A Budget-Friendly Backpacker’s Guide to New Zealand

A budget trip to New Zealand is something that sounds impossible, but if you are considering it, you are at the right place. Backpacking to New Zealand is an experience you will hold close to your heart for the rest of your life. You won’t be the same again. You get to walk on real glaciers, meet the huge water creatures of Kaikoura, conquer the rapids of the Rangitikei River, and do a lot more exciting things that will make your heart flutter. A road trip is the most beautiful way to soak in the essence of the country. You might have always come across someone saying New Zealand is expensive to travel. Would you believe if I told you that you can do backpacking through New Zealand without breaking your bank?

Our budget-friendly backpackers guide to New Zealand can be extremely helpful if you want to plan your adventure trip. You can also opt for our New Zealand tour packages to make sure you get most of the island nation.

In this blog you will find:

• Places to visit on your budget trip to New Zealand
• Tips for a road trip in New Zealand
• Best time to visit New Zealand for a budget trip
• Estimated cost of a budget trip to New Zealand
• Backpacking essentials for New Zealand

Places to visit on your Budget trip to New Zealand

North Island

• Rotorua
• Auckland
• Bay of Islands
• Tongariro National Park
• Waitomo

Rotorua

The volcanic landscapes and bubbling hot springs are the ones that come to mind whenever you think of Rotorua. As it is surrounded by multiple mountains and rivers, it has one of the most stunning views in New Zealand. The adventurous side of you will fall in love with the thermal mud pools, exciting hiking trails, biking routes, and crystal-clear streams. You can relax at the hot springs or choose to engage in the wellness spas that the town boasts. Rotorua offers a mix of adventure and relaxation.

Auckland

Auckland is an incredible place to explore the history and culture of Maori people, enjoy the nightlife, and taste the delectables of the locals. Auckland is not just that; you can take day trips to the nearby islands, relax on the beaches, and take a leisurely walk through parks. It is an ideal place to learn about the history of Kiwis as well as connect with nature. Make it a priority for your budget trip to New Zealand.

Bay of Islands

Bay of Islands is a haven for people in love with beaches and water sports. It is a group of small islands with ferry services connecting them. You can sail through these islands and watch dolphins and whales with the picturesque background. Be ready to dive into the realm of water sports and check off diving, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and yachting from your list. What are you waiting for?

Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park is an amazing spot to try all the adventurous activities you have on your list. You must hike through the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in the summers and stargaze at high peaks at night. Enjoy the beauty of being surrounded by dense forests, majestic waterfalls, snow-covered mountains, and the stark beauty of active volcanoes.

Waitomo

Waitomo offers a blend of stunning landscapes and unique natural phenomena you will never forget in your lifetime. Caving is the most cherished activity, as Waitomo is home to multiple caves. Sail through the lights of glowworms as you discover the limestone cliffs of New Zealand. Don’t miss out on this experience on your budget trip to New Zealand.

South Island

• Queenstown
• Abel Tasman National Park
• Wanaka
• Franz Josef
• Christchurch

Queenstown

Queenstown lives up to the reputation of being the adventure capital of the world. It is a dream destination for any adventure enthusiast for its activities, including bungee jumping, skiing, snowboarding, skydiving, and jet boating. Enjoy a gondola ride to get the best views of the city. It is not just for an adventurous person; you can also relax on the mesmerizing cruises and take leisurely walks along the local markets.

Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman is New Zealand’s smallest national park, which is a perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. You can enjoy scenic views as you kayak through the coastline or take a cruise to get the whole beauty of the landscapes. The highlight of this spot is that you can sleep under the stars. Don’t miss out on spotting wildlife in their natural habitat on your budget trip to New Zealand.

Wanaka

Wanaka is a tiny town situated in the midst of stunning natural beauty, rugged mountains, and scenic lakes. You can easily get observed in the town’s vibe with the local food and warm hospitality. It also offers hiking trails, water activities, vineyard tours, and a lot of adventures. It’s simply a perfect spot for travelers.

Franz Josef

Franz Josef is well known for its unbelievable glaciers and hot springs surrounded by magical forests, and it should definitely be a part of your budget trip to New Zealand. What a perfect combination! A summer in Franz Josef can help you gain remarkable experiences such as walking on glaciers, skydiving amidst the picturesque landscapes, hiking through scenic routes, and kayaking on lakes surrounded by rugged mountains.

Christchurch

Discover the endless possibilities of Christchurch as you enjoy a tram ride, tour of botanical gardens, visit to the Air Force Museum, and the best artisan markets. It is a must-visit city for people who love art and museums. As the city has low pollution, it is an ideal place to go for stargazing. Also, never miss out on the outdoor activities a short drive away.

Tips for a road trip in New Zealand

A remarkable way to get the best out of New Zealand is to go on a road trip. When you fly between cities, you might miss out on a lot. You can begin your journey from Auckland and cover Tongariro National Park, Waitomo, and Wellington before taking a ferry to Picton, South Island. Take a rental car or campervan from Picton and travel to Nelson, Franz Josef, Queenstown, and Christchurch. You can depart from New Zealand through Christchurch Airport.

Here are a few things to remember on your road trip.

• You need to drive in the left lane as per the New Zealand road rules and regulations.
• Rely on a properly maintained rental car or campervan, and be sure to check on the insurance options.
• You can park your campervans only on the camping spots that are authorised by the New Zealand government. 
• Try to fuel up whenever possible; you might not find petrol pumps in isolated areas.
• It is way easier to navigate and communicate with a local SIM card.

Best time to visit New Zealand for a budget trip

It is better not to visit New Zealand during the summer months because it is the most expensive time to travel. Travel during the shoulder seasons, spring and autumn, to get the most out of your money and enjoy the lesser crowds. According to the Kiwis, the spring and autumn seasons are the best times to visit New Zealand. You can still enjoy milder weather with colourful landscapes and incredible scenery during these seasons. The spring season comprises September to November, and the autumn months are March to May. The best part of visiting during this time is you get to explore a lot of festivities and cultural events. 

Estimated cost of a budget trip to New Zealand

The cost of backpacking to New Zealand from India can be made considerably low for a budget-friendly trip. Visit during shoulder seasons to experience the best at affordable costs. You can expect to spend somewhere around the following rough compilation of travel costs.

• Flights: ₹30,000 to ₹50,000 for a roundtrip.
• Car rentals: ₹2,500 to ₹5,000 per day.
• Hostels: ₹1,000 to ₹2,500 per day.
• Food: ₹600 to ₹1,200 per day for budget meals.
• Activities: ₹3,000 to ₹10,000 for entry fees.

Backpacking essentials for New Zealand

Packing is definitely the most important part of your trip to New Zealand. Here is a list of things you should carry to enjoy a comfortable and safe backpacking adventure.

Clothing

• Waterproof outer jackets
• Thermal wear to keep yourself warm
• Quick drying t-shirts
• Comfortable pants for hiking
• Wollen and cotton socks
• Gloves and wollen caps
• Trekking shoes for better grip

Backpacking necessities

• Sturdy backpack with rain cover
• Sleeping bag
• Trekking pole
• Head torches
• Water bottles
• Power bank
• Dry bags
• First aid kit for emergency
• Camera for capturing photos

Personal care

• Sunscreen and moisturizer
• Insect repellent
• Toiletries

Satisfy the adventurous side of you with the help of our backpackers guide to New Zealand. You might have got answers to every question you had about your upcoming adventure. For a stress-free backpacking vacation, choose any of our New Zealand budget packages. Buckle up for the best backpacking adventure ever!