New Zealand is a big pull for adventure junkies. So much so that some say New Zealand’s national emblem should be a disclaimer form. But hiking a glacier or bungee jumping off a bridge can hit the wallet hard. Skydiving and heli-skiing don’t come cheap. Best to cut costs wherever possible and save your money for those once-in-a-lifetime experiences with a few of these money saving tips.
1. Travel at the right time of year
Seasons are reversed in New Zealand, since it’s located on the Southern Hemisphere. Peak travel times are December and January, when the weather is warm and the kids are out of school. Prices will be higher and beaches busier. It’s also Christmas time so airfares are especially pricey. In the fall (that’s spring for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere) the weather is still warm and prices much lower.
2. Choose one island and stick to it
Domestic flights can be expensive. The country is deceivingly large and gas prices are much higher than they are in the rest of the world. There’s also loads to see on both the North and the South Island. If time and money are an issue, stick to just one island.
3. Plan well in advance to get the best airfare
No matter where you live, New Zealand seems like the other side of the world. Flights don’t come cheap. The moment you begin thinking of traveling to New Zealand, subscribe to a few notification services to get a feel for what tickets cost. Prices fluctuate and sales happen from time to time. Check Air New Zealand and Qantas. The cheapest flights usually leave from California or Vancouver. Try booking a cheap domestic flight separately to get yourself to the West Coast. Exchange rates also fluctuate, which can influence airfare – it pays to wait for just the right moment to strike.
4. Buy groceries and make your own food
Eating out is pricey in New Zealand. Super cheap eats are few and far between. Get friendly with your hostel kitchen. If you’re staying in a hotel, get used to veggies, bread and dip, at least once a day. Dinner and drinks will cost about $50/person with table service, but you can feed yourself at the grocery store for between $35-50/week. Bottled water runs about $3.50. Skip it. Tap water in New Zealand is excellent. Get yourself a good reusable bottle and fill up anywhere you can. Say bye-bye to cheap plastic bottle and overpriced water.
5. Take the bus
There isn’t a lot of competition for domestic flights, which explains the high prices. New Zealand has an excellent bus system and fares as low as .75¢ if you purchase in advance. Start monitoring sales well before you fly to get the best deals, but be aware you can’t sleep overnight on busses in NZ.
6. Take advantage of free Wi-Fi
Internet is outrageously expensive in New Zealand. You can access it for free at most McDonald’s restaurants and public libraries. In Wellington, there are numerous free hotspots in the city center.
7. Spend happy hour at a hostel bar
Drinks are as low as $3 at this time. On average, drinks run from $5-7 elsewhere.
8. Work for free accommodation
Many hostels offer a bed in exchange for a few hours of cleaning, making beds or even performing administrative tasks.
9. Load up on sunblock before you arrive
Europeans and North Americans will find the sun far stronger in New Zealand than it is back home. Beauty products will be cheaper back home. Be sure to pack enough to keep yourself lathered up generously for the duration of your stay.
10. Bring along EVERYTHING you may need
Especially camping supplies. Outdoor gear is shockingly expensive by North American standards. In general, things are more costly here so make sure you’ve packed for the right kind of weather and that you’ve included all the books you might like to read (or your eReader if you plan to read a lot).
11. Skip the hotel
If you’re not so keen on staying in a hostel, many campgrounds offer cabins or smaller units comparable in price, even if you’re not camping. Hostels in more remote locations have a much nicer vibe than city hostels, and usually offer kitchen facilities for cooking. If you’re more an alternative type, try caravanning. Campervans are allowed to park anywhere in New Zealand. If you plan to stay a while, even a rental campervan is a lot cheaper than a hotel.
12. Look for a relocation deal when renting a car
Car companies often need someone to drive a car from one island to the other, and offer great deals to the person willing to go the distance. Call around and ask before paying top price.
13. Buy local wines from the supermarket or bar
Local wines and craft beer are far cheaper than the imported stuff and, more often than not, just as good or better. Conversely, foreign foods are usually cheaper than local cuisine. Indian curries and Chinese noodles are generally the best choices for cheap eats.
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