Part of our New Zealand guide.
2 places and guides from our New Zealand coverage, gathered into one page.
Related travel guides: What It Costs In Switzerland, Hidden Gems In New Zealand, and Itineraries For New Zealand.
How To Travel New Zealand On A Budget
A trip to New Zealand can cost as little as NZ$70–100 per day for a budget backpacker, or NZ$200–300 per day for a mid-range traveler, based on 2023–2024 prices. The biggest savings come from choosing the right time to visit: the summer months of December to February are the peak tourist season, with higher prices for accommodation and activities.
To stretch your dollar, book accommodation in hostels or holiday parks (campsites) well in advance for summer. Cooking your own meals instead of eating out saves roughly NZ$20–30 per day. For transport, consider a bus pass like the InterCity FlexiPass, which lets you pay per hour of travel rather than per route. Many of New Zealand’s best experiences are free: hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, walking the Abel Tasman Coast Track, and visiting beaches like Piha or Cathedral Cove cost nothing. For itineraries that fit any budget, check our New Zealand guide.
Top 10 FREE Things To Do In Auckland (New Zealand)
Auckland, known as the "City of Sails," is famous for its harbors, landscapes, and cultural heritage. Here are the top 10 free things to do in Auckland.
- Walk up Mount Eden (Maungawhau) for 360-degree views of the city and harbors—free and open 24/7.
- Explore the Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park, home to the Wintergardens glasshouses and free duck ponds.
- Visit the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki: the permanent collection is always free, with rotating exhibitions sometimes costing a fee.
- Stroll along the waterfront from Viaduct Harbour to Wynyard Quarter, past public art and the Silo Park playground.
- Hike the Coast to Coast Walkway, a 16-kilometer trail from the Waitematā Harbour to the Manukau Harbour, passing through parks and volcanic cones.
- Spend a day on Rangitoto Island: the ferry costs money, but the island itself and the summit hike are free once you arrive.
- Watch the sunset from the top of One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie), a volcanic cone with a monument and sheep grazing on the slopes.
- Browse the stalls at the Auckland Fish Market on weekends—free to enter, and you can sample free tastings.
- Take a free walking tour with Auckland Free Walking Tours (tips appreciated), covering the city’s history and street art.
- Visit the Parnell Rose Gardens, a free public garden with over 5,000 roses, best in bloom from November to March.
For more ideas, see our guide to things to do in New Zealand, which includes free activities in other regions like the Waitomo Glowworm caves boat ride (paid, but worth it). And if you’re planning a longer stay, don’t forget our advice on what to pack on a 10-day trip to New Zealand, covering layers for the changeable weather.
