zealand
• Traveling New Zealand by Bus
• Flying Domestically in New Zealand
• Top Things to Do on New Zealand’s North Island
• Top Things to Do on New Zealand’s South Island
• Budget Accommodation in New Zealand
• How Much it Costs to Travel New Zealand
• What to Pack for New Zealand

THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT NEW ZEALAND

Because New Zealand sits in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons are opposite those in North America and Europe . This means summer is December – February, and winter is June – August. So when should you visit? Well, that depends on what you want to do.

New Zealand has two (main) islands , logically called the North Island and the South Island. The North Island stays balmy from spring through fall , and even in winter is by no means unbearable. The South Island, on the other hand, receives a proper winter – complete with ski season and all – and rains almost everyday in certain parts. The other thing to consider is that, like most destinations, summer months are crowded with both foreign tourists and locals whose kids are off from school. In the ski destinations, winter is also the high season, in addition to summer.

For my own trip, I decided to visit during the shoulder season. I started in the North Island in early February and left the South Island by early April, just when things were starting to become too chilly for my liking. This turned out great, as I got great weather throughout my trip, but avoided the summer crowds.

NEW ZEALAND VISA REQUIREMENTS

Unless you’re a New Zealand or Australian citizen, you cannot just book a flight and show up to the country . Depending on your nationality and trip duration, you will need either an NZeTA and/or a visa before you depart for New Zealand. And unless you are on a longer visa like the working holiday visa , you likely also need to have your exit flight purchased , and depending on your next destination, your flight home after that, too. Yep. At the airport check in desk, I literally had to provide my flight details into New Zealand, explain that I was traveling by land to a different departure airport, provide my flight details out of New Zealand into Australia, and my flight details from Australia back to the US. Why do they care that I am leaving Australia?! Isn’t that Australia’s problem?! So be prepared! 

GETTING AROUND NEW ZEALAND

Transportation around New Zealand is a topic for an entirely separate blog post in and of itself! There are several options on how best to get around New Zealand, and none of them are the wrong option. It simply depends on your budget, prefered travel style, and duration of your trip.

To me, at least, this is the quintessential way to travel New Zealand. The obvious benefit is that you can travel at your own pace, pulling over whenever you would like for photos, rest stops, and finding hidden gems. In addition to that, you also save the price of accommodation and don’t have to worry about booking it ahead of time. Thus, traveling by camper van is the ultimate way to explore New Zealand freely, not being stuck to an itinerary in any way.

You can rent a camper van if you are visiting for a short period of time, but this gets quite expensive if your trip is longer. If you are staying longer, definitely consider buying a camper van and selling it off at the end of your trip . This is a popular option for many visitors, as many come on a working holiday visa , which allows visitors to stay for up to one year. The downside to this, though, is that it’s all on you if the car ever breaks down or needs repair.

If renting a camper van, keep in mind that there’s a large fee to take your vehicle on the ferry between the two islands and normally a large fee to drop your rental off in a different city than where you picked it up . If you’re interested in buying or selling a camper van (or any vehicle), or looking for travel buddies to travel and split the cost with, two great resources are the Facebook pages New Zealand Backpackers and Backpackers New Zealand .

Traveling New Zealand with a car has a lot of the same benefits and costs of doing so with a camper van. You still have a lot of freedom, but you’re a bit more limited in that you need to overnight where there is accommodation (unless tent camping), and you need to plan ahead to make sure you have accommodation secured. This might be a positive, though, since you can stay in hostels and meet other travelers who’ll immediately be your new best friend since you have a car! This could also be a little more comfortable, as you can cook in a hostel kitchen versus in or outside your camper.

Like with camper vans, you can decide to either rent or buy and then sell a car. Also like with camper vans, don’t forget to budget for transporting your car between the two islands and extra fees for dropping it off in a different city than you picked it up.

This is another cliche way to travel New Zealand. The country has a reputation of being “a safe place to hitchhike,” partly due to the stereotype of friendly locals, and partly due to the plethora of other travelers road tripping all around the country at any given time. Hitchhiking has the obvious benefit of being an immense budget saver , since you’re not paying for transport at all. It also allows you a degree of flexibility in that you can get to places buses wouldn’t.

The downside, however, is that you are entirely dependent on others in order to get where you want to get, especially if you aren’t traveling solo (and thus need more than one free seat). Maybe you’ll catch a ride after just five minutes of waiting in the sun, or maybe you’ll be standing for twenty minutes in the rain. But hey, it’s all part of the adventure (I assume)!

If you’re looking for a ride ahead of time, the Facebook groups I mentioned above are great places to ask if anyone has an extra seat, or to respond to someone offering a ride. Hostels also provide resources, like bulletin boards where guests can offer or ask for rides, or staff who can point you to the best road to stand with your thumb out.

As a solo female traveler, I personally have little desire to hitchhike. But if there’s anywhere I would have done it, it probably would have been here. And actually, I did meet some solo female travelers who were hitchhiking in New Zealand. I always thought they were the coolest people ever, but I know myself, and I’d definitely not be comfortable unless I had a buddy, at least for my first few times.

Lastly, there is the option of traveling New Zealand by bus. Personally, I love traveling by public transport. It gives me the security of knowing I’ll get there, but without the effort of researching rentals beforehand, looking for parking or campsites, and paying for gas. That being said, in a country like New Zealand, you simply will be missing out on seeing places that are impossible to get to without your own set of wheels . While I accepted that before my arrival, I found it a tougher pill to swallow once I actually arrived. You do have some wiggle room, though, as there are different ways to see the country via bus, and they all have slightly different routes.

Kiwi Experience

This is a pretty popular hop-on-hop-off tour network for young people traveling around New Zealand. It is pricy, but the point is to have an awesome social experience, rather than to save money. I never used them, so I can’t comment much more than that! You can read more how it works on their site .

This is another popular hop-on-hop-off tour network , but (from my understanding) it gets you more off the beaten path than Kiwi Experience. Again, I did not use them, so you can read more how it works on their site .

As previously mentioned, I decided to travel by using the InterCity . This is the closest option to a “normal” bus, in that it simply gets you from point A to point B, is not a group tour, and that locals use it too. It is still touristy though, as it is a large coach bus, and it’s mostly tourists (though tourists of all ages, whereas Kiwi Experience and Stray are geared towards younger folks). I used the FlexiPass (which I highly recommend over buying individual trips or the TravelPass). There are a lot of pros and cons of traveling New Zealand this way, so many that I actually wrote a separate article about that here . Overall, it worked out fine, but I do wish I had tried a little harder to make a car rental happen, especially for the North Island. I definitely missed a lot there due to being on the bus!

OK, I know I said “lastly” already. But I had to quickly also mention flying as a means of transport, especially if you are short on time . New Zealand looks small on the map, but it actually isn’t. Driving time adds up. Also, if you’re renting vehicles, it might be cheaper to make two rentals for each island , to avoid paying the ferry vehicle fee or fee for separate pick up and drop off destinations. So definitely check out domestic flights if either of the above situations might apply to you.

THINGS TO DO & SEE IN NEW ZEALAND

Like transportation, this could be a separate discussion of its own! But I’ll do my best to break it down for you. New Zealand has four main cities: Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown, and Christchurch . These will likely be your entry and exit points into the country, as well as where you can pick up and drop off any rentals.

However, New Zealand is not known for its cities. It’s known for its nature. So unless you are visiting on a longer visa, I personally recommend you spend as little time as necessary in these cities and use most of your holiday on seeing nature ! What you should see definitely depends on how much time you have, but below are the bigger ticket items on the typical backpacker trail (** symbolizes it’s a top tourist attraction).

New Zealand North Island

• Bay of Islands : day trip to Cape Reinga and 90 Mile Beach
• Auckland : likely starting and/or exit point for your travels
• Hobbiton **: Lord of the Rings film set
• Waitomo Glow Worm Caves **
• Coromandel Peninsula : Hot Water Beach where you dig your own hot tub, plus Narnia film site beach
• Tauranga : coastal city with hiking
• Raglan : cute surfer town, perfect baby waves for beginners
• Rotorua : geothermal activity hotbed, adventure capital of the North Island
• Taupo : jumping off point for Tongariro Alpine Crossing **
• Napier : city built in Art Deco, wineries
• Taranaki : hiking around or on the majestic volcano
• Wellington : nation’s capital city, departure for InterIslander ferry to South Island

New Zealand South Island

• Abel Tasman National Park : gorgeous place to hike and/or kayak for one to five days
• Franz Josef ** and Fox Glaciers : can helicopter-hike onto the glaciers, or do free hikes
• Wanaka : beloved town, popular for lake activities and Roy’s Peak hike
• Queenstown **: adventure capital of the country and home to commercial bungee jumping, plenty of non-adrenaline things to do as well
• Fiordland : Milford Sound** and/or Doubtful Sound
• The Catlins : rather “off the beaten path” southernmost part of South Island
• Mount Cook National Park : home to the tallest mountain in the country and gorgeous hikes
• Lake Tekapo : star gazing capital of the country, beautiful Lupins flowers in November
• Arthur’s Pass : can take the TranzAlpine train through here
• Kaikura : known for whale and dolphin excursions – including swimming!
• Christchurch : likely starting and/or exit point for your travels

As you can see, there’s a lot ! If you’re just visiting for a short holiday, or even for one month, you simply will not be able to see it all. And that’s ok! Even on my two month trip, I did not see it all, and even skipped many “can’t-miss” attractions because they didn’t feel worth the detour or price to me.

WHERE TO STAY

When it comes to accommodation, New Zealand has it all. From hotels, Airbnbs, and hostels, to camping in a tent or national park cabin, sleeping in your camper van, or working in exchange for housing. All the above are totally common in New Zealand. The choice for you comes down to personal preference and budget. Below are some resources for housing on a budget:

• Booking :  This is personally my favorite site for booking housing. I really like their interface, and you can book many hostels through them. Also, many properties allow free cancelation. If you’ve never used Booking.com before, you can get 10% back from your first booking when you use this link .
• HostelWorld : The name says it all. A great resource for finding practically every hostel in a city, all on one site .
• Airbnb : If you are staying somewhere long enough, AirBnB can be great. If you’ve never used AirBnB before, you can save 15% off your first booking by using this link to sign up .
• Couch surfing : If you’re really on a budget, or simply love to make local friends, sleeping on someone’s couch is always an option. I’ve never done it, but if you’re interested, learn more here .
• Workaway : I’m kind of convinced New Zealand is the workaway capital of the world. So many travelers here exchange chores and other work for housing. Learn more about it here , but remember you technically need a working holiday visa to do this legally (though some people ignore this fact).

Personally, I stayed in hostels my entire trip , so I’ll speak a little bit on those in New Zealand. There is a lot of diversity in New Zealand’s hostels. There are certain chains, like YHA or Base, which have a pretty-consistent standard of cleanliness (or lack thereof), noisiness, guest-type, and general vibe that is pretty consistent across their hostels. This can be good or bad. For example, I stayed in mostly YHA hostels, which were generally very clean, not very noisy, and had good kitchens. On the flip side, though, it gave a lot of their hostels a hotel vibe in that guests often came in pairs or trios and were simply there because hotels were too expensive (rather than because they wanted a social environment). Regardless of what hostels you decide on, they are all a great way to save on accommodation and on food , as you can cook breakfast and dinner in their kitchens, as well as pack a meal to take for lunch. (But if you do end up booking at least a few YHA hostels, definitely purchase the YHA membership .)

COSTS FOR TRAVELING NEW ZEALAND

On the one hand, New Zealand is known as an expensive destination. On the other, it’s also known as a backpacker haven! So which is it? Is New Zealand budget friendly, or not? Well, luckily, the answer is slightly up to you! For a detailed breakdown, you’ll want to check out my post on how I traveled NZ for $59 dollars a day . Otherwise, below is what to expect for the biggest budget variables (besides transportation, which was already covered above).

Exchange Rate

After suffering for decades of European travels with an unfavorable exchange rate to the USD, this was quite possibly my favorite thing about coming to New Zealand! A favorable exchange rate!! OK, I kid. A little. But jokes aside, Americans, Brits, Eurozone residents, and, yes, even Canadians will all be happy to hear they have favorable exchange rates to the New Zealand dollar . As an American, that meant a NZ$300 excursion was $200, and for Europeans and Brits, that would be even lower in euros and pounds. So while New Zealand is expensive, this definitely helps right off the bat.

As an American (and especially a Californian), I did not find groceries here to be much pricier than back home after accounting for the favorable exchange rate. However, I did hear fellow European travelers complaining how expensive groceries were, so it depends what your reference point is.

Again, like with groceries, I found restaurant prices comparable to those back home after accounting for the favorable exchange rate. Prices ranged from NZ$12 for a burger without fries to NZ$16 – NZ$23 for a sit-down meal. Like anywhere, eating out repeatedly will blow your budget if you’re visiting for more than a couple weeks.

Excursions in New Zealand are not cheap . Even after favorable exchange rates. But that’s also because the excursions are pretty extreme! People don’t come here for free city walking tours or climbing to the tops of cathedrals . Instead, tourists choose from fiordland cruises, glacier helicopter hikes, bungee jumping, sky diving …you get the idea. As some examples of prices, expect NZ$400-500 for a glacier heli-hike or NZ$200 for a bungee jump. Most people can’t afford to do them all, but the great thing about New Zealand is that there are plenty of free nature attractions to balance out the expensive excursions. And for when you do splurge, be sure to check BookMe in advance for discounts. I’ve booked through them before and can confirm they’re legit.

WHAT TO PACK FOR NEW ZEALAND

For a detailed breakdown, check out my post on literally everything I packed for my own two month trip to New Zealand . But here are some packing list highlights:

• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat (the sun is strong down there)
• Refillable water bottle (no need to waste money – New Zealand is expensive enough already)
• Proper hiking shoes (you can’t go to New Zealand and not hike!)
• Swimsuit (even in winter for the hot springs)
• Warm, water-resistant jacket (even in summer if you plan on hiking)
• Activewear (moisture-wicking fabrics that won’t smell from all the activities)

ANY QUESTIONS?

That was a lot of information! It was only an overview, but hopefully it gave you a place to start for planning your trip to New Zealand. If you have additional questions related to traveling New Zealand by bus, traveling New Zealand solo, or anything else, definitely ask it in the comments below . 

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Further Reading...

Top Attractions and Things to Do in Massawa, Eritrea

San Francisco Itinerary: One, Two, or Three Days (by a Local)

The Best of Spain: Ultimate 10 Day Spain Itinerary

12 comments.

Great blog !!!!

That Travelista

Thank you so much, Amit! 🙂

Wow, your post is so informative. NZ is on my bucket list. In fact, I would love to move there one day but we need to visit it there first. Such a beautiful place.

It seems like a lovely place to move! So much variety in scenery and weather 🙂 I’m sure you’ll love it when you visit.

I love all these hiking trails. Need to save these to hopefully make it there!

NZ is a GREAT hiking destination! You’ll love it once you go.

taytrumtravels

What an awesome page! I have been considering NZ for awhile but getting around seems a bit hard without my own wheels, as you describe. I usually take buses to get between cities when I travel.

Aw, thanks! Yeah, it’s definitely a nice place to have a car, but you can see a lot via bus like I did!

New Zealand has been on my list for SO long and the cost of traveling there has definitely been one of the reasons I haven’t gone yet. This guide is great. Saving to use hopefully sooner than later!

Thanks so much! It’s definitely not the cheapest place, but it’s doable!

I didn’t know you needed a visa! I am definitely pinning for later! Beautiful photos!

Thanks, Denise!

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Pros and Cons of Traveling New Zealand by InterCity Bus

Can’t-miss destinations on new zealand’s south island, that travelista.

• Travel Planning Guide

New Zealand Travel Budget - Visit New Zealand on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Is New Zealand Expensive?
• How much does a trip to New Zealand cost?
• 3-Week New Zealand Itinerary: How to spend 21 days
• What is the Best Time for Hiking in New Zealand?
• NZ On-Your-Own Itineraries
• North Island
• South Island
• NZ Hotel Prices
• NZ Cities: Hotel Prices by City
• Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in New Zealand
• Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in New Zealand
• Best Cheap Hotels in New Zealand
• Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in New Zealand
• Best Hotels for Scuba Diving in New Zealand
• Best Adults Only Hotels in New Zealand
• Best Party Hotels in New Zealand
• Best Luxury Hotels in New Zealand
• Best Business Hotels in New Zealand
• Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in New Zealand
• Best Family-Friendly Hotels in New Zealand
• Best Hotels for One Week in New Zealand
• Best Beach Hotels in New Zealand
• Best Hotels for One Night in New Zealand
• Best Hotels for Skiing in New Zealand
• Hostel Prices & Reviews
• NZ Activities
• NZ Tour Prices
• The Best Family-Friendly Tours to NZ
• The Best Wildlife Tours to NZ
• The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in NZ
• The Best Historical Tours in NZ
• The Best 10-Day Tours in NZ
• The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in NZ
• The Best 3-Day Tours in NZ
• The Best 2-Week Tours in NZ
• The Best 3-Week Tours in NZ
• The Best Bicycle Tours in NZ
• Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in NZ
• The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in NZ
• The Best Coach Bus Tours in NZ
• The Best Adventure Tours to NZ
• The Best Eco Tours in NZ
• The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in NZ
• The Best Sightseeing Tours in NZ
• The Best Cultural Tours in NZ
• The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in NZ
• The Best Self Drive Tours in NZ
• The Best Tours Under $1000 in NZ
• The Best Luxury Tours to NZ
• The Best Budget Tours to NZ
• The Best Tours for Seniors to NZ
• The Best Contiki Tours to NZ
• The Best G Adventures Tours to NZ
• Christchurch
• How much does it cost to travel to New Zealand? (Average Daily Cost)
• New Zealand trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

How much do package tours cost in New Zealand?

Is new zealand expensive to visit.

• How much do I need for a trip to New Zealand?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to New Zealand?

You should plan to spend around $136 (NZ$229) per day on your vacation in New Zealand. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $31 (NZ$52) on meals
• $20 (NZ$34) on local transportation
• $139 (NZ$234) on hotels

A one week trip to New Zealand for two people costs, on average, $1,907 (NZ$3,209) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 136 NZ$ 229
• One Week Per person $ 954 NZ$ 1,605
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 1,907 NZ$ 3,209
• One Month Per person $ 4,087 NZ$ 6,877
• One Week For a couple $ 1,907 NZ$ 3,209
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 3,814 NZ$ 6,418
• One Month For a couple $ 8,174 NZ$ 13,754

Are You an Experienced Traveler?

Help other travelers! Answer a quick question about your past travels. Click here: let's do it!

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to New Zealand cost?

A one week trip to New Zealand usually costs around $954 (NZ$1,605) for one person and $1,907 (NZ$3,209) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to New Zealand on average costs around $1,907 (NZ$3,209) for one person and $3,814 (NZ$6,418) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in New Zealand will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to New Zealand on average costs around $4,087 (NZ$6,877) for one person and $8,174 (NZ$13,754) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Organized tours are usually more expensive than independent travel, but offer convenience and peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a travel expert.

The average price for an organized tour package in New Zealand is $330 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.

• Sweet As South (Eastbound, 9 Days) 9 Days - 14 Destinations $ 1,186
• New Zealand Grand - 14 Day Self Drive Tour 14 Days - 18 Destinations $ 3,762

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

New Zealand is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.

Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, New Zealand is reasonably affordable compared to the other countries. It is in the top 25% of countries in the Pacific for its affordability . You can find more affordable countries such as Samoa, but there are also more expensive countries, such as Vanautu.

For more details, see Is New Zealand Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to New Zealand?

The average New Zealand trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these New Zealand travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in New Zealand

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in New Zealand is $69 (NZ$117). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in New Zealand is $139 (NZ$234). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 69 NZ$ 117
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 139 NZ$ 234

Hotel Prices in New Zealand

Looking for a hotel in New Zealand? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in New Zealand based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $104. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

• Frimley Lodge Motel Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 90
• Te Waonui Forest Retreat Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 519

Local Transportation Budget in New Zealand

The cost of a taxi ride in New Zealand is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $20 (NZ$34) per person, per day, on local transportation in New Zealand.

• Local Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 20 NZ$ 34

Recommended Services

• Auckland Airport & Ground Transfers - Private Luxury Car/ Van. Viator $ 118
• Auckland Airport Private Transfers in a Luxury Minibus Viator $ 57

What did other people spend on Local Transportation?

Typical prices for Local Transportation in New Zealand are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Local Transportation prices in New Zealand, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Bus from Airport NZ$ 16
• Airport Shuttle NZ$ 25

Food Budget in New Zealand

While meal prices in New Zealand can vary, the average cost of food in New Zealand is $31 (NZ$52) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in New Zealand should cost around $12 (NZ$21) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in New Zealand is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 31 NZ$ 52

Recommended

• A Taste Of Wellington Food Tour (half Day) Viator $ 185
• Walking Food Tour Of Wellington Viator $ 151

What did other people spend on Food?

Typical prices for Food in New Zealand are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in New Zealand, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Coffee NZ$ 5.00
• Breakfast NZ$ 8.00
• A Quick Snack NZ$ 4.00
• Lunch NZ$ 12
• Casural Lunch NZ$ 14
• Dinner NZ$ 15
• Lunch for Two NZ$ 40

Entertainment Budget in New Zealand

Entertainment and activities in New Zealand typically cost an average of $36 (NZ$61) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 36 NZ$ 61

Recommended Activities

• Afternoon Te Anau Cruise on Historic Motor Yacht Viator $ 87
• Chameleon Stargazing Shared Tour Viator $ 60

What did other people spend on Entertainment?

Typical prices for Entertainment in New Zealand are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Entertainment prices in New Zealand, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Skyline Gondola (for 2) NZ$ 50
• Auckland Sky Tour (for 2) NZ$ 55
• Waiheke Island Tour (for 2) NZ$ 202
• Jet Boating NZ$ 95
• Massage NZ$ 95
• Bungy Jumping NZ$ 255
• Skydiving NZ$ 320
• Lunch Out for Two NZ$ 46

Tips and Handouts Budget in New Zealand

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in New Zealand is $1.78 (NZ$2.99) per day. The usual amount for a tip in New Zealand is 5% - 15% .

• Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 1.78 NZ$ 2.99

Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in New Zealand

Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in New Zealand is $129 (NZ$217), as reported by travelers.

• Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps 1 $ 129 NZ$ 217

Alcohol Budget in New Zealand

The average person spends about $13 (NZ$22) on alcoholic beverages in New Zealand per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 13 NZ$ 22
• Jimmy’s Classic Marlborough Wine tours Viator $ 228
• The Afternoon Artisan Food and Wine Tour Viator $ 180

What did other people spend on Alcohol?

Typical prices for Alcohol in New Zealand are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Alcohol prices in New Zealand, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Wine NZ$ 8.50
• Bottle of Wine NZ$ 19
• Wine NZ$ 20

Water Budget in New Zealand

On average, people spend $2.30 (NZ$3.87) on bottled water in New Zealand per day. The public water in New Zealand is considered safe to drink.

• Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 2.30 NZ$ 3.87

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At A Glance

• The largest airports in New Zealand are in Auckland and Christchurch. Auckland is served by the most international flights with over twenty destinations reached by twelve different airlines. Christchurch has flights to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Buenos Aires, Santiago de Chile and Tokyo. Flying to New Zealand can be expensive so it is best to research all of your options in advance before booking your tickets. You'll usually get the best rate if you make reservations well in advance.
• New Zealand has very strict biosecurity laws. Make sure you fully understand what you are and are not allowed to bring into the country, and make sure you declare all items that are required by customs officials. Food and agricultural products are strictly regulated, so if you have any souvenirs with you from other countries, make sure that you fully understand the entry requirements.
• There are several tourist oriented bus companies within New Zealand. They provide transportation to many areas throughout the country, but even so, you will find having access to your own vehicle more convenient and enjoyable. With a private car you can access the more remote and interesting parts of the country ( car rental/hire prices here ). The more popular tourist bus companies include Flying Kiwi Adventure, InterCity Coachlines, and Naked Bus, which is typically the cheapest option.
• There are ferries that connect the North and South Islands. If you're traveling with a car you can take the ferry that runs between Wellington and Picton . Don't be surprised if there are unexpected delays due to weather or scheduling challenges.
• You can't go to New Zealand without attempting at least one adventure sport. There are the more traditional options available, like bungie jumping, sky diving, or kite surfing, and then there are more creating activities like heli-hiking, shark cage diving, and fly by wire. Pick an activity and give it a go before you leave. These activities can be expensive and a little risky so do some research and make sure you go through a reputable company before you sign up.

Top Tourist Attractions

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Budget Tours & Trips to New Zealand

Explore a varied offer of budget New Zealand adventures that will take you through some of the most renowned destinations such as Auckland and Queenstown. Each affordable tour will provide you with memorable experiences for some of the lowest prices on the market. Discover the best  budget tours  around the world with TourRadar!

40 Budget New Zealand tour packages with 389 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

New Zealand: Best of the North Island

I really enjoyed the tour & the people in my group. Our CEO had great communication & was friendly. New Zealand is beautiful & this tour is a perfect start for a solo traveler who hasn’t been to New Zealand before. If you don’t mind hostels then you’ll enjoy it :)

New Zealand South Island Express

Great tour! We got to see so many places in such a short amount of time, and I had a great time. Made some friends during the whole time! Will be heading to see the North Island next year! I’m already looking forward to exploring! ????????

New Zealand's North Island Adventure (Southbound)

loved this tour!!! great value for money and had the best time ever. did it over christmas and what a great way to spend christmas. would recommend to anyone

NZ Adventure South

Fantastic itinerary with a budget. Seen and did both touristy and adventurous itinerary. Operator was very helpful in booking additional nights and other arrangements as well.

NZ Adventure North

James is great! 100% would recommend!

Best of New Zealand: Mountain Biking & Black-Sand Beaches

This is the best tour I have done so far in my travelling. It is very well organized and everything works seamlessly. The accommodation is one of the best parts because you get the opportunity to stay at some really cool places that are very different and definitely not places you would get to go if you were a solo traveller. The only thing I would recommend is to budget a little extra for this tour. The included activities are great, but there are a lot of optional activities that are amazing and you will end up really wanting to do them. Plus, since you are moving around so much, buying groceries is difficult so you end up eating out quite a bit which gets expensive if you are doing it for three weeks. Overall, the tour was amazing and you will meet so many great people :)

• Sightseeing

South Island Lick Tour

Definitely take it. You will find nothing better if you look for her!

• €75 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Ski, Snowboard & Snow

South Island Snow Safari

I had a great time but there were definitely some downfalls. 1. The bus was a tight fit. It was advertised as a 25 seater with no more than 16 attending but I counted only 19 seats in total. 2. Enroute to Mt Hutt the snow chains broke and there were no replacements in the vehicle. We missed half a day of snowboarding because of this. 3. The hot pools were advertised as part of the itinerary but we were only advised upon arrival that they weren't open and that we'd get a meal instead. 4. We received one meal in replacement of the Hot Pools but didn't receive the 1 dinner that was included as part of the itinerary, Jacinta advised that there wasn't a meal included on the itinerary which I've checked and confirmed that it WAS included as part of the 'Tour Inclusions'. 4. Jacinta although very lovely wasn't very firm and a number of people took advantage of her kindness to make her drop in to a number of shops during trips to and from the mountains, this delayed everyone else on the bus and should have been done in their own time. 5. Although advised to be ready at certain times, not one morning was everyone ready to go at the requested time. Jacinta again needed to be firm. 6. There was no orientation tour of the mountain as part of the 'inclusion'.

8-day Southern Secrets Small Group Tour

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

8-day Southern Crossing Small Group Tour

Ski Voyager

Sport New Zealand

NZ Intro South

An amazing tour! It shows off the natural beauty of New Zealand with lots of fun activities and help in booking additional activities and onward travel. Sean was a great leader who is full of knowledge and passionate about showing off the beautiful South Island. Would recommend to a friend :)

NZ Intro North

The Tour with Sean ist schön

NZ Adventure 17 Day

I really enjoyed the trip and loved getting the opportunity to see how beautiful New Zealand is. The only thing I would say is there was far too much free time that could have been spent doing more activities. Also there were too many days spent in rotorua. I understand New Zealand is not a cheap country so in order to make it more affordable there has to be more free time than other countries. But I do think in this situation it would be better to charge more for the trip in order to fill up some of that free time as people are expecting to get the most for their money. Personally I would want to experience as much as I can in the short time I’m in New Zealand and I would pay more to do it. That being said the group atmosphere was amazing and I enjoyed every second of the experience, just wish I had gotten to do a few more activities with the group while I was there.

What people love about Budget Tours in New Zealand

My group was phenomenal, we all had a blast together. Our guide was very communicative, using WhatsApp and a photo circle to share information, resources and photos. I’m not used to hopping hostels, so that was a bit rough, definitively pack light and try to be organized. I should have done a better job researching temperature as well - as it got much colder than I was expecting. Overall the trip was incredible and I did everything I wanted to do.

Great tour! We got to see so many places in such a short amount of time, and I had a great time. Made some friends during the whole time! Will be heading to see the North Island next year! I’m already looking forward to exploring! ??

Snowy, our guide was the best that could be. Safe in his hands. Real dincum n. Zealander. Beautiful country. Wish i lived there.

More Budget Tours in New Zealand

• New Zealand South Island tours (15)
• New Zealand North Island tours (11)
• New Zealand Central North Island tours (9)
• Milford Sound tours (5)
• Budget Explorer tours (25)
• Budget Active tours (24)
• Budget Christmas & New Year tours (9)
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• New Zealand Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 2 Week New Zealand Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
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• New Zealand

New Zealand Budget Guide — 2 Weeks Under S$2,500 in North And South Island

We share nine budget tips to keep a two-week trip to New Zealand’s North and South Islands under S$2,500!

I always had the impression that beautiful places were expensive to live in. Case in point — Switzerland , Iceland and Norway . It’s a good thing I’m not much of a foodie because it was heart-wrenching to pay S$20 – 30 for a dish you’d get for S$5 – 10 in Singapore!

Compared to the three contenders above, New Zealand is a backpacker’s paradise. Eating out is comparable to what you would pay in Singapore — so are groceries and petrol. But the best part are the hikes since most national parks are free to enter.

If planned properly, you can easily spend well below the S$2,500 we budgeted for our 15-day road trip in the North and South Islands.

For a two-week New Zealand itinerary, check out our 10-day South Island Road Trip and 5-day North Island Campervan Adventure .

Budget Breakdown

Transport: S$350.03 (excl. flights) Accommodation:  S$561.32 Activities:  S$1,273.92 Food & miscellaneous:  S$314.41

Total:  S$2,499.68 ( detailed breakdown here )

*Disclaimer: Flights aren’t included because they vary across peak and non-peak travel seasons.

1) Flights: Open Jaw or Round Trip?

New Zealand is a geographically long country so if you’re visiting both islands, open-jaw flights will save you a ton of time from back-tracking just to fly home from the same airport. Not to mention the cost of petrol!

There are three airports with direct flights from Singapore — Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. There’s also an airport in Queenstown, Dunedin, Roturua, Picton and Taupo but apart from Queenstown, it takes more than 20 hours to get to Singapore from these smaller airports (with long stopovers in either Auckland or Christchurch).

Queenstown is the exception because there are frequent flights from both Melbourne and Sydney. Taking these factors into consideration, you might end up with a slightly different entry and exit point. Here’s ours:

Singapore to Queenstown (via Sydney) —  10.5 hours + 1.5-hour stopover Auckland to Singapore —  11 hours

2) Travelling Between North Island And South Island: Flight or Ferry?

There are frequent ferries that link the North Island (Wellington) and South Island (Picton), and will even ferry vehicles (but at a steep price). Alternatively, there are also frequent flights between Queenstown/Christchurch and Auckland which may end up being the cheaper alternative.

Unless you’re exploring the southernmost point of North Island and northernmost point of South Island, we highly recommend saving on petrol and travel time by flying between the islands instead.

3) Campervan or Car?

If you’re taking the ferry, it would be cheaper to drop your vehicle off at one port and pick up a different vehicle on the other side.

New Zealand is one of the most campervan-friendly countries. There’s a powered campsite near almost every attraction, as well as freedom camping sites you can stay at for absolutely free! If it’s something you’ve always wanted to experience, New Zealand is a great place to start, even if it’s just a short 5-day trip in the North Island .

Pros of travelling with a campervan: (1) You can have a warm home-cooked (or rather van-cooked) meal in the middle of the day since you’ll always have your kitchen with you. (2) Some nights can be absolutely free if you choose to park at freedom camping sites. This helps keep the overall budget lower and also means you have the flexibility to change up your itinerary, without forfeiting the cost of a pre-booked accommodation. (3) You wake up to the most amazing sunrises.

Cons of travelling with a campervan: Winters are generally not ideal to be in a campervan because (1) Campervans don’t have great insulation so if you’re freedom camping without a heater, it gets quite cold when the temperature dips to zero. (2) Daylight is short during winter but campervans have an average speed of 70km/h, so you’ll have to set aside more time for travelling. (3) Most campervan models are of old vans, so the vehicle might struggle on slopes or icy roads.

Cost-wise, there isn’t much difference if you rent a car and stay at hostels or rent a campervan and stay at powered sites daily. The part where you really save money comes in when you freedom camp on most nights:

Hiking is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of New Zealand and it’s absolutely free! There are no park entrance fees and carparks at the start of hiking trails are free.

But since you’re here, you’ll probably live/leave with serious FOMO if you don’t get to try one of the many adrenaline-pumping aerial activities. Skydiving, bungy jumping and helicopter rides are available in both the North and South Islands. Personally, I preferred the South because there are more mountainous terrains that look especially enchanting from the top.

Save the North for the glowworm caves, Maori culture and geothermal parks — these too reveal a whole other-worldly beauty and on a much larger scale than those found in the South.

Here are the activities we splurged on:

South Island Activities

North island activities.

Some things to consider when booking your activities:

4) For outdoor activities, book the first slot of the day

Outdoor activities in New Zealand are highly weather-dependent so booking the first slot allows sufficient time for the weather to clear up. If it’s cancelled for the day, there’s still time to make alternative plans — visit a neighbouring town or sign up for an impromptu day tour.

For example, our call time for skydiving on Day 2 was supposed to be 7AM but because of the thick fog, the plane couldn’t take off until around 10AM. This meant the others who checked in at a later slot might have had to shift their slots to another day. Luckily, we had no more bookings for the rest of the day! Which brings me to my next point:

5) Don’t book important activities back to back

When activities are cancelled for the day, you’ll get a full refund but if it’s an experience you’re really after, having a slightly flexible itinerary will make the difference.

Our heli hike experience in Fox Glacier (Day 9) was also affected by the weather. After being fitted with our boots and waterproof gear, we were told all flights had to be cancelled for the day. Since we didn’t have activities booked for the next day, we decided to stay an extra night in Fox Glacier. #noregrets!

6) Save and book your activities via Klook

This post  isn’t  brought to you by Klook. I personally noticed this on the ground — almost every activity was cheaper on Klook than the retail price! Whether it was for utility products like the supershuttle airport transfer from Queenstown airport or outdoor activities like the NZone Skydive and Nevis Bungy , you’ll find it slightly cheaper than the counter price.

There are over 200 activities for New Zealand on Klook, so trip planning on the app helped ease off a lot of the research on things to do in each city. Not to mention the convenience of having all our bookings stored on a single app!

Accommodation

South island accommodation.

Hotel accommodation in New Zealand is expensive — a night in a 4-star hotel averages  about NZ$200/night. But since we don’t spend much time indoors (especially in a place like New Zealand!), we usually turn to hostels or an Airbnb with access to a kitchen. Unless there’s a famous place you absolutely have to try, save your money for experiences and cook your own dinners instead!

North Island Accommodation

In the North Island, we rented a campervan so that was our accommodation for five nights. Although this means your accommodation can be absolutely free, planning where to park for the night is crucial too. If your vehicle is found on a non-approved camping site, you can get a hefty NZ$200 fine. Check out apps like Campermate  to find approved freedom camping spots.

If you need electricity — especially for those with camera gear and laptops that need to be charged — download the Holiday Parks App to find where you can book yourself a night at a powered site.

7) Accommodation location is important

During our first two days in Queenstown, we were without a car so it was important to be centrally located. Staying at the Adventure Q2 Hostel cut our travelling time by quite a bit because everything was less than a five-minute walk away. When we returned to Queenstown on the fourth day (from Milford Sound), we stayed slightly further out so finding free parking wouldn’t be a problem.

On our sixth night, we stayed in Castle Hill instead of Arthurs’ Pass (which had more accommodation options) because the drive from Mount Cook was quite long (3.5 hours) and we didn’t know if there would be enough sunlight to cover Kura Tawhiti and Cave Stream. Turns out, there wasn’t, but luckily, we could just cover them the next morning since Porter’s Lodge was close by.

In the North Island, even though we were travelling via campervan, location is equally important. For example, on our first night we picked a freedom camping site that was only a five minute-drive to our first activity of the morning ( Black Water Rafting ). On the last night, we stayed at Opal Hot Springs Holiday Park which was only a ten minute-drive to the Hobbiton Movie set. This gave us extra time to prepare breakfast in the van before driving off.

Food & Miscellaneous

8) buy groceries or eat out.

Food in New Zealand isn’t exorbitant. In fact, they’re about the same as what you’d get in a Singapore cafe — S$8 – 15 gets you some pretty decent burgers . If you spent an average of NZ$40/day on food, that would be about NZ$600 for 15 days.

For us, other than Queenstown and Wanaka, we cooked all our meals and spent a shockingly low total of NZ$135/pax on groceries (that’s NZ$9/day!). But we gave ourselves a daily food budget of S$20/day for the occasional splurge on gourmet burgers and extra bottles of wines 😛

Plan supermarket stops into your itinerary. Keep a look out for chains like Countdown, Four Square, Fresh Choice and New World where there’ll be more variety and options that are on sale.

Especially when travelling in the South, access to groceries — even in popular tourist areas like Milford Sound and Mount Cook — can be a one to two hour-drive away.

9) Wine or Beer?

Maybe it’s because alcohol is almost always cheaper outside of Singapore, stopping by the alcohol section in a supermarket has become somewhat mandatory.

Walk down the alcohol section in the supermarket and the answer is clear. The selection of wines usually take up an entire aisle of its own and average slightly under NZ$10/bottle! The cheapest one we’ve found is a Merlot for NZ$6.99/bottle. Beer on the other hand has limited selections and costs ~NZ$9 for a 330ml bottle. Besides, for a country known for their vineyards, it’d be a waste not to try local wines, right?

PS: The budget of NZ$135/pax includes one bottle of wine at each supermarket stop. 😉 But don’t drink if you’re driving!

Note:  If you’re buying alcohol, bring along your passports — every person in the group has to prove that they’re 18 and above.

Know any budget tips that helped you save money while travelling in New Zealand? Share them with us in the comments section below!

For more travel inspiration, follow us on YouTube , Facebook and Instagram !

        View this post on Instagram         A post shared by The Travel Intern (@thetravelintern) on Apr 17, 2019 at 6:05pm PDT

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this is amazing post thanks for sharing information with us

what happened to the south island itinerary, link doesn’t work anymore 🙁

Hey YX, the link still works! Try this: https://thetravelintern.com/new-zealand-itinerary-south-island/

Hi Cherie, The link that you provided doesn’t work.

Hi RL, can we check what’s the error you see? Because it’s loading fine on our end

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New Zealand Tour Package

New Zealand Tour Packages from Philippines

The country of New Zealand brings a different scope of beauty to its visitors. A mix of urban, and scenic landscapes shows the unique mix of Maori and European culture of the country. Get to experience the North Island and visit popular movie sites such as the "Hobbiton" near Matamata. The north island is also known for its magnificent beaches, farmlands, and lush fields. You can also opt to experience the South Island New Zealand Tours that brings another adventure to the table. The Island hosts one of the purest landscapes you'll ever see. From wildlife, Glacial fronts, and clear blue skies giving it a dramatic scene. Whether you you're looking for a simple tour or a lifetime adventure, New Zealand can give you the most out of your vacation! Experience the best of what the country has to offer!

• 5 Days 4 Nights

5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS NORTH ISLAND TOUR

Our five (5) days four (4) nights North Island tour brings you to different tour destination around the city of Auckland. Get to enjoy a free and easy itinerary with optional tours that fit your schedule. Our seat in coach (SIC) tours brings you to the “Glow Worm Caves” of Waitomo and the popular site “Hobbiton” in Matamata. Enjoy the best of New Zealand north island tour and its popular destinations!

Tour package itinerary:, day one:   arrival & transfers , arrive at the airport for transfer pick-up going to the designated hotel. hotel lobby check-in and free leisure time all throughout the day. tourists can also try the auckland city tour featuring iconic landmarks, streets, and museums for three (3) hours., auckland city sightseeing afternoon tour (optional tours)  – start off your city tour along the main road of queen street, and pass through ponsonby. enjoy the view of hauraki gulf, and the auckland harbour bridge. visit the university of auckland for a quick historic tour about the volcanic landscape. a quick stopover at parnell village followed by our drive through the waterfront route of tamaki drive. finish up your tour along savage memorial park overlooking the eastern bay. transfer back to the hotel viewing the waterfront of tamaki drive., day two: glow worm cave , waitomo.

After your breakfast, the guest will join the seat in coach tour heading towards Waitomo Cave. The tour starts with a boat ride going to the underground tunnels where glowing insects light up the cave roof like midnight stars. Glow Worms is often found in damp places during night time. A guided tour along the closed rivers is a great way to see more in New Zealand.

Skyline rotorua gondola + buffet dinner (optional tours)  – the 900m long skyline gondola brings you the spectacular view of lake rotorua. skyline rotorua gives the perfect venue for a day of family fun, romantic dates or eventful gatherings. the package also comes with buffet dinner per adult entry., day three:  rotorua city tour – hobbiton.

Join the seat in coach (SIC) tour of Rotorua City & the famous Hobbiton at Matata known for the “Hobbit” the movie. Start off your journey with a quick tour around Te Puia, the geothermal wonderland is full of geysers and mud pools for visitors. Enjoy an entertaining farm show at Agrodome featuring sheep shearing demonstrations. Then visit one of Rotorua’s nature park filled with native flora and fauna at Rainbow Springs. Visit Hobbiton and go through their movie set tour where scenes from the LOTR and Hobbit were filmed. Finish off your tour with a picturesque drive across “Kaimai Ranges”  leaving the farm near “Matamata”.

Day four:  auckland city – free day,   the guest will enjoy a scrumptious breakfast. from that point on, they have a choice whether to join the taste of waiheke and bay of islands day tour ., bay of islands day tour (optional tours) – sit back, relax and enjoy the informative commentary as you cross the iconic harbour bridge, and soak up new zealand’s spectacular scenery of rural countryside and sub-tropical bush en route to the beautiful bay of islands. after arriving in paihia, you’ll board the dolphin seeker, our purpose-built catamaran licensed by the department of conservation for dolphin and whale viewing. enjoy the large outdoor viewing decks as we cruise past the islands of the bay. keep a look out for common and bottlenose dolphins, whales and other marine life as our experienced local skippers get you close to the action. cruise past the cape brett lighthouse, before arriving at the majestic hole in the rock. admire the rock walls towering above you as the skipper navigates right through the narrow space (conditions permitting) before heading back in the inner islands of the bay., day five: depart auckland, you will be picked up by a designated shuttle service. from there, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure from auckland. please be informed that airfare in the flight to queensland is not included in the package..

• 6 Days 5 Nights

6 DAYS 5 NIGHTS SOUTH ISLAND TOUR

Our six (6) days, five (5) nights will take you to an unforgettable experience around Queenstown. With our tour, you’ll get to enjoy scrumptious buffet meals along with a trip to Mt. Cook and Milford Sound. Our optional tours include a ride in the Skyline gondola, and a journey to the heart of Mt. Aspiring National Park.

Day one:   arrive in christchurch, arrive at the airport for transfer pick-up going to the designated hotel. hotel lobby check-in and free leisure time all throughout the day..

DAY TWO: KAIKOURA DOLPHIN , CHRISTCHURCH

Breakfast in hotel. From Christchurch, you will travel by road through Northern Canterbury to the coastal town of Kaikoura where stunning mountain ranges meet the sea. Kaikoura is renowned for its diverse range of marine mammals which reside off this stretch of coastline all year long, including the Giant Sperm Whale and the acrobatic Dusky Dolphins. Upon arrival, enjoy either an early lunch or some free time to explore Kaikoura prior to your dolphin watching tour with Dolphin Encounter who will take you out on the water. After returning to the shore, there will be an opportunity during the day to visit a seal colony where fur seals may be viewed at close quarters before returning back to your accommodation in Christchurch.

Day three: mt. cook – queenstown.

Breakfast in hotel. Leaving Christchurch in the morning, we travel through the fertile farmland of the Canterbury Plains to the shores of the stunning, glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, where you can view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd and take in the sights of the spectacular Southern Alps. We then continue to the location of New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook, situated in a national park and UNESCO World Heritage site. Rising to 3, 724 metres high, Aoraki certainly lives up to its name, which in Maori can be translated as ‘cloud piercer.’

Enjoy lunch at the famous hermitage hotel in mount cook village. the tour continues south, past lake pukaki and through the tawny tussock of the mackenzie country. your tour concludes in the evening upon reaching queenstown, the adventure capital of new zealand., day four: milford sound – queenstown.

Breakfast in hotel. Follow the southern arm of Lake Wakatipu to Lumsden, and onward to Lake TeAnau. Enter the Eglinton Valley and travel through the breathtaking manmade Homer Tunnel to reach Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise on this world-famous fiord, dominated by Mitre Peak and the cascading Bowen falls. Buffet lunch is also included on board today. Return to Queenstown.

Day five: milford sound – queenstown, enjoy your breakfast in the hotel. the day is allotted to enjoy and explore optional attractions available., queenstown highlight (optional tour) – spend a morning exploring queenstown, taking in some of the region’s best sights and activities. travel up the queenstown hill and enjoy spectacular bird’s eyes views of queenstown, lake wakatipu and the remarkables. your local friendly driver guide will provide entertaining and informative commentary throughout your tour. discover the secrets of bungy-jumping with a behind-the-scenes tour of aj hackett’s world-famous bungy bridge and watch the jumpers from the viewing deck. visit the award-winning gibbston vallery winer, founded by a pioneer of the central otago wine industry and sample a selection of wines produced on site. you can also browse the winery’s well-stocked gift shop and the region’s only cheesery., dart river wilderness jet ex queenstown (optional tour) – take an exhilirating journey into the heart of mt. aspiring national park, experiencing a thrilling jet boat ride amid breathtaking scenery. walk amongst ancient forest unchanged for 80 million years and view the awe-inspiring locations of many middle-earth movie scenes. leaving queenstown, travel along one of the world’s top 10 scenic drives to the settlement of glenorchy at the head of lake wakatipu. your journey continues with dart river jet safaris, the only jet operator allowed on dar river. navigate the ever-changing shallow channels of the glacier-fed braided river system – complete with jet spins your expert driver will stop along the way to highlight the breathtaking scenery and discuss what makes this unique area so significant., skyline queenstown (optional tour) – take a scenic ride in the iconic skyline gondola and take in the stunning views as you ride the steepest cable car lift in the southern hemisphere. you’ll be carried 540 metres above queenstown and lake wakatipu to the top of bob’s peak, where you’ll enjoy a spectacular 220-degree panorama with breathtaking views of coronet peak, the remarkables, walter and cecil peak and of course, queenstown., day six: depart queenstown, breakfast in hotel. you will be picked up and transferred to the airport by a designated shuttle service..

• 7 Days 6 Nights

7 DAYS 6 NIGHTS NORTH AND SOUTH ISLAND TOUR

Enjoy the best of what north and south australia can offer with our seven (7) days, six (6) nights tour explore the wonders of the glow worm cave in waitomo, visit the colorful set where the lord of the rings and the hobbit films were filmed in hobbiton and travel to milford sound. included in our optional tours as well are a visit to walter peak farm and mt. aspiring national park., auckland city sights afternoon tour (optional tour) – set off through the city center, along the main road of queen street, past iconic karangahape road and the stylish suburbs of ponsonby. cross over the auckland harbour bridge, enjoying views of the hauraki gulf and city skyline. visit the viaduct harbour, home to america’s cup racing for many tears, and the historic buildings around the university of auckland, before continuing to the auckland domain. developed around an extinct volcano, the domain features 75 hectares of open spaces, tropical gardens, duck ponds and public art, and is home to the auckland war memorial museum. stop for a short afternoon tea break (own expense) at historic parnell village. next, travel the stunning waterfront route of tamaki drive to michael joseph savage memorial park. named after one of new zealand’s greatest and most popular prime ministers, the park, with its formal gardens and tranquil atmosphere, offers a panoramic outlook over the picturesque eastern bays, auckland city and the waitemata harbour. your afternon tour of auckland finishes downtown after a drive back along the waterfront..

Skyline Rotorua Gondola + Buffet Dinner (OPTIONAL TOURS)  – Jump on board one of our eight-seater Gondola cabins and experience spectacular views of Lake Rotorua, the city and steaming geothermal vistas. The 900-meter Doppelmayr cableway system will transport you and your friends on a gentle, scenic ride up to the Skyline Rotorua complex.

Join the seat in coach for morning tour of Rotoroua’s top attractions – visit Te Puia and gain Maori traditions and ways of life, before entering a geothermal wonderland of impressive geysers and boiling mud pools. Enjoy an entertaining farm show at Agrodome highlighting sheep farming industry with sheep shearing demonstration. Then visit Rainbow Springs, a nature park which showcases native flora and fauna including the famous New Zealand kiwi. Following the show, enjoy a scenic drive across the Kaimai Ranges to the pictueresque 1,250 acre farm near Matamata where scenes from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies were filmed.

Day four: hobbiton – auckland.

Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at your hotel. Pick up and transfer to Auckland airport. Fly to Queenstown. Pick up and transfer to hotel. Please be advised that the airfare to Queenstown is not included in the package.

Kawarau bridge bungy (optional tour), skyline queenstown (optional tour) – take a scenic ride in the iconic skyline gondola andtake in the stunning views as you ride the steepest cable car lift in the southern hemisphere you’ll be carried 450 meters above queenstown and lake wakatipu to the top of bob’s peak, where you’ll enjoy a spectacular 220-degree panorama with breathtaking views of coronet peak, the remarkables and cecil peak and of course, queenstown., day five: milford sound – queensland.

Breakfast in hotel. Follow the southern arm of Lake Wakatipu to Lumsden and onward to Lake TeAnau. Enter the Eglinton Valley and travel through the breathtaking manmade Homer Tunnel to reach Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise on the world-famous fiord, dominated by Mitre Peak and the cascading Bowen Falls. Buffet lunch is also included on board today.

Day six: queensland, breakfast in hotel. a free day to explore the endless optional tourist attractions available., walter peak farm tour (optional tour) – this is a new zealand farming tour like no other – a visit to the walter peak high country form and the perfect opportunity to spend a relaxing few hours enjoying the interactive experience., queenstown highlight (optional tour) – spend a morning exploring queenstown on a guided tour, taking in some of the region’s best sights and activities. travel up the queenstown hill and enjoy spectacular bird’s eyeviews of queenstown, lake wakatipu and the remarkables., dart river wilderness jet ex (optional tour) – take an exhilarating journey into the heart of mt. aspiring national park, experiencing a thrilling jet boat ride amid breathtaking scenery. walk amongst ancient forests unchanged for 80 million years and view the awe-inspiring locations of many middle earth movie scenes., day seven: depart queenstown, breakfast in hotel. pick-up and transfer to the airport by shuttle service..

• 9 Days 8 Nights

9 DAYS 8 NIGHTS NORTH AND SOUTH ISLAND TOUR

Experience nothing but enjoyment with our nine (9) days, eight (8) nights North and South tour! Appreciate Maori culture in Te Puia, and travel to Tongariro National Park, among others. Our North and South optional tours also include a hike to Queenstown Hill, Mt. Aspiring National Park and a ride in the Skyline Gondola.

Pick up and transfer to hotel by shuttle service.  the rest of the day is free by leisure., auckland city sights afternoon tour (optional tour) – set off through the city center, along the main road of queen street, past iconic karangahape road and the stylish suburb of ponsonby. cross over the auckland harbour bridge, enjoying views of the hauraki gulf and the city skyline., day two:  glow worm caves, rotorua.

Breakfast in hotel. Join the seat in couch to tour the famous Glow Worm Caves. The rest of day is free at leisure.

Skyline rotorua (optional tour) – jump on board on one of our eight-seater gondola cabins and experience spectacular views of lake rotorua, the city and steaming geothermal vistas. the 900-meter long dopplemayr cableway system will transport you and your friends on a gentle, scenic ride up to the skyline rotorua complex., day three:  te puia, auckland.

Breakfast in hotel. Join the seat in couch for morning tour of Rotorua’s top attractions – visit Te Puia and gain Maori traditions and ways of life before entering a geothermal wonderland of impressive geysers and boiling mud pools. Enjoy an entertaining farm show at Agrodome highlighting sheep farming industry with sheep shearing demonstration. Then visit Rainbow Springs, a nature park which showcases native flora and fauna including the famous New Zealand kiwi. Following the show, enjoy a scenic drive across the Kaimai Ranges to the picturesque 1,250 acre farm near Matamata where scenes from the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit movies were filmed. After your Hobbiton Movie Set tour, continue your journey to Auckland.

Day four:  rotorua, wellington, breakfast in hotel. join the seat in couch for journey to taupo, travel along the shore of the huge lake to spectacular tongariro national park comprising of massive active volcanoes and site of north island’s ski fields. from the barren land of this plateau, you descend to the “capital city” wellington. arrive in wellington by early evening., day five:  picton, christchurch.

Breakfast in hotel. Early morning transfer to the ferry terminal to board the Inter-Islander ferry to Picton. The 3 hour’s cruise crosses the Cook Strait separating the two islands and along the serene and picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound. The sparkling waters and lush forest are a breathtaking introduction to the South Island.

Connect the seat in coach bus service for journey across the famed marlborough wine fields and along the narrow strip of land flanked by the pacific ocean and the kaikoura ranges which plunges into its water. lush beauty of farmlands followed before arriving into christchurch in the evening., day six:  mt. cook, queenstown, breakfast in hotel. leaving christchurch in the morning, we travel through the fertile farmland of the canterbury plains to the shores of the stunning, glacier-fed lake tekapo. we then continue to the location of new zealand’s tallest mountain, aoraki/mt. cook, situated in a national park and unseco world heritage site., the tour continues suth, past lake pukaki and through the tawny tussock of the mackenzie country. en route, enjoy afternoon tea (own expense) in the quaint village of omarama and if time permits, visit the jones family orchard near cromwell. your tour concludes in the evening upon reaching queenstown, the adventure capital of new zealand., day seven:  milford sound, queenstown.

Breakfast in hotel. Follow the  southern arm of Lake Wakatipu to Lumsden and onward to Lake Te Anau. Enter the Eglinton Valley and travel through the breathtaking manmade Homer Tunnel to reach Milford Sound. Enjoy a 2-hour cruise on this world-famous fiord, dominated by Mitre Peak and the cascading Bowen Falls. Buffet lunch is also included on board today. Return to Queenstown.

Day eight:  free day, queenstown.

Breakfast in hotel. Free day.

Walter peak farm tours (optional tour) – this is a new zealand farming tour like no other – a visit to the walter peak high country farm and the perfect opportunity to spend a relaxing few hours enjoying the interactive experience., queenstown highlight (optional tour) – spend a morning exploring queenstown on a guided tour, taking in some of the region’s best sights and activities. travel up the queenstown hill and enjoy spectacular bird’s eyeviews of queenstown, lake wakatipu and the remarkables., dart river wilderness jet ex queenstown (optional tour) – take an exhilarating journey into the heart of mt. aspiring national park, experiencing a thrilling jet boat ride amid breathtaking scenery.walk amongst ancient forests unchanged for 80 million years and view the awe-inspiring locations of many middle earth movie scenes., skyline queenstown (optional tour) – take a scenic ride in the iconic skyline gondola and take in the stunning views as you ride the steepest cable car lift in the southern hemisphere you’ll be carrued 459 meters above queenstown and lake wakatipu to the top of bob’s peak, where you’ll enjoy a spectacular 220-degree panorama with breathtaking views of coronet park, the remarkables, walter and cecil peak and queenstown., day nine:  queenstown, leave a reply cancel reply.

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Hi! how much is a tour package for 7D6N?

Hi Ms. Joanne,

Thank you for your inquiry with regards to our New Zealand Tour Package. For faster response, you could message us on our facebookpage facebook.com/regenttravelmanila or you may email [email protected] to help you.

How much 9D package tour for @ pax

Hi Ms. Evelyn,

May I inquire for 3 pax 7D6N

Hi Ms. Antonette,

New zealand tour package inquiry

Hi Ms. Reziel,

Details for 6days 5nights NZ package tour from Phil for 4pax. Tentative date dec 23-28,2024

Hi Ms. Gladys,

How much is the 7 Days Six Nights Package for 2 persons?

9 Days 8 Nights Package?

Hi Mr. Noel,

I’m interested on the 7 DAYS 6 NIGHTS and the 9 DAYS 8 NIGHTS NORTH AND SOUTH ISLAND TOUR. This is for 2pax. I need the prices for the optional tours as well.

Hi Ms. Connie,

interested in North and South new zealand tour…package for 2 adults/seniors..can you give us a quotation on an all in package for 2..thank you

Hi Mr. Vizcarra,

interested in North and South new zealand tour

Please send details and rates of New Zealand tour packages 7 days and 9 days.

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• Location 1: Php 100,000
• Location 2: Php 50,000
• Location 3: Php 25,000
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PACKAGE INCLUSION:

Breakfast in hotel, hotel accommodation, selected tours, roundtrip transfers for hotel, tours, and airport., optional tours:.

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

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Top 5 airlines flying to New Zealand

Good flight. The food was served a bit late, hence a hurry to finish before landing. Excellent crew and service

Excellent meal served with real utensils, cardboard served hot meals instead of plastic utensils and plastic covers. Quick service, friendly and accommodating stewards.

All in all the flight was good. Love the fact that for airline food it was piping hot

Awesome as always. I wish though the cabin for premium was upgraded.... Same old sane old :(

Cabin Crew always friendly and helpful. Seating cramped - foul smelling from toilets, high risk of disease. Guard personal property such as expensive sunglasses Coffee always awful and cold Meal trays toddler sized Not worth the extra cost to fly SQ - use a budget airline, same if not better experience

Seating cramped; close to toilet, foul smelling and noisy, very unhygienic and disease risk Free and paid Wi-Fi NOT accessible at all - misleading advertising Very expensive sunglasses disappeared from back seat pouch. Coffee disgusting and cold

When boarding, after business class should be premium economy, but economy class already lined-up at the gate blocking premium economy to board. Singapore airline crew should done a better job to organize this chaos :( Thank you.

It seems paying premium economy does not make difference with economy. No priority boarding, not worthy paying extra$$$ for premium economy.

The premium economy seats were not that great. It could have been more premium than economy seats.

People were so nice! Economy seats were small and cramped feeling for me. I’m slender and 6 feet tall

We bought the business class tickets. The check-in staff and onboard crew were excellent, providing commendable service throughout. However, it was disappointing to find that China Southern Airlines does not have a lounge at SFO. Instead, passengers were provided with a $35 per person food voucher, which fell short of expectations. Furthermore, the quality of the onboard food left much to be desired, marking a significant decline compared to our previous flight experience in 2019, prior to the pandemic.

1. I got very poor check in experience with the counter lady . This is the first airline I ever experienced that no combine check in weight allow . Even we have 4 of us but weight counter by piece . So we wasted lot of time argue and repack . This is super crazy 2. Next I left my Samsung tablet on the plane . And I started to escalate and finally spoke to southern airline lost and found in Malaysia and the amazing answer she give is : system nothing found and please try to call southern airline in china 🧐 . I have been flying many other airlines but this is my first encounterment with such irresponsible airline response and no empathy given to customer . My feeling is nobody bother whether how customer like me feel and I’m just too small for the management to take note .

No good but was short flight. Both of our China Southern flights were on time. No surprises.

The flight was okay it was the kayak customer service that was poor, I have been trying to change my name on my flight ticket 3 days before my flight and nothing got done about it even tho I messaged so many times and phoned, all I got in return was that is was being processed and still to this day nothing has been done about it, I think it’s disgusting and un needed stress to the trip.

The food was perfect. The boarding process is a bit long. Given the late boarding time, I felt very tired by the time I was seated.

Quality flight from start to finish. Customer service is evidently very important to this company. The staff really exceeded expectations.

Traveling with the Chinese airlines , their service superior to the US Airlines , they are much more friendly and the seats are comfortable , In the past I flew with United , now ,United Airline will become history for me .

The flight crew was exceptionally good. Personal needs were well met. The food choices were very nice.

I cancelled the flights in good time but could only get a partial refund. I was not warned of this.

Not good. Flight was purchased for my father who needed medical assistance to board and transfer due to a heart condition. No one at Hong Kong from Cathay was there to assist and he barely made the connection. When I talked to him he could barely breath and was not sure he was going to make it. Really poor service even though the ticket stated he needed a wheelchair assistance.

Crew experience was more transnational, seats were so close together (LtoR and FtoB) that it was difficult to enjoy much of anything. When the person in front leaned back, there is no space for me. Sadly it was a flight to be endured not experienced.

Very poor check-in experience, and flight meal service was very disappointing with no drinks service or hot meal.

Not impressed with check in desk staff at Vancouver airport. Not a professional mind service and not cared or tried to help. Don’t think I would fly with them again

The aircraft was slightly newer but the food was very bad. Bland and uninteresting. Nothing special at all.

The crew were fine. I didn’t enjoy the food at all. I found it unappetising and really had trouble eating it. The comfort level was fine and our return flight is with Cathay Pacific but honestly I probably wouldn’t fly Cathay Pacific again.

Everything went smooth. All flights were on time No changing gates, . No changing flights . It was like a completely different airlines tha n the last time I used Cathay Pacific . The last flight, 2 months ago, I had before this one was from Philippines also . I got changed in Manila and was told it only added 2 hours onto my flight . My 20 hour return trip ended up being 30 hours return with a 10.0 hour layover in New York with no seats anywhere . Everyone was sleeping or sitting on the floor . Unlike the hotel I was given in Manila to wait for this flight home . I never thought I would use Cathay Pacific again . But I did and this time you were great! I should have complained about the flight and layover from Hell a couple months ago. Consider that I am complaining about that august/23 flight now . Thank you got the great flying experience on my way home from philippines .

Cathay much better than other options Imigration was a total mess on arrival in KL but not Cathay s fault

1) crackly headphone jack 2) one of the emergency seats recline. Usually second row does. But in this case neither did 3) food was scrambled eggs or fruit. 4) fruit should not be the option to eggs 5)miserable unpleasant crew not a smile. Thought that was a virgin thing

The staff we fantastic and seemed to work very well with each other

Business lounge in Melbourne mediocre. Look at Emirates or Qatar, Qantas! Great friendly crew. Food was good but Emirates is a level above. Business seat good. But can’t compare to Qatar. Main reason for booking Qantas is loyalty and terrific connection via Perth to LHR.

It was nice having space in the way back where it thinned out with passengers, most folks in the far back were able to lay down and sleep. That was a pleasant surprise. Made the 15 hr flight go by pretty smooth, watching a few movies and resting. I had previously never used an airplane toilet, but finally used one. It wasn't too bad. All workers were very helpful and friendly. Their hospitality was welcomed as well

The crew were amazing - A great job. They made me feel special and valued.

Boarding was terrible - the ground staff member Fredeya at lax was more military than customer service, have never encountered a customer service representative as rude as her. Apart from that all other staff were wonderful and the flight was good.

Everything as good as can be if one flies economy bit not enough toilets!! People were queuing during the whole flight - there are really not enough toilets!!!

They actually held the plane for a few minutes and had someone at the escalators from Qantas checking to see if we were almost at the gate and radioed ahead to tell them that we were on our way. We called down to the person and gave her our names, coming as fast as we could.

I find the food in business class is just old and boring, it was once good but now just trying to hard to be "on Trend" with plant based for the minority of people, while those people can order a special meal anyway, while the majority have to suffer and loose a choice. only 2 choices for entree one boring plant based and 4 for main which two were seafood, one was plant based and one meat dish.

The plane was new (<6mos old) and was very well appointed. Lots of places to store things/plenty of legroom/comfortable seats/great blankets and headsets. Food was very good too. And crew were all very friendly and accommodating. Great trip!

Great staff and food. Seats pretty uncomfortable but plenty of legroom. Entertainment system outdated.

The flight was cancelled without any reason. But the next flight to Shanghai has to be cancelled to pay penalty.

Gatwick London-Shanghai -Bangkok.. Would have liked entertainment screens, but I know these planes are not that new. Cheap flights at the time of booking, Emirates wanted double so you get what you paid for. I would fly again with them, but if Emirates was the same price I would go with them.

The landings were smooth . Being unable to check-in online was terribly stressful and the queue at Haneda exemely long. We paid extra for window seats and did not get them.

How do you run out of beer after one hour of a twelve hour flight?!

Flight was fine, however we were not able to check in online, this adds to travel stress. Luckily check-in at Heathrow was quick, but we did not get the seats we paid extra for. We paid for a window and 2 aisle seats from Shanghai to Tokyo leg, but they changed us to middle seats. Not good :(

You’re in the three parts of my life, the China Eastern air crew remembered and wish me happy birthday. I was given pastries on two different occasions and a complementary drink. The stew is wish me happy birthday and gave me a birthday card. Everything was first class. Thank you.

2 hours delay on the 1st plane out of the day!!!!!

Multiple delays, with no explanation. Caused us to almost miss our connector. The airline made no effort when we arrived in Shanghai to help us make it to our next flight with the same airline.

I will never fly through China again. Maybe it was the mandatory retinal scan just to transfer to another flight or the complete set of fingerprints they require. There are many better and inexpensive flights to Asia if you look.

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

Last update : 04/09/2024

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!

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New Zealand On A Budget – How I Spent $2600 in 3 Weeks!

If you’ve stumbled on to my travel blog looking for a way to travel New Zealand on a budget, you’re in for a treat.

This article is for the travellers who are looking to travel New Zealand free and easy yet on a budget.

If you’re looking for a way to travel New Zealand cheap, make sure you get your pen and paper and bookmark this article, because I’m about to provide you a whole lot of details about how much a trip to New Zealand may cost and how to bring your New Zealand trip cost to a minimum.

Whether you want to backpack around New Zealand or do a free-and-easy road trip in New Zealand, this article offers practical information and detailed cost breakdown to help in your New Zealand trip planning.

“Is New Zealand expensive to visit?” “How much does a trip to New Zealand cost?” “How expensive is New Zealand, really?”

New Zealand is high on everyone’s bucket list because of the gorgeous scenery, the astounding hikes, the adrenaline activities , yet the seemingly high New Zealand vacation costs put many off.

Together with 3 others, I visited New Zealand’s North and South Island in May 2016 for 20 days as part of our graduation road trip. I was surprised at how little we spent in the 20 days we spent there!

I later went back to New Zealand in November 2017 for the Queenstown Marathon as part of a press trip, and subsequently stayed for 6 months on a working holiday program . That’s how much this country fascinated me!

I love it so much I regard New Zealand as my second home, and it is my goal that you fall in love with this country the same way I did through my New Zealand travel blog articles .

Through living in New Zealand for half a year, I’ve learned that it is actually possible to travel to New Zealand on a budget!

Hopefully you’ll be able to leave this article with some New Zealand travel tips to help you make your New Zealand holiday more affordable!

At A Glance

Total cost in the North Island

Total cost in the south island, best time to go to new zealand, a. flights to new zealand, transport in the north island, transport in the south island, accommodation in the north island, accommodation in the south island, north island, south island, everything you need to know about milford sound hiking, how to get from queenstown to milford sound, new zealand, 5 full-day trips from queenstown you can’t miss, new zealand, 10 best restaurants in queenstown that won’t disappoint, new zealand, 7 must-try great walks in new zealand, 33 things to do in queenstown, new zealand, faq on working holiday in new zealand for singaporeans – 2. transportation, living in new zealand – update 1 (unfiltered), new zealand trip cost – budget breakdown.

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How much a New Zealand trip will cost really depends on the time you visit New Zealand.

Nobody could believe me when I said I spent less than NZD 15/day for food , lived on NZD 20/day in hostels or that I rented a campervan for NZD 50/day for 4 of us when we did our trip to New Zealand!

Flying was also less than SGD 400 one way from Singapore to New Zealand. Unbelievable? It’s true, I booked with budget airline Jetstar !

This brought my entire  20-day New Zealand budget trip to SGD 2565/ NZD 2700 .

We still had a whale of a time visiting the classic New Zealand spots such as Hobbiton , and surely we couldn’t miss some of New Zealand’s adventure attractions, like blackwater rafting or Fox Glacier hike ? 😉

(SGD 1: NZD 0.95)

Here’s a cost breakdown according to how much we spent in each island:

Total expenditure for 7 days: NZD 623 ( NZD 89/day )

Total expenditure for 10 days ( with campervan): NZD 535 ( NZD 54/day )

Total expenditure for 6 days ( without campervan): NZD 472 ( NZD 79/day )

Below I share a breakdown of our trip according to transport, food, accommodation, attractions and living expenses so you can get an idea of what the typical cost of living in New Zealand is.

Visiting New Zealand during this period also means that you can find cheap accommodation and cheap car rentals all around New Zealand!

View of New Zealand from plane

We started planning our trip to New Zealand very early on and monitoring flight prices from Singapore to New Zealand.

I’d like to think that we manage to find one of the cheapest ways to get to New Zealand. It might be something you could consider doing if you’re trying to backpack New Zealand and don’t mind flying budget and not flying direct.

Our flights stopped by Australia , which gave us a perfect excuse to stop in Australia and fit in a couple more days of holiday!

Here’s how much I spent taking budget airlines from Singapore to New Zealand:

Total for return flights: SGD 938.13

B. Getting around New Zealand

With our trusty campervan in New Zealand!

The best way to travel around New Zealand is undoubtedly with a car. There are plenty of car rentals in New Zealand, and you can undoubtedly get cheap car rentals in New Zealand when you travel during the off-peak period.

Don’t get me wrong – car rentals in New Zealand are not always the cheapest. We got a really good deal because we went during the off-peak period in May just when it was starting to get colder.

Besides, a New Zealand road trip is the ultimate way of enjoying the spectacular nature views!

That said, we did get around by public transport at some point during our New Zealand trip. You can get an overall sense of how much it costs to rent a car, a campervan and if you went by the public bus below.

Getting around by bus: NZD 150

Campervan rental: NZD 500 (NZD 50 per day) Petrol: NZD 550 for 272L, 1623km

Car rental in Christchurch: NZD 395 (NZD 79 per day) Petrol: NZD 62.39, 31.37L Parking in Christchurch: NZD 2.50 all day

C. Accommodation in New Zealand

As I’ve mentioned earlier, travelling during off season offers a lot of chance for travelling New Zealand on a budget.This includes cheap accommodation all around New Zealand! It’s an important consideration as it brings down the cost of living in New Zealand by a lot.

Just look at how much we spent living off hostels around the country:

Average per night: NZD 22

Average per night (with campervan): NZD 19

While we slept in the campervan, we still had to pay a small fee for parking at camp sites.

Average per night (without campervan): NZD 17

As a rule of thumb (if you’re not staying in a campervan), the cheapest accommodation options are hostels and Holiday Parks . In general, even the cheapest hostels in New Zealand are decent – clean, spacious, with enough privacy and with a kitchen.

You can also check out Agoda and Booking.com as there are sometimes the best deals on the website.

If you’re travelling in a group (more than 2), you might want to consider Airbnb as it might be more cost-effective to rent a whole place than to book 2 rooms.

Here are other ways to save on accommodation .

D. Cost of living in New Zealand

NZD 4 per load

MSIG TravellerShield: SGD 78.50

The above is a Singapore insurance. If you’re not from Singapore, I’d recommend World Nomads , an established travel insurance for anyone from any part of the world. They have really comprehensive coverage as well as good service, so you’ll see many others recommending them as well.

Chomping down Fergburger was first on our list when we visited Queenstown !

New Zealand food prices are generally quite expensive if you eat out. If you don’t and cook your own meals instead, you can set yourself up for about NZD 3 to NZD 5.

Restaurants in NZ: ~ NZD 11

The cheapest food you can find would probably in fast food restaurants.

• McDonald’s Sausage Egg McMuffin: NZD 4.90
• Subway’s Meatball Sub: NZD 4.50

You can keep your food costs down by shopping in supermarkets such as Pak’n’Save , which would bring cost to ~ NZD 5 per meal .

Below is a breakdown of how much I paid travelling the North island and South island respectively.

NZD 13 per day

NZD 14.50 per day

This includes the occasional splurge on Fergburger , but most of our food were home-cooked since we were living in the campervan.

E. Attractions in New Zealand

What’s New Zealand if we don’t splurge a little and discover the classic New Zealand attractions like Hobbiton , experience hot springs of the North or go on a little glacier tour ? Better yet, see the glacier from up above with a helicopter ! Would you say you’ve been to New Zealand if you don’t bring home some Manuka honey?

For ideas on where to go in New Zealand, you can check out the activities that we booked ourselves on. Further, here are my other articles for what to do in the North and South Islands:

Here’s a breakdown of the cost of some of the attractions that we did in New Zealand.

*Disclaimer: Tours were provided complimentary in exchange for a review. Read more about my experiences:

• Black Water Rafting in Waitomo, New Zealand
• Traditional Maori Village in Rotorua, New Zealand
• Fox Glacier, New Zealand – What’s It Like Hiking On Ice?
•  What Exactly Happens When You’re Skydiving at 15,000 Ft in Taupo, New Zealand?

Evidently, a free and easy New Zealand vacation need not cost you much at all. Hitchhiking and Couchsurfing are big in this country as well. This explains why so many people (especially the Germans) like to backpack in New Zealand – it’s the surest way to travel New Zealand cheap!

Fresh out of university, this was our graduation trip. Hence, we set out travelling New Zealand on a budget. We compromised on Wi-Fi on-the-go, expensive food and comfortable lodging. That being said, we wanted to maximise our experiences, which called for splurging on some attractions. Learning about the Maori culture and hiking on ice at Fox Glacier are some of the most eye-opening experiences that were worth every dime.

There really are plenty of free things to do in New Zealand as well – the vast nature offers some of the best hiking trails, you can go fishing (or skinny dipping), camping and more.

Part of the reason why flights to New Zealand and car rental in New Zealand were cheaper was also because we travelled during the off-peak periods in May.

If you’re still hesitant about visiting New Zealand, DON’T.

The scenery is to kill for. Driving in New Zealand has never been easier . The adventure activities ? You’ve got to try them once in your life!

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Read other useful New Zealand posts!

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Isabel Leong

Full-time travel blogger at Bel Around The World and SEO coach roaming the world at a whim, Isabel helps aspiring content creators and brands get the most out of their online presence by attracting organic leads/traffic and achieving financial freedom with her Skyrocket With SEO course. She's closely involved in and has been featured as a speaker in other travel & digital nomad networks & podcasts such as Traverse, Travel Massive, The Nomadic Network and Location Indie.

Hi! I'm Isabel, a full-time traveller and digital nomad from Singapore. In the past 10 years, I've lived in New Zealand , Japan , Kauai Hawaii , Mexico , Costa Rica and Bali . Pulling from my own world travel adventures and blogging lessons, I share my tried and tested tips, so that I can get YOU to work LESS and play MORE!

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Hi! May I know what type/brand of camera did you used? Your photos are awesome!!

Thanks a lot, that means a lot! I’m using a regular dslr. Not the most fancy one. I needed a light one for travelling around. It’s a Canon 100D 🙂

Hi there! Awesome posts, really helps a great deal in my planning for my upcoming 19-day trip in May! Do you think it’s possible to stay in a campervan throughout to save on accommodation fees? Is it worth it for two people to rent a campervan?

Hi Lian Xin, how did you come across this article? I’m happy you found it useful!

Yes you can stay in a campervan throughout, and it will be more spacious for 2 as compared to squeezing with 4 (although it’s suitable for 4 people for this size). The only time you need to check in at accommodations is probably when you need to borrow their facilities to cook and shower, which doesn’t cost you more than a few dollars.

Hi Isabel, many thanks for the swift response. I came across your blog via Google and I’m hooked! I’m a fellow Singaporean and it’s always nice to read reviews coming from another fellow Singaporean’s POV! One more thing, does the campervan consume more fuel as compared to a normal car? If we are doing a round trip around South Island, how much would you estimate our fuel costs to be?

Hi Lian Xin,

That’s just me being excited for your own road trip! Thank you for your kind words – it really makes my day even sweeter. (Happy V’day to you!)

The campervan runs on Diesel, so fuel is not as efficient as a regular car. Also, don’t forget the campervan’s weight relative to a regular one. I did a road trip on the South Island as well, and mentioned in my post that it costed us NZD 550 for 272L, 1623km. You can roughly work out the cost per km and calculate your total distance and multiply accordingly. I also have a post on driving in NZ. Hope that helps!

Sounds like a really fun trip and it’s great you managed to do it so cheaply! We flew Jetstar internationally a few times and they are ok. It’s not our favourite airline but it’s great when the cost is cheap! Thanks for sharing all those cost details, very helpful!

Impressive. I live in New Zealand, and I can tell you, you did great. My vegetarian teen daughter just moved to Auckland for University and she spends about $50 each week on food. It looks like you enjoyed yourselves. And, I think that was a great price for zorb.

This is just amazing! Bookmarking this, and tweeted as well. Great job budgeting, and the map is super useful.

Wow, you guys budgeted really well for New Zealand. $2600 SGD is incredibly cheap for nearly 3 weeks. I wish I could have organized to be part of your trip! A lot of people are put off New Zealand by the high prices but you just proved them all wrong!

It looks like you were able to see and do a lot on that budget! I’d heard NZ is expensive and it looks like what I heard was correct. I would still love to go.

Thank you for this comprehensive break-down. It certainly makes budgeting easier… I have to say that is still not cheap as a whole. Though, it seems like you can save a ton renting a camper van as a small group and moving/eating/sleeping in there during your stay.

Thank you & happy continued travels! C

$2600 for 20 days is really impressive – Australia and NZ are two of the more expensive regions in the world, so I’ve always found it difficult staying to a budget here! I haven’t managed to get to NZ (apart from 2 days in Auckland which isn’t really traveling the country), but am more convinced to bring it forward now that I know it’s possible to not spend a fortune 🙂

This is totally amazing! NZ has always been in my bucketlist but I’m always to reluctant to go as it will burn a hole in my wallet. Now you’ve inspired me!

Ahh, the good thing about being from Norway. Almost every country I go to seems cheap, so far I have only found Iceland to be more expensive. Your budget and expenditure of the trip is impressive. I wish I was better at saving money on my travels sometimes. I always blow my budget and have to live on almost nothing when I return home 🙂

Great insight on what to expect when budgeting in NZ. It has put me off about the prices, but now you write it like this, I might be able to do this on this sort of budget. 🙂

Such a detailed post on New Zealand. It is really helpful for all of us. Further your photographs are awesome and seems you had lot of fun 🙂

$2700NZD including flights is insanely good! And reading your post it doesn’t even seem as if you held back much, which is always a plus. I’d love to go to NZ some day but would likely have to budget a little more only because flights from UK would be more costly!

Awesome job!! I’m totally impressed with how little you spent. New Zealand’s been on my list for quite some time. I’ll have to seriously consider renting a camper like you did. The cost savings is a huge draw. Good for you to pay for the things you really wanted to do. Otherwise you’ll regret it.

Great job controlling your cost for 20 days in New Zealand! Thanks for detailing how much you spent on the tours and activities – that is very helpful. If I live in Asia, I would totally love to visit!

What a great trip. Sometimes the expense of a camper van is so worth it. You get your transport and accommodation in one although I do get that you have to pay for your pitch. I have sometimes avoided the more expensive countries as I thought I could not travel on a reasonable budget. I am yet to go to NZ for this reason. Thank for your breakdown as now I believe I can travel their on my type of budget. Sounds like you had an amazing time 🙂

What an amazing deal! I live in Canada so flights are at least $1500. Many items are reasonable though even with the CDN/NZD exchange change rate.

Wow great job with the budgeting! Living in Australia we can get the same cheap flights but I’d be spending way more on the amazing NZ wine. Probably as much or more then what you’d budgeted for your daily food.

Loved New Zealand thank you for sharing and reminding me of wonderful memories

Seems like visiting New Zealand is actually affordable after all. You got to do so many things for the 2700. I like that fact that it was quality activities as well. Campervan wasn’t that expensive either. Love how you gave details of every cent you spent.

What an amazing trip! I love the camper van idea for the long trips so you can eat and sleep which are the biggest expense – I guess the price of renting the van pays off in the long run for sure! Great list to help anyone traveling budget and see where to cut costs!

Like Australia New Zealand is high on my to go to list. I really wonder if 2600 would really work for me coming from Canafa lol. Great post though, very detailed and the pictures are fantastic too.

Your trip is amazing! I love how detailed your post is! New Zealand is one of my dream land and I hope to visit it soon.

I loved this post! You’re exactly right, the cost is what has put me off from going to New Zealand as I had always heard how expensive it is. Thanks for sharing how you traveled there on a budget and breaking down your expenses. Super helpful!

Wow this breakdown truly surprised me! I went to Queenstown for a WEEK and spent more than you did :/ but we were in Queenstwon where if you want to do anything adventurous the cost is through the roof. I love the Fergburger! We were lucky and only waited 15 mins for our meal 🙂

The breakdown of your budget trip has amazed me. You have really done a lot of thoughtful research and hence you saved so much without compromising on the travel experience. I am going to bookmark this and follow your footsteps through New Zealand.

Thank you for posting this breakdown of your expenses. It seems to me you did pretty good if you’ve only spent $2,600 in 20 days and you still enjoyed yourself. I have to confess that I don’t like to nickel-and-dime myself when I go on vacation, but sometimes you have to do it if you want to travel more.

Aa…reading your post makes me want to go back there to NZ! Haha..

There’s always something about NZ that draws us back… 🙂

Thanks for this illuminating article; I know it’s a bit of a cliche, but I would love to try travelling around NZ with a camper van like you guys!

It’s actually not as expensive as one would imagine, and thanks for your tips!

Keep up the great work 🙂

It’s not expensive indeed! I was really amazed at how affordable NZ can be when we went during off-peak periods.

Hello there! Thanks for the really informative post! As I’m planning a trip to NZ in early-mid May, just wanted to find out if it is worth going? I’ve read some reviews on TripAdvisor saying May is not the best time to visit 🙁

Hi.. can i know more about, what do you mean by the tours were complimentary for an exchange of a review?

can you explain?

Hi Ying Ying, be prepared for lots of rain and little sunshine. It does get to almost 0 degrees come night, and days are short. On the bright side, tours and accom are much cheaper, and you still get to experience the beauty of NZ’s landscapes. 🙂 Let me know if you do decide to go this year! I’m still here at the moment!

Hi Uma, they gave me a complimentary trip in exchange for a writing a review on my blog.

Hi.. so they know you are a blogger? Cos i have started writting blogs as well.. so is it possible to get free trips too? If i do agree to write in my blog?

Hi Uma, it’s not as easy as it sounds. There’s a lot of work that goes into making a blog proper and credible before any brands agrees to work with you.

Hello! Thanks for sharing such a comprehensive breakdown of your NZ trip. Really helps me a lot in planning for my graduation trip as well. I see that you rented a campervan from Jucy and by any chance, is it Jucy Condo? Coz I’m thinking of renting that from them as well but I’m not sure whether my driving license permits me to drive a campervan since I can’t find any information of its unladen weight on their website. Can I know what type of driving license were you using when you rent the campervan? Based on your video, you also went to Milford Sound right? Is there any problem driving there coz I came across comments from some forums about frequent road closure due to ice, snow and risk of avalanches during the winter season?

Oh you’re going to have such an amazing time in NZ! Yes I rented a Jucy Condo. It’s the Singapore car driving license we used, which is international. 🙂 Milford Sound is worth a drive! It’s only classed as more dangerous because of slopes and sharp bends. As long as you’re careful, it’s fine. 🙂

It will rain pretty often in May. Won’t be the best weather-wise, but everything is much cheaper during this season. Also, you’ll be seeing much more snow-covered mountain peaks!

Hi.. its a great blog to read and get inspired Could you please share day-to-day itinerary of your trip ?

Thanks, Sindhu

Hi, thanks for sharing such a comprehensive breakdown of your NZ trip. May I know where do you exchange the NZD? How about the currency rate with SGD? Thanks.

May I know which tour did you go to when you’re in Milford Sound? Did you take the cruise? I’m intrigued that you listed you only spent less than $10 for touring in MS. My trip is coming up, and I’m in the midst of planning out my day trip outside Queenstown 🙂

Hi. Thanks for sharing. This is informative blog. Are you planning to trip with family? Choose top airlines flight ticket by The Last Minute Flights. They provide cheap flights tickets on flights to Dalaman. Feel free and visit our website or give us a call our toll free number.

Awesome post, it helped me a lot when I was my own trip to New Zealand! Safe travels, Isabel!

Great article. New Zealand is a must see destination. Lots of good times.

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Good flight. The food was served a bit late, hence a hurry to finish before landing. Excellent crew and service

Excellent meal served with real utensils, cardboard served hot meals instead of plastic utensils and plastic covers. Quick service, friendly and accommodating stewards.

All in all the flight was good. Love the fact that for airline food it was piping hot

Awesome as always. I wish though the cabin for premium was upgraded.... Same old sane old :(

Cabin Crew always friendly and helpful. Seating cramped - foul smelling from toilets, high risk of disease. Guard personal property such as expensive sunglasses Coffee always awful and cold Meal trays toddler sized Not worth the extra cost to fly SQ - use a budget airline, same if not better experience

Seating cramped; close to toilet, foul smelling and noisy, very unhygienic and disease risk Free and paid Wi-Fi NOT accessible at all - misleading advertising Very expensive sunglasses disappeared from back seat pouch. Coffee disgusting and cold

When boarding, after business class should be premium economy, but economy class already lined-up at the gate blocking premium economy to board. Singapore airline crew should done a better job to organize this chaos :( Thank you.

It seems paying premium economy does not make difference with economy. No priority boarding, not worthy paying extra$$$ for premium economy.

The premium economy seats were not that great. It could have been more premium than economy seats.

People were so nice! Economy seats were small and cramped feeling for me. I’m slender and 6 feet tall

We bought the business class tickets. The check-in staff and onboard crew were excellent, providing commendable service throughout. However, it was disappointing to find that China Southern Airlines does not have a lounge at SFO. Instead, passengers were provided with a $35 per person food voucher, which fell short of expectations. Furthermore, the quality of the onboard food left much to be desired, marking a significant decline compared to our previous flight experience in 2019, prior to the pandemic.

1. I got very poor check in experience with the counter lady . This is the first airline I ever experienced that no combine check in weight allow . Even we have 4 of us but weight counter by piece . So we wasted lot of time argue and repack . This is super crazy 2. Next I left my Samsung tablet on the plane . And I started to escalate and finally spoke to southern airline lost and found in Malaysia and the amazing answer she give is : system nothing found and please try to call southern airline in china 🧐 . I have been flying many other airlines but this is my first encounterment with such irresponsible airline response and no empathy given to customer . My feeling is nobody bother whether how customer like me feel and I’m just too small for the management to take note .

No red vine, no whiskey, no vodka. No that I wanted all of them at once but still...

No good but was short flight. Both of our China Southern flights were on time. No surprises.

The flight was okay it was the kayak customer service that was poor, I have been trying to change my name on my flight ticket 3 days before my flight and nothing got done about it even tho I messaged so many times and phoned, all I got in return was that is was being processed and still to this day nothing has been done about it, I think it’s disgusting and un needed stress to the trip.

The food was perfect. The boarding process is a bit long. Given the late boarding time, I felt very tired by the time I was seated.

Quality flight from start to finish. Customer service is evidently very important to this company. The staff really exceeded expectations.

Traveling with the Chinese airlines , their service superior to the US Airlines , they are much more friendly and the seats are comfortable , In the past I flew with United , now ,United Airline will become history for me .

The flight crew was exceptionally good. Personal needs were well met. The food choices were very nice.

I cancelled the flights in good time but could only get a partial refund. I was not warned of this.

Not good. Flight was purchased for my father who needed medical assistance to board and transfer due to a heart condition. No one at Hong Kong from Cathay was there to assist and he barely made the connection. When I talked to him he could barely breath and was not sure he was going to make it. Really poor service even though the ticket stated he needed a wheelchair assistance.

Crew experience was more transnational, seats were so close together (LtoR and FtoB) that it was difficult to enjoy much of anything. When the person in front leaned back, there is no space for me. Sadly it was a flight to be endured not experienced.

Very poor check-in experience, and flight meal service was very disappointing with no drinks service or hot meal.

Not impressed with check in desk staff at Vancouver airport. Not a professional mind service and not cared or tried to help. Don’t think I would fly with them again

The aircraft was slightly newer but the food was very bad. Bland and uninteresting. Nothing special at all.

The crew were fine. I didn’t enjoy the food at all. I found it unappetising and really had trouble eating it. The comfort level was fine and our return flight is with Cathay Pacific but honestly I probably wouldn’t fly Cathay Pacific again.

Everything went smooth. All flights were on time No changing gates, . No changing flights . It was like a completely different airlines tha n the last time I used Cathay Pacific . The last flight, 2 months ago, I had before this one was from Philippines also . I got changed in Manila and was told it only added 2 hours onto my flight . My 20 hour return trip ended up being 30 hours return with a 10.0 hour layover in New York with no seats anywhere . Everyone was sleeping or sitting on the floor . Unlike the hotel I was given in Manila to wait for this flight home . I never thought I would use Cathay Pacific again . But I did and this time you were great! I should have complained about the flight and layover from Hell a couple months ago. Consider that I am complaining about that august/23 flight now . Thank you got the great flying experience on my way home from philippines .

Cathay much better than other options Imigration was a total mess on arrival in KL but not Cathay s fault

There was nothing I didn’t like, prices a little lower would help

1) crackly headphone jack 2) one of the emergency seats recline. Usually second row does. But in this case neither did 3) food was scrambled eggs or fruit. 4) fruit should not be the option to eggs 5)miserable unpleasant crew not a smile. Thought that was a virgin thing

Qantas are unable to service and unfit for purpose, they cannot transport Australians on time to overseas destinations. On top of the inflated ticketing, the Sydney flight to Santiago was impacted because the plane was delayed arriving and then further bungling by Qantas admitting the ground new ground crew in charge of cleaning were not trained. The impact on passengers with connecting flights was tremendous and long ques of frustrated passengers waiting for rescheduling. **Qantas has become the Australian Spirit of disappointment**

The staff we fantastic and seemed to work very well with each other

Business lounge in Melbourne mediocre. Look at Emirates or Qatar, Qantas! Great friendly crew. Food was good but Emirates is a level above. Business seat good. But can’t compare to Qatar. Main reason for booking Qantas is loyalty and terrific connection via Perth to LHR.

It was nice having space in the way back where it thinned out with passengers, most folks in the far back were able to lay down and sleep. That was a pleasant surprise. Made the 15 hr flight go by pretty smooth, watching a few movies and resting. I had previously never used an airplane toilet, but finally used one. It wasn't too bad. All workers were very helpful and friendly. Their hospitality was welcomed as well

The crew were amazing - A great job. They made me feel special and valued.

Boarding was terrible - the ground staff member Fredeya at lax was more military than customer service, have never encountered a customer service representative as rude as her. Apart from that all other staff were wonderful and the flight was good.

Everything as good as can be if one flies economy bit not enough toilets!! People were queuing during the whole flight - there are really not enough toilets!!!

Experience was great. My only advice is to have a pasta dish on the menu. Otherwise everything was excellent.

Great staff and food. Seats pretty uncomfortable but plenty of legroom. Entertainment system outdated.

The flight was cancelled without any reason. But the next flight to Shanghai has to be cancelled to pay penalty.

Gatwick London-Shanghai -Bangkok.. Would have liked entertainment screens, but I know these planes are not that new. Cheap flights at the time of booking, Emirates wanted double so you get what you paid for. I would fly again with them, but if Emirates was the same price I would go with them.

The landings were smooth . Being unable to check-in online was terribly stressful and the queue at Haneda exemely long. We paid extra for window seats and did not get them.

How do you run out of beer after one hour of a twelve hour flight?!

Flight was fine, however we were not able to check in online, this adds to travel stress. Luckily check-in at Heathrow was quick, but we did not get the seats we paid extra for. We paid for a window and 2 aisle seats from Shanghai to Tokyo leg, but they changed us to middle seats. Not good :(

You’re in the three parts of my life, the China Eastern air crew remembered and wish me happy birthday. I was given pastries on two different occasions and a complementary drink. The stew is wish me happy birthday and gave me a birthday card. Everything was first class. Thank you.

2 hours delay on the 1st plane out of the day!!!!!

Multiple delays, with no explanation. Caused us to almost miss our connector. The airline made no effort when we arrived in Shanghai to help us make it to our next flight with the same airline.

I will never fly through China again. Maybe it was the mandatory retinal scan just to transfer to another flight or the complete set of fingerprints they require. There are many better and inexpensive flights to Asia if you look.

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AUCKLAND NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL GUIDE

by thepinay solobackpacker | Oct 13, 2016 | Travel Guide | 0 comments

From city parks to sparkling harbors to stunning heritage buildings to outdoor theaters and gorgeous night walks, there is entertainment and plenty of activities in Auckland for everyone. Even for a traveler looking for some adrenaline rush, you can never go wrong with the city as it offers various activities like skydiving, jet boating, bungee jumping, abseiling, quad biking, bridge climb and even helicopter and seaplane tours.

For wine lovers, Auckland also has some of the best wine regions that produce quality wine in a great number of varieties. Taking a ferry from the city harbor might just be your ticket to experiencing different wineries and vineyards surrounded by stunning views.

You also won’t go wrong when it comes to shopping in Auckland as the city offers some of the most elegant boutiques and contemporary shopping precincts. And even for art enthusiasts, the heart of the city has various art galleries and museums that holds New Zealand’s largest collection of local and international art.

TRAVEL BLOG CONTENTS

On Getting A New Zealand Visa

It usually takes about 20-25 days to get a New Zealand Visa. But did you know that you can get your NZ visitor visa in just 5 days if you are a PAL Mabuhay Miles Member? Through the ANZ’s visitor visa application streamlining project, Philippine Airline Mabuhay Miles Elite and Million Milers including their partners and dependents traveling with them can now process their visa applications within five days by just presenting their Elite card and filled-up form to INZ visa centers in Manila and Cebu. Applications through the INZ website will also be accepted. This is effective until May 31, 2019 for Mabuhay Miles members who are traveling to New Zealand as tourists or as visiting relatives and friends. Those who are traveling for business purposes, this is also applicable within a duration of three months to one year.

HOW TO GET TO AUCKLAND NEW ZEALAND FROM MANILA

Philippine Airlines   has flights to Auckland, New Zealand four times a week every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. The flight takes about 10 hours, with 1 hour layover in Cairns, Australia.  All-in economy class round-trip fares start from 924 USD (PHP 45K). The fare is inclusive of a 30 kg check-in baggage and a 7 kg hand-carry baggage allowance. An additional fee is applicable for any excess baggage.

Stay tuned for PAL’s Pre-Christmas Seat sale this coming November 21-30. Flights from Manila/Cebu/Davao to Auckland is on sale for only 800 USD /Php 39k(round-trip base fare). Travel period starts on February 08, 2017 until June 30, 2017.

ARRIVING IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

Getting through bio-security.

New Zealand is very strict about bringing risk items in the country. You will be given a Passenger Arrival card and will be asked if you have anything to declare. A false declaration might fine you an instant 400 NZD (PHP 14k). So it is important to be honest and if you are not sure about it, just declare it. Here are some of the things you need to declare when arriving:

⊗  All food items including cooked, uncooked, fresh, preserved, packaged or dried.

⊗  All plants and or plant products including items made from wood.

⊗  All animals or animal products.

⊗  All water products including fish, shellfish, and all water sport equipment.

⊗  Used outdoor equipment including hiking boots, tents, and the like.

⊗  Alcohol amounting more than 3 bottles of spirits and 4.5 liters of wine or beer.

⊗  Tobacco; if you have more than 50 cigarettes or other Tobacco products more than 50 grams.

⊗  Cash: NZ$10,000 or more, including traveler’s check, bank drafts, money orders, etc.

GETTING OUT OF AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND AIRPORT

Airbus express is Auckland’s cheapest airport transfer that operates 24hrs a day, 365 days a year. Every 10 minutes, the Express departs the airport and into the city center with a fare of $16 for adults and $6 for children.

Airport Express: 0800 103080 / +64 9 3666400

GETTING AROUND AUCKLAND CITY

Auckland has a lot of options ranging from trains to rental cars to camper vans to city link and hop-on-hop-off buses. When it comes to taxis, there are quite a few, but it is expensive. For long term travel, the hop-on-hop-off buses are highly recommended as they have passes that will allow you to travel around the country for a year. However, based on experience, if you are just doing a nice stroll around the city, walking won’t hurt your pocket. Just use the Sky Tower as your reference point during your stroll.

09 366 6400

⊗  The City Link Bus (red) will get you to the shops on K Rd or take you to Wynyard Quarter

⊗  The Inner Link Bus (green) enroute to New Market, Parnell, Auckland Museum and Posonby.

⊗ The OuterLink Bus (orange) runs a circle loop from Wellesley Street, past the Universities through Epsom, Mt. Eden, St. Lukes, MOTAT to Herne Bay.

All trains arrive and depart from the Britomart Transport Centre. For details of routes and timetables, visit www.at.govt.nz

Good news folks! Uber is available in Auckland! However, for other services, you can try:

⊗  Auckland CO-OP 09 300 3000

⊗  Alert Taxis 09 309 2000

⊗  Corporate Cabs 09 377 0773

⊗ Green Cabs 0508 477 336

Car Rentals

Note that you to be 21 years or older to rent a car. You can try Scotties Rentals. They offer cheapest rentals with a free GPS. Pickups are available at the airport or in the city. Contact 0800 736 825 or visit www.scotties.co.nz for bookings.

There are Discovery Day Passes available in Auckland that lets you travel aboard buses, trains, and inner harbour ferries for only $16. It can be purchased from bus drivers, train stations, and at the Fullers Cruise Centre. Contact 09 367 9111 for more info.

WEATHER IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

Summer in Auckland starts from December to February. Autumn or fall is from March to May, Winter is from June to August, and Spring is from September to November. The average maximum daytime temperature is 23.7 °C in February and 14.5°C in July. We visited during spring and the temperatures can drop as low as 8 degree Celsius and can even get cold during the night.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

You can convert your foreign cash at the following money changers:

Cnr Queen and Wellesley Streets

Cnr Hurstmere and Lake Roads, Takapuna

45 Queen St, 268 Queen Street, Cnr Queen & Victoria Street

Thomas Cook

159 Queen Street

TravelEx NZ

Domestic & international airport.

1NZD = 34.41PHP

INTERNET IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

While free Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants, availing a local sim card will probably one of your cheapest options. During my stay, I bought a 20 NZD (PHP 680) Vodafone sim card with a reasonable amount of internet good for one week. For add-ons, 500MB data is available for 12 NZD (PHP 410), while 1GB data is available for 20 NZD (PHP 680). You can top up at a nearby Alfa Mart or any convenience store.  You may also rent a Wi-Fi router like Flytpack.

PLACES TO SEE IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

1.  mt eden.

Mt Eden or “Maungawhau”, the ‘Mountain of the Whau tree’ in the Maori language, is considered as one of the highest natural point in Auckland. The mountain that was once a volcano, erupting 15,000 years ago, formed a huge 50-metre deep crater known as the food bowl of Maotaho, and is considered a sacred Maori place. The mountain is also famous for picnics and day hikes with breathtaking views of Auckland at the summit.

Admission: FREE

Opening Hours : The summit gate is open daily from 7: 00 AM -8:30 PM in summer and 7:00 AM -7:00 PM in winter.

How to get to Mt. Eden

From Downtown Britomart, Take the Metro bus number 274 or 277. Buses are available from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM and leaves every 15 minutes. On Saturdays and Sundays, buses leave approximately every 30 mins.

You can travel to Mt Eden using the Western line of the rail network servicing Auckland. From the Mt Eden station, there will be a 1.7 km walk to the park.

2.  Waiheke Island

With just about 40min ferry ride from Downtown Auckland, Waiheke Island boasts stunning beaches, wineries, vineyards, bohemian artists, olive groves, restaurants and some great activities like wine tours, archery, kayaking, zip lining, mountain biking, horseback riding, and paddle boarding. Also, the island produces some of New Zealand’s best wines. If you are planning a day trip on the island, Mudbrick’s rose is definitely a must-try!

**Tour rates start at $100 depending on the activity 

How to get to Waiheke Island

Fullers & Explore Ferries depart regulary from downtown Auckland to Matia Matia Bay, Waiheke.  Return Fares are as follows:

CHILD (5-15yrs old) $18

FAMILY (2 Adults and up to 4 children, or 1 Adult up to 5 children) $98

**Children under 5 years old are free on the ferries.

3.  Sky Tower

Standing 328 meters tall in the heart of Auckland is the Sky tower, an iconic structure that provides a bird’s-eye view of the whole city. With a 360 degree panoramic view stretching from up to 80 kilometers in every direction, this place is a perfect side trip on your day trip Auckland Itinerary. Whether you want to view the city 220 meters above sea level or you are craving for some adrenaline pumping activities like bungee  jumping, heading to the Sky Tower is always worth your time.

Opening Hours: 9am-10pm daily

Sky Tower Admissions:

Single Entry

Child (6-14yrs old) $11

Children under 5 years are free

Activities: 10am-6pm Daily

Backpacker with ID $195

Child (10-15) $175

Backpacker with ID $125

Child (10-15) $115

4.  Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium

Journey through 10 themed zones with over 30 live animal displays and see over 80 different species. Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium offer a unique Southern Ocean experience for tourists looking for a nice day trip in Auckland. Here, you can see up close some playful Gentoo penguins, come face to face with sharks, giant stingrays, sea horses and other sea creatures.

Opening Hours: 9:30am-5pm Daily (last enry at 4pm)

**Children below 2 years old are free

+64 9 531 5065

www.kellytarltons.co.nz

How to get to Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium

The Auckland Hop-on-Hop-off explorer buses offer tours that pass by Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium. For Bookings and more details visit www.explorerbus.co.nz

5.  Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki

Home to New Zealand’s largest collection of local and international art, the gallery is a great place to immerse yourself in some of the country’s most inspiring visual masterpieces. Enter between majestic kauri columns and take a journey through New Zealand’s unique cultural history. Learn more about the country’s leading artists and key artworks by visiting one of Auckland’s iconic buildings, the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki.

Opening Hours: 10am-5pm daily except Christmas Day.

How to get to Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki

The gallery is just a 5min walk from Queen St via Wellesley st. E. It is near the Auckland Library.

6.  Queen Street

Probably the most interesting walks you’ll ever do in Auckland is to walk along Queen St. It starts from Queens Wharf on the Auckland waterfront to the Britomart Transport Centre and the Downtown Ferry Terminal. Also, together adjacent with High Street, here, you will find boutiques of local designers and some of Europe’s luxurious fashion houses. Restaurants, bars, and cafes can also be found lining up the streets.

WHERE TO EAT IN NEW ZEALAND

Tony’s steakhouse.

For 50 years, Tony’s Steakhouse has always been loved by locals and sought out by tourists. The place is known for a great selection of steaks and seafood. If you can’t make up your mind, go for the pepper steak! One of the bests. The average cost of dinner for two people is around $110.

Opening Hours: 11:45 AM-2:15 PM; 5:00 PM-10:00 PM

Address: 27 Wellesley Stret West, Auckland CBD, Auckland

Angus Steak House

Above all, the land of the long white cloud will probably fascinate you with steak dinners along with some of the best wines! And if there’s any place to have some of the best steaks in town, it’s in Angus Steak house. Serving their customers for almost 40 years, here, you get to choose your selection of Prime Angus beef, rack of lamb, Pork chop or Venison and have it cooked by their chef to your liking. Steak prices start from $39.90, includes salad bar.

Location : 8 Fort Lane, Auckland City

Opening Hours:

Lunch (Mon-Fri) 12:00 PM-2:30 PM

Dinner (Mon-Sun) 5:00 PM-11:00 PM

Little Mexico Cantina

Opening Hours: 11:00 AM-2:00 PM, 4:00 PM -11:00 PM

Address : 15-31 CBD, Auckland, Wellesley Street West, Auckland

Love coffee or craving for some gelato? Head straight to Mellow!!! Don’t forget to try the Chocolate shaved ice! The best one we ever tasted! Prices start from $3.5

Opening Hours: 9: 00 AM -10:00 PM

Address : 42B High Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010

WHERE TO SHOP IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

Queen Street is where you will find most shops in Auckland. You can checkout Britomart or venture up to Vulcan Lane and into the High Street for some fantastic boutiques and other specialist stores. At Ponsonby Road, you can also find great cafes, cool restaurants, and some craft shops. If you are looking for great bargains, definitely head straight to Dress Mart in Onehunga or explore Sylvia Park, one of the largest shopping malls in New Zealand where you will find more than 200 outlet stores.

151 Arthur St, Onehunga

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM -5:00 PM daily, 10:00 AM -7:00 PM on Thursdays

How to get to Dress Mart

You can board the free Tourist Shuttle Bus to Dress Mart at pickup/drop off locations within the CBD area, including: Langham, Rendezvous, 77 Victoria Street West, 175 Queen Street, and Mercure. Shuttle runs Monday to Friday only with a total of 4 trips per day.

Sylvia Park

286 Mount Wellington Hwy, Mount Wellington,

Auckland 1060, New Zealand

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM -7:00 PM Daily, Thursdays & Fridays at 9:00 AM -9:00 PM

How to get to Sylvia Park

You can catch the Outerlink Buses (orange) that leave 25 Symonds St every hour or opt to take a cab which will probably cost you around $40-$50

WHERE TO STAY IN AUCKLAND NEW ZEALAND

Whether you prefer the comfort of a hotel or you just want a budget hostel, you can find a lot of options in Auckland.

For Backpackers, I highly recommend Nomads Hostel. They offer the cheapest accommodations for a dorm-type room.

Nomads Hostel

16-20 Fort Street, Auckland, New Zealand 1010

Check room rates and book a room here

For hotels, Grand Millenium is a nice place with a strategic location—walking distance to the nearby shops and restaurants.

Grand Millennium Hotel

71 Mayoral Dr, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand

SAMPLE BUDGET FOR AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND TRIP

AVERAGE DAILY BUDGET: $70-$200

Hostel accommodations in Auckland are usually around $22-$40. A minimum $15-$20 is enough for food and beverages per day. You can have a burger meal for $5, although steak and wine dinners would probably cost you more. Your fare allowance depends on the destination, but a $30-$50 allowance per day should be more than enough (if you avoid taking a cab). The activities are what’s really going to hurt your pocket. It starts from $90-$400 from the basic wine tours to sky diving and seaplane tours. On the brighter note, there are a lot of free activities you can try around the city like hiking and museum tours. But then again, you are in New Zealand, your life is awesome, go out there and live life to its fullest!

SUGGESTED AUCKLAND NEW ZEALAND ITINERARY

Budget travel tips for auckland, new zealand.

⊗  Buy food from the bigger supermarkets than the smaller ones. It’s a lot cheaper!

⊗  If you are planning to stay at Nomads Backpacker’s Hostel, book your room 5 days prior to your visit. They are always fully booked so better do your reservations as early as possible. Online bookings also offer discounts than bookings done through walk-ins.

⊗  Do your food shopping just before closing time in the supermarket. Fresh items are suddenly on sale!

⊗  Ditch the google map and use the Sky Tower as reference point when exploring the city. You can save your data allowance and you will then realize that the city isn’t that big.

⊗  Don’t hesitate to ask around, the kiwis are very friendly and approachable.

⊗  Buy a local sim card instead of using roaming. 2degrees sim cards are the cheapest, however, Vodafone simcards  provides the fastest internet.

⊗  Check the season of your time of visit so you’ll know what clothes to pack.

⊗  For midnight strolls, you’ll love Queen St.

ABOUT THE WRITER AND PHOTOGRAPHER:

Hannah Cepe is a 22 year old Fine Art Photographer and solo traveler based in Manila, Philippines. Born with a keen eye for the arts and a passion towards photography, Hannah dreams of traveling the world and creating stories through her photographs.  Follow her adventures on Instagram @hannahcepe.

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Cheap flights from the Philippines to New Zealand from ₱22,654

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Manila Ninoy Aquino Intl Auckland Intl

Manila Ninoy Aquino Intl

1 stop 36h 35m

Auckland Intl

1 stop 15h 40m

1 stop 31h 50m

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1 stop 27h 15m

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2 stops 34h 35m

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2 stops 32h 45m

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Get insights into the airlines that provide service to new zealand. read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to new zealand. reviews last updated may 3, 2024., peruse reviews from past customers who have flown with china eastern, malaysia airlines and china southern from philippines to new zealand to help guide your decision. you can also see how each airline compares in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process..

Entertainment

I went to airport at 8;30 pm really to check in but they didn’t let me go they said my ticket had problems …I confused asked them check out to office help me please but they said they can’t ! beg them help😭They told me if want to fly now need buy another ticket $ 3585 or want go tomorrow $1889 OMG it’s terrible I cried and asked them could you help me find another ticket cheaper I need to go back home on time he stand up said NO if you want cheap go buy another plane ✈️ I did ! I bought ticket of American Airlines is $980 ! I came home now ! Please 🙏 check out about my problems it’s terrible for travelers! I am so tired and very disappointed ! Own business in USA 🇺🇸 I understand how to take care of customer services it’s very important ! Please 🙏 check out on them be fair for customer satisfaction ! By that time I spoke with them Vietnamese language and English too but they try to making money 💴 from me it’s very poor! So sad 😭 for vacation! Please 🙏

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from philippines to new zealand. access travel guides, tips, and recommendations to enhance your travel experience. get information about local attractions, weather, transportation options, and more., can i find flights from philippines to new zealand for under ₱36,900 on cheapflights.

Yes, there are multiple flights from Philippines to New Zealand for under ₱36,900. The cheapest flight booked recently is on Multiple Airlines for just ₱36,841, but on average you can expect to pay ₱40,388.

Are there last-minute flights available from Philippines to New Zealand for under ₱39,200?

There are currently 17+ open flights from Philippines to New Zealand within the next 7 days for less than ₱39,200.

What does MNL to AKL mean?

MNL and AKL are unique codes to identify airports used in the aviation industry. They are defined by IATA (International Air Transport Association) and are commonly called IATA codes. MNL to AKL refers to a flight route from Manila Ninoy Aquino Intl Airport to Auckland Intl Airport. Christchurch Airport (CHC), Wellington Airport (WLG), Queenstown Intl Airport (ZQN), Dunedin Airport (DUD), Nelson Airport (NSN) are some additional IATA codes for airports related to your trip.

Can I find deals for flights from Philippines to New Zealand that include extra baggage allowance?

The amount of baggage you can bring on your Philippines to New Zealand flight depends on the airline and the type of fare you've chosen. After entering your flight details, you'll be able to view the specific baggage policies for each deal in the search results. Keep in mind that certain deals may offer additional baggage allowance.

Can I find deals on flights from Philippines to New Zealand with specific airlines?

Yes, Cheapflights allows you to browse and filter Philippines to New Zealand flight deals by airline. After entering your origin and destination, use the available filters to view flights offered by airlines.

Can I find deals for flights from Philippines to New Zealand that include hotel bookings?

Yes. In addition to deals on Philippines to New Zealand flights, Cheapflights offers vacation packages that include both flights and hotel.

How can I find direct flights from Philippines to New Zealand?

After entering your origin and destination, apply the non-stop filter on the search result page to find direct flights from Philippines to New Zealand.

Can I find deals for business class flights from Philippines to New Zealand?

Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from Philippines to New Zealand by cabin class. In addition to browsing deals, you can also filter by cabin class on the search results page after making a search.

Can I find deals for flights from Philippines to New Zealand that allow pets onboard?

Many airlines flying from Philippines to New Zealand offer the option to travel with pets. After selecting a flight deal, you can find more information about the airline's pet policy on their official website or by contacting the airline directly. Please note that additional fees and restrictions may apply.

Can I find deals on last-minute flights from Philippines to New Zealand?

Yes, you can often find last-minute deals on Philippines to New Zealand flights on Cheapflights. However, these deals can vary and may not always be available. We recommend checking back frequently or signing up for price alerts for the most up-to-date deals.

How recently were the Philippines to New Zealand flight deals updated?

The Philippines to New Zealand flight deals you see on this page were last updated on 5/3.

Browse thousands of different options on Cheapflights for your next trip

Toggle through the tabs below to find thousands of options on cheapflights for your next trip., top 10 airlines flying from philippines to new zealand, discover the top 10 airlines that operate flights from philippines to new zealand. compare their services, reliability, and customer satisfaction ratings to choose the airline that best suits your travel preferences and needs. over the last 7 days, cheapflights users made 322,418 searches. data last updated may 3, 2024., popular flight searches, check out other popular destinations found by fellow travelers in 2024, search flights from philippines to new zealand by cabin class, find flights from philippines to new zealand, based on your preferred cabin class, be it economy, premium economy, business, or first class., book a flight to one of these trending destinations, user searches for flights to these destinations increased 20% or more in the past 90 days compared to other destinations, fly with cheapflights, find the best flight deals on cheapflights, where travelers can enjoy low prices and a wide availability of flights to their desired destinations., how does cheapflights help users find flights from philippines to new zealand.

Cheapflights goes through 900+ travel sites to look for the best flight deals for flights from Philippines to New Zealand. Too many options? Cheapflights also provides filters for things like airlines, price ranges, and number of stops to help you make a decision easily.

Why should you use Cheapflights to find cheap flight tickets from Philippines to New Zealand?

Cheapflights taps into our reliable network of hundreds of airlines and travel agencies to find the best deals for flights from Philippines to New Zealand for you. Better yet — we are completely free to use.

Can Cheapflights find flights from Philippines to New Zealand with no change fees?

Users can book flights with no change fees policies with our dedicated filters. Book flights from Philippines to New Zealand flexibly with Cheapflights today.

Can Cheapflights notify me if prices for flights from Philippines to New Zealand become cheaper?

Yes, and it’s super simple to set up. Click the bell icon next to the flight deals above and provide a valid email address to enable Price Alerts. That’s it!

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