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New Zealand on a Budget
Have a road trip adventure to remember, Kaimai Ranges, Bay of Plenty

On a Budget

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If you’re travelling on a limited budget, New Zealand is the perfect destination, with plenty of inexpensive options for accommodation, transport and activities.


Long mild summers and the appeal of the great outdoors mean that camping is a hugely popular summer pastime for New Zealanders, as well as a great way to save money and enjoy a quintessential Kiwi experience. Whether you rent a campervan or opt for a good old-fashioned tent, either way you’ll find camping grounds are of a good standard and are often in prime natural locations such as beside a beach or lake. Pitch your tent, kick back and take it easy! If you prefer a more traditional roof over your head, backpacker hostels are another popular choice for budget travellers and can provide a great social experience to boot!

Getting around New Zealand is relatively easy, even for budget travellers. Rent a car or campervan for maximum flexibility and offset the expense of renting a vehicle by staying in less expensive accommodation. With a campervan, of course, accommodation is part of the package – load up the van and hit the highway for an unforgettable road trip adventure.

If you prefer using public transport, New Zealand offers a good network of coaches. Get the ultimate in convenience and maximum savings by purchasing a bus travel pass. To kick-start your New Zealand social life join a backpacker bus network and meet other like-minded travellers to share your trip with and become friends for life.

Walking is a great way to discover the country without spending money, and New Zealand has the kind of landscape that makes even a simple forest or beach walk feel like an extraordinary experience, but make sure you check out some of the more famous walks and hiking trails for truly unforgettable scenery. For a bit of culture you can visit many museums and galleries free of charge or for a small fee.

When it comes to eating on a budget, New Zealand offers a superb array of traditional and ethnic restaurants that will satisfy your taste-buds without breaking the bank. For a quintessential Kiwi experience you can’t go past eating take-away fish and chips on the beach! You can also save money by self-catering – there’s plenty of supermarkets where you can purchase fresh food at good prices.

On a Budget
On A Budget

Here's just a small sample of budget experiences around New Zealand.

Tane Mahuta
(Northland) – visit Waipoua Forest to see the world’s largest Kauri tree (www.kauricoast.co.nz).

Aotea Markets
(Auckland) – go shopping for bargains at these colourful city markets (www.the-edge.co.nz).

Hot Water Beach
(The Coromandel) – dig your own hot spa on the beach at low tide (www.thecoromandel.com/ hotwaterbeach.html).

Kuirau Park
(Rotorua) – see boiling mud pools, crater lakes and sulphur vents (www.rotoruanz.com).

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
(Wellington) – the unforgettable national museum (www.tepapa.govt.nz).

Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
(West Coast) – unusual rock formations and water spouts at Punakaiki (www.punakaiki.co.nz).

Kaikoura Seal Colony
(Alpine Pacific Triangle) – view a seal colony alongside SH1 (www.kaikoura.co.nz).

Larnach Castle
(Dunedin) – explore New Zealand’s only castle (www.larnachcastle.co.nz).

Te Anau Wildlife Centre
(Fiordland) – see rare Takahe and other birds (www.doc.govt.nz).

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