How Much Does a Trip to New Zealand Cost?

© NZPocketGuide.com

Typical Costs Before You Arrive in New Zealand

There are a few things to think about purchasing in preparation for your trip, from the essential flight ticket to the optional travel insurance.

The Cost of Flights to New Zealand

Because travellers to New Zealand are coming from all over the world, it would be inappropriate to give an average flight cost here. However, you can head over to How to Book a Cheap Flight to New Zealand for advice on reducing the cost of your airfare.

The Cost of Visas for New Zealand

• NZeTA (app/website) – NZ$17/$23
• IVL – NZ$100
• Visitor Visa – NZ$0-$441 (see the Immigration New Zealand Office and Fee Finder)

See NZ Tourist Visa: Do You Need a Visa to Visit New Zealand? for more details on these payments and which visa applies to you.

The Cost of Travel Insurance for New Zealand

Travel insurance varies from company to company with quotes typically made on a case-by-case basis. One of the best-value travel insurances we’ve found is Orbit Protect, based in New Zealand.

See How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance for New Zealand for more advice.

The Cost of Items to Pack for New Zealand

You might want to consider making a few purchases for your New Zealand wardrobe. Check out New Zealand Packing List: What to Pack for New Zealand for more advice.

© NZPocketGuide.com

The Cost of Transport in New Zealand

The cost of transport to get around New Zealand depends on what type of transport you’ve chosen. If you haven’t picked a way to get around just yet, start with the 10 Best Ways to Get Around New Zealand.

The cost of transport is also determined by the seasons, with summer showing the highest prices while winter offers the lowest. Get a more detailed transport cost breakdown in the 5 Cheapest Ways to Travel Around New Zealand.

Otherwise, the prices below give you an idea of the cost of travelling around New Zealand:

• Car hire/ day: NZ$30-$150
• 2-berth campervan hire/ day: NZ$60-$900
• Petrol/ litre (0.3 gallons): NZ$2.50+ (Check out weekly fuel price data on the MBIE website)
• Diesel/ litre (0.3 gallons): NZ$1.80+ (Check out weekly fuel price data on the MBIE website)
• Road User Charge (diesel tax)/ 1,000 km (621 mi): NZ$76-$82 (Check out the price per vehicle weight on the NZ Transport Agency website)
• Vehicle hire one-way fee: NZ$0-$1,000
• National coach bus/ 4-hour trip: NZ$30-$80
• Hop-on hop-off bus national pass/ year: NZ$1,600-$2,000
• Guided bus tour/ 10 days: NZ$2,600-$10,000
• Secondhand car (15+ years old): NZ$3,000-$7,000
• Secondhand 2-berth campervan (15+ years old): NZ$5,000-$17,000
• Cook Strait Ferry Crossing/ car + driver one way: NZ$175-$255
• Domestic flights/ one way: NZ$80-$450
• National train/ one way: NZ$240
• City bus travel/ zone: NZ$4
• City train travel/ zone: NZ$4
• Taxi fare start tariff: NZ$3
• Taxi fare/ km (0.6 mi): NZ$3.10

© NZPocketGuide.com

The Cost of Accommodation in New Zealand

The price range of accommodation in New Zealand is broad, from cheap campsites to luxury lodges.

Below, we have given the prices of accommodation that most travellers in New Zealand use, so you can work out the cost of a trip to New Zealand.

• Hostel dorm bed/ night: NZ$22-$48
• Hostel or holiday park double room with shared bathroom/ night: NZ$80-$110
• Hostel, motel or holiday park ensuite double room/ night: NZ$80-$150
• Motel self-contained unit/ night: NZ$135-$200 double/NZ$135-$300 family
• Hotel room/ night: NZ$80-$350 double/NZ$140-$450 family
• Family apartment or holiday home/ night: NZ$150-$450
• Camping rental package/ day: NZ$55-$115
• Holiday Park campervan powered site: NZ$22-$40 two adults / NZ$50-$95 family of four
• DOC campsite/ person per night: NZ$0-$20 adult/NZ$0-$10 child
• Freedom camping with a self-contained vehicle: Free

© Rent-A-Tent

Reduce the Cost of Accommodation AND Transport with Rent-A-Tent

While browsing through the prices for accommodation and transport, you may have realised that campervanning in New Zealand isn’t all that cost-effective…

Nevertheless, we’ve recently discovered an awesome alternative for budget-conscious travellers: renting camping gear with Rent-A-Tent! It’s not just about tents; they offer full camping packages to suit various needs. From the “1-Person Essential Package” with all the necessities for sleeping, cooking and cleaning, to the “3-Person Premium Package” featuring a spacious air-tent, comfy bedding, a comprehensive cooking kit, and thoughtful extras like candles, wine glasses and games.

What we love about this option is that it allows you to explore New Zealand’s stunning landscapes while keeping your accommodation and transport costs down. You’ll have the freedom to set up camp in some of the country’s most beautiful locations, waking up to breathtaking views that hotel guests can only dream of.

Be inspired by their suggested camping routes and check out their range of packages at rent-a-tent.co.nz.

© NZPocketGuide.com

The Cost of Food in New Zealand

Food is an essential factor in your New Zealand travel budget. Self-catering will save you greatly on the cost of travelling New Zealand, while eating out for most meals can be expensive.

See the prices below for an idea of the cost of food in New Zealand.

New Zealand Restaurant Prices

• Main meal: NZ$25-$45
• Cafe sandwich: NZ$6-$8
• Pint of beer: NZ$8-$12
• Small coffee: NZ$5-$8
• Fast food pizza: NZ$9
• Big Mac: NZ$9.80

Typical Shopping List Essentials

• 1 l (35 fl oz) of milk: NZ$2.50
• A dozen eggs: NZ$7.50
• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of rice: NZ$2.20
• 500 g (1.1 lbs) pasta: NZ$1.90
• A loaf of sliced bread: NZ$1.20
• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) cheese: NZ$10-$11
• 90 g (3.2 oz) dry freeze coffee: NZ$2.90-$13

New Zealand Fruit and Vegetable Prices

Note that the price of fruit and vegetables differs across the country and between seasons.

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of apples: NZ$5-$6
• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of bananas: NZ$3.50
• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of tomatoes: NZ$5-$13
• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of onions: NZ$3
• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of potatoes: NZ$3.50

New Zealand Meat Prices

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of chicken breast: NZ$15-$16
• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of beef mince: NZ$20-$26
• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of pork chop: NZ$17-$23
• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of lamb chop: NZ$20-$26

Learn more about grocery shopping in The Guide to Food Shopping in New Zealand.

© NZPocketGuide.com

The Cost of Tours and Activities in New Zealand

Activities in New Zealand range from free natural attractions and hiking trails to extravagant experiences like glacier heli-hiking and bungy jumping. Jump into the types of activities and tours available, starting with our 101 Things to Do in New Zealand: The Ultimate List. Otherwise, here is a quick overview of activity prices in New Zealand.

• Walking/hiking trails: Free
• Skydive from 15,000 ft: NZ$330-$520
• Bungy Jump: NZ$170-$345
• White Water Rafting: NZ$125-$300 adult/NZ$90-$120 child
• Jetboat: NZ$100-$280 adult/NZ$50-$205 child
• Dolphin swimming: NZ$220-$230 adult / $215 child
• Whale watching: NZ$165 adult/NZ$60 child
• Kayak tour: NZ$125-$170
• Glacier hiking: NZ$655-$750
• Cruise in Milford Sound: NZ$110-$145 adult/NZ$50 child
• Rotorua geothermal park: NZ$45-$90 adult/ NZ$15-NZ$45 child
• Horse Trekking: NZ$75-$220
• Canyoning: NZ$130-$500
• Hobbiton: NZ$120 adult/Free-NZ$60 child (See how to get a discount in this guide)
• Glowworm caving: NZ$180-$675
• Great Walk DoC hut/ night: NZ$25-$110 (See all of the Great Walk hut prices on the DoC website).

© NZPocketGuide.com

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cost of a Trip to New Zealand

Planning a trip to New Zealand and wondering about the expenses involved? Here are some frequently asked questions about the cost of a trip to New Zealand that might help you budget and plan effectively.

Is New Zealand expensive to visit?

New Zealand can be considered moderately expensive to visit, similar to other Western countries. The cost of your trip will vary significantly based on your travel style, the type of accommodations you prefer, your dining choices, and how much travelling around the country you plan to do. Activities and tours, especially those that involve adventure sports or guided experiences, can also add to the overall cost.

For more on the subject, check out How Expensive is New Zealand?

How much does a New Zealand trip cost?

The cost of a New Zealand trip varies widely based on factors like the duration of your stay, the standard of accommodation, your mode of transport, and daily activities.

On average, a budget traveller might spend around NZ$100-$150 per day, staying in hostels, using public transportation, and cooking most meals.

For mid-range travellers preferring private accommodation, some dining out, and regular activities, expect to spend around NZ$250-$450 per day.

Luxury travellers could easily spend over NZ$500 per day on high-end hotels, fine dining and exclusive experiences.

How much money do I need for 2 weeks in New Zealand?

For a two-week trip to New Zealand:

• Budget travellers could manage with NZ$1,400-$2,100, focusing on hostel stays, self-catering, and free or low-cost activities.
• Mid-range travellers might spend between NZ$3,500-5,900, enjoying comfortable accommodations, some meals out, and paid attractions or tours.
• Luxury travellers should budget for NZ$7,000 or more, depending on the level of luxury and exclusive experiences desired.

These estimates don’t include international airfare, so you’ll need to factor that into your overall budget as well.

What are some ways to save money while travelling in New Zealand?

• Accommodation: Consider staying in hostels, camping or using holiday parks for more affordable options. Booking well in advance can also secure better rates.
• Transportation: Renting a car and staying in affordable accommodations usually works out cheaper than renting a campervan and staying in campgrounds. Otherwise, look into bus passes for long-distance travel, which can offer savings.
• Food: Cooking your meals and picnicking can significantly reduce costs compared to eating at cafes and restaurants.
• Activities: Take advantage of New Zealand’s stunning natural landscapes with free activities like hiking, beach visits, and exploring national parks. Look for combo deals or passes for multiple attractions if you’re interested in paid activities.

For more ideas, head to the 20 Ways to Save Money When Travelling in New Zealand.

Do I need to tip in New Zealand?

Tipping is not customary in New Zealand for most services, including dining in restaurants, taxis and hotel stays. While not expected, tipping for exceptional service is always appreciated and left to the discretion of the visitor.