New Zealand: a traveller’s paradise. But, unfortunately, not always a cheap paradise.
However, there is no need to despair. Savvy travellers who adopt the right attitude will find New Zealand to be an affordable destination and will find priceless, timeless rewards once they get here.
Take a look at our guide and build your solid two week budget for your New Zealand trip.
Eating
Standard breakfast: NZ$8
Basic lunch for two, in Auckland CBD, including drink: NZ$36
Higher end lunch for two: NZ$46
Basic lunch for two, including drink (average South Island): NZ$18
Basic lunch for two, including drink (average North Island): NZ$14
Image via New Zealand
Drinking
Coffee: NZ$5.00
Pint of beer at Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour (expensive area): NZ$10.31
Pint of beer in Auckland (average): NZ$6.90
Pint of beer in Christchurch (average): NZ$7.04
Pint of beer in Wellington (average): NZ$4.38
Pint of beer in Waiuku (North Island): NZ$2.65
Pint of beer in Ranfurly (South Island): NZ$5.08
Image via Flickr
Travel Insurance
Basic travel insurance (medical etc): Between NZ$18 and NZ$30 depending on cover level and excess
Including winter sports and gadget cover: Between NZ$40 and NZ$80 depending on cover level and excess
Travellers Autobarn also offer discounted travel insurance from World Nomads. Click here to learn more.
Fuel
One litre of petrol: NZ$1.89
Image via BP New Zealand
Top 10 Tours and Activities
Skyline Gondola (Queenstown and Rotorua): NZ$50 for two people.
Sky Tour (Auckland): NZ$55 for two people.
Waiheke Island Tour: NZ$202 for two people.
Milford Sound Trip: NZ$324 for two people.
Lost World Tour: NZ$708 for two people.
Jet boating: NZ$95
Massage: NZ$95
Bungy jumping: NZ$255
Skydiving: NZ$320
Image via Pixabay
Campsites
Average costs for campsites with no power: NZ$24
Average costs for powered campsites: NZ$26
Average costs for static caravan onsite: NZ$42
Average costs for cabins onsite: NZ$44
Remember to use Travellers Autobarn for discounted campsite rates in New Zealand, and visit our partners deals page to find out how much you could save with deals from our campsite partners.
Image via Flickr
Road Tolls
Most roads in New Zealand are usable with no charge. However, there are a few roads which require a toll to be paid. Details of these toll roads are as follows.
Northern Gateway Toll Road (Car, motorcycle or light commercial vehicle 3.5 tonnes or less): NZ$2.30
Northern Gateway Toll Road (Vehicle over 3.5 tonnes): NZ$4.70
Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road (Car, motorcycle or light commercial vehicle 3.5 tonnes or less): NZ$2
Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road (Vehicle over 3.5 tonnes): NZ$5.00
Takitimu Drive Toll Road (Car, motorcycle or light commercial vehicle 3.5 tonnes or less): NZ$1.80
Takitimu Drive Toll Road (Vehicle over 3.5 tonnes): $4.80
No extra charge will be exacted for a caravan or trailer on any of New Zealand’s toll roads.
Currency Exchange
ASB Bank buys currency with no commission, but will charge 1% commission for selling. This will be charged at a minimum of NZ$5 for transactions worth NZ$50 or less, and a minimum of NZ$10 for transactions worth NZ$100 or less.
Other institutions will offer different rates.
Tips for Keeping Costs Down
Stay away from swanky hotels: Swanky hotels limit your reach anyway. Stick to the campervan and save money.
Make some time for some self-cooked food: There are lots of tempting restaurants in New Zealand. You should certainly sample these delights but make a habit of saving money by shopping in supermarkets and making your own grub.
Keep an eye on Traveller’s Autobarn: We pride ourselves on our tips and hints, so keep checking our site for any further cost-saving resources you may need.
Image via Travellers Autobarn – New Zealand
Fun Free Activities if You Are on a Budget
Eschew the Spa for a Natural Hot Spring
Just south of Rotorua you will find the Kerosene Creek, a charming, natural, and absolutely free, hot spring to bathe in. In fact, there are other spots in New Zealand which provide a similar, money-free experience, including Hot Water Beach in the Coromandel.
Explore Some Hollywood Scenery for Nothing
The Waitekere Regional Park is a seriously inspiring place, kitted out with the sort of rugged scenery and terrain that makes Hollywood directors swoon. What’s more; it’s free to explore.
Marvel at Some Intense Aquatic Tricks
New Zealand is a place in which water does not do what it is told. In the Milford and Doubtful sounds it plunges into jaw-dropping fjords, in Wanaka it forms charming pools of sapphire blue, while off Cape Reinga it fights a civil war as the waters of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean clash against one another dramatically. You won’t find ticket booths or door security here.
Image via Pampering Pages
You’re almost ready to go. Don’t forget to take a look at the deals you can find on campervan hire in New Zealand before you ship out.
If you are after more Budget Travel Tips visit our New Zealand Campervan Travel Budget Tips section…
SEE OUR CAMPERVANSAbout the Author
Bastian Graf
Bastian is the Sales & Marketing Manager here at Travellers Autobarn. He holds a Master of Commerce in Marketing and International Business Management, and 20+ years experience in campervan hire, road trips and travel.
