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New Zealand , Solo Travel

Solo travel in new zealand: a complete guide (and honest thoughts).

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New Zealand is a fantastic destination for solo travellers. Full of breathtaking natural beauty, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and unique wildlife found nowhere else on earth, New Zealand is an amazing place for a solo trip.

I spent four months solo travelling in New Zealand. It’s become one of my favourite countries and holds a special place in my heart. In this post, I’ve shared all you need to know about solo travel in New Zealand. I’ve also included my honest thoughts on whether New Zealand is a good place for a solo trip.

Is New Zealand safe for solo travel?

When it comes to solo travel, it doesn’t get much safer than New Zealand. According to the 2023 Global Peace Index, New Zealand is the fourth most peaceful country in the entire world (after Iceland, Denmark, and Ireland). With friendly locals and a low crime rate, New Zealand is a great option when it comes to solo travel and solo female travel.

I spent six months in New Zealand. Four of these months were spent solo travelling, including two solo campervan trips . I never once encountered any issues. That’s not to say crime doesn’t exist in New Zealand, petty crimes such as theft are common in and around the larger cities such as Auckland. But overall, New Zealand is a very safe country for solo travel and one of the safest countries in the world.

Best time to visit New Zealand as a solo traveller

New Zealand is a year-round destination, but different seasons certainly have their benefits depending on what you want to see and do. From a weather perspective, New Zealand has four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Being in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are the opposite of what most people are used to. For example, December to March is New Zealand’s summer. The months of June, July and August are New Zealand’s winter months.

If you’re visiting New Zealand as a solo traveller, here are some things to consider when it comes to the best time of year to visit.

The summer months are the peak season in New Zealand. The lupins bloom, the days are long, and most activities are operational. Summer in New Zealand is a busy period which makes it a great time to meet other travellers.

However, if you visit New Zealand in the summer, both accommodation and activities will be a lot more expensive. It’s also worth noting that you’ll have little flexibility in the summer. Accommodation and activities need to be booked well in advance. If you want to have a fully flexible itinerary, the summer might not be the best time.

On the other hand, winter in New Zealand is the quietest time to visit (Queenstown aside). You’ll be able to be much more flexible with your itinerary. New Zealand in winter is a stunning time. The snow-capped mountains of the Southern Alps are truly beautiful.

However, the winter season in New Zealand comes with its challenges. Firstly, the snow on the South Island may limit some activities, including hiking. It also means driving conditions can be difficult.

Queenstown in winter is particularly busy because of the ski season, so be sure to book anything there in advance.

The shoulder seasons

Spring and autumn are the shoulder seasons in New Zealand. Think April, May and June and September & October. This is arguably one of the best times to visit New Zealand. Temperatures aren’t too extreme, and accommodation is slightly cheaper than the peak season.

As a solo traveller, you might find the shoulder season a little harder to meet people. But that’s not to say hostels will be empty by any means.

How to get around New Zealand as a solo traveller

One of the biggest challenges with solo travel in New Zealand is transport. Getting around New Zealand alone can be expensive and sometimes challenging. New Zealand is a vast country with limited public transport options.

Here are some options for getting around New Zealand as a solo traveller. If you’re not planning to rent your own vehicle, read my guide on how to get around New Zealand without a car .

By hiring a car or campervan

The best way to get around New Zealand is by rental car or campervan . New Zealand is a large country and while the major towns and cities are well-connected, you often need a car once you get there to see the attractions (especially if you want to hike).

Hiring a car also means you can take the scenic route between attractions. Many of the buses stick to the main roads. If you opt to hire a campervan in New Zealand, make sure it’s self-contained . This means you can freedom camp in New Zealand and save money on accommodation.

The downside to hiring a car or campervan alone in New Zealand is the cost. It’s a very expensive option, especially when you add in the cost of fuel. New Zealand is also a big country and there are some long drives involved. Doing this by yourself can be very tiring. I spent a week driving from Queenstown to Auckland as part of a relocation deal. It felt very lonely at times.

Read next: Planning a solo road trip in New Zealand? Here are 10 helpful tips

If hiring a car is too expensive or not something you want to do, another good option to get around New Zealand is to use the bus.

InterCity is the main bus network in New Zealand and connects most of the main cities and towns. I’ve spoken more about InterCity in my guide to getting around New Zealand without a car .

There are several other ways to get around New Zealand without a car. This includes the famous Kiwi Experience and domestic flights.

I’ve often seen people ask if hitchhiking is safe in New Zealand. Hitchhiking is perfectly legal in New Zealand (unlike Australia) and it’s a common sight around the country. It’s not something I would personally do as a solo traveller, but I’ll leave that up to you.

Group tours in New Zealand for solo travellers

If you’re nervous about solo travel in New Zealand, consider looking at a group tour. Group tours are a fantastic way to see the highlights of a country in a short amount of time. They’re a popular option for first-time solo travellers as everything is organised for you.

There are several small group tours in New Zealand . This includes tours from G Adventures and Intro Travel . The Kiwi Experience also have pre-organised group tours.

The cost of most group tours includes your transportation, accommodation, and some activities. Many activities such as sky diving or bungy jumping are an extra cost.

How long to spend in New Zealand

This is a really difficult question to answer. I spent six months in New Zealand with a goal to explore every corner of the country, but I still feel like there is so much more to see. It would be easy to spend just a few days exploring one of the cities, and it would also be easy to spend an entire year travelling around the country.

To see the best of both the North and South Islands, you need to allow at least four weeks. This would allow ten days to see the North Island and the rest of the time in the South Island. In an ideal world, I’d suggest at least two months in New Zealand.

If you’re tight on budget and time, two weeks in New Zealand is a sufficient amount of time to see the highlights of the North Island and the Queenstown area. For example, you could spend five days in Auckland and do some day trips from there. Then, head to Queenstown and explore the Southern Alps.

Pros of solo travel in New Zealand

I spent four months travelling solo in New Zealand. I had the absolute time of my life. It is a great way to experience the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’.

Here are some advantages of solo travel in New Zealand.

Full flexibility

Travelling solo in New Zealand allows you to have full flexibility of your schedule. You get to decide what you want to do and don’t need to worry about others. If you change your mind about an activity, it doesn’t matter.

New Zealand is a large and diverse country. There are many natural wonders, incredible hiking trails , adrenaline-fuelled activities and cultural attractions too. By travelling solo, you can pick and choose to do what you want to do and when you want to do it.

Meet new friends

Solo travel in New Zealand is a fantastic way to meet new friends. The hostels in New Zealand are very social (especially in the likes of Queenstown). I met many lifelong friends during my six months in New Zealand. When you travel with a friend, there’s not always a need to be social. 

Stick to your budget

In my opinion, one of the biggest advantages of solo travel is being able to stick to your budget. We all travel with different budgets, and that doesn’t always match the person you’re travelling with. Solo travel in New Zealand allows you to dictate your budget and stick to it. Want a bit of luxury? Great, book a hotel. Want to budget and stay in a dorm room? You can do that too. You have complete control of your spending.

Travel how you like

Travelling solo in New Zealand means you have complete control over how you travel. You can hire a car if your budget allows, hire a campervan, use the bus, catch a flight or join a group tour. It’s entirely your trip and you don’t need to compromise for anyone.

Read next: 10 Advantages of Solo Travel from a Solo Traveller

Cons of solo travel in New Zealand

While there are several advantages of solo travel in New Zealand, there are also some disadvantages. New Zealand is an epic destination for solo travel, but it’s not perfect by any means.

It’s expensive

It’s no secret that New Zealand is a very expensive country. Unfortunately, travelling solo can make this worse. I could only spend two months in a campervan as I was with a friend. There’s no way I would have been able to afford it without sharing the cost. Travelling with a friend means you can save money on transport, including petrol. It also means you can sometimes save money on food and accommodation depending on what you do.

Hiking alone

New Zealand is a haven for hiking lovers with some of the best hiking trails in the entire world. While hiking solo is something I encourage, it can be nerve-wracking at times. There are several hikes I avoided in New Zealand as I didn’t feel confident doing them by myself. This was because of large scree fields, avalanche risks and lack of phone signal.

Of course, this is a completely personal decision. We all have different confidence levels for solo travel and hiking alone.

Read next: planning to hike alone? Read my guide for solo hikes .

Backpacker scene

New Zealand doesn’t have the biggest backpacking scene. Sure, all the hostels I stayed in were friendly and social, but New Zealand isn’t exactly full to the brim with backpackers.

Away from the big towns such as Queenstown and Auckland, the hostels are a little on the quieter side. You may find there is only one hostel in a town and people tend to only stay for one or two nights. This can sometimes feel a little isolating and frustrating. You meet so many people but you are all going in different directions.

It can be lonely

Solo travel in New Zealand can feel a little lonely at times. While it’s easy to meet others, I found that everyone was on such a different schedule or itinerary that it was hard to stick together (compared to that of Southeast Asia). Plus, if you’re hiring a car or campervan, there will be some very long drives and doing this by yourself can be lonely.

Best places in New Zealand for solo travellers

Here are some of the best destinations for solo travellers in New Zealand. This is not a comprehensive list of everywhere to visit, but some of the best spots for those travelling solo in New Zealand.

Read next: Check out the 30 best places to visit in New Zealand’s South Island .

Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand. It’s also where the country’s main international airport is and a popular start or end point for a trip. You’ll find many other solo travellers beginning their adventure here. While in New Zealand, don’t miss a visit to the stunning Waiheke Island where you can relax on the beach or go wine tasting.

One of the best hostels in Auckland is Lylo . This modern hostel has a selection of dorm rooms with pods offering plenty of privacy. There are also private rooms, a social (and cheap) bar plus a chill-out area. It’s one of my absolute favourite hostels I’ve ever stayed in.

Taupo is a beautiful town in the heart of the North Island. It’s a very popular spot for backpackers and solo travellers with a lively nightlife and plenty of things to do . This includes visiting the famous Huka Falls and doing a sky dive over Lake Taupo , New Zealand’s largest lake.

Taupo is also the gateway to Tongariro National Park, home to the famous Tongariro Crossing . This is an absolute must-do while in New Zealand. It’s been voted the best day hike in the world and for excellent reason. The incredible hike takes you past other-worldly landscapes, including emerald lakes and volcanic craters. There’s nowhere else like it in New Zealand.

The best hostel in Taupo is Finlay Jack’s YHA . It’s a social spot with everything you need.

Queenstown is one of the best places to visit in New Zealand for solo travellers. Many people in New Zealand on the working holiday visa base themselves in Queenstown. There are several great hostels which make it very easy for solo travellers to meet others.

Aside from its beautiful setting, Queenstown is known as the adventure of the world. It’s a good place to tick off many bucket list activities such as sky diving, bungy jumping or a trip to Milford Sound (the Eighth Wonder of the World).

There are several good hostels in Queenstown. This includes Nomad’s Hostel and Black Sheep .

Wanaka is a great place to experience the beauty of the Southern Alps without the chaos of Queenstown. Known as ‘Queenstown’s little sister’, the beautiful town of Wanaka lies on the shores of Lake Wanaka. It’s surrounded by incredible mountains and is one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand.

The town itself is a fantastic spot for solo travel in New Zealand. It’s lively with plenty of things to do, but isn’t too chaotic. It’s the perfect spot to relax a little. While in Wanaka, consider hiking the famous Roys Peak , home to *that* famous viewpoint. If you want to avoid the busy trails of Roys Peak, consider the magnificent Isthmus Peak (which I prefer to Roys Peak).

One of the best hostels in Wanaka is the YHA . It’s a little outdated, but a social spot. There’s a courtyard just down the road with some delicious food stalls.

Christchurch

Christchurch is the biggest city on the South Island. Many visitors use this as a start or end point for their South Island trip without spending much time there. However, I loved Christchurch. It’s a great spot for solo travellers with lots of lively bars and a great food scene.

While in Christchurch, I’d recommend a visit to the International Antarctic Centre near the airport.

My favourite hostel in Christchurch is Hotel Give . If you want to stay near the airport, consider Lylo Christchurch .

Lake Tekapo

A visit to Lake Tekapo is a must on any solo trip to New Zealand. Granted, it’s not the liveliest of spots, but it is truly stunning. Lake Tekapo is surrounded by incredible mountains. It boasts magnificent natural beauty and is home to the famous Tekapo Hot Springs, the perfect place to relax.

Tekapo lies in the Makenzie Dark Sky Reserve and one of the best things to do in Tekapo is to go stargazing. You can opt to join a tour or simply relax by the lake and stare at the stars.

While in the Tekapo area, don’t miss a visit to Mount Cook National Park , home to New Zealand’s tallest mountain. It’s an area of true beauty with some great hiking opportunities, including the famous Hooker Valley Track . The trail takes hikers through the valley and past snow-capped mountains, blue lakes and across swing bridges with incredible views of Mt Cook.

Check out my accommodation and camping guide for Tekapo to discover the best places to stay.

Other areas to visit

New Zealand is filled to the brim with epic destinations. The ones mentioned above are especially good for solo travel in New Zealand, but there are many more well worth visiting if you have enough time.

Here are a few of my personal favourites.

• Bay of Islands : this is a fantastic spot for relaxing on the beach and seeing a different side of New Zealand. Think golden beaches and crystal-clear waters.
• The West Coast : the South Island’s West Coast is like nowhere else I’ve ever visited. This stunning, almost Jurassic-like coastline is filled with incredible viewpoints, glaciers, and rainforests. It’s also where you need to go to visit the famous Franz Josef Glacier.
• Coromandel Peninsula: located on the North Island of New Zealand, the Coromandel is a place of natural beauty. With endless rainforests and mountains, it has some great hiking trails, including one of my favourites – The Pinnacles Hike . The Coromandel is also home to the famous hot water beach.

• Kaikoura : this sleepy fishing town on the South Island is the place to be to experience some of New Zealand’s best marine life. You can swim with wild dolphins , see wild seals and take a whale watching flight . Kaikoura is truly a magnificent place. 
• Stewart Island : this remote island off the south coast is a haven for adventure and wildlife lovers. It offers an authentic ‘island life’ experience and is a great spot to see wild kiwis (and go shark cage diving) !

Tips for solo travel in New Zealand

Here are a few tips to help you with your solo trip to New Zealand.

Download Google maps

New Zealand is a large country and with so many mountains, it doesn’t have the strongest infrastructure. This means you can go for long periods without any phone signal whatsoever.

If you’re travelling solo in New Zealand, it’s a good idea to use Google Maps to download a map of the country offline. This means you can get directions without any service.

Stay in hostels

Staying in hostels is a great way to meet new people and get advice. The good news is that hostels are a common feature in New Zealand and can be found in most towns. If staying in a hostel dorm room isn’t for you, most of the hostels also have private room options.

Speak to the locals

New Zealanders are very helpful and friendly. They’re proud of their country and want to help others experience the best of it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice.

Facebook groups

There are several fantastic Facebook Groups about travelling to New Zealand. If you’re a solo traveller, they’re a good way to meet people and ask for advice. One of my personal favourites is NZ Travel Tips .

Travel Insurance

Make sure you have travel insurance before visiting New Zealand. If you’re a Brit, you’ll get reciprocal health care in New Zealand. However, this won’t cover everything and it’s still important to make sure you’re covered for all circumstances. My personal favourite Travel Insurance is True Traveller.

My honest thoughts: is New Zealand a good destination for solo travel?

New Zealand is a great destination for solo travellers. It’s certainly not the cheapest country on the planet, but it’s easy to meet people and is well set up for solo travel. 

Due to how expensive the country is, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it for budget backpackers, especially if you want to go beyond the towns. Budget aside, New Zealand is a fantastic place to solo travel. The natural beauty of this country is on a whole other level. With snow-capped mountains, incredible lakes, wild coastlines, dramatic volcanoes and lush rainforests, New Zealand has a bit of everything (even sand dunes).

It’s worth noting that New Zealand is a vast country. Some of the smaller towns can be a little on the quieter side when it comes to meeting others. Having said that, I do think New Zealand is a great place for solo travel (and I’ve travelled solo to over 30 countries).

If you’re considering a solo trip to New Zealand, I really could not recommend it enough. The six months I spent in New Zealand changed my life.

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New Zealand Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for New Zealand.

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Consider hepatitis A vaccination for most travelers. It is recommended for travelers who will be doing higher risk activities, such as visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where a traveler might get infected through food or water. It is recommended for travelers who plan on eating street food.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to New Zealand. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to New Zealand.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Dogs infected with rabies are not commonly found in New Zealand.

If rabies exposures occur while in New Zealand, rabies vaccines may only be available in larger suburban/urban medical facilities.

Rabies pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travelers 1) will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and 2) might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis.

Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.

For more information, see country rabies status assessments .

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil
• Avoid floodwater

Clinical Guidance

Airborne & droplet.

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in New Zealand, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the  Department of State Country Information Pages  for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Although New Zealand is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in New Zealand include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately.  Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
• Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call New Zealand’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Make sure there are seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in New Zealand, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in New Zealand.

• Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
• LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for New Zealand for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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Home » Oceania » New Zealand » Backpacking Guide

Backpacking New Zealand Travel Guide (BUDGET TIPS • 2024)

Kia ora, mate! I imagine you’re here because you’re on your way to a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the mystical land at the bottom of the planet. Otherwise known as New Zealand, Aotearoa, or the land of the long white cloud… 

Known for its sheep, majestic mountains, All Blacks, beaches, campervanning, Maori culture, and Kiwis (the people, the fruit and the birds). This little set of islands will blow your mind.

New Zealand welcomes the adventurous, the brave, the broke, and everyone in between. It won’t take long for New Zealand to fill you up with fish ‘n’ chips and ease you onto the long list of travellers who will tell you that “ New Zealand’s the best country they’ve ever been to ”. 

Once you get under the hood of this magical land, there’s no turning back. Literally, you’ll probably end up buying a campervan and living in New Zealand forever… 

I backpacked New Zealand with a year-long visa and felt a bit like Bilbo Baggins: it was to be a hobbit’s journey! I’ve spent more than six months exploring this INCREDIBLE land and I am completely and utterly in love with it. 

I’ve bundled up all of my knowledge into this neat little koha: a one-stop New Zealand travel guide. It’s brimming with budget tips and travel hacks to make your time in New Zealand mean as! From cheap places to stay and epic hiking spots to the less exciting (but very important bits) like visas and insurance. 

So, grab a pen and paper (you’ll want to remember this stuff) and let’s go backpacking New Zealand together.

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Why Go Backpacking in New Zealand?

Made famous by the dramatic, unearthly scenery in Lord of the Rings, New Zealand is more than just an unbelievable movie set. Travelling in New Zealand is every outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Made up of two islands, your adventures are infinite.

The two islands do stand in noticeable contrast to each other. It’s fair to say that everywhere in New Zealand is mindbogglingly beautiful (except Auckland – curse you Auckland). That said, travelling on New Zealand’s North and South Islands are two different experience. That’s what makes deciding where to stay in New Zealand a real struggle.

• North Island is much more populated (by New Zealand standards). There are a lot more developments and urban areas and while there are still many of New Zealand’s beautiful places, it lacks the uncut, untamed, and unabashed glory we’ve come to expect from Aotearoa.
• That’s what  South Island  is for. Near empty of people by comparison – and it only gets emptier the further south you go – South Island brings New Zealand’s best. Dramatic prehistoric scenery, endless oceans of sheep and cows, and the feeling of being outside of the world’s chaos: South Island is the tits.

It doesn’t stop there. Before I left backpacking for New Zealand, my cousin equated the landscape to biomes in a video game (weird, yes, I know, but bear with me). He was right.

Travel 100 km in New Zealand and the whole landscape changes. A rugged coastline turns into glacier country turns into Colorado-esque boulder playgrounds. New Zealand is a playground of wonderment.

And that’s just one of many reasons to visit New Zealand …

Best Travel Itineraries for Backpacking New Zealand

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Lots of New Zealand’s attractiveness builds from its plentiful and well-guarded national parks. There is so much variety, however, that whether you’re hitchhiking or planning a road trip , you’ll need an itinerary… Or two! One itinerary to highlight the North Island, and the other to highlight the South Island.

You can easily combine both itineraries if you have a month or more to travel in New Zealand. Many travellers backpack here on a year-long work visa. If that is the case, you have plenty of time to explore New Zealand’s beauty.

2-Week Itinerary for New Zealand: The North Island – Te Ika-a-Maui

This itinerary will start in Auckland . If you’re a city person, you can definitely find plenty of things to do in Auckland – restaurants, nightlife, galleries, and nearby beaches galore.

This is also a great place to base yourself if you’re making the trip to the Bay of Islands (north), the  Rangitoto Islands  just off the coast of Auckland, or  Coromandel , slightly East. You can also make a trip to Hobbiton , the real live set they used to film the Hobbit wonderland in Lord of the Rings.

Then head to Rotorua , a geothermal hotspot (no pun intended) full of geysers, mud pools, and, yes, smelly sulfur. You can also engage with the indigenous Maori culture.

Further south you’ll find Taupo and the epic Tongariro National Park . This is a great spot to bike and New Zealand’s great walks.

Next stop: a stay in Wellington , the cool, hipster capital of New Zealand known for its food, drink, and art. If you’re a wino, drive through Hawke’s Bay Wine Country on your way to Wellington.

After visiting Wellington, loop back around to Mt Taranaki , a classic 2,518m volcanic cone. Then go to the Waitomo Cave s: damp, underground tunnels home to glowing worms! Before getting back to Auckland, surfers should stop at Raglan , the hippy beachside slow-town of North Island.

• Best Hostels in Auckland
• Best Hostels in Rotorua
• Best Hostels in Lake Taupo
• Best Hostels in Wellington

3-Week Itinerary New Zealand: The South Island – Te Waipounamu

Get ready to be wowed. If you’re backpacking New Zealand for nature, this South Island itinerary for you. Find a cheap place to stay in Christchurch , but then move on – Christchurch isn’t worth a long visit.

Make your way to Kaikoura on the coast. Kaikoura is popular for whale tours and helicopter flights! If you’re a wine person, drink up some Sauvignon Blanc at the Marlborough Sounds on a wine tour in New Zealand . Picton is a naint town to base yourself.

If these types of activities don’t fit your budget, fear not, we’re heading into nature soon. The best things in life are free after all?

Next Stop: Abel Tasman National Park . You’ll think you’re on a tropical beach (minus the temperature). Nearby you can drive to  Whaririki Beach (pronounced ‘Far-ri-ree-kee’) – squeezed between Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Park – and will take you through wonderful hippy-haven Golden Bay .

Drive through  Punakaiki , home of the  Pancake Rocks : a series of coastal cliffs that literally look like giant stacks of pancakes. Around these rocks are also several impressive blowholes.

Next is off to Franz Josef Glacier to witness the world’s steepest and fastest moving glacier. After that, continue on for a stay in bohemian Wanaka , also known for its famous tree in the middle of a lake.

Wanaka is close to senstown and it’s only a short trip between the two. When you’re ready to leave darling Wanaka (never), travel an hour down the road and stay in Queenstown . New Zealand’s adventure and backpacker capital there’s heaps to do in Queenstown: ski in winter, hike in summer, bungee jump or skydive all-year-round, and party every goddamn night!

Saving the best for last, get ready to make the Milford drive to Milford Sound . After being gobsmacked by Rudyard Kipling’s “ Eighth Wonder of the World ” over and over again, finish South Island in New Zealand’s own Deep South.

Travel to the Southern Scenic Route and the Caitlins to see some astounding forests and windswept coastline.

Want to save money on accommodation?

We got you. For reals.

Now that we’ve covered the travel itinerary ideas, we’re going to discuss some of the best places to go in New Zealand. Read on for more backpacking wonders!

Backpacking Auckland

Most backpackers start in Auckland – it’s the starting point for a lot of people travelling to New Zealand. This North Island city holds the majority of New Zealand’s population and it’ll probably be the busiest place you visit in New Zealand.

Auckland Central itself is just like any other Western city, perfect for picking up any last-minute necessities but spend too long here and you will drain your funds fast. It’s busy and it’s certainly not the best New Zealand has to offer, but it is worth noting that there are some beautiful places to visit in Auckland in the surrounding area (away from the CBD).

A lot of tours kick off from Auckland, like the Hobbiton movie set tour . You’ll get to see Hobbiton holes first-hand, grab a drink from The Green Dragon Inn and drive through breath-taking natural scenery along the Waikato River. What would a trip to New Zealand be without taking a selfie in front of Bilbo Baggin’s green door anyway?

Visit the sky tower for some views over the city, or kickstart your adrenaline by jumping off the top! If you are willing to get out of the city, there is plenty to do. The forests to the west are way more inviting than the city vibes or head to the North Shore for some beach time!

Backpacking Rangitoto and Waiheke Island

There are a number of islands around Auckland to explore and it’s as simple as catching the ferry there! No need to book in advance; just pop down to the ferry terminal to buy your ticket. These two spots near Auckland are definitely worth the day trip:

• Rangitoto Island ($36 NZD return) – A volcanic island off the coast of Auckland, Rangitoto is uninhabited by people and a reserve to some of New Zealand’s native birds and bush. There are multiple hiking loops and plenty of cool caves to explore. Get to the top for sunset and enjoy panoramic views of Auckland and the sea horizon behind you. Make sure you take that last ferry back though or you’ll be stranded.
• Waiheke Island ($42 NZD return) – White sand beaches, beautiful vineyards, great walking trails, and incredibly blue water, this is the perfect place to spend a day. Eating out on the island is expensive, so I would recommend bringing a picnic or barbeque food, or cooking yourself and eating down by the beach. It’s the perfect next place to go in New Zealand after Auckland to detox those concrete jungle feels!

Backpacking Northland

Before you completely bail on Auckland and start heading south, there’s a whole region north of Auckland. It’s kinda like Game of Thrones in reverse. Auckland is a big dumb wall (that ruins hitchhiker’s days) and north of it, you have the land of eternal summer.

Although not strictly off of New Zealand’s tourist spots, it is fair to say that it’s lesser explored. There are fewer people up here and more empty space of some rather striking nature. It’s kinda like the South Island of North Island. There’s also more ice – I guess it is like Game of Thrones!

For a few of New Zealand’s top highlights in Northland (on and off the tourist trail):

• Whangarei – The last city you’ll get heading north with a gorgeous surrounding area – beautiful beaches and a bunch of small but sexy mountains (it’s not the size that counts).
• Bay of Islands – Easily the biggest tourist spot in the north of New Zealand but with good reason: it’s spectacularly beautiful with a lot of cool islands to explore.
• Waipoua Kauri Forest – Did somebody say a 3000-year-old tree? The kauri trees here are magnificent and the giant snails ain’t bad either (though he dead ones stink worse than Rotorua). Do note though, the ancient forest here is dying of the kauri dieback disease so follow all the guidelines .
• Far North – Pretty much anywhere you go this far north is going to be a much less touristic New Zealand backpacking experience.
• Cape Reinga / Te Rerenga Wairua – The almost northernmost point of New Zealand, there’s like a whole section I could write on this magical place. It’s arguably the most sacred place in all of New Zealand for the Maori people the air feels palpably otherworldly. Y’know, no spoilers: go find out the rest for yourself!

Backpacking Raglan

If it wasn’t for an even more awesome hippy town coming up soon (in the south), this would be the top sticky place in New Zealand to visit for backpackers seeking those Byron-style vibes. This cute little hippie/surf town caters well to New Zealand backpackers.

It is touristy but it draws a good kind of tourist – the earthy backpacking joint-rolling kind. Raglan is known for being one of the best surf and kitesurf beaches in New Zealand and it has a great chilled out vibe. Most people around here will definitely be surfing (probs playing backgammon too) and everyone is keen to teach you how.

Surfboard rental is kinda expensive at about $20-$30 NZD for a half-day but if you stay at a hostel in Raglan, they will often have discounted lessons and board hire available. Definitely try meeting someone through Couchsurfing  here; you will meet some wicked people who will probably have boards, boats, and kayaks that you can borrow!

Backpacking Coromandel

Only a two-hour drive from Auckland is the Coromandel Peninsula. There are loads of activities making this a wonderful weekend getaway.

The white sand beaches are pristine at New Chums Beach and don’t forget to hike up to the overlook for epic views. Hot Water Beach , while not very scenic, is a fun experience to soak in natural hot springs oceanside during low tide. The Karangahake Gorge is very scenic and has some short walking tracks.

The best stop and a must-visit in New Zealand is Cathedral Cove . Come during low tide and preferably at sunrise or sunset. There are only two hostels in Coromandel, however, there are several campsites on the peninsula itself for around $10.

Backpacking Rotorua

Rotorua – or the town that smells like farty-egg-feet as most people will refer to it –  is actually not as smelly as it is made out to be… Ok, that’s a lie. But it’s still definitely a must-visit place in New Zealand!

There is LOADS of geothermal activity here. This town is incredibly tourist orientated and backpacker-friendly – the main backpacker area of Rotura – the working side of town – is full of travellers! There are also heaps of New Zealand’s adventure activities in the area making it a rival to Queenstown… except Queenstown doesn’t smell like a fish’s butthole.

There are loads of places for you to stay, including hostels, hotels, Airbnbs and motels in Rotorua . However, as is often the case when backpacking New Zealand, they don’t always come cheap.

I would recommend CouchSurfing here since the hostels cost quite a bit. If hostels are your only option, Rotorua Central Backpackers is an awesome one in the centre of Rotorua.

While backpacking here, check out the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland for all things Geothermal. You can hire a mountain bike and take the trail to the park or pay for the shuttle service to take you there if you are in a less active mood. Entry to the park is around $33 NZD – slightly pricey but totally worth it and a must-do while backpacking New Zealand.

The Redwoods are incredible and you can easily spend a day wandering through the woods and swinging on vines pretending to be Tarzan. The Green and Blue Lakes are a must-see while here, as are the hot pools. You will need a car to reach many of these places in and around Rotorua but hitchhiking is a snap in New Zealand.

Backpacking the East Cape Road

Take a road trip in the spring/summer around the East Peninsula of the North Island. It is beautiful and relatively unexplored by travellers. Rugged coastline, mountainous scenery, beautiful sunrises, and a chance to experience being off New Zealand’s beaten track.

One of the must-do stops around the East Cape is the beautiful Te Kaha : a rural area with some of the most unique and friendly homestays! I stayed at the lovely  Maraehako Bay Retreat  for two nights.

Also in this area is the gorgeous Tatapouri : an incredibly small, local seaside town where you can feed Stingrays, tackle some of New Zealand’s epic swell with your surfboard, and enjoy the view from horseback or a deckchair. Some sights to see around the East Cape include the East Cape Lighthouse , which is also the most easterly point in New Zealand.

You can also visit the Tolega Bay area, home of the longest pier in New Zealand and super fun to jump off of. There are heaps of activities along New Zealand’s East Cape and the area is incredibly backpacker-friendly given its removal from the rest of the tourist trail; volunteering opportunities are high!

Backpacking Tongariro National Park

Skip ahead to see more of New Zealand’s wealth of national parks in a later section, but this one deserves special mention. This park is New Zealand’s oldest and is also a dual World Heritage site both for its geological significance as well as its spiritual significance to the Maori people.

Tongariro National Park on the North Island is one of New Zealand’s most famous Lord of the Rings filming spots. It is home to the famous ‘Mount Doom’ and of course, the Tongariro Crossing – a ‘Great Walk’ one of New Zealand’s best day hikes .

If you head to this area in winter, you’ll want to pack your ski boots as this area is home to Mount Ruapehu which is the top ski spot in the north island.

There are many LOTR filming locations around here as well as many alternative walks but not much else other than hiking (tramping) trails.

Tackle the mighty Tongariro Crossing (19.4km ) and witness steam coming off the still-active volcano. If you’re brave enough, follow in Frodo’s footsteps and climb Mount Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom).

Staying in Taupo offers an excellent base for exploring the park. It’s a super beautiful lake and as an added bonus there are free hot springs to melt the weariness away after the walk! Head to the Spa Thermal Park.

Backpacking Mount Taranaki

The most picture-perfect volcano in New Zealand is Mount Taranaki ; on a clear day, it can be seen from hundreds of kilometres away. This area of the North Island has some pretty amazing sights to explore and epic hikes. Climbing Mount Taranaki is one of New Zealand’s harder hikes to do but the pay-off is well worth it.

For an easier hike than the summit, check out the Pouakai Tarns for a stunning picture of Mount Taranaki. Nearby in New Plymouth , the area around the Paritutu Rock is beautiful. Just up the coastline are two incredible places to explore during low tide.

The Three Sisters Beach and Elephant Rock , as well as the White Cliffs walkway, are some of the most scenic coastlines the north island has to offer. As with most major attractions in New Zealand , there are plenty of hostels in New Plymouth as well as other accommodations.

Backpacking Wellington

Backpacking around Wellington  was my absolute favourite city-adventure in New Zealand. This funky place is great to spend a few nights resting your achy legs from the crossing. Set on the bottom tip of the North Island, you can take the ferry across the strait or fly to the South Island pretty cheap from Wellington.

The city is super warm and carries a real alternative-friendly vibe. Hippies, travellers, LGBTQ folks, lovable guttertrash… Welly carries a genuine feeling of acceptance that usually feels more like a pretend mask in a lot of other “progressive” cities elsewhere.

If you have the time or have that wonderful working holiday visa for New Zealand, Wellington is easily a place to stay for a while. The surrounding nature is dope, the city has a lot of cool happenings going on, offers many amazing hostels, and even in the central hub of the city there still manages to be a warm village feeling. Bumping into a friend randomly in the middle of the city is a given.

Any complaints? Yeah, the weather sucks in winter. Icy rains and 40km/h winds – fun!

Things to Do in Wellington

There are so many awesome things to see and do in Wellington. So much so, I just had to give it a little bonus section! Here are a few of my top 5 picks of what to do in Wellington:

• Freyburg Pool and Fitness Centre – Excercise? Boo! Na, this place is the best! It’s right next to Oriental Bay and beach and it’s $5 for sauna privileges. You know what that means? Hot-and-cold, baby!
• Cuba Street – Any walk down Cuba Street is a solid day; street merchants, buskers, Wellington’s night markets are there. There is a lot of BoHo(ish) shops along Wellington’s Cuba Street and it’s just something of a hub and focal point in the CBD.
• Op-Shopping – Speaking of shopping in Wellington! The second-hand shops in Welly are kickass (actually, in New Zealand as a whole). Go find something colourful!
• The Rogue and Vagabond – A neat little bar that has live music most nights of the week. The nightlife in Wellington is sweet with a bustling music scene but The Rogue and Vagabond gets some really eclectic and off-beat stuff!
• Rent a bicycle – Wellington has this whole mountain city thing going one and mountain city’s have the whole ‘ bombing hills at 120km/h without a helmet ‘ thing going on. Getting back up is a bitch though.

Backpacking Tasman and Golden Bay

Starting off South Island now and it’s a strong start!

The northernmost areas of the South Island of New Zealand where the smokeables are dank and plentiful and the sun is emotionally-available most of the year. This area of New Zealand is spectacular and easily one of the highlights for me.

Tasman Bay begins with  Nelson which is a pretty city but a bit ‘East Coast Australia’ feeling for me. It’s popular with travellers though meaning you’ll find some good choices of backpacker accommodation in Nelson . Once you get a bit further north up to Motueka though, it starts to get real nice.

There are some sweet places to stay in Richmond just a short 15-minute drive from Nelson. Perfect to crash without breaking the bank!

A top destination in New Zealand for Kiwis wanting to live the permaculture life (and travellers wanting to volunteer in it), with that comes the hippies and with that comes the endless swathes of smoke. Jokes aside, the area is gorgeous: gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park and some stunning beaches. Kaiteriteri is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful beaches but touristy; check out Kina Beach for something quieter (with the $5 campsite next door).

Golden Bay just gets stickier. It’s a bubble and I mean that in the best way possible. There’s one road in and out over the mountains and it’s safe to say that some people haven’t crossed those mountains for a couple of decades.

Head to Takaka , a timeless little town, if you’re looking to get embroiled in New Zealand’s doof scene (hippy festival) or just wanna connect with some travellers of the grungier variety. They generally congregate down by the river . Don’t worry: they’re easy to find.

Backpacking the West Coast

The West Coast region of South Island is full-fucking-power Aotearoa – there are no there words for it. It’s one of the most dramatic coastlines I’ve ever seen and I know that word is really overplayed but there simply are no other words I feel match it.

For me, it’s one of the best drives in New Zealand. It doesn’t actually feel like you’re in the 21st-century anymore. You legitimately feel like a moa – the OG kiwi bird – might step out in front of your car and kamikaze-roadkill itself at any time.

Giant ferns leap out over densely forested cliffs, the weather is harsh and unforgiving (it ain’t called ‘The Wild West Coast for nothing), and every bend on the highway opens up to some new “ Ooohh “. Oh, and those sandflies will eat you alive – bring mosquito protection! Legend has it that the coasters of the sparsely-populated West Coast have developed a natural immunity to these foul devils…

If you can do the whole thing from  Westport in the north through to  Haast and beyond to  Wanaka , you’ll get a true sense of how special travelling New Zealand is. West Coast – an unmissable place to visit in New Zealand, no questions.

Travellers can find an array of truly r emarkable Airbnbs in Westport with breathtaking views of the Tasman Sea where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty and tranquility of the West Coast region.

Must-Sees of the West Coast Region of New Zealand’s South Island

Some must-visit spots on New Zealand’s West Coast. There are heaps more than this… Hell, if you can handle the hormonally-moody rain complete with mood swings (a protective rain jacket is mandatory packing) and the blackened legions of flying itchy-bitchies, you could get lost in the West Coast’s jungles for a bit.

Failing that, however:

• Karamea – Actually north of the West Coast proper and comparatively less-frequented. There are beaches, caves, hot pools, and a backdoor entry into the  Kahurangi National Park.
• Punakaiki – Not much going on here but it is home of the Pancake Rocks and blowholes – a famous New Zealand attraction.
• Franz Josef and Fox Glacier – Ahh, now this is the true tourist spot on the West Coast of New Zealand and one of the busiest areas you’ll come across there (even comparatively to Greymouth – the largest town). I’m actually not a fan. The glaciers weren’t super impressive, and the prices in the area are all mega-jacked. HOWEVER, if you have the spare cash for a helicopter tour and hike on the glaciers , then you’re in for a treat. A glacier is way more impressive from on top of it rather than a few kilometres away…
• Hokitika Gorge – Super beautiful in its own right but the river (and river mouth) is an excellent place to go in New Zealand to find  pounamu  – that type of jade every single bloody Kiwi wears around their neck like they’re in a secret club. (I want in!) Just remember how sacred pounamu is. If you find one, then your pounamu has chosen you and that’s your pounamu.
• Blue Pools – Let’s just say that that’s no misnomer.

Backpacking Wanaka

Sweet darling Wanaka, oh how I adore you. If you were an Italian maiden, I’d serenade you from beneath your balcony (and then eat poison and die).

Consider Wanaka like a good Queenstown. Okkk, some people love Queenstown but it’s super touristy and just a bit… backpackery (I know, I know, but you know the vibe I mean).

However, half an hour drive away is Wanaka, full of eccentric loveables, surrounded by the same gorgeous mountains of Queenstown, and still with a twinkling lake (complete with that famous tree). I would say that for anyone that Queenstown just feels like a bit much, stay in Wanaka.

There’s no shortage of that uncut Otago region nature around Wanaka to explore Hiking Rob Roys Peak is a good start; it is crazy beautiful once at the peak.  There is also no shortage of lake activities in Wanaka: joints by the lake, joints on a cruise on the lake, joints while kayaking on the lake. Hell, joints while abseiling down a waterfall!

The backpacker hostels in Wanaka are pricey (welcome to accommodation in New Zealand), however, there are some campsites around town… that are also kinda pricey. If you need to save some cash, Couchsurfing or sneaky camping is the way to go.

Backpacking Queenstown

Backpacking Queenstown – Oh, the home of adrenaline! Queenstown is known around the world as adventure capital and it does not disappoint. The list of things to do when planning a trip to Queenstown is never-ending. With so many travel and tour companies operating here, it’s certainly the place to go for adventure travel in New Zealand.

A snow destination in winter with delicious icing-sugar powdered slopes, or in summer, it’s the place in New Zealand for every other adventure activity you could think of: massive bungee jumps, hiking, white water rafting, climbing and mountaineering, and it’s a top spot to go skydiving too! It’s also a total backpacker hub.

There’s heaps  of nightlife in Queenstown, substance-galore, and no shortage of tourists of the ‘ young, dumb, and full of red-hotted ideals ‘ variety. If that’s what you’re seeking, Queenstown is the perfect destination in New Zealand for it. It’s also an easy place in New Zealand to find a backpacker job; a lot of people just spean a season of their working visa in Queenstown.

Even the cheap hostels in Queenstown are expensive, and the council has pretty rigidly clamped down on freedom camping of any description. A good alternative is staying out of town somewhere cheaper ( Franklin, Arrowtown , or there’s a free campsite at Cromwell ) and hitching in.

Drinking and eating in Queenstown can be as cheap or as expensive as your taste makes it. The famous Ferg Burger is a must-do while not breaking the bank! Or you could head to Searle Lane Bar and enjoy cheap drinks and Pizza at happy hour! Oh, and for any nights out, pre-greasing the wheels is a must.

Backpacking Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park

The tallest mountain in New Zealand is…Mount Cook! And no, you cannot hike it. Well, you can, but you’ll need some heavy-duty adventure gear , a strong sense of stupid-bravery, experience (it’s a knife-edge point), and probably a parental permission slip too.

It doesn’t matter though because Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is another marvel when it comes to hiking in New Zealand , with some of the best tramping to be found. This national park is centre to the stunning Southern Alps mountain range that defines the South Island of New Zealand. The drive into Mount Cook National Park winds along the lake with several viewpoints and it’s a very sexy approach.

Once in the park, there are two valleys to explore, the Hooker Valley and the Tasman Valley . The Tasman Lake was once a massive glacier that has receded several kilometres in just the last decade. The Hooker Valley Track is a wonderful easy 3-hour walk to Hooker Lake; glacier melt floats in the lake beneath the watchful peak of Mount Cook.

For one of the best hikes in New Zealand, head up to Mueller Hut. This popular day hike takes around five hours or plan ahead and book a night stay in the hut. These are the best views of Mount Cook and staying for sunset to see the last light on the tallest mountain in New Zealand is truly something special.

It is cold, so come prepared but staying the night in complete silence mixed with thunderous booms from nearby collapsing glaciers is incredible to experience. There are no hostels around Mount Cook, but many of New Zealand’s beautiful lodges in the village or paid camping is available in the park. Or head over to Lake Tekapo ; stop and check out the Church of Good Shephard if you head that way!

Backpacking Milford Sound and the Fiordlands

An absolute must-do while backpacking New Zealand is visiting the stunning Milford Sound. Part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site , Milford Sound is the best known and most visited fiord and with good reason. As Rudyard Kipling called it, “the eighth Wonder of the World”.

The Fiordlands of New Zealand is one of the wettest places on earth so, again, that rain jacket is a must. Moody, serene, and devastating all at the same time, Milford Sound is something you gotta see to really feel the scope – no written word and captured image can do it justice…

There is a number of ways to see the sounds. You can stay in the small town of Te Anau as a base: there are plenty of campsites, freedom camping spots, and camper parks here plus some hostels. Self-drive down and take in the incredible views; the drive is just as beautiful as the destination.

For getting out on the sounds, booking a cruise is the tourist-standard but a kayaking adventure is going to be way more adventurous! Or shit, just book a dive in the inky waters and go see it from below: Milford Sound offers some of the best diving in New Zealand as a whole!

There are also a couple of other spectacular multi-day tramps (and more of New Zealand’s Great Walks).

The  Milford Track  (pre-booking the walk is almost a guarantee) is one of the most authentic ways to experience the sounds. Waterfalls, rainforests, and glacier-carved valleys are all there on this four-day hike.

Alternatively, the  Kepler Track is another multi-day hike that will take you on a different journey to see a less-touristed side of the Fiordlands. One way or another, you gotta walk in this area. It’s too damn pretty!

Getting Off the Beaten Path in New Zealand

It’s totally possible – a few steps into New Zealand’s overwhelming natural wonder just about anywhere is going to give those adventure feels. At the same time, it’s New Zealand so you never quite get that feeling of being lost in an unknown and foreboding land – it’s a good mix!

If you’re looking to break away from New Zealand’s tourist spots, the aforementioned far north and New Zealand’s ‘Deep South’ are both excellent starts. I love that New Zealand has a deep south – it totally is too! Endless oceans of sheep, a slightly drawlier accent, and a lot of farmer life. That said, the people are still wonderful.

A few of the best spots in New Zealand’s deep south are the Catlins Region and the Southern Scenic Route  along the souths’s coastline. It’s hard hitching but well worth it for the payoff in the feeling of beautiful desolation and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Once you hit Bluff (the almost-southernmost point of New Zealand) you can catch a ferry to Stewart Island/Rakiura – Aotearoa’s under-appreciated third island. There’s like one settlement here and then nothing but unabashed and untouched nature. It’s also the best place to go in New Zeland to see wild kiwis (of the actually feathered variety).

Dunedin is another city in the south that often gets overlooked by backpackers. It’s an interesting city with Scottish architecture, an odd mix of conservative people and best-brand-weirdos, and a bustling student life. There’s a whole local party scene with the students and a dope fire-dancing scene too – the best I found in New Zealand!

Arthur’s Pass on South Island is another must-visit in New Zealand. Not strictly tourist-free but such a wild piece of Jurassic mountainous nature that it doesn’t matter. Head to Castle Hill in the area for some of New Zealand’s best bouldering (it’s a goddamn proverbial playground)!

That, of course, is all the highlights of the South Island because that is the majesty of South Island – one giant rugged adventure! I’d say, however, if you’re more looking to get off the beaten path in New Zealand in a cultural sense, volunteering is the way to go.

Volunteering with Workaway , WWOOFing, and everything else is extremely common in New Zealand; honestly, there’s something around just about every corner. Any step into this life is not only a perfect way to backpack New Zealand on a budget, but it’s also a great way to see the local life. Even just talking to strangers and expressing interest will often find you a host.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

When it comes to what to do in New Zealand, the options are endless. It’s not a large country but is absolutely bursting with wonder and amazement. These aren’t all of New Zealand’s must-dos by any stretch, but they are the pick of a few of my faves.

1. Tramp Like a Kiwi

You have so many options for hiking in New Zealand – legitimately endless. The wealth of huts to stay in on trails – both free and paid – make this only easier. Figure out what to take hiking , pack your pack, lace your boots, and go have an adventure!

2. Go Bungee Jumping

This is the country bungee jumping was invented in, after-all. With so many beautiful places to jump, you’d be a fool not to jump off a bridge! (Plus, this is New Zealand, so really you should feel safest here.) Queenstown is the go-to destination in New Zealand for yoyo-like fun but there are plenty of other jumps around .

3. Meet the Maori People…

Are truly spectacular. On a personal note, this isn’t like the Aboriginals of Australia where a wall of division is immediately obvious (rightfully so given their despicable persecution).

The Maori people are incredibly open to travellers: bigass smiles and endless flows of conversation. Generally, I found they were also delighted to teach people about their culture, and language, or just talk some shit so go meet them!

4. Find a Wild Kiwi: Gotta Catch ’em All!

Again with the Australia comparison, spotting a kiwi bird in the wild in New Zealand is the equivalent of a wild platypus in Australia. It’s the holy grail and a total rite of passage so you better get (non-violently) hunting! Stewart Island is the top point of interest to check out in New Zealand but there are other hotspots too.

5. Splurge on a Glacier Heli-Hiking Excursion

Why nooot? I can’t say that this is cheap, but it is one of those once-and-a-lifetime experiences. Besides, maybe you’ll see a yeti!

Oh yes, the doof scene is cranking in New Zealand and the music is hella tight. From wobblin’ psy to breaking D’n’B to some real funky glitchy bangers, hippies are boogieing everywhere (and the scene is super open to travellers). The Golden Bay area is the prime hotspot but parties in New Zealand are everywhere. Twisted Frequency Festival over New Year’s Eve is the supreme cliff-jump into the rabbit hole.

7. Cycle along Central Otago

All you bikers out there have to get to this area to cycle along the Otago Central Rail Trail through beautiful landscapes and old mining towns. Balance the fitness with numerous historic pub stops or vineyards! And just as a side-not. the Otago region just so  mwah!

8. Kayak the Milford Sound

I’ve just gotta make a second shout-out to Milford Sound because it is one of the most spectacular things to see in New Zealand. This part of New Zealand has beautiful waterfalls , staggering cliffs and peaks, and dark cobalt waters. It rains most of the year, so enjoy the moody vibes if you don’t get a sunny day. Head out there on a kayak and your eyes peeled for seals and dolphins!

9. Drive around New Zealand in a Campervan

New Zealand and van travel lifestyle go together almost as well as New Zealand and an overwhelming sense of inner peace! This actually isn’t as expensive as it sounds, and the best way to see New Zealand is by campervan!

You will need to have at least $3,000 to buy a van but after you’re done backpacking around New Zealand, you can hopefully sell the van close to the amount you paid for it. Plus, a van will allow you total freedom in New Zealand and the ability to camp more versus staying in expensive hostels and hotels.

The other option is to rent a van, which in the long run (if you stay long enough) is actually the more expensive option. However, if you’re looking for a shorter-term van adventure, I’d recommend using the iconic JUCY rentals . (more on this to come!)

10. Live in New Zealand

Many countries are able to get a year-long work visa for New Zealand . This means you can work for several months, and travel afterwards with the money you saved up! If the opportunity to live in New Zealand is there, it’s one of the best things to do; it’s a truly magical place and a new home to many expatriated travellers who finally felt they’d found the place to settle.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Accommodation is not cheap in New Zealand; even hostels are expensive! In the ‘high season’ (summer and in some areas, winter) they will set you back by upwards of $35 NZD per night for a shared dorm. Only stay in backpacker hostels around New Zealand when absolutely necessary or your daily budget travelling in New Zealand is going to fall apart.

If you’re looking for a paid room, sadly hostels still remain the cheapest option. You may occasionally stumble across a cheap New Zealand Airbnb , but it’s still a limited selection. So how about saving money on accommodation in New Zealand?

Couchsurfing is widely used and a great way to meet new people and locals while backpacking in New Zealand. It does require some pre-planning though; the rock up in town and see what is around is not the best method for Couchsurfing.

Working for accommodation (and probably food too) is another excellent option in New Zealand. If you know you are going to be hanging around an area for a while, check with local hostels homestays if they offer some sort of bed and board thing. Workaway , again, is another great platform, as is WWOOF for farm-based work, or Facebook groups and even the local town notice board (legit).

Camping in New Zealand – free or otherwise – is the other cheap accommodation option. Tents, cars, and the vanlife is all a dream in New Zealand but it’s not a cut-and-dry though so I’ll cover camping in a different section coming up.

You’ll find Kiwi’s are incredibly generous when it comes to opening their doors to you and hitchhiking or meeting folks sometimes can end up in a bed or place to stay. Yeah, travelling costs in New Zealand are high but the country and people are also super kind to the homeless dirtbag. Generally, in New Zelaand, it always somehow works itself out.

Camping in New Zealand – Freedom or Otherwise

Ok, so here’s the deal: New Zealand is (sometimes) seen as a golden freedom camping destination and that’s becoming less and less true. A lot of campsites these days are not free or purely for self-contained vehicles i.e. has toilet, greywater, and sceptic waste functionality.

As a whole, travelling in a non-self-contained campervan in New Zealand is still possible, but you’ll either be paying or aiming for free campsites (apps are good for sifting through the campsites) or paying. So, is freedom camping dead in New Zealand?

Na, not by any stretch.  Even outside of just parking in a mate’s driveway, rules (formal or informal) do change by region so it’s still possible in many areas. For example, the Otago region cracks down hard on freedom campers courtesy of Queenstown’s popularity but up in Golden Bay, they tend to turn a blind eye… mostly.

What about sans-car? Well, it’s still illegal pretty much anywhere outside of designated areas, but that doesn’t mean it’s hard to get away with. Generally in a nice hidden spot, you’ll be fine; just be discreet, pack up early, and  leave no fucking trace or I will Freddy Krueger your dreams.

It is worth noting that you’re always risking a heavy fine, but that’s the bureaucratic side of things. Most Kiwis I met were all guns-ho a’blazing about a vagrant hitchhiker enjoying Aoteroa’s land to the fullest. Hell, most of them would point me to the best local park to sleep in.

The long and the short? If you want to save on accommodation prices, pack some suitable camping equipment ! It’s a total necessity.

The Best Places to Stay in New Zealand

I made no solid plans for New Zealand. In fact, my research of the country pretty much consisted of binge-watching The Lord of The Rings and Hobbit films. And then the reality of the cost of travel in New Zealand hit me.

New Zealand is booming as a backpacking destination, courtesy of those famous setpieces for Lord of the Rings. Despite the backpacker boom, New Zealand is expensive . There are no two ways about it; Kiwis say it, Saudi Arabian princes would say it, Indians definitely say it!

That doesn’t mean you can’t travel cheap in New Zealand because you definitely can. I was able to travel on less than $10 a day, but you gotta get dirty!

A more realistic daily budget in New Zealand (for those that prefer their meals not to be harvested from the trash can) is about $20-$30 a day with the appropriate budget backpacking tools-of-the-trade . This is going to mean a mix of skipping accommodation, volunteering, hitchhiking, cooking, and going easy on the goodies – drink, drugs and activities. With those tricks loosely applied, you’ll still have some budget-leeway for the good stuff.

Instead, at a more New Zealand backpacker holiday level (hostels, meals out, shopping, and whatevs else you crazy cats get up to),  $60-$80 is more realistic. Yikes!

Looking at individual costs:

• Food prices in New Zealand  are expensive. You can cook budget meals definitely, but eating out always hurts and there’s no cheap and local everyman street food (except arguably fish ‘n’ chips). Aiming for less than $10 a meal when eating out is a necessity for budget backpackers.
• Accommodation prices in New Zealand suck smelly Rotorua egg-farts. You’ll find cheaper hostels in New Zealand, but you’ll never find a cheap one. You really never want to be paying more than $20/night for a dorm .
• Transport costs between New Zealand’s cities are not wholly unforgivable, but they’re still expensive. Inside the cities is ok though. As a point of reference, the three-hour bus ride from Auckland to Rotorua will cost you between $20-$35 .
• Living the vanlife will help the costs, but the fuel prices in New Zealand are super yukky so it only goes so far. Usually, petrol prices hover around $1.30-$1,50/litre .

The good news is that, while there are a lot of expensive activities in New Zealand, there are also plenty of free ones. Hiking, going to the beach, bathing in hot springs, and visiting amazing scenery is just the tip of the glacier.

A Daily Budget in New Zealand

Money in new zealand.

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The money in New Zealand is super colourful and uncomplicated to manage. It’s covered with enough pretty birds and vibrant colours that holding a stack of New Zealand dollars makes you feel like you’re attending a rainbow parade!

Credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs in New Zealand are pretty much everywhere: just watch out for international fees. Travel with a travel-specific debit or credit card to avoid these! If you’re working in New Zealand, you’ll be getting an NZ bank account regardless.

Travel Tips – New Zealand on a Budget

I said that backpacking New Zealand on a budget was totally doable, right? Well, it is! But you’ll have to be creative. After a pretty long stint in New Zealand travelling with no money, I’ve put together these kickass tips for travelling New Zealand . It’s the simple life.

• Camping – A dire necessity but see the next section.
• Couchsurfing – Although you can get by with a tent, Couchsurfing is a wonderful safety net for budget travellers in New Zealand and a lot of fun too!
• Volunteering in New Zealand – Always a strong recommendation, especially in New Zealand. Days spent with dirty hands and full bellies are my spiritual Nirvana.
• Hitchhike – You already know how I feel about hitching, however, it’s also a brilliant way to save on transportation costs in Australia. I couldn’t have travelled New Zealand without it.
• Cook your own food – Carry a top-quality backpacker stove on your backpacking trip to New Zealand, especially if you’re camping. When you do have a kitchen available, cook up a storm!
• Busking – Much like hitchhiking and volunteering, New Zealand is where the busking madness began for me. Knowing how to busk and then a solid day’s can definitely cover a decent chunk of your daily cost of travel in New Zealand.
• Food giveaways – Are around and quite open to travellers (eg. The Free Store in Wellington ). Alternatively, the Krishnas are bloody everywhere in New Zealand – haribol ! From Auckland to Wellington to Dunedin they are always doing cheap meals, food giveaways, and probably yoga classes too.
• Dumpster Diving – it ain’t the fanciest, but it really does the job. You’d be surprised how many people throw away perfectly eatable food or trendy clothes.

Why You Should Travel to New Zealand with a Water Bottle?

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

December to February marks the high season (and summer) in New Zealand. These are the busiest months for the beaches, hiking, and outdoor exploration. There are plenty of festivals and events going on too. This is also the most expensive time to visit New Zealand.

The ski towns (Wanaka and Queenstown in particular) also experience high season in winter (June to August) .

The best to visit New Zealand is during shoulder season, so March to May , and September to November . The weather is still great (although noticeably less great the further south you are), and you’re going to get fewer crowds and better deals.

Outside of the ski towns, winter in New Zealand is a cheap time to visit as well, though the beach towns will be cold and sleepy. Northland and the Tasman/Golden Bay area stay pretty damn nice all year round though.

What to Pack for New Zealand

Make sure to pack right for New Zealand ! On every adventure, there are six things to never go travelling without:

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Oh, and bonus entry: pack sandfly protection and  lots of it.

I almost feel silly writing about safety in New Zealand, considering New Zealand is consistently ranked as the  most peaceful country in the world . Crime rates are extremely low and everything from sleeping in parks to hitchhiking is extremely safe!

Therefore, when we talk about how to stay safe in New Zealand while backpacking there, we are instead referring to the unpredictable weather that can hit when you’re out doing adventurous things. Don’t underestimate nature, keep updated about the weather (that shit turns quick), and invest in proper hiking footwear , relevant attire, and camping gear if you plan to be out in the National Parks a lot.

Secondly, the sun is  strong in New Zealand – it turned my bloody hair blonde! The clear, unpolluted atmosphere and relatively low latitudes produce sunlight stronger than much of Europe or North America. Always stay sun-protected.

Thirdly, crime is low but dicks be dicks – I got my phone stolen in Raglan… two days after returning someone else’s lost phone – Karma is a lie! Stay smart, especially on beaches, and travel with a money belt to protect yo’ cash and goodies!

Oh, and watch out for the sheepies while driving.

Past that, there’s nothing much outside of the standard safety advice for travelling anywhere . New Zealand ain’t Oz: there are no snakes, like one spider, and even the derros waiting to roll you at the dodgy train stations are friendlier about it!

Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll in New Zealand

Sex? Well, yeah, duh.

Kiwi girls are some of the most beautiful, friendly, and down-to-earth chicks you’ll ever meet when backpacking. Typically they love to have fun, drink, and party, and it goes the same with the lads. If you be looking, you’ll find a date no sweat.

As for drugs?

It’s all there too, from deliciously dank bud to knockin’ psychedelics to catapulting stimulants. It’s all illegal, so be smart where and when you buy and take it, but everything is available (if expensive). New Zealand even has a pretty major crystal meth problem so that’s fun! Bonus safety tip: stay away from meth (‘ duh, no shit sherlock ‘ moment of the century).

Booze and cigarettes are expensive as you would expect in New Zealand. Cigarettes, however, are  shockingly expensive: bring as many pouches of tobacco as customs will let you. And when it comes to a night out, you gotta pre-drink.

As a general rule though, there is a kickass party scene in New Zealand and holy shit the boogies are tight! Outdoors, indoors, club, pub, festival, or hippy throwdown, the music just ALWAYS seems to be bangin’. That’s not something Kiwis half-ass.

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting New Zealand

There may be no spiders, but there are still coastline-shattering earthquakes. Travelling without insurance is risky: do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure! Take a guess at how cripplingly pricey a medical bill In New Zealand will cost?

Much of The Broke Backpacker team travels with World Nomads and have been for some time now. They’re easy to use, professional, and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

The two easiest airports to fly into are Auckland on the north island and Christchurch on the south island. Wellington also gets some international flights but not as many as Auckland. Since New Zealand is an island (well multiple) you will have to fly here!

Auckland will most likely have the cheapest flights, and it’s easy to catch a domestic flight from there to most any other airports in New Zealand. It’s also worth noting that a domestic flight from Wellington to Nelson can cost as much – or sometimes less – than the ferry crossing.

Entry Requirements for New Zealand

The rules change a lot depending on where you’re from but luckily the official site for visa information for New Zealand is magnificently designed. Suck it, India: that’s a proper user experience!

I told you New Zealand was easy right? Well, a  Visitor Visa is applied for online (for most nationalities) and is to be obtained before arrival. Entering as a visitor, you must have sufficient funds to cover your stay in New Zealand and onwards travel  and you may be asked to present proof of said funds and onwards travel. Those things are always a ‘potential scenario’ though.

Alternatively, you can apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority and then once you arrive at Auckland’s International Airport (it has to be Auckland for the NZeTA), you can apply for a proper visa.

A New Zealand Visitor Visa can last up to as long as nine months, but it is highly contingent on the variables, especially where you’re from. After the allowed term, you can apply for another visa or even move to a student or working visa if you’re looking at living in New Zealand.

So, what’s the cost of a visa for New Zealand? Again, it’s extremely nationality-dependent so you’ll have to do your own research . It is worth mentioning though that a number of countries get visa waiver in New Zealand so also check when you’re working through that oh-so-elegant UI.

Get 15% OFF when you book through our link — and support the site you love so dearly 😉

Booking.com is quickly becoming our go-to for accommodation. From cheap hostels to stylish homestays and nice hotels, they’ve got it all!

Ok, so here’s the deal. Travelling around New Zealand kinda sucks… or does it? (Foreshadowing.)

The best way to get around New Zealand is definitely by car… sorry! There are multiple rental companies within New Zealand and depending on your budget, there are endless options in regards to the type of vehicle you can rent. You can also buy a vehicle and then sell it at a later date (probably to another hapless New Zealand backpacker).

There are buses in New Zealand, but they’re kinda hopeless (outside of public transport in cities which is more than serviceable). The intercity buses (conveniently named InterCity) are expensive: for example, $38 NZD, or the price of an expensive hostel, is the average cost to travel from Auckland to Wellington. Furthermore, for getting to the breathtaking points of interest in New Zealand (i.e. the reason you presumably came), you’re shit outta luck!

You can generally find shuttles and other transport in New Zealand for the major attractions, however, as you probably guessed, they’re expensive. So, about that car…

You can book a rental car for your trip to New Zealand before you even arrive so that it is waiting for you at the airport. Easy as! Booking ahead is crucial to ensuring you get the lowest price and your choice of vehicle.

Make sure you also purchase a RentalCover.com policy to cover your vehicle against any common damages such as tires, windscreens, theft, and more. It’ll come out cheaper than you’ll pay at the rental desk.

So, about that foreshadowing, hey?

Travelling by Campervan in New Zealand

It’s the best way to travel New Zealand! This also extends to car camping to a lesser degree, but travelling by campervan in New Zealand is just the dream. I met more van-nomads in there than anywhere else in my travels. Paired with a longer stay or a working holiday in New Zealand, buying a van is just da best.

Backpacker cars and vans are seasonal. When a rush of backpackers arrives in early and mid-summer, the buying frenzy is on and prices go up. Likewise, just before winter, backpackers are trying to offload their vehicles, sometimes finding themselves without a buyer, and begging for a quarter of the price they purchased it for – off-season travel wins again!

When you’re buying a car or campervan, your best option is finding a car on TradeMe . Facebook groups and backpacker forums have tons of cars but finding a good one is like finding a needle in a haystack. Prices can range from $2,000 NZD for a station wagon, $4,000 NZD for a whiz banger campervan, or up to $8,000 NZD for a high-end self-contained campervan. While a campervan is more comfortable for sleeping, a station wagon is a great alternative.

Make sure to get a vehicle pre-inspection, ensure it has a valid WOF, and run a vehicle history report to make sure it is not stolen or money is owed. When the time comes, say goodbye to your baby and sell her on (maybe even with a little profit).

A huge part of the attraction of backpacking New Zealand is exploring the truly gorgeous landscapes and making spontaneous stops.  There is so much freedom in a vehicle and the portable home – and skipping on accommodation – is going to make for much cheaper travel in New Zealand.

Campervan Hire in New Zealand

If you are short on time or just want to make an epic few-week road trip around New Zealand, you can simply hire a campervan! Budget allowing, it’s the best way to get around New Zealand – no contest.

So who to book with then? There are tonnes of van rental companies in New Zealand, however, I recommend JUCY rentals . They operate in a lot of places but their van game in Australia and New Zealand is  strong . Plus, they’ve been around for yonks!

Check em’ out and enjoy the shenanigans.

Hitchhiking in New Zealand

Yes, yes, a thousand times yes . This is where it all began for me. What started out as hitchhiking in New Zealand filled me with adventurous fire and led to many other journeys hitching (Japan, India, Israel, to name few).

You know who else hitchhiked in New Zealand too? My dead grandma! (…When she was alive, of course.) This is back in the bloody 1940s or something so, man, hitching across Aotearoa’s magnificence is a two-thumbs-up recommendation and a blessed land for the beginner.

It’s easy – developed Western country rules – and people are ridiculously kind. Kiwis that you never in a million years thought would pick you up will, sometimes accompanied by an offer of a bed or dinner. Better yet, they’ll be heartwarming meetings and lead to the weirdest of most wonderful adventures.

There’s not much country-specific knowledge required for New Zealand: I’ll just point you to our Hitchhiking 101 Beginner’s Guide as a crash course for the newbies or a refresher course for the vets. Cities like Auckland (the fucking wall) or Wellington can be a total pain but still manageable and even in the south-of-the-south, someone will eventually pick you up (though wait times can drag).

In summary? Do it.

Onwards Travel From New Zealand

Since New Zealand is surrounded by water, you’ll be catching a plane onwards, and the choices are pretty straightforward.

Travelling to Australia is a no-brainer (unless you just came from there). It’s another backpacker dream destination PLUS it’s right next door (and usually so far away)!

Australia is another superb working holiday destination as well. Bless that obscenely high minimum wage!

Heading off backpacking to Southeast Asia is the other likely candidate. It’s close by and it’s  way cheaper. If you’re getting sick of paying a small fortune for a bowl of porridge for breakfast, consider Southeast Asia.

Any other suggestions? Yeah, one more and it’s a cool one.

Since you’re in the area, consider travelling to any of the Pacific Islands and continue exploring Oceania /Australasia/still-kinda-Asia. Though still touristy – especially with lads and laddettes from Down Under – they aren’t so heavily backpacked. Plus, after backpacking New Zealand, you may just have a strong affinity for Polynesian cultures,

There are a lot of Pacific Island nations but as some brainfood:

• Tahiti (French Polynesia)
• Papua New Guinea

I’ve already made reference to this numerous times but oh, man, most definitely. New Zealand is a land built for volunteering and backpacker work . Much like its sister country Australia, travellers from all over the world view New Zealand as a dream working holiday destination.

Expected localist crap and employers taking advantage of backpackers aside (which is minimal, to be fair), travelling and working in New Zealand is spectacular. The minimum wage is high – albeit slightly lower than Australia (but you can just consider that paying a premium to be in a better country) – and there are plenty of employment opportunities right around the country. And usually somewhere ridiculously gorgeous!

In fact, when I meet travellers on the road who are planning on visiting Australia for work, I generally just tell them to go to New Zealand instead. I haven’t heard a complaint yet!

The most common types of backpacker work in New Zealand tend to be agricultural; following the picking trail with the seasons is very common. Hospitality gigs (cafes, bars, hostels) are also easy to get as is work in the tourism industry.

Most backpackers in New Zealand tend to find seasonal work in the tourist hubs – Queenstown and Rotorua, in particular – or major cities like Auckland or Wellington. That said, farms are everywhere as are orchards, and there always seems to be some work floating around. Even in the beach towns of Raglan and Takaka (which tend to be extremely localist as anyone from a beach town will tell you), I met plenty of travellers with a job.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Volunteering in New Zealand

But why work for cash when you get work for free! Yay for indentured servitude!

If you’re going without a work visa and aren’t a fan of pulling the sneaky, volunteering is a classic choice in New Zealand. A free bed and meal(s) is pretty much always a guarantee, and if your host isn’t offering that, you’ll generally find someone within a 30 km radius who is.

Of course, it’s not just about the bed. The experience of volunteering while on the road is rather rewarding. All these years later and I STILL remain friends with some of the hosts I volunteered for plus I got some cool experiences to boot (like milking a goat!).

I already mention Workaway and WWOOF as the gold standards in New Zealand (as are more old-school means), however, a few Workaway alternatives rear their head including our bonafide favourite: Worldpackers!

Worldpackers is another volunteering platform we’ve reviewed and adore. They don’t always have as many volunteering gigs in sheer number, but they do offer very substantial and authentic experiences plus a hold host of nifty community features that the fiercely impersonal Workaway lacks.

Hell, join the Worldpackers community as a Broke Backpacker reader (with the code BROKEBACKPACKER ) to get a sweet discount on the signup fee – 20% off the annual subscription price. Churr, bro!

Work Visas in New Zealand

So, about how to actually work in New Zealand? Many nationalities have access to a Working Holiday Visa in New Zealand. This will allow for a stay of up to 12-months, and you can work! (Legally.)

There are a few extra stipulations over a normal tourist visa, however:

• Full medical insurance for the length of your stay.
• For people ages 18-30 only.
• Have at least $4200 NZ in funds available.

Again, the New Zealand Working Holiday visa fees and fine print vary by your passport’s nationality. There’s a lot of extra details to research, so some adulting will be required.

Y’know… Before you go to New Zealand and forget your adult responsibilities.

If you’re finding all of this a bit complicated,  Global Work and Travel  may be able to alleviate some of the VISA complications for you. They offer working holidays and internship opportunities in many locations throughout New Zealand, both of which require the working holiday VISA.

In fact, they’ll support you throughout the entire process; from VISA guidance to finding you the perfect placement. You’ve got to be between the ages of 18 to 35 though…apologies if this isn’t you!

Internet in New Zealand

New Zealand allows you to be as connected or disconnected as you want. In the main towns, you’ll find no problem to grab four bars of signal. However, wander out in the sticks and your signal will disappear pretty quick.

The cheapest and easiest way to stay connected in New Zealand is with a local SIM card. You can buy one at the airport or just wait until you’re in town. You can expect good coverage in any built-up areas but don’t expect too much consistency outside of that, particularly in rural areas and particularly on South Island.

The major providers of SIM cards in New Zealand are:

Honestly, they’re all pretty comparable price and coverage-wise. I do recommend Spark though because they have a  crapton of public phone boxes around the country which act as WiFi hotspots for Spark customers. You get a 1 GB allowance per day, they’re seriously everywhere (like tuk-tuks in Asia), and one time while downloading Spotify playlists at a booth, I met some random legend and he offered me a ride.

WiFi is pretty common throughout New Zealand, and most hostels and homestays will offer WiFi. Free WiFi is offered at certain hotspots around cities, on buses, and in some cafes and bars, but you will often have a limit on time or download usage, so don’t expect to Skype for long! Outside of busy urban areas, free WiFi becomes harder to find.

Maybe food isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of travel in New Zealand, but actually prepare to be amazed (at both the taste and your empty wallet).

New Zealand has both fresh seafood and produce markets throughout the country to get your breakfast on. You can find all sorts of dining experiences from simple yet hearty traditional Maori food, to a thriving coffee and craft beer scene (not to mention the world-famous New Zealand wine), to just the many damn delicious places to eat around New Zealand.

• Maori hangi  – This involves meat and vegetables slow-cooked in an underground oven.
• Fry bread  – It’s bread that’s fried. Is it good? Do the 3 extra kilos I put on from fried bread alone give you a clue?
• Boil-Ups  – A popular dish in Maori communities. These are cooked by boiling different ingredients together like a soup.
• Seafood  – From lobster and fish to sea urchin, New Zealanders consume a lot of seafood!
• Paua – A large sea snail seafood delicacy.
• Whitebait Fritter:  A delicacy in New Zealand and currently demands the highest price of any fish in the country.
• Fish ‘N Chips  – So, the Kiwis didn’t exactly create fish ‘n’ chips but man they know how to cook ’em! Find yourself some kumara chips (sweet potato) for some extra awesomeness.
• Kiwi Burger  – Beetroot and fried egg along with your standard burger patties.
• Pavlova  – A desert in New Zealand made with meringue, whipped cream, and fruit. The cause of WWIII will be the ongoing dispute between Australia and New Zealand as to baked the first pavlova.
• Manuka Honey:  Highly sought-after honey internationally due to its acclaimed medicinal purposes.
• Vegemite  – It’s Australian but if you’ve come this far, you need to try it. If anyone tells you Marmite is better, punch them in the dick.

As Peter Jackson once described, “ New Zealand is not a small country, but a large village. ” It’s so true. Kiwis are always ready to help you out wherever possible, whether it is telling you about the best place to sit and watch the sunset while you devour fish ’n’ chips, or driving you out of their way to get you to where you need to go (often with a parting gift of something dank).

New Zealander’s pride themselves on their laid-back camaraderie for life and collective openness to strangers. It’s fair to say that it’s just a Kiwi thing. When travelling in New Zealand, I rarely, if ever, felt the cynicism towards tourists that I’ve felt in so many other places in the world; only a sincere desire to share their home

On my travels in New Zealand, I have been consistently amazed at just how kind the Kiwis can be – strangers will open up their homes to you or just check to see if you need some help. Sometimes, I didn’t even have to hitch; people would just pull over and offer me a ride as I was walking out of town.

The Maori people, though obviously Kiwi and very much fitting in with the above statements, still retain their cultural identity, and it is a beautiful one. Family comes first but family is more than just your blood.

The Maori culture stands as something truly amazing to explore and learn about. If the opportunity arises to spend some time with them and make some Maori friends, take it. It”s 100% worth the experience.

New Zealand and all of its many peoples – from the colonial-heritage Kiwis to the Maori descendants to the many migrants that now call it home – feel harmonious. Things are not perfect, and neither is their history, but when put in comparison to nearby ex-colony neighbours, New Zealand’s history is one much-less stained with blood and decrepit behaviour.

Non-Maori Kiwis on average possess a much higher level of respect for the indigenous people of their home. They want to share it, and it is heartwarming to behold. Put it this way:

Once while hitchhiking through the far north of New Zealand hitchhiking, a middle-aged woman driving her Down Syndrome child back to Auckland picked us up – two shoe-less, smelly, dirtbag-hippies. In her car, she was playing an educational CD teaching the Maori language.

That would never happen in Australia.

Useful Travel Phrases for New Zealand

So, English is the spoken language in New Zealand (officially) If you’re reading this, you’re presumably golden. That said, the Maori do very much have their own spoken language (on top of English) and it’s not uncommon for a white Kiwi to know a few words… usually about three.

The left side is a few Maori words; the right side is some choice New Zealand slang:

• Kia Ora  – Have life (Maori greeting and commonly used everywhere)
• Whanau (far-noe)  – Extended family (cultural significance)
• Kai  – Food (it’s been adopted as Kiwi slang)
• Koha  – Donation/a gift of what you can provide
• Aotearoa  – New Zealand, ya dumb-bum!
• Mean  – Awesome/sick
• Choice  – Mean
• Jandals  – Flip-flops/thongs
• Churr/Churr, bro  – Right on/cheers/thanks
• She’ll be right  – It’ll be fine
• Beached as – This.

A Brief History of New Zealand

While the Dutch explored New Zealand first, the British were the ones to colonise New Zealand in the 1800s. Prior to that, New Zealand – or Aotearoa- was only inhabited by the Maori people, a Polynesian people who settled sometime between 1320 and 1350.

The Maori culture is rich, vibrant, and fairly unique having developed isolated from other Polynesian cultures over many years. For many years, the Maori tribes engaged in regular warfare and combat was a vital part of their culture along with a deeply-ingrained mythology, dance, art, and numerous other things (shout-out to the poi spinners).

The signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 was supposed to lead to coexistence between the two peoples – indigenous and colonisers. Unfortunately, Maori came under increasing pressure to sell their land for settlement.

This led to conflict and in the 1860s, war broke out on the North Island. While the North Island experienced a series of wars, the less-populous South Island remained relatively peaceful with only one Treaty-related armed conflict.

Around the same time, many aspects of life on the South Island allowed New Zealand to flourish. The Otago region was experiencing a major gold rush, and Dunedin became the country’s wealthiest city. Sheep farming was established on extensive grasslands and railways were built with towns springing up or expanding.

In 1893, New Zealand became the first country to give women the right to vote. State pensions and state housing for workers were also offered first in New Zealand and in 1907, New Zealand became independent.

New Zealand in Modern Times

In modern times, New Zealand has borne the brunt of conflicts similarly to much of the rest of the world, namely WWI, WWII, and the Great Depression. Despite this, New Zealand stands as an incredibly prosperous country and, rather pridefully, is considered one of the most peaceful on the planet.

Although Maori relations have struggled periodically over the years, noticeably throughout the 1970s and latter half of the century when protest movements began to arise among Maori people over land rights and recognition of the culture, many of these grievances have been settled.

There are ongoing concerns and nothing is perfect, but in the greater scope of the world’s history, the largely positive relationship between New Zealand and it’s first people is not only heartwarming but also worthy of respect.

There is a lot of beauty in New Zealand and a lot of things to see. Even more, there is a lot to experience. From the Maori culture to the Kiwi smile, there is a lot to pay attention to while backpacking around New Zealand more than just sunsets and touring Hobbiton .

Don’t let New Zealand pass you by.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Hiking in New Zealand

If hiking is your thing, you will quickly realize why Kiwis throw on their gators and massive hiking boots to hit the mountains any chance they get.

The most popular hikes in New Zealand are the Ten Great Walks . These hikes have world-class infrastructure, comfortable huts, and are all good hikes for beginners. Hut reservations are required in advance, and bunks cost between $32 and $140 NZ per night depending on the hike.

Check out this post for a comprehensive guide on Nine of the Ten Great Walks of New Zealand .

While these are the most popular, don’t be worried if you didn’t score a reservation. There are even better treks in New Zealand! Getting into the backcountry, or tramping as the Kiwis call it, has advantages of smaller crowds and more serious hiking.

For experienced hikers, you cannot go wrong with your pick of:

• Travers-Sabine circuit to Blue Lake
• The Copeland Track
• Or potentially one of the absolute best hikes in New Zealand, the Cascade Saddle

If venturing into the mountains is not your thing, it is still worth checking out some of the incredible day hikes around New Zealand.  The best day hikes in New Zealand for beginners are:

• Diamond Lake

For a more advanced hike, check out:

• Mount Taranaki
• Mueller Hut
• Avalanche Peak

One way or another, everywhere you go in New Zealand, there’s a walk worth doing. It’s safe to say that some of the best hikes in the world are in New Zealand. Make sure you spend at least a little time getting lost in New Zealand’s spectacular national parks.

Joining an Organised Tour in New Zealand

Solo travel in New Zealand is the name of the game. That said, if you are short on time, energy, or just want to be part of an awesome group of travellers, you can opt to join an organized tour. Joining a tour is a great way to see a majority of the country quickly and without the effort that goes into planning a backpacking trip. However, not all tour operators are created equal – that is for sure.

G Adventures is a solid down-to-earth tour company catering to backpackers just like you, and their prices and itineraries reflect the interests of the backpacker crowd. You can score some pretty sweet deals on epic trips in New Zealand for a fraction of the price of what other tour operators charge.

You’re almost ready to go soak in the natural beauty of amazing scenery, snow-covered mountains, active volcanoes, strangely friendly people, and maybe a few major cities. If you’ve still got some questions, here are some answers about the New Zealand backpacking experience.

Is solo backpacking in New Zealand worth it?

Damn it, yes! Don’t get me wrong, if you bring a buddy with you, you’re going to share an amazing adventure. But if you go it alone, you’re opening up your world to infinite possibilities that will well and truly change your life.

How is backpacking New Zealand without a car rental?

Look, it can be done, but it’s far from the same experience. My best advice is to practise some patience because you could either be waiting a while for those (expensive) buses or waiting a while to score a hitchhike to save money. But hey, a backpacking trip in New Zealand should involve plenty of adventure.

How much should I budget for backpacking New Zealand?

With around $70, you’re going to be able to travel comfortably – depending on your travel style. If you practise plenty of budget backpacker tricks, you can save money. Likewise, if you’re a boogie bugger, a New Zealand trip will eat your budget.

Can I go to Mordor?

It’s not recommended. But if you take a Sam, you might make it… Anyway, why would you want to leave Hobbiton? You have good food, a warm hearth, and all the comforts of home. Okay, I’m done with the Lord of the Rings stuff now.

We’re almost at the end, ready to hit the road, hoist that backpack, and go to New Zealand – the adventure capital. Before you do, any last thoughts for the New Zealand travel guide?

Yeah, one more important thing.

Be Good to New Zealand

Travelling gives us a lot of opportunities. Sometimes, it’s for the betterment of ourselves and the world. At other times, it’s to just act like a twat.

Too many drugs, drinks, or just plain ego, we all mess up. I’ve messed up.

Some days we wake up on the wrong side of the bed. Other days we just miss home.

However, it’s still important to remember to take responsibility for yourself and your actions on any backpacking trip, and New Zealand is no different. It’s a privileged, rich, and Western country, sure, but it’s still important to treat the land and the people that belong to it with kindness.

Smile, be kind, show an interest in the culture: no one forced you to be there. You’ve chosen to enter someone else’s home as a visitor – be respectful.

Take off your shoes, don’t use up all their toilet paper, and be good . Nothing says it better.

Now You’re Ready to Go To New Zealand!

That’s it, all the info you may need… more or less. Truly, backpacking in New Zealand is an unforgettable experience.

This outro is an update for our New Zealand budget travel guide written by me, two-and-a-half years since I travelled in New Zealand. I still miss it.

New Zealand taught me a lot of things. It taught me how to travel and how to travel well. I now believe in the goodness of people and the beauty of life. New Zealand taught me to love life.

A lot has changed since those simple dirtbaggin’ days in Aotearoa. I’ve changed, the world has changed, and travel changes, but New Zealand hasn’t – not so much. It’s still one of the most gorgeous places on this beautiful and complicated planet.

I don’t go so much in for the hippy-dippy spiritual stuff anymore, but New Zealand deserves it. It’s a truly special home, and I genuinely believe there is healing in that land. There is magic there.

If you’re going Backpacking New Zealand, budget travel or a holiday, I bid you the very best time. Keep this travel guide handy and see the best of New Zealand. If you choose to settle, you wouldn’t be the first.

Hell, maybe I’ll see you there one day. Love and light to you. Did I really just say that?

Dammit, New Zealand.

• Backpacking Fiji
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Updated: February 2020 by Ziggy Samuels at ZiggySamuels.com .

Updated May 2023 by Laura Hall .

Made it this far? You get 15% OFF to book a place to stay ! Offer valid exclusively for Broke Backpackers 😉

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17 Comments

The price of those great walks have gone up recently, but they are still totally worth it. Hiking has to be of my favourite things to do in New Zealand… there’s something about the views and feeling so peaceful.. and the endorphins ?

Hello! Your article says that Auckland is New Zealand’s capital but actually Wellington is. Auckland is our largest city and was once upon a time the capital city, but Wellington has been the capital city since 1865 so it’s a pretty established thing! Thanks 🙂

Yes, Wellington is definitely New Zealand’s capital. We apologise for the fault in the writing. Those responsible have been sacked. (Not really.)

A vacation turned to be an adventure and good memory when you spending it with your family. Camping is not a new concept but the availability of new camping gadgets has made this fun activity more interesting.

Local kiwi here. Read this post out of curiosity most of it is pretty good but Auckland is NOT the capital and the majority do not live there. Only about 1/5 of the popularion do. Wellington is of course course the capital.

Thanks for the corrections 🙂

If you have 16 days what places would you suggest? We would like to do a little of everything.

I’m heading to New zealand for the first time next weekend as a girls trip and am so excited! Thank you for the amazing tips.

By any chance, did you travel to the Cook Islands?

Regards, Parth

I’m afraid not, not this time…

I wanted to go to New Zealand with my girlfriend due to work opportunity. It seems as an exotic place to visit.

About to try a backpacking trip in NZ and you have inspired me.

About to sign up 🙂

Cheers Sharon…

The idea of backpacking in New Zealand never crossed my mind, however not it is on my mind. What was your best experience in there?

Hi great post! Just wondering what backpack did u use? I’m currently having a hard time picking up backpack.

I have a Berghaus Freeflow as my hiking backpack and an Osprey Aether as my main travel backpack 🙂

thankyou!!! super helpful and hopefully will be using this info in the near future

Looks incredible. Saving this post for when we go. So many awesome activities. I don’t know why we haven’t explored NZ yet. We’d love to buy a camper and travel both islands for a while. Cheers for sharing Janey.

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10 of the best things to do in New Zealand

Oct 4, 2023 • 7 min read

These are New Zealand's unmissable activities © Nicram Sabod / Shutterstock

Spectacular and diverse, New Zealand (also known as Aotearoa) is one of the world's most memorable destinations.

From its inspirational Indigenous Māori cultural experiences to its epic and otherworldly national parks , it can be hard to narrow down what to do. You can spend your days soaking in the urban energy of Auckland and Wellington, challenging yourself on outdoor adventures around Queenstown, cycling through Central Otago’s historic towns and big-sky landscapes or trying to spot the country’s iconic kiwi bird on Stewart Island/Rakiura.

Craft your own southern hemisphere adventure from this list of the best things to do in New Zealand.

1. Experience vibrant Māori culture

There are countless ways to engage with New Zealand’s Indigenous Māori culture while exploring the country. You can expect to hear greetings in te reo Māori (the Māori language) frequently, but for a deeper dive, the Auckland Museum and Waikato Museum both have displays of centuries-old Māori taonga (treasures). Around Rotorua , families from the local Te Arawa iwi (tribe) entertain and energize visitors with cultural performances and experiences, including the opportunity to take part in a haka (a ceremonial war dance made famous by the country’s All Blacks rugby team) or experience a hāngī (a Māori feast cooked in the ground). 

Detour: From Rotorua, travel 61km (38 miles) southeast to the isolated logging town of Murupara. Stays at the family-owned Kohutapu Lodge include excursions to catch tuna (endemic longfin eels), visits to historic Māori rock art sites and hiking through the Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park, a spiritually significant site said to be one of the world’s last prehistoric forests.

2. Be immersed in Auckland’s diversity

Framed by two harbors and built on the sprawling remnants of more than 50 long-inactive volcanoes, Auckland is New Zealand's most diverse and cosmopolitan city. Visit the weekly Otara and Avondale markets to taste Pacific and Asian cuisine from communities drawn to Tāmaki Makaurau (the Māori name for Auckland). Or time your visit to experience popular cultural events including Pasifika , Diwali and the Lantern Festival. Good beaches, nearby wine regions, and a dynamic dining scene are other reasons why Auckland is consistently rated one of the world's most liveable cities.

Planning tip: Join Auckland’s most passionate fans while taking in a match featuring the New Zealand Warriors (a rugby league team) or the Auckland Blues (a rugby union team).

3. Hike one of New Zealand’s Great Walks

Hiking (known as “tramping”) is one of New Zealand’s most popular pastimes, with well-established wilderness tracks, shelters (called “huts”) and campsites throughout the country. Highlights include the meandering forest trails of the Rakiura Track on compact Stewart Island/Rakiura and the beach-fringed Abel Tasman Coast Track in the Nelson/Tasman region. Anchoring the rugged geothermal heart of the North Island, Tongariro National Park's most popular trail is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing , a single-day wilderness experience skirting two volcanoes and taking in views of craters, iridescent lakes and the sprawling Central Plateau.

Planning tip: All of New Zealand's  10 (soon to be 11) Great Walks are very popular, and New Zealand's Department of Conservation (DOC) caps visitor numbers at a safe and sustainable level. To secure your spot, you’ll need to book in advance when the Great Walks booking system opens , usually from around May. The Great Walks season runs from late October to April, and the most popular experiences like the Milford and Routeburn Tracks often sell out in minutes. If you miss out; don’t worry. There are hundreds of other trails throughout the country to explore. 

4. Negotiate a two-wheeled adventure in Central Otago

New Zealand's first – and arguably best – multi-day cycling experience is the Otago Central Rail Trail . An undulating ride through sunbaked southern landscapes and the heritage streetscapes of former gold-mining towns, it takes four to six days to complete. Along the way, you can feast on locally grown summer stonefruit, visit contemporary vineyards known for world-class pinot noir, and toast the end of each day with a well-earned beer at historic pubs. E-bikes are a convenient option to maximize your enjoyment of this classic South Island experience, with operators throughout the region offering rentals and guided tours.

Detour: Linking the towns of Cromwell and Clyde, the 55km (34-mile)  Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail traverses the spectacular Cromwell Gorge via an 85m-long (279ft) suspension bridge and a spectacular cantilevered wooden biking track.

5. Seek out kiwis on Stewart Island/Rakiura

At the southern tip of the South Island, Stewart Island/Rakiura is New Zealand's third-largest island, home to a rugged community of around 400 hardy souls, where 85% of the land is protected by Rakiura National Park . Birdlife around Stewart Island/Raikura and the adjacent islet of Ulva Island includes rare hoiho (yellow-eyed penguins), raucous kākā (a type of parrot) and mellifluous bellbirds. However, the undoubted avian highlight is viewing tokoeka (Southern brown kiwi) in the wild. Join a twilight expedition with local operators including Beaks & Feathers and Ruggedy Range Wilderness Experiences to see Aotearoa's beloved national bird snuffling about on beaches and in the forest. Visit from March to September to also potentially glimpse the aurora australis (southern lights), the inspiration for Stewart Island's Māori name: Rakiura, which means “glowing skies.”

Planning tip: Ferries take one hour to cross the Foveaux Strait from Bluff on the mainland to Stewart Island/Rakiura. The crossing can sometimes be rough, so an alternative is a 20-minute flight from Invercargill.

6. Commune with marine mammals around Kaikōura 

Attracted by the nutrient-rich waters of the Kaikōura Canyon – a submarine valley just 800m (2624ft) off the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island – the coastal town of Kaikōura is visited by various whale species throughout the year. Join a boat trip with Whale Watch Kaikōura , owned and operated by the local Ngāti Kuri iwi (Māori tribe), to see visiting humpback, orca, southern right and pilot whales. Resident marine mammals include sperm whales, dolphins and kekeno (New Zealand fur seals). The pelagic birdwatching here is also some of the best on the planet.

Planning tip: Kaikōura translates from te reo Māori as "eat crayfish". The spiny crustacean is a popular item on pub menus and roadside food caravans around the region. Try one at Nin’s Bin or Kaikōura Seafood BBQ .

7. Have a capital time in Wellington

Compact and walkable, New Zealand’s harbor capital of Wellington is the ideal urban destination to balance and complement adventures in Aotearoa’s great outdoors. Explore the city’s pioneering craft beer heritage at local breweries including Garage Project, Heyday and Parrotdog, before learning about the movie-making magic of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings franchises at Wētā Workshop . The nation’s capital also boasts a vibrant arts and live music scene, with free events hosted throughout the year.

Planning tip: Visit (and book accommodation well ahead) for the Beervana craft beer festival in August. Also popular is Wellington on a Plate (WOAP), an annual celebration of the city’s dynamic culinary scene.

8. Explore architectural history in Hawke’s Bay

Rocked by an earthquake in 1931, the Hawke’s Bay cities of Napier and Hastings were rebuilt in the popular architectural styles of the day, and now the region boasts some of the world’s best-preserved art deco and Spanish Mission architectural precincts. From Napier’s Norfolk pine-trimmed Marine Parade, join a walking tour of the city’s cavalcade of art deco buildings, some also decorated with the cross-cultural influence of traditional Māori design motifs.

Detour: New Zealand winemaking began in Hawke’s Bay in the 1850s, and the region’s well-established vineyards and excellent winery restaurants are best explored on two wheels. See On Yer Bike online for details of bike hire and recommended wine trails.

9. Get active around Queenstown

Nowhere else in New Zealand reinforces the country’s reputation for adrenaline-fuelled adventure activities like Queenstown . Amid beautiful lake and sub-alpine scenery, definitely sign up for a bungy jump . (It’s almost mandatory – the breathtaking leap of faith was invented in New Zealand, after all.) You can also consider other thrill rides like  Oxbow Adventures ’ exciting combo of jet sprint boats (which can reach up to 100km/h, or 62mph, in just 2.5 seconds) and extreme 4WD offroading. After all the action, adjourn to Altitude Brewing ’s ​lakeside location for great beers and tasty visits from local food trucks.

Detour: Reached via a scenic road over the Crown Range, Wānaka is Queenstown’s less manic Southern Lakes sibling. Catch a boat on Lake Wānaka to explore the island bird sanctuary of Mou Waho .

10. Kayak in pristine Fiordland

Cruising through Milford Sound /Piopiotahi on a day trip is popular, but a better strategy for experiencing the scale, spectacle and stillness of Fiordland ’s most famous sheltered anchorage is to explore it by kayak. Hook up with Roscoe’s Milford Kayaks for the ultimate on-the-water views of the fiord’s cascading quicksilver waterfalls and massive forest-covered cliffs. Sunriser classic tours loop for 10km (6 miles) around Milford Sound and depart well before the inevitable arrival of daytrippers visiting from Te Anau or Queenstown.

Detour: Fiordland’s Doubtful Sound/Patea (meaning "place of silence" in te reo Māori ) is even quieter and less visited than Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Join a guided kayak tour with Te Anau-based Doubtful Sound Kayak or stay overnight on the MV Fiordland Jewel with Fiordland Discovery .

This article was first published Apr 22, 2021 and updated Oct 4, 2023.

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A Backpacker's Tale

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Backpacking New Zealand | The Ultimate 2022 Guide

27 August, 2022 by Stephen 8 Comments

Backpacking in New Zealand is to venture into a tiny country full of incredible landscapes. And crystal blue lakes, small towns, and epic mountains.

I had high hopes before traveling to New Zealand for the first time. The country not only meets my expectations but beat them. Since then I have returned to New Zealand many times and each time I am more blown away by what the country offers.

New Zealand is a country made for travelers and backpackers. Let’s discover some of the best New Zealand travel tips and guides to help you plan your trip to one of the most  beautiful places on the planet .

BEST Tour COMPANIES IN NEW ZEALAND

What to pack for new zealand.

• Freedom Camping or Otherwise – Camping In New Zealand 

Campervan Hire In New Zealand

Reasons to visit new zealand.

There are many reasons people might choose to backpack in New Zealand. Some may look for an outdoor adventure. While others may simply want to experience the stunning natural scenery and diverse culture that the country offers. Whatever the reason, New Zealand is a great destination for backpackers. Some of the top reasons to visit New Zealand include:

• The amazing scenery, which includes rugged mountains, pristine forests, and stunning coastline
• The great outdoor adventures available, such as hiking, skiing, and kayaking
• The friendly locals and diverse culture
• The affordable prices

Backpacking in New Zealand is a great way to experience all that the country offers. From the stunning natural scenery to the great outdoor adventures, there is something for everyone in New Zealand. 

Things to Know Before Go Backpacking in New Zealand

There are a few things you will need to consider when planning your backpacking trip in New Zealand. First, you will need to decide where you want to go and what you want to see. There is a lot of ground to cover in New Zealand, so make sure you have a good idea of what you want to do.

Another important thing to consider is your budget. Backpacking can be affordable, but it will depend on the type of accommodation and activities you choose. We can find some of the best backpacker hostels in New Zealand in larger cities, such as Auckland and Wellington.

Finally, don’t forget to pack your sense of adventure! New Zealand is the perfect place for outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, and biking. There are also plenty of adrenaline-pumping activities on offer. Such as whitewater rafting and skydiving. So get ready to explore this amazing country! 

Getting to New Zealand

There are many ways to get to New Zealand, depending on your starting point. The most popular routes are from the United States, Europe, and Australia. And Air New Zealand services them all. 

You can use Kayak Explore to find decent flights. 

Backpacking New Zealand Route

The route for backpacking in New Zealand is pretty simple. You can start in Auckland in the north and make your way down to the very bottom of the island in Invercargill. You can either go clockwise or counterclockwise around the island, but the most popular route seems to go clockwise. Most travelers start on the North Island. Then make their way down to New Zealand’s South Island. 

• Auckland- Has great Architecture
• Christchurch – A great city for a weekend getaway, similar to spending a weekend in Memphis ..
• Invercargill 

Backpacking New Zealand Costs

Backpacking in New Zealand can be done on a budget. Or a more luxurious route, depending on your travel style and preferences. Overall, New Zealand is a relatively expensive country to backpack in, with costs averaging around $50-$60 per day. This includes your main expenses. Such as accommodation, food, and transportation. But does not include extras such as entrance fees, activities, and souvenirs.

If you’re looking to save money, there are a few ways to do so. Try camping or Couchsurfing instead of staying in hostels. And other basic things, like cooking your food instead of eating out. Also, take public transportation instead of renting a car. By doing a bit of research and planning, it’s possible to backpack in New Zealand on a budget. 

Here are some sample costs for a 10-day trip to New Zealand:

• Transport: $100

• Accommodation: $300

• Food: $100

• Activities: $100

Total: $400 

How to Travel to New Zealand on a Budget

There are a few ways to travel to New Zealand on a budget. The most important way is to be flexible with your dates and itinerary. There are also a few ways to save money on transportation, food, and accommodation.

Flexible Dates and Itinerary

The most important way to save money while traveling in New Zealand is to be flexible with your dates and itinerary. New Zealand is a popular destination, and flights, buses, and hostels can be expensive during the summer months. Consider traveling during the off-season (March-May or September-November) to save money. Be flexible with your itinerary and consider choosing cheaper activities. Such as hiking and camping, instead of expensive activities like bungee jumping and skydiving.

Transportation

There are a few ways to save money on transportation in New Zealand. The most affordable way to travel around the country is by bus. Kiwi Experience and InterCity are two of the most popular bus companies in New Zealand. Both companies offer passes that allow you to travel around the country for a set price. If you are traveling on a budget, it is also possible to hitchhike. Although it can be risky, hitch 

New Zealand is an expensive country to travel in, but it is possible to do it on a budget. Here are a few tips:

Camp -Camping is a great way to save money while traveling in New Zealand. There are many campsites throughout the country, and many of them are affordable.

Cook your food – Eating out in New Zealand can be expensive, so cook your food. There are many supermarkets and grocery stores in the country, so you will find everything you need.

Use public transportation – New Zealand has a good public transportation system, and using it is a great way to save money.

Visit free attractions -There are many free attractions in New Zealand, so be sure to take advantage of them. Some of the most popular ones are the beaches and the national parks. 

Haka Tours – Haka Tours is the number 1 tour company in New Zealand. And great from small tours. 

I’ve tried many tour companies in New Zealand. Haka tours are handed down the best! Let me tell you why in my  Haka Tour Review

Intrepid Travel – One of the top tour companies out there. Just check out our Intrepid Travel Review. 

Kiwi Experience – Similar to Haka Tours (I prefer Haka Tours). But Kiwi also offers day trips. 

G Adventures – Another one of the top tour companies in New Zealand. Nah, the world. You can check out why in our G Adventures Review. 

Best Time to Travel to New Zealand

New Zealand is a year-round destination, with summer (December-February) being the most popular time to visit. Their Summer Months are opposite the Northern Hemisphere. Spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) are also great times to travel when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. And (June-August) can be cold but offer discounted rates on accommodations and activities. 

When packing for a trip to New Zealand, it is important to consider the climate and the type of activities that you will participate in. New Zealand is a country with diverse climates, so pack accordingly. The North Island is warm and tropical, while the South Island is cooler and more temperate. Be sure to pack clothes and gear for both warm and cool weather.

In addition, New Zealand is a country with lots of outdoor activities, so be sure to pack accordingly. You will need to pack clothes and gear for hiking, camping, climbing, and other outdoor activities.

Here is a basic packing list for a trip to New Zealand:

• Hiking boots
• Camping gear
• Hiking gear
• Clothing for cold weather
• Clothing for warm weather
• Water bottle
• First-aid kit
• Emergency blanket

Best Backpacking Trips In New Zealand

Backpacking in New Zealand is a popular choice for young people and adventure seekers. And for good reason – the country is home to some of the most stunning and diverse landscapes in the world. With towering mountains, pristine lakes and rivers, and miles of pristine coastline, New Zealand is a nature lover’s paradise. Add to that a well-developed infrastructure. And a wealth of activities and attractions, and it’s easy to see why backpacking in New Zealand is so popular.

If you’re looking for the best backpacking trips in New Zealand, you’ve come to the right place. Here are five of our favorite routes for backpacking in New Zealand:

Freedom Camping or Otherwise – Camping In New Zealand 

Camping in New Zealand is a popular way to see the country. There are many places to camp and the freedom to camp pretty much anywhere makes it a popular option. It is important to be aware of the rules and regulations around camping in New Zealand. As well as the etiquette so that you can enjoy your camping trip with no issues.

Camping Regulations in New Zealand

There are a few regulations around camping in New Zealand that you need to be aware of. First, it is illegal to camp in a national park without a permit. This includes camping in the backcountry, as well as camping in a designated campsite. It is also illegal to camp within 200 meters of a road, or within 100 meters of a stream or river.

Camping Etiquette in New Zealand

When camping in New Zealand, it is important to follow the country’s camping etiquette. This includes leaving the campsite in the same condition as you found it, keeping noise levels down, and not disturbing wildlife. It is also important to take your rubbish with you when you leave, as there are no facilities to dispose of rubbish at most campsites. 

Is it safe to Travel to New Zealand?

Yes, it is safe to travel to New Zealand. However, as with any destination, there are some things to keep in mind. New Zealand is a safe place to travel, and it is one of the best places to travel to in December . But there are some things you should know before you go. Petty crime occurs, so be sure to keep your belongings safe. There are also some areas of the country that are more remote and may be less safe, so be sure to research your destination before you go. 

There are so many amazing things to see and do when backpacking in New Zealand and the best way to see as much as possible is by renting a campervan! Wicked Campers offer affordable and fun campervan rentals in New Zealand with a variety of different van styles to choose from. With a Wicked Campervan, you can explore New Zealand’s stunning landscape on your schedule and make memories that will last a lifetime! 

THINGS TO DO IN NEW ZEALAND

Tongariro Crossing – Hiking Through Mordor

The Tongariro Crossing is a hike on the North Island of New Zealand that is known for its stunning volcanic landscape. It takes six hours to complete the hike, which is 12 miles long. The hike begins at the Mangatepopo trailhead and ends at the Ketetahi trailhead. Hikers can see the three craters of the volcano on the hike across the active volcano. The hike is considered moderate in difficulty. But it is important to be aware of the potential dangers, including ash explosions and landslides. 

The Tongariro northern circuit takes around 8 hours to hike. Plus, time to stop and take in all that beauty.

What is it like to trek the Tongariro Crossing (aka Mordor)? Easily one the of best day hikes in New Zealand.

Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound

Fiordland National Park is a World Heritage Site in southwest New Zealand. And is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. We know the park for its dramatic scenery, including its many fiords (inland waterways that glaciers have carved). The most famous of these is Milford Sound, which is often called the “8th Wonder of the World”.

The best way to explore Fiordland National Park is by hiking the many trails that crisscross the park. There are trails for all levels of hikers, from easy strolls to strenuous hikes. One of the most popular trails is the Milford Track, which leads from the town of Te Anau to Milford Sound. The track is 53 km (33 miles) long and takes four days to hike.

If you’re not interested in hiking, you can also explore the park by boat. Many of the fiords can be explored on scenic cruises, which offer magnificent views of the park’s dramatic landscape. 

Swimming with Dolphins in Kaikoura

Swimming with dolphins is one of the best travel experiences of my life. Even if a baby great white crashed the party. ( Read Swimming with Dolphins in Kaikoura )

Tour Hobbiton

If you’re looking for amazing and unique backpacking in New Zealand experience. Then consider touring Hobbiton while in New Zealand. Hobbiton is the set of the famous Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies and is now open to the public as a tourist attraction. It’s a beautiful and serene location and is definitely worth the visit if you’re a fan of movies or fantasy. 

Take a journey to Middle Earth, have a pint at the Green Dragon, and discover if visiting the shire is worth the price of admission. This is what it is like to visit Hobbiton (Read more on Visiting the Shire )

Visit the Best Places Where The Hobbit Was Filmed

Some of the most popular backpacker destinations in New Zealand. Include the North Island’s Tongariro National Park, and the South Island’s Milford Sound. And the country’s capital city of Wellington.

They shot the Hobbit films in various locations around New Zealand. Including the forests of Matamata and the rolling hills of Waikato. Fans can visit where Hobbit was filmed , and these filming locations showcase some of the most iconic natural sites in New Zealand. Many tour companies offer Hobbit-themed itineraries. 

The Hauntingly Beautiful Glow Worms Caves of Waitomo

Darkness surrounded us. Then, as our eyes slowly adjusted, dim blue lights popped up everywhere one after another. I gazed, stunned by the simple beauty, watching the glowing worms outline every bump and crevice in the walls. ( Read about Visiting the Glow Worm Caves in New Zealand )

Stewart Island

Stewart Island is a great place to visit if you want to get away from the crowds. It’s a remote island in the south of New Zealand, and it’s a great place for hiking and bird-watching. 

Skydiving in New Zealand

Skydiving in New Zealand is something that should be at the top of every adventurer’s bucket list.

All my determination went into not shouting, “Hey Beardman, STOP scooting us to the edge of the door!”. Looking down, I zeroed in on my legs dangling 15,000 feet above the world. ( Read about Skydiving in New Zealand )

Abel Tasman National Park

New Zealand is an amazing country to backpack, and the Abel Tasman National Park is one of its most beautiful areas. We know the park for its stunning coastal scenery, its lush vegetation, and its many hiking trails. One of the best ways to experience the park is to hike the Abel Tasman Coast Track, a popular multi-day trail that winds its way along the coast. Other great hikes in the park include the Mt. Richmond Forest Park Track and the Waterfront Track. 

Hiking Franz Josef Glacier

If you’re looking for an amazing hiking and backpacking destination, look no further than New Zealand. With its dramatic landscapes and pristine trails, New Zealand is a hikers’ paradise. Some of the best hikes in the country include the Milford Track, the Routeburn Track, and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, check out the Franz Josef Glacier. This challenging hike will take you up to the glacier itself, giving you stunning views of this natural wonder. 

lake Wanaka

There are many great places to backpack in New Zealand, but one of the most popular spots is the area around Lake Wanaka. The scenery is stunning, with rugged mountains and pristine lakes, and there are plenty of trails to choose from. There are also plenty of small towns and villages in the area, so you can easily find a place to stay or get a meal. 

lake Tekapo

Start your adventure in the stunning town of Tekapo, in the heart of the Southern Alps. From here, you can explore the surrounding mountains and lakes. Or venture further afield into the pristine wilderness of the Fiordland National Park. No matter what you choose to do, you’re guaranteed to see some of the most stunning landscapes in the world.

lake Marian

One of the best places to start is in the Otago region in the country’s south. Here, you’ll find the incredible Lake Marian, a picturesque alpine lake that’s perfect for a day hike or overnight backpacking trip, which happen to be some of the best day trips from Copenhagen as well. . The trails around the lake are well-marked and relatively easy, making it a great option for beginner hikers.

mount aspiring national park

Looking for a breathtaking backpacking destination? look no further than Mount Aspiring National Park in New Zealand. With its soaring peaks and pristine alpine valleys, the park is a hikers’ paradise. Be sure to plan your trip during the warmer months, as they covered the park in snow for much of the year. 

hooker valley

The Hooker Valley Track is a popular backcountry route in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, on the South Island of New Zealand. The track follows the Hooker River from the Hermitage Hotel to the Hooker Glacier.

The hike is a moderate to difficult 8-mile (13-km) walk that takes 3-4 hours to complete. Hooker Valley route is well-marked and relatively easy to follow. But requires some basic mountaineering skills, such as using an ice axe and crampons. The hike offers stunning views of the Hooker Valley and the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and rivers. 

Heaphy track

The Heaphy Track is a 78-kilometer-long tramping track on New Zealand’s South Island. It is the only track in New Zealand that traverses two National Park, Kahurangi, and Nelson Lakes.

The track begins at Golden Bay and finishes at Lewis Pass, on the main trunk road between Christchurch and Nelson. It takes four to five days to walk the entire track, or three days if you are fit and have a good tramping experience.

The Heaphy Track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks and is well serviced with huts and campsites. It is a popular track, so it is best to book huts and campsites in advance. 

Nelson Lakes National Park

Nelson Lakes National Park is a national park in the Tasman Region of New Zealand. The New Zealand Department of Conservation administers the park.

The park is in the northern part of the South Island, stretching from the northwest to the southeast. The park contains two large lakes, Rotoiti and Rotoroa. And is bounded by the Lewis Pass National Highway on the northwest, the Heaphy Track on the northeast, and the Arthur River on the southeast.

They established the park in 1950 and cover an area of 1,073 square kilometers.

The park is popular for backpacking and tramping. With several walking tracks leading into the park from the highway and the surrounding area. The most popular track is the Robert Ridge Track, which leads from the highway to the summit of Mount Robert. 

Fox Glacier New Zealand

Fox Glacier, in the West Coast region of New Zealand’s South Island, is a popular destination for backpacking. The glacier is 13 kilometers long. And the surrounding area is full of hiking trails, waterfalls, and other natural wonders. Backpackers can find campsites and hostels near the glacier. And several tour companies offer guided trips on the glacier. 

lake te Anau

If you are looking for a breathtaking and serene backpacking location, look no further than New Zealand’s Lake Te Anau. This glistening lake is in the Fiordland National Park and is surrounded by soaring mountains and pristine forests. Hiking and camping are the perfect way to enjoy the natural beauty of this area, and there are plenty of trails to choose from. You may also want to spend some time exploring the lake itself, which is a magnificent spot for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. 

One of the most popular hiking trails in New Zealand is the climb to the summit of Mount Cook. At 3,724 meters (12,218 feet), this is the highest mountain in New Zealand and offers some of the most stunning views in the country. The trail to the summit is about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) long and takes most hikers between six and eight hours to complete.

Or, if you are interested in camping , the Kepler Track is a 60-kilometer (37.3 miles) hike. It takes four to five days to complete and offers some of the best camping spots in New Zealand. You also have the famed Mueller Hut.

No matter what type of hike you are interested in, New Zealand is the perfect place 

For more on the best things to do in New Zealand, check out our post. And get the most out of your trip with your New Zealand Itinerary.

Some Unique Experiences In New Zealand

There are plenty of unique experiences to be had while backpacking in New Zealand. From hiking through some of the most epic landscapes in the world to enjoying a pint of local beer in a small town pub. There is something for everyone in this amazing country. Here are just a few of the unique experiences that you can enjoy while backpacking in New Zealand:

Hiking the Milford Track

This 53-kilometer hike through Fiordland National Park is often called the “finest walk in the world”. The track winds its way through the rainforest, and past thundering waterfalls. And along the edges of rugged mountains, culminating in a hike through the entrance to Milford Sound. This is an experience you will never forget.

Taking a cruise of Milford Sound

If you don’t have time for the full Milford Track hike, you can still enjoy the beauty of Milford Sound with a cruise. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most stunning places in the world, and a cruise is a perfect way to experience its majesty.

Experiencing Maori culture

One of the unique aspects of New Zealand culture is the prevalence of the Maori culture and language. There are many opportunities to experience traditional Maori culture. Including Maori villages, performances, and cultural experiences.

This 53.5 km hike is one of the most popular in New Zealand and takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in the country.

Kayaking the Abel Tasman Coast

This is a beautiful kayaking route that takes you past golden sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush green forests.

Climbing Mount Cook

At 3,724 meters, Mount Cook is the highest mountain in New Zealand and offers some challenging climbing routes.

Stargazing in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve

This reserve is the largest dark sky reserve in the world and is perfect for star-gazing enthusiasts.

White Water Rafting on the Kawarau River

This is one of the most popular white water rafting routes in the country and offers some exciting rapids. 

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a popular tourist destination on the North Island of New Zealand. We know the caves for their population of glowworms, Arachnocampa Luminosa, which emit a bright blue light.

The caves were formed over 30 million years ago and were first discovered by Māori tribes who used them for religious ceremonies.

The first recorded European exploration of the caves was in 1887 by English surveyor Fred Mace.

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are open to the public via tours are available which include a boat ride through the caves. 

Festivals In New Zealand

There are many festivals celebrated in New Zealand. Some of the most popular festivals include:

Auckland Arts Festival

This festival is held annually in Auckland and showcases a variety of performing arts, including theatre, music, and dance.

Wellington Jazz Festival

This jazz festival, held each year in Wellington and features performances by some of the world’s top jazz musicians.

Dunedin Fringe Festival

This arts festival, held each year in Dunedin and features a variety of performances, including theatre, dance, and music. It is a great festival that rivals Ping Lantern Festival.

Christchurch Arts Festival

 This arts festival, held annually in Christchurch. And features a variety of performances, including theatre, dance, and music.

New Zealand International Film Festival

This film festival is held annually in Auckland, Wellington. And Christchurch features a selection of the best new international films. 

Backpacking around New Zealand is an amazing experience. It is a country I fell in love with so much that I moved there for a year. 

This guide will get you started, but there are other resources like the Backpacking New Zealand Reddit. 

I help that helps you plan your trip backpacking in New Zealand. 

Reader Interactions

9 December, 2015 at 12:26 pm

I went to New Zealand this year for the first time and loved it! The scenery was out of this world! Great post :-)

18 January, 2016 at 9:21 pm

Glad you enjoyed it!! SOrry for the late reply. Disques has not been sending me my comments. :(

10 December, 2015 at 8:31 am

New Zealand is definitely one of my favorite places. I haven’t had a chance to go there but I wish I could visit there at-least once in a lifetime.

13 December, 2015 at 9:49 am

Thanks for the comment. I love NZ!! I agree everyone should visit it at least once! What was your favorite spot?

18 January, 2016 at 9:19 pm

I love love love New Zealand. What was your favorite spot?

18 January, 2016 at 9:41 pm

It’s hard to choose as the diversity of the landscape lends itself to so many different experiences. I did a skydive in Taupo which was amazing, but I think the stand out experience was the Tongariro Crossing!

18 January, 2016 at 10:18 pm

I did as well! You might enjoy this. https://www.abackpackerstale.com/blogs/skydiving-zealand-jump-perfectly-good-plane/

8 April, 2016 at 7:55 am

I haven’t but I will think about trying it next time.

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Helpful tips

Here's a few useful links to help with planning your trip to Aotearoa New Zealand.

• Best things to do in the North Island
• Best things to do in the South Island
• Other Islands
• Best ways to travel around
• Calculate travel times and distances

Travelling to New Zealand

Travelling to New Zealand is easy with available flights from the United Kingdom.

See travel requirements to NZ >

Depending on where you are coming from around the world, there are  available flights  to New Zealand that fly into Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Queenstown or Dunedin. Most flights from the United Kingtom depart from main cities, with most international flights landing in Auckland or Christchurch. The average flight time is about 24 hours.

Auckland Airport (AKL) is a major airline hub and is the most common   airport   for international flights. Visitors can continue to other destinations through domestic flights from Auckland.

Another popular way to get to and explore the country is by   Cruise . Most cruises to New Zealand depart from Australia and the Pacific Islands and some are round-the-world journeys.

You can also   contact a travel agent   if you need help in planning your New Zealand holiday.

Travel requirements to New Zealand

Find out more about  what you need to enter New Zealand  from your country of origin, including regulations, visa requirements and health and safety guidelines. 

Travellers arriving into Queenstown, Wellington or Christchurch airports now have the option to complete a digital arrival declaration instead of a Passenger Arrival Card before travelling to New Zealand.

Travellers arriving into Auckland international airport still need to complete a paper Passenger Arrival Card, which will be handed out on-board your flight to New Zealand.

Find out more about the New Zealand Traveller Declaration here (opens in new window) .

Essential travel information

Covid-19 travel safety information, visas and entry requirements, flights to new zealand, plane find & book flights.

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• Working holiday visas

Check the countries that have a working holiday visa agreement with New Zealand, visa eligibility, and what to do if you want to extend your working holiday visa.

How long can you work in New Zealand for

• How long you can work on a Post Study Work Visa
• How long you can stay on a Specific Purpose Work Visa
• How long you can stay on an Essential Skills Work Visa

Eligibility and criteria for working holiday visas

Working holiday visas are available to young people, usually aged 18 to 30, but 18 to 35 in a select few countries. They let you travel and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months. If you are from Canada they let you travel and work for up to 23 months, and for up to 36 months if you are from the United Kingdom.

Employment conditions

You cannot accept a permanent job offer while on a New Zealand working holiday visa. Employment conditions vary between the different countries. Check the details for your country’s working holiday visa scheme.

Studying and training courses

With your working holiday visa you can study one or more courses for up to 6 months in New Zealand. For example, you could study English for up to 6 months, do a Study Abroad programme for up to 6 months, or a short training course in New Zealand.

You need to:

• have enough money to pay for a return ticket, and
• be coming mainly to holiday, with both work or a short amount of study your secondary intentions.

Applying from New Zealand or overseas

All working holiday visas must be applied for online — and only if the visa is 'open' for applications.

In most cases you can apply for a working holiday visa from any country, including within New Zealand.

However, some schemes require you to be in your home country when you apply. For example, you must be in China when you apply for the China Working Holiday Visa.

If you apply for a Working Holiday Visa while in New Zealand you may be required to provide a medical certificate. If you plan to stay in New Zealand for more than 12 months (including time on visas other than a Working Holiday Visa), you must have a chest x-ray and a general medical examination.

Working Holiday Visa medical requirements

You cannot delay your working holiday visa

If you have been granted a working holiday visa you must activate it by arriving in New Zealand within the timeframe you were given. This is usually 1 year from the date it is granted.

You cannot delay or cancel a working holiday visa that has been granted. If you cannot activate the visa, it will lapse.

You cannot apply again for a working holiday visa if one was already granted to you.

Countries with working holiday agreements and their criteria

Working holiday visas are only available in countries that have an agreement with New Zealand for working holiday visas.

In your country's working holiday visa criteria, it will tell you:

• how old you have to be
• how long you can stay
• how much money you need to bring
• any specific working criteria for your country's arrangement with us.

List of countries with a working holiday visa agreement

Argentina Working Holiday Visa

Austria Working Holiday Visa

Belgium Working Holiday Visa

Brazil Working Holiday Visa

Canada Working Holiday Visa

Chile Working Holiday Visa

China Working Holiday Visa

Croatia Working Holiday Visa

Czech Working Holiday Visa

Denmark Working Holiday Visa

Estonia Working Holiday Visa

Finland Working Holiday Visa

France Working Holiday Visa

Germany Working Holiday Visa

Hungary Working Holiday Visa

Hong Kong Working Holiday Visa

Ireland Working Holiday Visa

Israel Working Holiday Visa

Italy Working Holiday Visa

Japan Working Holiday Visa

Korea Working Holiday Visa

Latvia Working Holiday Visa

Lithuania Working Holiday Visa

Luxembourg Working Holiday Visa

Malaysia Working Holiday Visa

Malta Working Holiday Visa

Mexico Working Holiday Visa

Netherlands Working Holiday Visa

Norway Working Holiday Visa

Peru Working Holiday Visa

Philippines Working Holiday Visa

Poland Working Holiday Visa

Portugal Working Holiday Visa

Singapore Working Holiday Visa

Slovakia Working Holiday Visa

Slovenia Working Holiday Visa

Spain Working Holiday Visa

Sweden Working Holiday Visa

Taiwan Working Holiday Visa

Thailand Working Holiday Visa

Turkey Working Holiday Visa

United Kingdom Working Holiday Visa

USA Working Holiday Visa

Uruguay Working Holiday Visa

Vietnam Working Holiday Visa

If your country is not on the list

If your country is not listed, we do not have an agreement with them and cannot offer you a working holiday visa.

Check if you can apply for a different visa that lets you work in New Zealand.

Visas that allow you to work in New Zealand

Extend a working holiday visa

If you are on a united kingdom or canada working holiday visa.

If you are a Canadian citizen currently in New Zealand on a 12-month working holiday visa, you may be able to extend your working holiday for up to another 11 months with a Working Holiday Scheme Subsequent Work Visa.

If you are a UK citizen currently in New Zealand on a 12-month or longer working holiday visa, you may be able to extend your working holiday to cover the balance of the 36 month maximum duration with a Working Holiday Scheme Subsequent Work Visa.

Working Holiday Scheme Subsequent Work Visa Application form (INZ 1223) PDF 1009KB

If you completed 3 months of seasonal work

If you do not meet the requirements for the second work visa, you may still be eligible for a 3-month extension of your working holiday visa. To be eligible you must have completed 3 months of seasonal work in the horticulture or viticulture industry while holding your working holiday visa.

Working Holiday Extension Work Visa

Other visa options

If you are looking to work or stay longer in New Zealand, or come for a purpose other than a working holiday, there may be a more relevant visa you could consider.

Explore and select a visa

• Travel Planning Guide

New Zealand Travel Budget - Visit New Zealand on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Is New Zealand Expensive?
• How much does a trip to New Zealand cost?
• 3-Week New Zealand Itinerary: How to spend 21 days
• What is the Best Time for Hiking in New Zealand?
• NZ On-Your-Own Itineraries
• North Island
• South Island
• NZ Hotel Prices
• NZ Cities: Hotel Prices by City
• Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in New Zealand
• Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in New Zealand
• Best Cheap Hotels in New Zealand
• Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in New Zealand
• Best Hotels for Scuba Diving in New Zealand
• Best Adults Only Hotels in New Zealand
• Best Party Hotels in New Zealand
• Best Luxury Hotels in New Zealand
• Best Business Hotels in New Zealand
• Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in New Zealand
• Best Family-Friendly Hotels in New Zealand
• Best Hotels for One Week in New Zealand
• Best Beach Hotels in New Zealand
• Best Hotels for One Night in New Zealand
• Best Hotels for Skiing in New Zealand
• Hostel Prices & Reviews
• NZ Activities
• NZ Tour Prices
• The Best Family-Friendly Tours to NZ
• The Best Wildlife Tours to NZ
• The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in NZ
• The Best Historical Tours in NZ
• The Best 10-Day Tours in NZ
• The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in NZ
• The Best 3-Day Tours in NZ
• The Best 2-Week Tours in NZ
• The Best 3-Week Tours in NZ
• The Best Bicycle Tours in NZ
• Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in NZ
• The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in NZ
• The Best Coach Bus Tours in NZ
• The Best Adventure Tours to NZ
• The Best Eco Tours in NZ
• The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in NZ
• The Best Sightseeing Tours in NZ
• The Best Cultural Tours in NZ
• The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in NZ
• The Best Self Drive Tours in NZ
• The Best Luxury Tours to NZ
• The Best Budget Tours to NZ
• The Best Tours for Seniors to NZ
• The Best Contiki Tours to NZ
• The Best G Adventures Tours to NZ
• Christchurch
• How much does it cost to travel to New Zealand? (Average Daily Cost)
• New Zealand trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

How much do package tours cost in New Zealand?

Is new zealand expensive to visit.

• How much do I need for a trip to New Zealand?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to New Zealand?

You should plan to spend around $139 (NZ$229) per day on your vacation in New Zealand. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $32 (NZ$52) on meals
• $21 (NZ$34) on local transportation
• $142 (NZ$234) on hotels

A one week trip to New Zealand for two people costs, on average, $1,943 (NZ$3,209) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 139 NZ$ 229
• One Week Per person $ 971 NZ$ 1,605
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 1,943 NZ$ 3,209
• One Month Per person $ 4,163 NZ$ 6,877
• One Week For a couple $ 1,943 NZ$ 3,209
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 3,885 NZ$ 6,418
• One Month For a couple $ 8,326 NZ$ 13,754

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to New Zealand cost?

A one week trip to New Zealand usually costs around $971 (NZ$1,605) for one person and $1,943 (NZ$3,209) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to New Zealand on average costs around $1,943 (NZ$3,209) for one person and $3,885 (NZ$6,418) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in New Zealand will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to New Zealand on average costs around $4,163 (NZ$6,877) for one person and $8,326 (NZ$13,754) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Organized tours are usually more expensive than independent travel, but offer convenience and peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a travel expert.

The average price for an organized tour package in New Zealand is $300 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.

• Auckland to Christchurch 12 Day Highlights 12 Days - 11 Destinations $ 2,360
• New Zealand Grand - 14 Day Self Drive Tour 14 Days - 18 Destinations $ 3,668

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

New Zealand is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.

Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, New Zealand is reasonably affordable compared to the other countries. It is in the top 25% of countries in the Pacific for its affordability . You can find more affordable countries such as Samoa, but there are also more expensive countries, such as Vanautu.

For more details, see Is New Zealand Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to New Zealand?

The average New Zealand trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these New Zealand travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in New Zealand

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in New Zealand is $71 (NZ$117). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in New Zealand is $142 (NZ$234). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 71 NZ$ 117
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 142 NZ$ 234

Hotel Prices in New Zealand

Looking for a hotel in New Zealand? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in New Zealand based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $104. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

• Frimley Lodge Motel Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 90
• Te Waonui Forest Retreat Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 519

Local Transportation Budget in New Zealand

The cost of a taxi ride in New Zealand is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $21 (NZ$34) per person, per day, on local transportation in New Zealand.

• Local Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 21 NZ$ 34

Recommended Services

• Private Transfer From Auckland City To Auckland Airport Viator $ 62
• Auckland Airport Private Transfers in a Luxury Minibus Viator $ 58

What did other people spend on Local Transportation?

Typical prices for Local Transportation in New Zealand are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Local Transportation prices in New Zealand, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Bus from Airport NZ$ 16
• Airport Shuttle NZ$ 25

Food Budget in New Zealand

While meal prices in New Zealand can vary, the average cost of food in New Zealand is $32 (NZ$52) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in New Zealand should cost around $13 (NZ$21) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in New Zealand is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 32 NZ$ 52

Recommended

• A Taste Of Wellington Food Tour (half Day) Viator $ 189
• Queenstown Progressive Dinner Tour | Experience 3 Locations Viator $ 209

What did other people spend on Food?

Typical prices for Food in New Zealand are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in New Zealand, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Coffee NZ$ 5.00
• Breakfast NZ$ 8.00
• A Quick Snack NZ$ 4.00
• Lunch NZ$ 12
• Casural Lunch NZ$ 14
• Dinner NZ$ 15
• Lunch for Two NZ$ 40

Entertainment Budget in New Zealand

Entertainment and activities in New Zealand typically cost an average of $37 (NZ$61) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 37 NZ$ 61

Recommended Activities

• The Wine Trail Tour Viator $ 178
• Scenic Cruise & Guided Walk on Historic Motor Yacht Lake Te Anau Viator $ 89

What did other people spend on Entertainment?

Typical prices for Entertainment in New Zealand are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Entertainment prices in New Zealand, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Skyline Gondola (for 2) NZ$ 50
• Auckland Sky Tour (for 2) NZ$ 55
• Waiheke Island Tour (for 2) NZ$ 202
• Jet Boating NZ$ 95
• Massage NZ$ 95
• Bungy Jumping NZ$ 255
• Skydiving NZ$ 320
• Lunch Out for Two NZ$ 46

Tips and Handouts Budget in New Zealand

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in New Zealand is $1.81 (NZ$2.99) per day. The usual amount for a tip in New Zealand is 5% - 15% .

• Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 1.81 NZ$ 2.99

Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in New Zealand

Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in New Zealand is $131 (NZ$217), as reported by travelers.

• Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps 1 $ 131 NZ$ 217

Alcohol Budget in New Zealand

The average person spends about $13 (NZ$22) on alcoholic beverages in New Zealand per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 13 NZ$ 22
• Jimmy’s Classic Marlborough Wine tours Viator $ 231
• The Afternoon Artisan Food and Wine Tour Viator $ 185

What did other people spend on Alcohol?

Typical prices for Alcohol in New Zealand are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Alcohol prices in New Zealand, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Wine NZ$ 8.50
• Bottle of Wine NZ$ 19
• Wine NZ$ 20

Water Budget in New Zealand

On average, people spend $2.35 (NZ$3.87) on bottled water in New Zealand per day. The public water in New Zealand is considered safe to drink.

• Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 2.35 NZ$ 3.87

Related Articles

New zealand on a budget.

At A Glance

• The largest airports in New Zealand are in Auckland and Christchurch. Auckland is served by the most international flights with over twenty destinations reached by twelve different airlines. Christchurch has flights to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Buenos Aires, Santiago de Chile and Tokyo. Flying to New Zealand can be expensive so it is best to research all of your options in advance before booking your tickets. You'll usually get the best rate if you make reservations well in advance.
• New Zealand has very strict biosecurity laws. Make sure you fully understand what you are and are not allowed to bring into the country, and make sure you declare all items that are required by customs officials. Food and agricultural products are strictly regulated, so if you have any souvenirs with you from other countries, make sure that you fully understand the entry requirements.
• There are several tourist oriented bus companies within New Zealand. They provide transportation to many areas throughout the country, but even so, you will find having access to your own vehicle more convenient and enjoyable. With a private car you can access the more remote and interesting parts of the country ( car rental/hire prices here ). The more popular tourist bus companies include Flying Kiwi Adventure, InterCity Coachlines, and Naked Bus, which is typically the cheapest option.
• There are ferries that connect the North and South Islands. If you're traveling with a car you can take the ferry that runs between Wellington and Picton . Don't be surprised if there are unexpected delays due to weather or scheduling challenges.
• You can't go to New Zealand without attempting at least one adventure sport. There are the more traditional options available, like bungie jumping, sky diving, or kite surfing, and then there are more creating activities like heli-hiking, shark cage diving, and fly by wire. Pick an activity and give it a go before you leave. These activities can be expensive and a little risky so do some research and make sure you go through a reputable company before you sign up.

Top Tourist Attractions

Popular foods, more related articles.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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