The Ultimate Guide: How to Save Big On Your New Zealand Holiday

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In December 2022, my husband, our 3-year-old, 8-month-old, and I embarked on an 18-day Christmas adventure from Auckland, New Zealand, all the way to Akaroa, Christchurch, and back—all packed into our car to the brim. If you’re looking for tips on how to enjoy a fabulous holiday on a budget, keep reading to discover how we pulled it off!

1. Opt for Road Tripping Over Flying

Embrace the scenic route by road tripping instead of flying. Not only does this allow for flexibility in packing essentials like car seats and camping gear, but it also saves a significant amount of money. make the most of your journey while saving on travel costs.

Road tripping with 2 under 3 is no small feat, but it was absolutely worth it. Taking our car meant we were able to bring along all our essential items—car seats, porta-cots, camping gear—without worrying about extra fees or navigating airport terminals made the journey hassle-free. We didn’t have to sacrifice non-essentials like board games and toys either.

While flying would have been a quicker option, we opted for a road trip from Auckland to the Wellington Ferry, then on to Christchurch from Picton. With our car packed to the brim, including all the necessities for our children, flying seemed impractical and expensive, considering the additional costs of renting car seats, prams, and porta-cots at our destination.

Booking ferry tickets instead, we embraced the challenge of a road trip with determination. Despite the prospect of long hours in the car, we approached it with careful planning and positivity. By strategically scheduling our journey during the early morning hours and allowing for extended breaks, we successfully completed the trip.

Driving allowed us to experience the true essence of New Zealand, witnessing its stunning landscapes along the way. Moreover, we saved approximately $2000, including fuel costs, by choosing not to fly—a decision that proved both economical and enriching in terms of our travel experience.

2. Embrace Camping for Affordable Accommodation:

When it comes to saving on accommodation costs, camping offers a budget-friendly solution, and in New Zealand, there is a great range of wonderfully equipped campgrounds to choose from. With prices for decent accommodations often exceeding $100 per night, pitching a tent at a campground becomes an attractive alternative.

Here’s why camping is such a great option:

1. Cost-Effective: Tenting is one of the cheapest forms of accommodation for a summer holiday in New Zealand. Campground sites typically range from $50 to $100 per night, making it a wallet-friendly choice for budget-conscious travelers.
2. Fantastic Campground Facilities: New Zealand campgrounds are equipped with essential amenities to enhance your camping experience. From fully-equipped kitchens with stoves, sinks, ovens, and fridges to well-maintained bathrooms and showers, these facilities ensure comfort and convenience during your stay. Many campgrounds also offer additional perks like playgrounds and swimming pools, making them ideal for families.
3. Scenic Locations: Campgrounds in New Zealand are often situated in picturesque locations, surrounded by stunning landscapes. Whether nestled among lush green hills or overlooking breathtaking harbors like the one in Akaroa, the natural beauty adds an extra dimension to your camping experience.
4. Versatility in Weather: Even in rainy weather, campgrounds provide sheltered dining areas and indoor recreational spaces like TV and games rooms. This versatility ensures that your holiday plans are not dampened by unpredictable weather conditions.
5. Cabin Options: If tenting isn’t feasible, cabins at campgrounds offer a more affordable alternative to traditional accommodations like Airbnb. While cabins may lack bathrooms or kitchens, the presence of clean and well-equipped communal facilities compensates for any potential inconveniences.

3. House Sitting for Cost-Free Accommodation:

House sitting is a wonderful way to save on accommodation costs, though securing opportunities can be challenging. If you’re lucky enough to land a deal, expect tasks like pet care in exchange.

Here’s why house sitting is a valuable option:

1. Free Accommodation: Stay in a home for free, freeing up your budget. You get to enjoy home comforts while taking on tasks like pet care for the experience.
2. Personal Connection: House sitting creates a sense of responsibility and community connection, enriching your travel experience. Staying in a home is a lot more enjoyable than a sanitized hotel room, and you may find you relax more completely by house sitting.
3. Cost Savings: By eliminating accommodation expenses, house sitting significantly reduces the overall cost of your holiday. This extra savings can be redirected towards enhancing your travel experience through dining out, excursions, or souvenirs.

Our experience house-sitting for four days during our holiday was immensely rewarding and saved us a substantial amount of money. It’s worth exploring house sitting opportunities, although they may require some effort to secure.

4. Smart Food Choices: Grocery Shopping vs. Dining Out:

Opting to buy groceries instead of dining out is a savvy way to save on food costs during your holiday. While it may seem tempting to indulge in restaurant meals and takeaways while relaxing, the expenses can quickly add up. Here’s why grocery shopping is a smart choice:

1. Cost-Effectiveness: Dining out regularly can be expensive, especially for a family. By purchasing groceries, you have more control over your food expenses and can stretch your budget further.
2. Occasional Treats: While it’s enjoyable to splurge on takeaway coffees, ice creams, or fish and chips occasionally, relying on them for every meal can drain your wallet. By limiting these indulgences and supplementing them with grocery purchases, you strike a balance between enjoyment and affordability.
3. Simple and Healthy Options: Grocery shopping allows you to choose simple yet nutritious meals, such as oats for breakfast and ham and coleslaw rolls for lunch. These options are not only cost-effective but also provide the energy needed for your holiday adventures.
4. Variety and Flexibility: Buying groceries gives you the flexibility to experiment with different meals and accommodate varying preferences within your family. Whether it’s a salad and meat for dinner or other simple dishes, you can tailor your meals to suit your tastes without overspending.

By prioritizing grocery shopping and embracing simple yet satisfying meal options, you can enjoy quality food without breaking the bank. This approach not only saves you money but also ensures that you eat well throughout your holiday.

5. Enjoy Free Activities for Memorable Experiences:

When it comes to saving money on holiday, prioritizing free activities can make a significant difference in your budget. While New Zealand offers a plethora of adventure activities, indulging in them can quickly escalate expenses, especially for families. Here’s why focusing on free activities is a wise choice:

1. Cost Savings: Adventure activities like bungy-jumping, jet-boating, and paddle-boarding can be pricey, particularly when catering to a family. By opting for free alternatives, you avoid the hefty costs associated with paid excursions, allowing you to make the most of your holiday budget.
2. Enjoyment Without Expense: Holiday spots often boast natural beauty and attractions that can be enjoyed without spending a dime. Activities such as walking, picnicking, and swimming offer opportunities to explore the essence of your destination without breaking the bank.
3. Authentic Experience: Engaging in free activities allows you to immerse yourself in the local environment and culture, providing a more authentic experience than commercialized adventure pursuits. Rather than rushing through paid attractions, take the time to appreciate the natural wonders and scenic landscapes that New Zealand has to offer.
4. Flexibility and Creativity: Free activities offer flexibility and room for creativity, allowing you to tailor your experiences to suit your interests and preferences. Whether it’s playing with a ball or frisbee, enjoying a good book, or simply soaking in the beauty of your surroundings, there are endless possibilities for cost-free enjoyment.

During our holiday, we primarily embarked on walks and enjoyed picnics or hot drinks in scenic locations. These simple yet fulfilling experiences allowed us to appreciate the beauty of New Zealand without overspending. While we treated ourselves to a day at Hanmer Hot Springs towards the end of our trip, it served as a special indulgence amidst our focus on free activities throughout the holiday.

Key Takeaways from Our Budget New Zealand Holiday:

Our on-a-budget trip taught us invaluable lessons that reshaped our perspective on travel and life:

1. Value of Home-Cooked Meals: We discovered that restaurant dining often comes with a hefty price tag, while grocery store meals can be just as enjoyable and satisfying at a fraction of the cost. This realization highlighted the importance of budget-conscious meal choices without compromising on taste or quality.
2. Finding Comfort in Unexpected Situations: Despite initial apprehensions, we learned that a rainy day in a tent wasn’t as dreadful as anticipated. Embracing the challenges of adverse weather conditions allowed us to find comfort and enjoyment in unexpected circumstances, fostering resilience and adaptability.
3. Weather Realities: Our experience in Christchurch’s unexpected cold weather during summertime served as a reminder of the unpredictability of nature. It underscored the importance of being prepared for diverse weather conditions, even in typically warmer seasons.
4. The Essence of Memorable Holidays: Ultimately, our journey reaffirmed that memorable holidays are not solely defined by the places we visit or the activities we partake in. Instead, it’s the connections we forge with the people we travel with that leave a lasting impact. Cultivating meaningful relationships and cherishing shared experiences became the true essence of our memorable holiday.

Conclusion:

A Fabulous Holiday on a Budget in New Zealand is not only achievable but also immensely rewarding. By implementing these money-saving strategies, you can create unforgettable memories without the financial burden. Focus on meaningful connections and experiences to truly savor every moment of your budget-conscious adventure.