Travel Budget for Cities inNew ZealandNew Zealand




Average Daily Expenses (Per Person)
All Budget Styles


Auckland

Average Daily Travel Cost (per person):
NZD 94.57
Accommodation1 NZD 41.84
Food2 NZD 25.21
Water2 NZD 0.50
Local Transportation1 NZD 17.62
Entertainment1 NZD 38.78
Communication2 NZD 29.20
Tips and Handouts1 NZD 1.00
Souvenirs1 NZD 54.00
Alcohol2 NZD 8.00

Auckland is on the North Island of New Zealand. It is on an isthmus between the Northland Peninsula and the other parts of the North Island. Auckland is not only a city but also a region. In 2010 New Zealand combined what had previously been four separate cities into one region. These cities include the southern city of Manukau, the western city of Waitakere the North Shore in the north, and Auckland City.

The City of Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and is very diverse with many expatriates from elsewhere in Polynesia. This diversity becomes most apparent in Auckland's many festivals and sporting events.

Auckland is both the "City of Sails" and the "City of Volcanoes". The title as the "City of Sails" comes from the many yachts that can be found in the Waitemata Harbour as well as the Hauraki Gulf. It's many volcanoes, all of which are extinct, define its natural landscape. There are about 48 volcanoes that make up the Auckland Volcanic Field.

While Auckland regularly ranks as one of the most livable cities, it does not have a great public transportation system. If you plan to spend any significant amount of time in Auckland, or travel around the city a lot, it is worth it to rent a car. There are buses, ferries, and a train, but the general level of accessibility and frequency can be quite frustrating. You are sure to have a more enjoyable experience if you have access to your own vehicle.

There are some interesting sights in Auckland including Auckland War Memorial Museum, Sky Tower, Auckland Regional Botanic Gardens, and Otara Flea Market. Also consider doing a trip to the Waitakere Ranges about a forty five minute drive from the city. It has impressive waterfalls and some beautiful beaches.


Travel Tips

Free Internet

By Daniel on Jul 27, 2010 in Communication
Most Hostels will charge you a fortune for wireless internet in Auckland, either by the hour ($3 per hour are common) or by MegaByte ($10 for 100MB, prices from 2010), so staying in touch with your friends and family or just uploading your emails can be quite expensive. If you don't carry a computer you can use free computers at the libraries or take advantage of the 6.90 Coffee + Cake special at Esquires Coffee places if you have your own laptop, they will give you a 1h Internet voucher with each order.

Christchurch

Average Daily Travel Cost (per person):
NZD 120.15
Accommodation1 NZD 79.18
Food2 NZD 26.31
Water2 NZD 2.90
Local Transportation1 NZD 10.67
Entertainment1 NZD 20.57
Communication2 NZD 6.69
Alcohol2 NZD 12.10
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

Average Daily Travel Cost (per person):
NZD 129.01
Accommodation1 NZD 70.97
Food2 NZD 35.44
Local Transportation1 NZD 6.74
Entertainment1 NZD 43.99
Communication2 NZD 17.90
Souvenirs1 NZD 72.38
Alcohol2 NZD 15.59

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.

Taupo

Average Daily Travel Cost (per person):
NZD 133.90
Accommodation1 NZD 87.76
Food2 NZD 23.16
Water2 NZD 4.60
Local Transportation1 NZD 9.14
Entertainment1 NZD 54.44
Communication2 NZD 2.00
Souvenirs1 NZD 1.45
Alcohol2 NZD 9.97

Queenstown

Average Daily Travel Cost (per person):
NZD 131.44
Accommodation1 NZD 73.81
Food2 NZD 44.19
Local Transportation1 NZD 13.71
Entertainment1 NZD 26.32
Souvenirs1 NZD 1.23
Alcohol2 NZD 12.49

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

Average Daily Travel Cost (per person):
NZD 131.77
Accommodation1 NZD 87.40
Food2 NZD 25.29
Local Transportation1 NZD 20.57
Entertainment1 NZD 21.40
Souvenirs1 NZD 10.00
Alcohol2 NZD 12.59
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.

Franz Josef

Average Daily Travel Cost (per person):
NZD 138.70
Accommodation1 NZD 88.57
Food2 NZD 33.50
Local Transportation1 NZD 9.14
Entertainment1 NZD 48.21
Alcohol2 NZD 13.71


Travel Tips

Hiking at Franz Josef Glacier Walk

By backpackguru on Nov 6, 2011 in Entertainment
The Franz Josef Glacier walk is a pleasant trail walk that takes about 45 minutes and goes along a rocky riverbed. The trail takes you close to the glacier's terminal face. It's fascinating to go by the glacial debris that you find along the trail. Many of the boulders and rocks are scarred by the glacier. At the end of the trail you have a wonderful view and a great opportunity to get some photographs of the glacial water making it's way down the valley. There's also a blue glow from the glaciers crevasses.

To get to the trailhead, head south out of Franz Josef. You'll go over the Waiho River Bridge and then turn left onto the Franz Josef Glacier Access Road. You can park in the parking lot and begin your hike there.



Milford Sound

Average Daily Travel Cost (per person):
NZD 160.15
Accommodation1 NZD 91.43
Food2 NZD 46.86
Local Transportation1 NZD 18.29
Entertainment1 NZD 50.86
Alcohol2 NZD 17.14
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.


Travel Tips

Cruising on the Milford Sound

By backpackguru on Nov 6, 2011 in Entertainment
Part of the experience of visiting the Milford Sound is to get out on the water. You can't leave the area without taking a cruise on the Sound. Depending on your budget and desires, you have a few different types of cruises to choose from. Some are theme based, like wildlife encounters, but they all get you the views you want of the waterfalls and stunning scenery. If you choose the wildlife cruise, you have the opportunity to see a range of animals, including dolphins, penguins, and seals. The season you're there will effect what wildlife you're able to see, so ask ahead of time what you should expect. Plan ahead so you can definitely get the cruise you want. Also shop around because prices can vary and the length of the cruise is variable. Consider how long you actually want to be on the water before you book.

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