Is New Zealand Expensive to Visit? Your Ultimate Budget Travel Guide

New Zealand, with its stunning mountains, sparkling coastlines, and enchanting fiords, is a dream destination for many. Whether you’re hiking through Middle Earth, basking on golden beaches, or soaking in Māori culture, the country has an irresistible allure. But one question often lingers in the minds of potential travellers: is New Zealand expensive to visit?

Well, it can be – but like any destination, it all depends on how you plan. With a bit of insider knowledge, you can enjoy the best of New Zealand without blowing your budget. From affordable transportation to delicious eats and scenic adventures, this New Zealand travel guide will help you explore the land of the long white cloud without draining your wallet.

So, how expensive is it to travel to New Zealand? Let’s break it all down and see how you can make the most of your Kiwi adventure.

How Expensive Is Public Transport in New Zealand?

First up, how do you get around New Zealand? Luckily, whether you're exploring the urban jungle of Auckland or taking in the serenity of the South Island, there are several transport options, from buses and trains to rental cars and the occasional scenic ferry. But how much does it cost?

City buses in places like Auckland and Wellington are affordable and well-connected, costing around £1.50-£3 per trip, making them ideal for exploring city centres and suburbs. Intercity buses like InterCity and NakedBus are a budget-friendly way to travel between towns and cities, with tickets often as low as £10-£40. However, be prepared for longer travel times.

If you’re looking for an epic train journey, the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth is one of the most scenic train rides in the world. Tickets can cost between £60-£100, but the views are priceless.

In more rural areas or for day trips, renting a car or campervan is often the best option. Prices start at around £30 per day for a small car, and petrol is about £1.30 per litre. This gives you the freedom to explore New Zealand’s jaw-dropping landscapes at your own pace.

In total, expect to spend around £5-£10 per day on transport if you’re using buses and public transit, or more if you opt for car hire or long-distance trips.

How Much Is a Flight to New Zealand?

Flying to New Zealand from the UK is a long haul, but with some strategic planning, you can find affordable flights. So, how expensive is a flight to New Zealand?

From London: Return flights to Auckland, Christchurch, or Wellington usually range between £700 and £1,200, depending on the season and how far in advance you book.

From Manchester or Edinburgh: Prices are comparable to London, typically between £700 and £1,300 for a return ticket.

To snag cheaper flights, avoid peak travel times like December to February (New Zealand’s summer) and June to August (winter ski season). Instead, book for shoulder seasons like March-April or September-October. Set flight alerts on sites like Skyscanner or Google Flights to keep track of deals and consider using airlines like Qantas, Singapore Airlines, or Emirates for competitive fares.

The Cost of Accommodation in New Zealand

Whether you’re a luxury traveller or a backpacker, New Zealand has accommodation options to suit all budgets. Here's a quick overview of accommodation costs in New Zealand at the time of writing (October 2024):

Luxury hotels and lodges

If you're seeking five-star luxury, New Zealand won’t disappoint. From stunning lakeside lodges in Queenstown to chic hotels in Auckland, expect to pay anywhere from £150 to £500 per night for high-end accommodations.

Mid-range hotels and motels

New Zealand’s motels are a great option for affordable, comfortable stays. You’ll often find these are self-contained with kitchenettes, perfect for budget-conscious travellers who prefer cooking their own meals. Prices range from £50-£120 per night.

Hostels and backpacker lodges

For budget travellers, hostels are plentiful across New Zealand. A dorm bed costs between £15 and £25 per night, while private rooms are available for around £40-£60. Many hostels also offer free Wi-Fi and communal kitchens.

Airbnb and holiday homes

Airbnb is a popular option, particularly for couples or families. You can rent an entire apartment or house for £40-£90 per night, depending on the location.

Camping and holiday parks

For those who want to embrace New Zealand’s great outdoors, campgrounds and holiday parks are an affordable option. A tent site can cost as little as £10-£20 per night, and most parks offer clean facilities and scenic surroundings. Campervans are also a popular choice, and prices for campervan rentals start at around £30 per day.

Overall, for a budget-conscious traveller, expect to spend around £25-£70 per night on accommodation.

Is It Expensive to Eat Out in New Zealand?

New Zealand’s culinary scene is as diverse as its landscapes, but is it expensive to eat out in New Zealand? It can be, but you can also find plenty of affordable, tasty eats if you know where to look.

The Cost of Food in New Zealand

At high-end restaurants, especially in Auckland, Wellington, or Queenstown, you can easily spend £50-£100 per person for a fine dining experience. However, you don’t need to splash out to enjoy delicious Kiwi food. In fact, New Zealand’s love for casual dining and hearty meals means there are plenty of affordable options.

For a budget-friendly meal, head to cafés, pubs, or takeaway spots where you can grab a filling meal for around £5-£10. Kiwi favourites like fish and chips, pies, or burgers from Fergburger (a Queenstown icon) are affordable and delicious. You’ll also find a variety of international options, including Asian, Middle Eastern, and Indian cuisine, with meals costing £10-£15 at casual restaurants.

If you’re really watching your budget, supermarkets like Countdown and Pak’nSave offer great deals on groceries. A litre of milk costs around £1.30, a loaf of bread about £1.50, and fresh fruits and veggies are usually quite affordable, allowing you to cook your own meals for less.

Tipping in New Zealand

One way to save while dining out in New Zealand? Tipping in New Zealand isn’t customary. Restaurants don’t expect tips, and service charges are rarely added to the bill. If you receive exceptional service, you can leave a small tip (around 5-10%), but it’s entirely optional. This makes eating out in New Zealand a little more budget-friendly than in some other countries.

The Cost of Alcohol in New Zealand

Alcohol in New Zealand can be on the pricey side, especially in bars and restaurants. A pint of beer typically costs £5-£9, while a glass of wine will set you back £6-£10. Cocktails can range from £8-£15 depending on the venue.

Buying alcohol from a supermarket or bottle shop is cheaper. A six-pack of local beer will cost around £8-£12, and you can find decent bottles of New Zealand wine starting at £7-£15. Just remember, alcohol can only be purchased from licensed retailers, and the legal drinking age is 18.

Cheap Activities to Do in New Zealand

One of the best things about New Zealand is that many of its most stunning attractions are free or incredibly affordable. Here are some cheap activities to keep you busy:

National parks and hiking: New Zealand is home to 13 national parks, and they’re all free to enter. Popular hikes like the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Abel Tasman Coast Track, and Milford Sound treks offer world-class scenery without any entry fees.

Beaches: New Zealand’s coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches, from the black sands of Piha to the white sands of Cathedral Cove. A day at the beach is free, and many spots offer great swimming, surfing, and snorkelling opportunities.

Museums and galleries: Major museums like Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington are free to enter, and the Auckland Art Gallery offers a pay-what-you-can system.

Stargazing: New Zealand is one of the best places in the world for stargazing. Head to Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve on the South Island, where you can see the Milky Way in a whole new light.

How Much to Budget Per Day in New Zealand

To give you a clearer idea of what to expect, here’s a rough daily budget breakdown for a two-week stay in New Zealand at the time of writing (October 2024):

For a budget-conscious two-week trip, expect to spend between £770 and £1,820. Of course, this can vary depending on your travel style and how much you’re willing to splurge on extras like tours, adventure activities, and fine dining.

Manage Your Spending Abroad with Our Prepaid Currency Card

You’ve read the guides, planned the trip, and now it’s time to organise your spending. Avoid fluctuating exchange rates and hidden fees by ordering your New Zealand dollars in advance from Travelex.

Travelex Money Card

The Travelex Money Card, powered by Mastercard, is the perfect way to manage your money while travelling in New Zealand. You can load it with New Zealand dollars, lock in your exchange rate, and use it for contactless payments or ATM withdrawals. Since it’s not linked to your bank account, your money stays secure, and you don’t need to worry about exchange rate fluctuations while you’re on the move. Get your Travelex Money Card today from Travelex.

So, is New Zealand expensive to visit? It certainly can be if you opt for luxury lodges, fine dining, and guided tours. But with careful planning and these New Zealand travel tips, you can explore this incredible country on a budget. From free national parks to affordable transport, New Zealand offers a wealth of experiences for every traveller — without breaking the bank. Safe travels!