A Budget Travel Guide to New Zealand. — Savvy Dispatches (2024)

FAQs

How much money should I have to travel to New Zealand? ›

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.

Our tip: although the driving is great and the scenery spectacular don't try and fit too much in. Each region and destination has lots to explore and experience. To comfortably visit both the North and South Islands by road you will need at least 14 days.

As a guide, you can expect to pay between NZ$30 and NZ$40 for a main dinner course at most restaurants. However, at a high-end restaurant, you can expect to pay between NZ$40 - NZ$100 for a main dinner course. For lunch, prices range between NZ$15-NZ$29 at most cafes.

New Zealand is expensive to visit — these are the ways I save money on my travels. I've travelled around New Zealand in almost every way possible; by hire car, campervan, bus, in Airbnbs, hostels, hotels, campgrounds, and DOC huts.

Average price of flights to New Zealand by month

Currently, January is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight to New Zealand (average of $1,099). Flying to New Zealand in July will prove the most costly (average of $1,697).

The best time to travel to New Zealand largely depends on what kind of holiday you want to have, with the peak season (featuring the best weather) falling from December to February. If you're after snow, travelling during the winter months of June to August is the way to go.

The best time to visit New Zealand is during the summer months of December to March. Expect long, bright, sunny days and temperatures between 61°F and 75°F. It's an ideal time to visit the lovely beaches or enjoy the many outdoor activities available, such as hiking and mountain biking.

Expect to pay NZ$19 - NZ$40 for a main meal at a local restaurant, and NZ$30+ for mains at fine dining restaurants. A good hearty pub meal will be around NZ$30 for a main course. Drinks cost between NZ$9 and NZ$15 for a glass of wine (depending on what it is of course) and a beer will cost you between NZ$9 and NZ$15.

Should I visit the North or South Island of New Zealand? ›

While both islands have beautiful beaches, the North Island has more traditional white-sand beaches that are perfect for swimming. The South Island is where you'll find the Southern Alps, which includes glaciers and the country's largest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook.

Yes, credit and debit cards are a widely accepted form of payment in New Zealand for purchase at shops, restaurants, petrol stations and many more. There is no need to carry around a large amount of cash as you will be able to use the wide number of ATM's to make cash withdraws using your credit and debit cards.

Driving is one of the best ways to see New Zealand

New Zealand's stunning scenery makes for remarkable road trips and traveling by car is convenient and flexible, especially for visiting attractions away from main arterial routes. Many of the best-known national parks are remote, so you'll need a car to explore them.

If you come to New Zealand on holiday, you'll need to get either an NZeTA or a visitor visa — unless you're an Australian.

Visit Milford Sound. Touted as New Zealand's “Most Popular Tourist Destination” and even called the “8th Wonder of the World”, visiting Milford Sound is a must on your first trip to New Zealand.

If you're going to travel like I did, budget 200-325 NZD per day. This will let you travel carefree and basically do anything you want (within reason). Fly, take scenic trains, expensive ferries, scenic flights, drink expensive wines, and have expensive dinners – New Zealand is your oyster!

You must have enough money to support yourself while you are in New Zealand or have a sponsor. You may be asked for evidence you have enough funds to support yourself when you check in or arrive in New Zealand.

New Zealand Visitor Visa

Only 60 nations are free from the visitor visa requirement from New Zealand. Citizens must submit their guest visa applications online, which will cost between $100 and $125. After submitting your application, you must wait between 12 and 30 working days to acquire your visa.