How to Save While Visiting New Zealand

Even though it’s a relatively expensive country to visit, traveling to New Zealand on a budget is easier than most people imagine.

Boasting 14 main national parks and dozens of regional parks, this country offers the best of both worlds. On top of indulging in 30,000 square kilometers of nature, tourists can enjoy all the perks of modern cities.

Out of these metropolises, 5 have bustling casinos for players to visit. In total New Zealand’s 6 casinos offer 147 table games and 2,772 slots machines. This robust lineup of games makes New Zealand impossible for any respectable gamer to miss.

Save While Visiting New Zealand

You can explore Aotearoa (the Māori name for New Zealand) without spending a fortune. With smart planning, local insights, and a few money-saving hacks, your trip can be both affordable and amazing.

To ensure that you have enough money to hit the main attractions, strategic adjustments need to be made to your trip. Thanks to the unlimited amount of activities at visitors’ disposal, there are countless ways to blow your budget in New Zealand.

For this reason, it’s important to do some research and create a plan before visiting. This is easier said than done, since there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to enjoying New Zealand cheaply. Everyone has different tastes, which means varying adjustments need to be made to accommodate your interests.

Even though the methods to save in New Zealand vary, there are a few sure fire ways to make your trip affordable. While picking the right time to visit and budget accommodations are no brainers, not all tricks are as obvious.

To showcase how to travel across New Zealand like a pro, we compiled a list of these essential tips. Prepare to get an intimate glimpse at tricks that many locals don’t even know about. There are always ways to save, so learn how to do so comfortably in New Zealand!

Top Travel Tips in New Zealand

Tip #3: Sign Up for Airline Email Lists – Even though most people are leery about giving up their email, this move can potentially save more than any other tip on this list. Depending on where you are traveling from, the airfare will be the most expensive part of the vacation.

To help mitigate the costs, sign up for the major carrier’s email lists. Air New Zealand and Qantas regularly have sales that can have a profound impact on your itinerary. With enough of a head start, you can provide the dates that you want to travel and they will alert you when a sale appears.

This simple step will help you save hundreds of dollars before setting foot in New Zealand.

Tip #2: Pick Your Departure Destination Strategically – If you are flying out of the U.S., most airfare deals revolve around Los Angeles and San Francisco. Even if you don’t live in California, purchasing a discount ticket to the Golden State is usually more advantageous than flying out of your hometown.

Set your email notifications with Qantas or Air New Zealand to fly out of LAX or San Francisco. Once the flight is confirmed, book a cheap ticket to your target airport with Southwest, Spirit or JetBlue.

The combined total will be much lower than blindly flying out of your local airport, which makes this small headache worth it!

Tip #1: Visit i-SITE’s and City Websites – No matter which area of New Zealand you are visiting, there are always ways to find seasonal deals. One of the easiest places to find out about local specials is going to i-SITE tourist offices.

Almost every city and village in New Zealand has one, and they are staffed by friendly people who will guide you to savings. From accommodations to tour discounts, their insight is invaluable.

You can also check for discounts remotely by visiting individual city websites. For example, Rotorua’s tourism site features dozens of deals that cover everything from spas to ferries.

There’s always a coupon code available for major activities, since most cities have seasonal deals to promote tourism. They change every month, so do a little research at each city to make your trip more affordable!

Some of the important ways to save while visiting New Zealand

1. Choose Budget-Friendly Accommodation

Accommodation costs can quickly eat into your travel budget, but New Zealand offers great options for every wallet size:

• Hostels and Backpacker Lodges: Stay at YHA, Base, or Nomads hostels — ideal for solo travelers or backpackers.
• Holiday Parks and Campgrounds: Perfect for campervan travelers. Top 10 Holiday Parks and Department of Conservation (DOC) sites offer scenic stays for just a few dollars per night.
• Airbnb and Homestays: Get cozy with locals, often cheaper than hotels.
• House Sitting: Use platforms like Kiwi House Sitters to stay for free in exchange for pet or home care.

Book early during peak summer months (December to February) to get the best rates.

2. Travel Smart – Save on Transport

New Zealand’s landscapes are best explored by road, but transportation doesn’t have to be expensive.

• Use InterCity Buses: Affordable and comfortable for city-to-city travel.
• Rent a Campervan: Save on both transport and accommodation. Check Jucy, Spaceships, or Britz for deals.
• Rideshare and Hitchhike: Local apps like Carpool NZ or Thumbs Up NZ connect you with drivers heading the same way.
• Buy a Fuel Discount Card: Pick up a free AA Smartfuel card for fuel savings at BP or GAS stations.

If you’re in Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch, use public transport passes like AT HOP or Snapper cards to save on fares.

3. Eat Like a Local and Save on Food

Eating out in New Zealand can be pricey, but you can enjoy delicious meals without blowing your budget:

• Shop at Supermarkets: Buy groceries from Pak’nSave, Countdown, or New World.
• Try Farmers’ Markets: Fresh, local produce at lower prices, plus a taste of authentic Kiwi life.
• Cook Your Own Meals: Most hostels and holiday parks have shared kitchens.
• Grab Cheap Eats: Try bakery pies, fish & chips, or Asian food courts for under NZD 10.
• BYO Restaurants: Some eateries let you bring your own wine, saving you on bar costs!

Tap water is safe to drink everywhere, so bring a reusable water bottle.

4. Enjoy Free and Low-Cost Attractions

Some of New Zealand’s best experiences are absolutely free:

• Nature Trails: Hike in Tongariro National Park, Abel Tasman Coast Track, or Mount Cook.
• Beaches & Lakes: Relax at Lake Tekapo, Piha Beach, or Cathedral Cove.
• Public Gardens: Wander through Auckland Domain, Wellington Botanic Garden, or Christchurch’s Hagley Park.
• Cultural Sights: Visit free museums like Te Papa in Wellington or the Auckland Art Gallery.

Check local councils’ event pages, many towns host free concerts, festivals, and markets.

5. Use Discount Cards and Passes

Save on tours, transport, and attractions with these handy passes:

• BookMe.co.nz: Find up to 60% off activities and tours.
• GrabOne Deals: Daily discounts on dining and adventures.
• i-SITE Visitor Centres: Get local coupons and travel advice for free.
• BBH & YHA Memberships: Save on accommodation and tours.

Always check if combo passes or family deals are available for popular attractions.

6. Save on Shopping and Souvenirs

Want to bring home Kiwi treasures without overspending then follow the below:

• Buy Local Products: Support local artisans at weekend markets.
• Duty-Free Shopping: Save at airport stores when leaving the country.
• Avoid Tourist Traps: Skip overpriced souvenir shops near major landmarks.

Look for affordable yet authentic gifts like manuka honey, jade (pounamu) jewelry, or local wines.

7. Manage Your Money Wisely

Currency exchange and hidden fees can drain your budget fast. Keep these tips in mind:

• Use Multi-Currency Cards: Cards like Wise or Revolut offer great exchange rates.
• Avoid Airport Exchanges: Get NZD cash at ATMs instead.
• Use Free Wi-Fi Spots: Available at libraries, cafés, and public areas in most cities.

Always check your bank’s foreign transaction fees before traveling.

8. Plan Ahead and Travel Off-Season

Timing can make a big difference in your travel expenses.

• Visit in Shoulder Seasons: March–May (autumn) or September–November (spring) offer lower prices and fewer crowds.
• Book Flights in Advance: Use comparison sites like Skyscanner or Google Flights for the best deals.
• Bundle Your Bookings: Combine flights, stays, and car rentals for package discounts.

9. Experience Local Culture for Free

You don’t need to pay for expensive shows to enjoy New Zealand’s vibrant culture.

• Attend Māori cultural festivals like Matariki.
• Visit community events or open-air performances.
• Explore heritage towns like Arrowtown or Napier for free historical charm.

Conclusion

Traveling through New Zealand doesn’t have to be costly. From exploring stunning nature walks and local markets to choosing smart accommodation and transport, every traveler can enjoy a rich Kiwi experience, without overspending.

With a little planning and creativity, you can save while visiting New Zealand, be its breathtaking scenery, friendly locals, and unforgettable spirit of adventure.