How much does it cost to travel to New Zealand?
You should plan to spend around $142 (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
- $144 (NZ$234) on hotels
A one week trip to New Zealand for two people costs, on average, $1,981 (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.
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.
Is New Zealand expensive to visit?
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.
Category | Cost |
---|---|
Accommodation1(Double Occupancy) | NZ$234($144) |
Local Transportation1 | NZ$34($21) |
Food2 | NZ$52($32) |
Entertainment1 | NZ$61($37) |
Tips and Handouts1 | NZ$1 -4($1 - 3) |
Alcohol2 | NZ$11 -33($7 - 20) |
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 $72 (NZ$117). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in New Zealand is $144 (NZ$234). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Accommodation1Hotel or hostel for one person
$72
NZ$117
Accommodation1Typical double-occupancy room
$144
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
Local Transportation Budget in New Zealand
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
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 Transportation1Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
See AlsoQuick Facts & FiguresHow Much Spending Money You'll Need in NZ for 1, 2 or 4 weeksMoving to New Zealand from the USABest Time to Visit New Zealand | Zicasso$21
NZ$34
Recommended Services
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
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
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.
Food2Meals for one day
$32
NZ$52
Recommended
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
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
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.
Entertainment1Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$37
NZ$61
Recommended Activities
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
Massage
NZ$95
Jet Boating
NZ$95
Bungy Jumping
NZ$255
Skydiving
NZ$320
Lunch Out for Two
NZ$46
Tips and Handouts Budget in New Zealand
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
The average cost for Tips and Handouts in New Zealand is $1.85 (NZ$2.99) per day. The usual amount for a tip in New Zealand is 5% - 15%.
Tips and Handouts1For guides or service providers
$1.85
NZ$2.99
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in New Zealand
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
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 $134 (NZ$217), as reported by travelers.
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps1
$134
NZ$217
Alcohol Budget in New Zealand
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
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.
Alcohol2Drinks for one day
$13
NZ$22
Recommended
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
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
On average, people spend $2.39 (NZ$3.87) on bottled water in New Zealand per day. The public water in New Zealand is considered safe to drink.
Water2Bottled water for one day
$2.39
NZ$3.87
Last Updated: Feb 9, 2024
New Zealand on a Budget
Aoraki / Mt. Cook, New Nealand
New Zealand offers some of the most dramatic and impressive landscape on Earth. The geography is very diverse and the natural beauty is breathtaking. You'll find jagged mountains, clear lakes, and steep fiords, all within a short distance of each other. Most visitors come to the area to explore this natural beauty, and the country continues to grow in popularity with tourists. Made more famous by the popular movie series, "Lord of the Rings", New Zealand's stunningly beautiful natural setting is matched by no other.
You'll also find countless opportunities to enjoy adventure sports, with an absolutely stunning vista as your backdrop. There are incredible treks where you can wander deep into the wilderness. You can raft or kayak through some of the most swift rivers, and you can go climbing on some of the most incredible rocks. If you're really looking for an adrenaline rush you can try your hand at bungy jumping, caving, or ice climbing. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, you'll rarely find a place that has more to offer than New Zealand.
Once you've had your fill of the adventure sports you can head to the cities and relax at a local pub. Auckland is a great place to spend a few days. Some of the more popular areas include the Viaduct Harbour and Mission Bay, but you'll also find plenty of museums, restaurants, and bars nearby. Christchurch is popular because of its English character, which you can see in the architecture and layout of the city.
The Maori culture offers a unique influence over the area. You may hear the language spoken in the far northern parts of the North Island. There is also a traditional cuisine that you should try if you have the opportunity. Food is typically prepared in a hangi, or earthen oven, during festivals or large gatherings. Meat, vegetables and puddings are slow cooked in a covered pit for several hours before they are served to guests. It's a great experience if you have the opportunity to participate in this traditional custom.
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.
Related
Looking for a party in Auckland or at one of the Base Hostels in New Zealand?
Traveling alone or with a group?
Top Tourist Attractions
Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland: Located at the southern end of the Okataina Volcanic Centre, this is an attractive and impressive mix of mud pools, geysers, bubbling lakes, and steamy terraces. It has many hot springs and is most noted for its colorful appearance.
Tongariro National Park: This national park, on the country's North Island, is created by three volcanoes. Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro are all located in the center of the park. It's the oldest national park in the country and is a great place to either ski or hike.
Fiordland: Located in the southwest corner of the South Island, this area's geography is spectacular in appearance. It looks like it jumped off the screen of "Lord of the Rings," and is an absolute must see in the region. The snow-capped Alps are dramatic and breathtaking and the deep lakes are strikingly blue in color.
New Zealand offers plenty more to see and do. If you've never been to the country, check out this terrific guide to New Zealand for first time visitors which covers everything from getting around to activities.
Popular Foods
New Zealand cuisine is similar to that of Great Britain, with only subtle differences. You'll find plenty of diverse restaurants in the larger cities, but in the smaller towns they may be harder to come by. You can almost always find a local pub that serves up fish and chips however. Cafes are common throughout New Zealand as well and you'll find plenty of good expresso.
Custard Squares: These squares are a French pastry that is made with layered pastry dough and a cream. They are quite sweet and can be served as a simple dessert or a small snack with coffee.
Pavlova: This is a meringue based dessert that is made with a thin but light crust. It was originally developed in Russia, but is now common throughout New Zealand. It is usually served with whipped cream and sliced fruit on top.
Fish and Chips: Made with battered and fried fish, this dish is served at almost all pubs around the country. The fish is usually served with french fries and is comparable to the dish found throughout Great Britain.
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.
1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.