Budget Planning

While far from a cheap destination, there are a few tricks you can use to save money in Australia and New Zealand. Consider visiting in the low season. While the weather may not be as nice, the prices will be less and the crowds will definitely be thinner. You can definitely stretch your dollar further if you're willing to make a few sacrifices. Australia and New Zealand are also great countries in which to consider couchsurfing. It's always nice to have a local expert who's excited to show you around. If your native language is English as well, then you can avoid the hassle of communication difficulties also. Food in these areas can add up as well, so look into accommodations that include a kitchen. This will definitely save you a few bucks.

Things to Do

Scuba Diving: Australia offers some of the best scuba diving in the world along the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns is a primary access point. Before you book your trip, confirm what is included in the dive, what equipment you must have, how long each dive lasts, and where exactly you'll be going. Also ask what the size of your group is and what will happen in inclement weather. If you're not certified to scuba dive, there are also many opportunities for snorkeling along the reef.
National Parks: Both Australia and New Zealand have some stunning national parks. A major part of the experience in these countries is getting outdoors and experiencing some of the unique wildness. Fiordland, in New Zealand is a must see destination. In Australia the most recognizable is Uluru National Park, where you will find Ayers Rock.
Urban Areas: While you may not travel to this part of the world specifically for the cities, there are some diverse and culturally rich cities you should visit, the most obvious being Sydney. Melbourne also has much to see and many great restaurants to try. If you're in New Zealand, you will likely find yourself in Auckland at some point. It's an interesting city as well, and worth a couple of days to explore.
Beaches: Many people head to Australia for its world renowned beaches. The most popular destination for beach life is along Australia's Gold Coast. Check out Surfers Paradise, with its beautiful, clean sand and excellent waves.

Budget Travel Destinations

While Australia and New Zealand are both expensive destinations, there are a few places you can go to save money. Consider visiting some less popular cities, and spend less time in Sydney, which can soak up your budget. Also, spend more time inland and skip the parties along the beach if your budget is tight. There are many activities and factors that drive costs up along Australia's Gold Coast. Consider going to some inland national parks and experiencing Australia's untouched wilderness.

Transportation Budget

Transportation in Australia and New Zealand can be tricky. While you can catch buses between major cities and towns, if this is your only means to get around you're likely to miss a huge part of each country. Consider renting a car. This way you can truly enjoy the national parks and off the beaten path places you really want to see. If you're traveling alone or with one other person, you may be able to meet up with people when you arrive. Sharing costs will save everybody a lot of money, but will compromise some of the flexibility that you might have traveling alone. It's best to weigh your options.