Cromwell is a cultural town known for its fruit farms, orchards, and vineyards. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Cromwell?
You should plan to spend around $95 (NZ$169) per day on your vacation in Cromwell. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $43 (NZ$77) on meals
- $23 (NZ$42) on local transportation
- $73 (NZ$130) on hotels
A one week trip to Cromwell for two people costs, on average, $1,324 (NZ$2,366). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$662
NZ$1,183
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,324
NZ$2,366
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One Month
Per person
$2,838
NZ$5,070
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,324
NZ$2,366
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,649
NZ$4,732
-
One Month
For a couple
$5,676
NZ$10,140
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Cromwell cost?
A one week trip to Cromwell usually costs around $662 (NZ$1,183) for one person and $1,324 (NZ$2,366) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Cromwell on average costs around $1,324 (NZ$2,366) for one person and $2,649 (NZ$4,732) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Cromwell will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Cromwell on average costs around $2,838 (NZ$5,070) for one person and $5,676 (NZ$10,140) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Cromwell expensive to visit?
Cromwell is a smaller town that attracts a broad range of travelers, encompassing various travel styles, spending practices, and budget options. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
If you choose to make it so, Cromwell can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails.
On average, budget travelers spend $41 (NZ$71) per day, mid-range travelers spend $97 (NZ$169) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $208 (NZ$362) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Cromwell.
Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, Cromwell is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in the Pacific for its affordability. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Cromwell.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Cromwell Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Cromwell?
The average Cromwell trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Cromwell travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Cromwell cost?
Cromwell on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$15
(NZ$27)
|
$37
(NZ$65)
|
$81
(NZ$144)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$10
(NZ$18)
|
$23
(NZ$42)
|
$45
(NZ$81)
|
|
Food2
|
$18
(NZ$32)
|
$43
(NZ$77)
|
$90
(NZ$161)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$6
(NZ$11)
|
$15
(NZ$27)
|
$37
(NZ$65)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$2-5
(NZ$3-9)
|
$4-13
(NZ$8-23)
|
$10-30
(NZ$18-53)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget in Cromwell. While many think they can cut costs for many things, the reality is that most people won't enjoy such a low-budget experience. Consider your preferences and travel style. Do you like resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are activities and dining out a big part of your travel plans? Your answers will shape your budget and itinerary.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $41 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, there's plenty of hostels in Cromwell, like Pennys Drop Inn. Here, you can score affordable dorm accommodation along with a vibrant social scene, though amenities may be lacking.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
Couples and families enjoying a vacation will probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular dining spots, and explore the key museums and attractions that have entry fees. Tourists visiting Cromwell generally aim to explore the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities cost money. Thus, it's reasonable to expect your daily budget to be around $97 per person, per day.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If you envision a trip that covers everything with high-end amenities and top-tier service, be ready for a daily expense near $208. Enjoying nicer hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, participating in extravagant activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the town will require a premium budget.
Accommodation Budget in Cromwell
The range of hotel prices in Cromwell can be pretty surprising. Luxury hotels tend to offer more amenities, but come with higher price tags, especially during peak season. The average off-season room is $113, but during peak summer season the average price can reach $211. From $97 for budget hotels to $276 for luxury, there's something for everyone. Hostels are cheaper, especially dorms. Book early or travel during the off-season to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Cromwell for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $73 (NZ$130). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $37 (NZ$65) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Cromwell? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Cromwell include:
- Carrick Lodge Motel starting at $118
- Colonial Manor Motel starting at $112
- ASURE Central Gold Motel Cromwell starting at $104
- Lake Dunstan Motel starting at $94
- Central Gateway Motel starting at $102
Cromwell is a very family-friendly place, and when traveling with children, it's important to find accommodations with extra space.
Choosing to travel outside of summer and in the low or shoulder season will give you lower hotel prices and less tourist congestion.
Ski season brings higher prices, so be sure to make your reservations early. Popular spots with easy access to the slopes often fill up quickly and can be costly.
Transportation Budget in Cromwell
Cromwell lacks an efficient public transit system. Public transit around town is limited to a couple of buses.
Some regions of Cromwell are walkable, which can enhance your sightseeing experience. Parts of the town are walkable.
Public Transit: 
(moderate)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $23 (NZ$42) per person, per day, on local transportation in Cromwell. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Cromwell is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$23
NZ$42
Cromwell is centrally located and is easily accessible from Queenstown, Wanaka, and Alexandra. The only way to get to Cromwell is by road, as there is no airport or train station. Therefore, it is probably easiest to rent a car from one of the larger cities and drive to Cromwell. Jucy is a great rental car company with affordable costs. You can rent small cars or entire camper vans through this company. You will notice that it is probably the most popular rental company in the country as there are bright green and purple cars/vans all over the roads.
Queenstown is the closest airport to Cromwell, with Dunedin being the second closest. From these places, you can drive to Cromwell. From Queenstown, it takes about forty minutes and from Dunedin it takes about three hours. InterCity is a bus company that can take you into Cromwell.
Once in Cromwell, you can either get around on foot, by bus, or by taxi. Getting around on foot is obviously the most affordable and it allows you to really see a majority of the town.
When you're driving, make sure that your hotel has convenient parking, and confirm how much you'll need to pay for it.
How much does it cost to go to Cromwell? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Cromwell will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Cromwell
While the cuisine in Cromwell is enjoyable, there are other things that usually bring in visitors. Still, you can discover some wonderful spots around the town. There are charming cafes and bakeries where you can grab a light meal or snack. There are also quaint restaurants and wineries with nice meals available.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Cromwell can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Cromwell is $43 (NZ$77) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$43
NZ$77
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Cromwell is around $44 (NZ$77) per person, with previous travelers spending from $19 to $93. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Cromwell are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $13
- Lunch: $7 to $18
- Dinner: $13 to $31
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $7
There are several options for dining in Cromwell including national and international cuisines. Armando's Kitchen Italian Cafe is a lovely restaurant that serves traditional Italian food. The Bannockburn Hotel also has a great restaurant, with classic pub food and a wide selection of wine and beer. India Garden is a fantastic place to grab a traditional Indian curry and some naan bread. Thai Crom is another delicious Asian restaurant with a selection of traditional Thai food. Some places that serve classic New Zealand cuisine are Nichol's Garden Cafe, Tarras Country Cafe, and The Cider House Cafe and Bar.
Vineyards surround Cromwell as well so if you are interested in trying some wine, there are many places for that too. Wild Earth Wines and Restaurant, Wooing Tree Vineyard and Restaurant, Mt Difficulty Wines Cellar Door and Restaurant, and Carrick Winery and Restaurant are a few great places to taste wine and delicious food.
When you're out with kids, seek restaurants that provide a kids' menu. This can help you save a good chunk of change, as these meals are usually priced lower. Remember, some places may not display their kids' options, so be sure to ask the server before ordering.
Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.
Bring your own water bottle instead of grabbing drinks on the fly. It's better for the environment as well.
Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Cromwell
Tourists are naturally attracted to Cromwell due to its hiking, family-friendly activities, romance, and skiing.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Cromwell typically cost an average of $15 (NZ$27) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$15
NZ$27
Lake Dunstan is a beautiful man-made lake in the town of Cromwell. The lake was created in 1992 after the Clyde Dam went through major repairs and transformations. Cromwell was a mining town in the 1800's and there are many historic buildings in town that reflect this history. In the town center, you can see some of these buildings such as Captain Barry's cottage, the Cobb & Co Store, London House Stables, Belfast Store, and Jolly's Seed & Grain Store.
Bannockburn and Bendigo are two mining sites nearby and there are still some old ruins of cottages that miners lived in back in the mining days. As you enter the town you will see a large stone replica of various types of fruit as Cromwell is known for its fresh fruit.
Near the town center is a wharf where you can take a tour of Lake Dunstan on a restored wooden motor launch. This is a very relaxing activity and really allows you to see the beauty of Cromwell from afar.
For more of a thrilling activity, visit the Highlands Motorsport Park where you can race go-karts, go on a safari dirt buggy excursion, and visit the motorsport museum. Tickets range from ten to twenty New Zealand Dollars.
The Cromwell Golf Club is a great place to spend a day, as it is considered the best inland golf course in the country. There is a clubhouse with locker rooms, as well as the option for renting carts and clubs.
During the summer months, there are fruit stands off of highway 6 (the main road you would take if you are driving to Queenstown or Wanaka) where you can buy fruit as you pass by or even pick your own fruit.
Hiking:
The hiking paths in the vicinity of Cromwell are superb. There are many beautiful walks in the area that take you through diverse landscapes and to impressive views.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Cromwell. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Queenstown: Mount Cook Premium Guided Day Tour for $145 details
Nightlife Budget in Cromwell
For nightlife seekers, Cromwell has some activities, but it lacks the vibrancy of other more favored destinations. There are a few breweries and a number of wineries around town where you can have a relaxing night out.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $8.61 (NZ$15) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Cromwell per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$8.61
NZ$15
The nightlife scene is a lot of fun, but reducing how much you drink can go a long way in keeping your budget on track.
When enjoying the nightlife, stay alert and cautious, as you may attract the attention of pickpockets or other criminals. It's best to stay with a group of people you trust.
Travel cost data last updated: Feb 28, 2025
Traveling in Cromwell
Dunstan Lake, Cromwell, New Zealand
Cromwell is a town in the Otago region of the South Island of New Zealand. It is situated between two of the main highways on the South Island and is close to Queenstown and Wanaka. Luckily, the town is surrounded by Lake Dunstan, which is good for those who love being near water as Cromwell is the furthest point from the sea in the entire country.
Neighborhoods & Around
Cromwell is surrounded by several towns and cities, the closest being Queenstown, Wanaka, Clyde, Alexandra, and Arrowtown. Also close by are a few different ski fields (Cadrona, Treble Cone, Coronet Peak). Cromwell is part of the Otago region of New Zealand, which includes the southeastern part of the South Island. This region is known for snow-capped mountains, adventurous sporting, wineries, and wildlife.
Related:
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.