Trip Cost to New Zealand: Is New Zealand Expensive for Travelers?

A trip cost to New Zealand is a high-demand inquiry among enthusiastic travellers, who are fascinated with the mountains, coastlines, and fiords of this country. Your New Zealand budget can vary based on different factors, including whether you’re visiting the country solo or with someone else, whether you’re renting a vehicle and of what kind, what time of the year you’re travelling, and much more. Check a fast insight into the New Zealand journey to know what amount of funds is necessary for budget, mid-range, and luxury travellers.

Your Guide to Trip Cost to New Zealand

By getting a bit of insider knowledge, you can enjoy the best of New Zealand without blowing your budget. Learn how much you will need to spend on accommodation, flight, transport, food, and activities.

Accommodation

One of the first things to think about when you calculate a trip cost to New Zealand is where you want to live. Accommodation variants range from free campgrounds to luxury lodges accessible only by helicopter. Check the top choices and the needed budget to rent them in the table.

Accommodation Type	Price Range	Short Description
Camping	Free – $25 per person a night	The cheapest way to travel is a campervan, which allows you to sleep conveniently anytime and anywhere. You can also explore a map with free campgrounds provided by the Department of Conservation (DOC).
Hotel/Motel	$150 – $400 per person a night	Most motels and hotels in New Zealand have decent quality, even the budget choices. They are clean and come with free Wi-Fi. Lots of accommodations will give you free milk in the fridge.
Premium Penthouse	$600 – $1,200 per person a night	The best choice for those who are loaded with cash. The experience includes floor-to-ceiling windows with harbour views, private balconies, high-end appliances, access to the gym, and much more. These accommodations often come with a manager, who can arrange everything from restaurant reservations to helicopter tours.

Flight

The flight to New Zealand takes up a big chunk of the travel budget. The final price will change depending on how far away the country you are visiting from. Generally, the cheapest ticket in the off-season (spring or fall) will cost around $1,000. A ticket in summer or winter will cost approximately $1,700 or even more.

Public Transport

One of the biggest challenges of travelling across New Zealand is transport. You can hire a car for $50 – $80 a day from services like Snap Rental, Avis, and Jucy. Try to avoid renting Toyota Aquas as these are the most stolen and busted-into cars in this country.

Another alternative is to hire a campervan or motorhome for $100 – $400 a day. This will help you save up on your accommodation. You can also consider using the bus network, Intercity. Their services aren’t frequent but reliable.

Food

Groceries in New Zealand are rather expensive. You might spend up to $200 a week to cook a well-balanced meal that includes fresh fruits or vegetables. A lunch at the café will cost approximately $25 – $30, while a dinner in the restaurant will come at a price of $30 – $35.

The cheapest market in New Zealand is Pak’n Save. You can preserve your funds by signing up for the supermarket discount card. Reusable cups and bags will also help save up a little bit.

Activities

The most anticipated part of the trip to New Zealand is the various activities you can try there. See the list of the top comings and goings you can pay for:

• Hobbiton ($55 or Family Pass that includes two adults and two children for $150);
• Milford Sound Cruise (a basic cruise for $50 – $70 or a premium cruise with lunch for $85 – $110);
• Shuttle for Hiking Tongariro Alpine Crossing ($25 – $30 for one way);
• Entry and Spa Access at Hell’s Gate in Rotorua ($55 for entry and spa access, $75 for mud bath + spa package, and $90 for guided tour + spa package);
• A Full-Day Kayak/Hike in Abel Tasman National Park ($120 – $150 for tours with a guide or $85 – $100 for self-guided tours);
• One-Hour Kayak Rental in Wanaka ($25 – $30 for single kayak or $40 – $45 for double kayak);
• Half-Day Mountain Biking Rental in Ohakune ($35 – $40 for basic bike and $55 – $60 for premium bike);
• Ferry and Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tickets for Waiheke Island ($30 – $35 for a ferry return ticket and $25 for a hop-on-hop-off bus day pass).

Some places can be visited for free for those with a limited budget. For example, national parks, thermal springs, beaches, public/botanic gardens, free museums/galleries, art installations, and more.

Don’t Miss This YouTube Video

To those who wonder «Is New Zealand expensive?» and those who are interested in the best destinations in the country, there is a YouTube video available. Stacey and Dane will discuss transport, timing & season, and recommended routes. They will also highlight the best places in North Island and South Island.

Money-Saving Tips

After all the talk about possible expenses, let’s see how you can save up your money. Smart travelling is not about skipping experiences but about being able to efficiently plan your adventure and knowing how to reserve your money for future needs:

• Avoid Peak Tourist Seasons. During summer months, prices in New Zealand are 20% or even 30% higher than usual. You can save up noticeably by setting out on your journey during March-May or September-November.
• Plan and Book Well in Advance. Register on the Booking platform and keep an eye on the cheapest apartments with free cancellation. Consider packing as light as you can to save up money when you purchase a flight ticket.
• Decide Where You Would Like to Eat. Think about booking an apartment with a kitchen where you can make your own meals. Gather information about the cheapest restaurants in New Zealand with delicious dishes. For example, Eden Noodles Café, Sunflower Thai, or Aunty Mena.

Concluding Points About Trip Cost to New Zealand

Hopefully, this guide has answered your question «Is New Zealand expensive?». All in all, the country is pretty high-priced because you will need to less than $3,000 for a weekly trip with every convenience. Plus, you might want to make these days very action-packed and this will also add to the cost. However, there are also ways to save up for people who dream about their New Zealand trip and are ready to compromise their comfort a little bit.

Frequently Asked Questions