New Zealand is the outdoor enthusiasts paradise. With a land mass the size of Colorado or Great Britain, it is the perfect size for a road trip. New Zealand, with its glaciers, fiords, mountains, aqua-blue pools, sand beaches and rugged shorelines can be quite a bargain destination. Read about five ways to ensure a budget kiwi holiday.
Stay in Hostels BBH or YHA
Hostels in New Zealand are plentiful and not reserved for backpackers. Couples and families are welcome. A private room for a couple costs about $75NZ (or $ 60US) A bed in a mixed dorm room costs averages ($25NZ). Kitchens are fully equipped, eliminating the need for restaurant meals. Good examples of BBH hostels with great private facilities are the Lazy Cow in Murchison and The Wanaka BakPaka in Wanaka.
Buy a hostel membership card, either BBH ($45NZ) or YHA ($42). This will save you $3/ person/night and offers other discounts for car rentals, ferry crossing, excursions and phone cards. So be sure to get the membership before you make reservations for a car rental.
Rent a Late Model Car from a Budget Rental Company
Car companies like Ace Car Rental and Nu car rentals offer significant discounts when late model vehicles are borrowed. Remember to use your hostel membership to save even more money on the rental cost. Additionally, renters can save on insurance costs by ensuring that they are covered by their own car insurance or credit card company.
Travellers who are visiting both the North and South Island should note that the cost of taking a vehicle on the ferry costs about $150 NZ each way. However, tourists can save money if they drop the car off at the ferry terminal and take the ferry as a pedestrian. Then a new rental is then picked up at the other end of the ferry.
Use the i Travel Information Centres
New Zealand has beautiful i Centres (tourist centres) that offer so many services that are beneficial to travellers. AAA maps and accommodation books are more than adequate and free. There is certainly no need for a GPS, as there are so few roads in New Zealand and navigation is rather easy.
The best tourist strategy is to visit a local i Centre at the beginning of each day. Tell them how far you plan to drive on a particular day and ask about hikes and attractions along the route. Workers will point out look-outs and wonders, along with the required time frame for each event. I Centres will tell you about treasures you would never have found otherwise.
Don't Eat Out
Hostels and almost all motels have cooking facilities in the units. Find a grocery store and pick up supper ingredients, as well as food for breakfast and car snacks for the following day. The bonus feature of hostels is the fact that many have free coffee, tea, oil and spices for public use. Preparing meals while travelling will cost a fraction of restaurant meals.
Just a reminder, when you do eat out in New Zealand, tips are not typical or expected. That said, if you still want to leave a tip, a small amount is greatly appreciated.
Skip Organized Tours and Guided Hikes
New Zealand has many natural wonders that are free for public enjoyment. Tourists who take advantage of i Centres, can be directed to seal colonies, waterfalls, caves and blue pools. Hikes are well marked and there are generally no admission fees to parks and nature areas. So save money for the Bungy jumping or a glacier walk. Don't pay for an attraction that can be visited independently.
Although it is usually expensive to get to New Zealand, travel within the country is economical. Besides the price of fuel, ($2.08/litre), car rentals, accommodations, entertainment and food prices in New Zealand are quite reasonable. Follow the budget tips above for a great, inexpensive road trip through one of the most scenic countries in the world.
Linda Wongkee - Linda is an online and print author. She writes about travel and education, her two passions!!
