According to the locals, New Zealand can be quite an expensive place. Therefore, it will be more expensive for tourists as prices will be higher for them. However, if you are good at maneuvering, you can find short cuts that will not break your bank. Here are tips to discover New Zealand on a budget.
- Visit on Low Seasons
Peak seasons for tourists in New Zealand are between December and February. During this time, you will incur huge costs for campervans, hotels, and tourist activities. Hence, it is best to visit this beautiful country during the low season if you are on a budget.
- Cook Your Food
Cooking food on your campervan can go a long way in saving food costs. It can be quite costly to eat from restaurants and hotels. Fast foods can also be very unhealthy. So, cooking not only cuts costs but also ensures healthy eating.
- Hire or buy a Campervan
Hiring or buying a campervan is very convenient when traveling in New Zealand. You can avoid the high hotel costs, make your meals, and travel around. You can even use it to visit free places. And these places can be quite a number.
- Pick an Island
New Zealand has two islands; the North and South islands. While the country might be small, traveling between both islands can be quite costly. And because both islands have many interesting sites to see and a myriad of activities to partake, choosing one island at a time can be the best bet for your budget and experience.
- Work for Free Accommodation and Food
If you want to discover New Zealand for an extended period of time, you save a lot of money by being a WOOFer. WOOFing is a system where travelers provide free labor in exchange for free accommodation, food, or both. This practice is popular in the country, and you can be expected to do this for at least two weeks or more. Depending on your agreement with your host, you can work on certain days and get to travel on others. You can find yourself working in a restaurant, hostel, or even a farm.
- Freedom Camping
Freedom camping refers to camping in public land for free. This is allowed in New Zealand but in certain locations only. While the sites can have minimal facilities, you can always ensure you have a campervan with everything you need for your adventure. You can also camp at the department of conservation sites at $5 to $7 per night. Pretty cheap, right?
- Leverage Relocation Deals
Relocation deals are a great way to save on transportation costs. Rental companies will want their vehicles moved from small towns to cities. The petrol tank will be filled, and you will be given some days to move the vehicle. If you want to make some stops along the way, enjoy the scenery, and even camp, it’s up to you. So, you can look for these deals before renting a campervan or car.
Conclusion
If you want to get the most out of New Zealand, saving on costs is the best way. You will have more money to continue your discovery of the country, and you will consequently see more. So, be sure to be a WOOFer, hire a campervan, freedom camp, get relocation deals, and more.
