Save Money on Holidays in New Zealand

There are a number of ways to save money on your holiday to New Zealand. We offer some tips and hints to make your money go further.

Transportation Strategy

March is slightly past the peak summer rush, but rental prices can still be high.

  • Relocation Rentals: Check sites like Transfercar or imoova. Rental companies often need cars or campervans moved from Auckland to Wellington (or vice versa) and will offer them for $1–$5 a day, sometimes including a tank of fuel or ferry crossing.

  • Petrol Savings: Download the Gaspy app. Fuel prices vary significantly between stations; this app shows the cheapest prices near you in real-time.

  • Supermarket Fuel Vouchers: When you shop at Countdown or New World, check the bottom of your receipt for “cents per litre” discount vouchers for partner gas stations (usually BP, Z, or Mobil).

2. Dining and Groceries

  • Shop at “Pak’nSave”: This is the cheapest supermarket chain in New Zealand. Stock up on staples in larger cities like Auckland, Hamilton, or Napier before heading into smaller tourist towns where prices are higher.

  • “First Table”: Use the First Table website to book the first seating of the night at participating restaurants for 50% off the food bill

3. Accommodation Tips

  • Department of Conservation (DOC) Campsites: If you are using a campervan, DOC campsites are significantly cheaper than private holiday parks. They range from free to about $15–$20 per person and are often located in the most beautiful, secluded spots.

  • Book “Refundable” then Re-check: Since March is the start of the shoulder season, keep an eye on prices. If you see a last-minute drop at a hotel or Airbnb, you can re-book at the lower rate.

4. Activities and Sightseeing

  • Prioritize Free Natural Wonders: Many of the North Island’s best features cost nothing:

    • Hot Water Beach (Coromandel): Dig your own spa in the sand (check tide times).

    • Kerosene Creek (Rotorua): A naturally hot river and waterfall that is free to access, unlike the formal thermal spas.

    • Mount Maunganui Summit: An incredible coastal view for the cost of a hike.

    • Te Papa Museum (Wellington): One of the best museums in the world and entry is free (though donations are welcome).

  • Book Online in Advance: For “must-do” paid activities like Hobbiton or Waitomo Caves, booking directly on their websites well in advance often secures “early bird” slots which are cheaper than walk-up prices.

5. Itinerary Flow

  • Loop vs. One-Way: Consider starting in Auckland and ending in Wellington (or vice versa). While there might be a “one-way” drop-off fee for a car, you save the significant cost of fuel and time required to drive back to your starting point. You can then take a budget domestic flight (via Jetstar or Air New Zealand “Grabaseat”) back to your international departure hub.

6. Mobile plans

1. Absolute Lowest Price (Low Data)

If you only need a SIM for emergencies or occasional browsing, Warehouse Mobile and 2degrees offer the cheapest starter plans.

  • Warehouse Mobile: $9 Plan gives you 300MB data, 100 minutes, and unlimited texts.

  • 2degrees: $8 Prepay Plan provides 150MB data, 100 minutes, and unlimited texts.

2. Best Value for Most Travelers (Medium Data)

For a 14-day trip, Skinny Mobile remains the strongest contender due to its “Summer Double Data” promos and use of the Spark network (the country’s largest).

  • Skinny $17 Plan: Usually gives 1.5GB, but often features Double Data (3GB total) during the summer months (Dec–March).

  • Kogan Mobile: Often runs aggressive promos, such as $15 for 1.5GB or limited-time monthly deals as low as $5–$10 for new customers.

3. Cheapest Unlimited Data

If you plan to stream or hotspot extensively, the “challenger” brands offer much better rates than the big three (Spark, One NZ, 2degrees).

  • Rocket Mobile: Their Rocket Starter ($30/month) offers unlimited data (capped at 10Mbps speed), which is plenty for HD streaming.

  • Mighty Mobile: Offers similar “Endless” data plans starting around $30–$40/month, often with discounts if you pay for several months upfront.

Comparison Summary (Prepaid/Monthly)

Category Provider Approx. Cost (NZD) Best For
Cheapest Overall 2degrees $8 Very low usage
Best Travel Value Skinny $17 1.5GB – 3GB + Aussie minutes
Cheapest Unlimited Rocket Mobile $30 High data (speed capped)
High Speed Data One NZ $20 1.5GB – 2GB + 5G access