destination-nz.com

If you’re travelling on a limited budget, New Zealand is the perfect destination, with plenty of inexpensive options for accommodation, transport and activities.

Long mild summers and the appeal of the great outdoors mean that New Zealanders have a history of exploring their own backyard on no-frills road trips or hiking expeditions. In fact, the family camping holiday is practically a national institution! So the country is well suited to any traveller who wants to get the most out of their money. Hire or buy a tent or campervan and explore wonderful coastal landscapes or stop off at a South Island lakeside camp. Hiking in the back country is something of a Kiwi tradition – the Department of Conservation maintains a network of tracks, low-cost huts and camping areas to help locals and visitors alike experience our unique landscape.

Quality at a great price

Qualmark New Zealand is New Zealand tourism’s official quality agency – and it’s not just for high-end accommodation. There are categories for all kinds of accommodation, including Self Contained and Serviced (motels, apartments and holiday cottages), Holiday Home, Holiday Park and Backpackers. Grades range from 1- to 5-star for all styles. All accommodation that has been awarded a Qualmark has undergone a detailed assessment to ensure that it meets a minimum level of requirements in cleanliness, security and comfort. That means even operators with a low number of stars under the Qualmark grading system offer accommodation that is basic, clean and comfortable. Qualmark also offers Qualmark Green, rating businesses Gold, Silver or Bronze according to their sustainability, and giving you the ability to choose from a range of green accommodation and activity providers.

Freedom camping

Grab a camper and head for the great outdoors - but be responsible! Park in designated areas and leave them tidy and clean.

Accommodation

Quality, inexpensive accommodation options are easy to find in most New Zealand localities. From backpacker hostels to camping grounds, complete with cabins and sometimes motel units, there is a terrific range of budget accommodation in all parts of New Zealand. Some offer membership discounts.
Holiday Accommodation Parks of New Zealand www.holidayparks.co.nz
Top 10 Holiday Parks www.top10.co.nz
Budget Backpacker Hostels of New Zealand www.bbh.co.nz
Youth Hostels Association of New Zealand www.yha.co.nz

Eating & drinking

Produce fresh from farms and fisheries means that New Zealand’s budget cuisine is of the very best. Larger cities and even smaller centres offer an array of budget choices from ethnic cafés through to fish ‘n’ chip shops. Try cooking for yourself – fresh ingredients are available year-round at outdoor farmers markets. City supermarkets abound, but country prices may be higher so stock up before heading to isolated places. Remember to save a little money for those special Kiwi treats (like a great little wine) though!

Activities

There are lots of ways to make your money go further when it comes to finding things to do. Walking is a great way to discover the country without spending money – even a simple forest walk can feel like an extraordinary experience. Many museums and galleries may be visited free of charge. But don’t forget that unforgettable experiences like whale watching or bungy jumping are worth every cent! Find and use discount cards for great deals on these and other activities.
BBH Club Card www.bbh.co.nz

Self drive

Choose from one of the many budget self-drive options available around the country. Renting a car or campervan means maximum flexibility. A car enables you to stay in less expensive motels outside city centres. With a campervan, of course, accommodation is part of the package so you’ll only need to pay for a site at a camping ground. For a group of people travelling together renting a vehicle is a particularly cost-effective option. Check out licence regulations at the NZ Transport Agency website. www.nzta.govt.nz

Tours

Backpacker bus tours offer friendship, fun and a really great range of destinations and activities. New Zealand offers a good network of coaches. For ultimate convenience and maximum savings, bus travel passes are a good option, or join a backpacker bus network. Purchasing a pass usually allows you to hop on and off whenever you please and they often include discounts on backpacker accommodation and activities.
Magic Travellers Network www.magicbus.co.nz
Kiwi Experience www.kiwiexperience.com