Travel Budget for Cities inNew Zealand

Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, right beside the Canterbury plains. Most people begin their South Island travels here. The city itself can be fascinating to explore as well though. The River Avon flows through the city center, twisting through the old buildings. Christchurch is referred to in New Zealand as the Garden City and it is easy to see why. It's quite a nice city with trees spread throughout. The economy is centered around international tourism as well as foreign education. There is a high Asian student population here, giving the city a diverse feel.

Public transportation in the city is generally lacking, however the bus system has improved in recent years. It is recommended that you have a car if you plan to spend any significant amount of time in Christchurch. Alternatively, the city is quite flat so it is easy to navigate with a bicycle. This is a cheaper alternative if you aren't able to rent a car and are looking to save some money. Whether on bike or in a car, it is relatively easy to navigate the city as it is laid out in a grid.

There are a variety of places to visit in Christchurch that will help you to orient yourself with the city and the surrounding area. It's great to spend a couple of days in Christchurch at the beginning of your trip so that you can learn about New Zealand and the area's history and geography. Swing by the Canterbury Museum, the Orana Wildlife Park, Ferrymead Heritage Park, and the Botanic Garden before you head out to explore the rest of New Zealand.

If you find yourself in Christchurch at the right time, you can see one of its many festivals. Summertimes begins in December and runs into February. It offers some great free events with music and art. The World Buskers Festival is in January and features comedy and circus activities. Another fun one is the Christchurch Garden Festival which is in March.

Rotorua is a convenient three hour drive south of Auckland. It truly is a thermal wonderland in New Zealand, and is positioned on the banks of Lake Rotorua. The area sits on top of a thermal hot spring, and there a many vents and hot pools throughout the area. Many of the hot pools and sights are within parks with some of the best to visit being Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rainbow Springs Nature Park, and Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.

It really is essential that you have a car to truly explore the area, but if that simply isn't an option there is a limited bus service called CityRide. The buses are lime green and the main bus stop is on Pukuatua Street across from the ASB Bank. There are several routes that run across town and offer an option to reach the Skyline, Rainbow Springs and Agrodome attractions. You can expect to pay about $2.30 for the ride. It is important to remember that the buses stop running at 6:00 every night.

Another option is a circuit bus run by GreatSights New Zealand, which is a national sightseeing operator. This route allows you to visit several sights including Te Puia, Rainbow Springs Nature Park, and the Agrodome.

Many of the sights in Rotorua do cost money, so you can expect to spend a decent amount on entertainment here. Rainbow Springs Nature Park costs roughly $30 and Te Puia costs $40. These prices quickly add up.

Another fun experience in Rotorua is to sample a traditional Maori feast, referred to as the Hangi. There are venues throughout the area that offer you the opportunity to enjoy the feast, which is comparable in cooking style to a Hawaiian Umu. There's an earthen oven which is used to cook the dishes, giving them a very distinctive smoky flavor.

If you're looking for something quicker and cheaper you'll find some cafes around the area where you can pick up a sandwich or burger. Full scale restaurants are less common but you will find some attached to hotels in the area. Your best option is always to ask a local what they recommend.

Queenstown is a popular tourist destination on New Zealand's South Island. It is beautifully surrounded by the Southern Alps and sits on the banks of Lake Wakatipu. Across the lake you will find a stunning view of the Remarkables, a dramatic mountain range. The town itself is quite touristy, but prices still remain reasonable. There are options for all travel budgets, whether you're a backpacker hoping to save a few dollars or a family looking for some luxury accommodation. Despite its natural and tranquil setting, Queenstown is actually very much a party town, particularly during the peak seasons. Don't be surprised to find people out enjoying themselves until the early hours of the morning. If you're not into the party scene and are hoping to get a descent night's sleep, consider staying a little outside of town. About an hour outside of Queenstown you'll find Wanaka, which is a much smaller and peaceful town without the party scene.

While the town of Queenstown is small enough to easily walk around, there is a bus service called Connectabus. If you're hoping to get out on the lake for a ride, you can pick up a tour at Queenstown Wharf. There's also now a water taxi service which is less of a tour but will take you out on the water.

As far as sights, you really come to Queenstown for the views of the mountains. There are some great adventure sports opportunities as well, including skiing, snowboarding, bungyjumping, jet boats and horseback riding among other things. You really won't be at a shortage of things to do if you have a couple days in Queenstown.

You'll find every type of restaurant in Queenstown, from fast food take away open all night long, to fine dining seafood restaurants where you can enjoy a nice, well prepared meal. The nicer restaurants in town almost always require a reservation, particularly during peak season when they can fill up quickly.

Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand the countries third largest city. It's a compact city that is easy to enjoy. You can easily reach the many restaurants, museums and activities around town and here you will find one of the country's top museums, the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. The city is compact to navigate on foot but the best alternative if you're not up for walking is to hop on a bus. There are some wonderful walking tours throughout the city which will take you down Willis Street and past Manners Mall. Also be sure and head to the waterfront area where you'll find Queen's Wharf and Frank Kitts Park.

If you want to do a day trip, Wellington has many options as it is surrounded by a ruggedly beautiful coastline and rolling hills. There is also a beautiful harbour. You quickly venture out of town where you'll find some wonderful hiking trails and vineyards that offer some of New Zealand's wonderful scenery right at your doorstep. If you're not sure where to begin you can head over to the Wellington Visitor Information Centre in Civic Square at the intersection of Corner Victoria and Wakefield Streets. Here they will offer you some great ideas as far as sights within Wellington and great day trips to the surrounding areas.

If you end up in Wellington at the right time you can see one of its interesting festivals. Some great options include the Festival of the Arts in February and Beck's Incredible Film Festival which highlights some strange but interesting very low budget films. The quality is questionable, but it's an entertaining way to pass some time.

There are a good number of wonderful food options in Wellington as well. You'll find some traditional restaurants, and countless cafes around town, but you'll also find international restaurants ranging for Malaysian to Indian or Chinese. If you're traveling on a budget and looking for the best deal, fish and chips is the best way to go.

Milford Sound is a fjord in Fiordland that was created by a glacier. The area is known for rain, but if you end up here on a rainy, know that you are seeing the waterfalls at their fullest.

People go to Milford Sound for the natural beauty. It is unlike any other place on earth. If you're the adventurous type, get yourself a kayak to explore the area. Also, if you have the chance, take a cruise to Milford Deep Underwater Observatory.