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11 Ways to Save Money When Backpacking in New Zealand

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Save Money When Travelling in New Zealand

Make the most of this precious gold! With so many fun adrenaline-pumping activities, vibrant eateries and bars, and souvenir jade necklaces to buy for all your family, it is easy to see those dollars slip away from your bank account. Backpacking is quite often a change of lifestyle for many of us but saving your money for the more important things in life will soon become the only way you want to live. Making small sacrifices to save money is well worth it in the long-run, so here are our ways to save money while backpacking in New Zealand.

Of course, to help you save more while travelling New Zealand, be sure to check out our other budgeting articles, such as the 11 Backpacker Tips to Save Money on Food and 15 Ways to Cut Down Your Expenses So You Can Afford to Travel.

1. It’s Who You Know

We don’t want to say sponge off other people but splitting groceries or laundry with a friend, using the perks of a friend’s job at a bar for a sneaky free drink, knowing someone with a car there are these little perks of making new friends while you are backpacking or staying somewhere in New Zealand for a working holiday. As any decent human being would do, try to return favours.

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2. Make Your Own Meals

While you eat away at your restaurant and takeaway food, the food is eating away at your bank account. Buying from a supermarket and cooking in your hostel or flat is much cheaper. For inspiration on what to cook, see: 10 Meals Easy to Cook in a Hostel.

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3. Use Discounts

When you stay somewhere for a while make sure to keep an eye out for discounts in leaflets, newsletters, loyalty cards and more. There are even discount cards that you can benefit from by being a backpacker! Find out more in the 7 Discount Cards for Backpackers in New Zealand.

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4. WWOOFing

A way of experiencing New Zealand while mingling with some locals is through WWOOFing. With WWOOFing you get free accommodation and meals in exchange for work. Check out Everything You Need to Know About WWOOFing in New Zealand.

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5. Take Cheaper Transport Options

Using the inner city bus links, national coaches and flights can be cheaper than taxis and fuelling a car for long journeys, as the average price of petrol is NZ$2.15 per litre and diesel NZ$1.41 per litre (2018). See more typical prices associated with transport and more in How Much Does it Cost to Travel New Zealand?

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6. Save Megabytes and Save Money

Free WiFi spots are hard to come by in New Zealand, so make the most of it when you have it. Otherwise, keep an eye on mobile data and use megabytes sparingly. Choose a cost-effective cellphone plan by taking a look at Cellphone Networks in New Zealand.

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7. Do You Really Need to Do Every Activity?

New Zealand has so much to offer in terms of activities, it’s hard to not sign up for everything (especially if you are on a hop on hop off bus). Make a plan of things you really want to do and stick to it. (And we’ll help you with that hop-on hop-off bus issue with How to Budget for a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Trip Around New Zealand).

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8. Go for a Walk

Trust us, going for a walk in New Zealand is a really good and free way to spend your time. Have a browse through our hiking section for inspiration. Plus, check out more activities in the 50 Best Free Things to Do in New Zealand.

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9. Find a Travel Buddy

Having someone to travel with means you can split the cost of food, transportation, get a cheaper shared room when flatting just flatting, in general, tends to be a cheaper accommodation option for a long-term stay. Additionally, make the most of 2-for-1 deals on activities.

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10. Work for Accommodation

Most hostels in New Zealand look for people to work in the hostel in exchange for a bed. This might include housekeeping, cleaning or working at reception. Find out more in How to Find Work for Accommodation in New Zealand.

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11. Find a Hostel with Good Perks

Perks might include free cycle hire to go exploring. A few hostels in East Cape, North Island will let you borrow a kayak, so take your exploration to the waters. Look out for those little extra comforts such as free breakfast and dinner or steam room and spa.

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Author

Robin C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before calling New Zealand home. He has now spent over a decade in the New Zealand tourism industry, clocking in more than 600 activities across the country. He is passionate about sharing those experiences and advice on NZ Pocket Guide and its YouTube channel. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides.

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