New Zealand is a dream destination for many travelers. With its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural experiences, it’s no surprise why. But it can also be expensive. However, it’s totally possible to explore New Zealand on a budget if you plan carefully. Here’s how you can make the most of your trip without burning through all your savings.
Accommodation
Accommodation in New Zealand can take a big chunk out of your budget, but there are affordable options if you know where to look.
Hostels
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Hostels are a popular choice among budget-conscious travelers. Not only are they cheaper than hotels, but many also have shared kitchens, which can help you save even more by cooking your own meals. Dorm beds average between 20-35 NZD per night, depending on the location.
Couchsurfing
If you’re open to meeting locals, Couchsurfing is a great free accommodation option. Staying with locals is also a fantastic way to get insider tips on hidden gems and see New Zealand from a local’s perspective. Plus, host profiles come with reviews, so it’s easy to choose a safe and reliable host.
Camping
New Zealand is known for its freedom camping spots. Some campgrounds are free, while others may charge a small fee. If you don’t mind roughing it, this can be an adventurous and very budget-friendly option. Just make sure to check for rules and regulations in the area you’re visiting, as not all spots are available for camping.
Airbnb and Budget Motels
If you prefer more privacy but don’t want to splurge on hotels, look into Airbnb and budget motels. Outside major cities like Auckland or Queenstown, prices can drop considerably. Expect to pay around 60-90 NZD per night for a private room.
Food
Food is another area where your expenses can balloon quickly if you’re not careful, but there are easy ways to save here too.
Cook Your Own Meals
If your accommodation has a kitchen, take full advantage of it. Supermarkets like Pak’nSave, Countdown, and New World offer reasonably priced groceries. A week’s worth of groceries can cost as little as 60-80 NZD, depending on what you buy. Cooking your own meals can shave off a big chunk of your daily expenses compared to eating out.
Eat at Food Trucks and Cheap Eateries
If you want to eat out, opt for food trucks, takeaway joints, or budget-friendly cafes. Fish and chips, pies, and kebabs are all cheap and widely available. There are also plenty of Asian eateries offering big portions for small prices. You can usually grab a filling meal for 10-15 NZD.
Take Advantage of Lunch Specials
Many restaurants offer lunch specials that are much cheaper than their dinner menus. If you want to treat yourself without overspending, go for a mid-day meal rather than dinner. Look for restaurants in smaller towns, where meals are often more affordable than in touristy spots.
Transportation
Getting around New Zealand can seem pricey, but there’s no need to book expensive flights or car rentals—all it takes is a bit of planning.
Intercity Buses
Intercity buses are one of the best ways to travel around New Zealand if you don’t plan to drive. Companies like InterCity and ManaBus offer affordable long-distance routes. Keep an eye out for their special offers or book further in advance to lock in cheaper rates. A bus ride from Auckland to Rotorua, for instance, can cost as little as 20-30 NZD.
Car Rentals With Other Travelers
If you’re traveling with a group or made friends at your hostel, renting a car together can reduce costs significantly. Rental prices vary, but typically, you can find cars starting at 40 NZD per day. Be sure to factor in fuel and insurance costs. Splitting these expenses with others makes renting much more affordable while giving you more flexibility to explore harder-to-reach places.
Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking is surprisingly common in New Zealand and generally considered safe. While it’s more adventurous, it’s a free way to cover long distances if you’re patient and don’t mind waiting. Always trust your gut, and only hitchhike in daylight.
Campervans
If you plan on camping, renting a campervan could be a cost-effective transportation solution as it doubles as your accommodation. Prices for campervan rentals can start around 50-70 NZD per day in the off-season. Just be diligent about where you park overnight to avoid fines in unauthorized areas.
Attractions and Activities
New Zealand is naturally stunning, so a lot of the best things to do are free or extremely cheap. Here’s how you can fill your itinerary without blowing your budget.
Explore National Parks
With dozens of national parks to choose from, you’ll never be short of hiking trails and beautiful landscapes. Most national parks are free to enter, including famous spots like Fiordland and Tongariro. The Department of Conservation (DOC) maintains these parks, and they offer a variety of free activities like hiking, wildlife watching, and scenic photography.
Hike the Great Walks
New Zealand is known for its incredible multi-day hikes, called “Great Walks.” While the huts and campsites along the tracks are not free, shorter day hikes on sections of the Great Walks are completely budget-friendly. Trails like the Routeburn Track or the Abel Tasman Coastal Track offer jaw-dropping scenery with no entry fees if you stick to day trips.
Beaches and Glaciers
New Zealand has some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, and guess what? They’re free. From the black sand beaches on the west coast to the white sands of the Coromandel Peninsula, you can spend your days soaking in the sun without paying a single dollar. Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are also accessible via short, free walks.
Museums and Cultural Sites
While some museums have entry fees, there are many that are free or have donation-based entry. The Auckland Art Gallery, the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington, and many smaller local museums offer free excursions into New Zealand culture. Take advantage of these spaces to learn more about Kiwi history and the Māori culture without spending anything.
Lord of the Rings Locations
If you’re a fan of the Lord of the Rings, good news: Many of the movie’s iconic filming locations are free to visit! Hike up Mount Sunday (Edoras) or check out the stunning scenery of the Remarkables mountains. You don’t need a paid tour to appreciate the natural beauty of these places—just grab a map and start exploring.
Budget-Friendly Destinations
While larger cities like Auckland and Queenstown are amazing, they’re also more expensive. For more affordable stays, check out some of New Zealand’s lesser-visited areas:
Rotorua
Rotorua is famous for its geothermal activity, and while you’ll find paid attractions, there are plenty of free steam hotspots around town. Walk along the Rotorua Lakefront or stroll around Kuirau Park to see thermal pools and mud pools for no cost at all.
Dunedin
Dunedin is a student town with cheaper dining and accommodation options compared to larger cities. Visit the free-to-enter Dunedin Botanic Garden or check out the old Larnach Castle (there’s a small fee for entry inside, but you can walk the grounds free of charge).
Kaikoura
If you love marine life, Kaikoura is the place to visit. While whale-watching tours can be expensive, you can still see seals for free just wandering near the shore. There’s also the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway, which provides panoramic views of the coastline—and it won’t cost you a thing.
Final Tips for Saving Money
To make sure your trip stays within budget, here are a few final tips:
Travel Off-Peak
Traveling during the off-season (May to September) not only means cheaper flights, but many tour operators and accommodations offer discounts during these months. Yes, it’s a bit colder, but with New Zealand’s natural beauty, the views are just as incredible year-round.
Use Discount Cards
Several hostels and tour companies offer discount cards like BBH Membership or the YHA card. These cards can save you on accommodation, food, and activities while you travel through the country.
Work for Accommodation
If you’re thinking of staying in New Zealand for an extended period, some hostels offer “work for accommodation” programs. You can trade a few hours of your time each day to stay for free—a win-win for those looking to travel long-term on a very tight budget.
Traveling in New Zealand on a budget doesn’t mean you have to skip all the fun stuff. With some smart planning, you can have an incredible time without blowing your budget. Happy travels!
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