New Zealand Money-Saving Tips:
18 Daily Shorts That Help You Spend Less.
A practical New Zealand money saving travel guide — one short tip per day showing how to cut costs in each core travel cost area: food, accommodations, transportation, roaming, activities, and banking.
New Zealand Has a Reputation: It’s Expensive. And if you travel like most people, it is. But it doesn’t have to be. The difference between saving a little and saving a lot, is the difference between using one money saving hack on a trip and using a dozen or more. During my 17-day New Zealand holiday, I shared at least one (1) replicable way I cut the cost of my trip to New Zealand. The videos (shorts) are compiled below with a breakdown of how much I spent on my New Zealand holiday in relation to the going rate. These are not one-off tricks and are not exclusive to New Zealand. Rather, they are all things you can do just about anywhere you travel. You can go through it in order (by day) or jump straight to sections where you spend the most. In other words, this isn’t just about saving money while traveling to New Zealand. It’s about spending less when traveling period.
Browse By Topics:
Roaming
Pay one (1) 15th the going rate for roaming.
Tip Summary: Avoid expensive carrier roaming plans with an e-sim (app) that allows you to switch from your primary phone plan to inexpensive international plans without the need for a physical sim.
Why it saves money: Most carrier roaming plans are bloated and uncompetitive compared to e-sim plans. allowing users to purchase cheaper, local, or regional data plans directly.
Who it applies to: Anyone traveling internationally.
Location specifics: -
Accommodations
Stay with friends and family for free accommodations.
Tip Summary: Prioritize places where you have people you can stay with.
Why it saves money: Get free accommodations with friends and family. In thanks pay for their outings and meals with you.
Who it applies to: Anyone traveling.
Location specifics: -
Stay with locals to save on accommodations through WorkAway and FarmStays.
Tip Summary: Many farmers and rural properties host travelers and post listings at WorkAway.info and FarmStays at farmstaysnewzealand.co.nz.
Why it saves money: Get free room (and sometimes board) helping farmers with chores for a part of the day. Or rent rooms with locals through FarmStay.
Who it applies to: Visitors to New Zealand seeking authentic stays with locals and inexpensive alternatives to traditional travel accommodations. A special Visa may be required to participate in WWOOFING or hosted stays in New Zealand. Make sure to understand visa requirements for your specific circumstance before you book your trip.
Location specifics: -
Discounted campervans and free overnight parking.
Tip Summary: Get campervan rental discounts at NZTraveltips.com and par free overnight at Freedom RV lots throughout New Zealand.
Why it saves money: Park your discounted RV free at Freedom parking lots.
Who it applies to: Travelers open to touring New Zealand by campervan or RV.
Location specifics: Freedom parking lots throughout New Zealand allow free overnight parking for campervans and RV’s.
Trip interruptions and cheap holiday shirts.
Tip Summary: Trip interruption insurance protects you from the cost of unused travel bookings in the event of trip interruptions. Get holiday shirts for less than $8 at Temu.
Why it saves money: Refundable tickets and trip interruption insurance protect you from loss in the event of unforeseen trip interruptions; Temu sells stylish holiday shirts for as little as $8.
Who it applies to: Anyone concerned with cost related to trip interruptions or looking for inexpensive holiday shirts.
Location specifics: -
Best time to Book Accommodations for Best Deals
Tip Summary: The best time to book accommodations for best deals in top tourist destinations is when the number of international visitors is fewest.
Why it saves money: International visitors are willing to pay more for the same accommodations that nationals are willing to pay, thus the cost of accommodations are higher when there are more international visitors. By visiting when the number of international visitors is fewest, the going rate for accommodations will be less.
Who it applies to: Anyone looking to visit top travel destinations.
Location specifics: -
Luggage stowage options when you don’t have a hotel to stow it for you.
Tip Summary: Stasher is an app where retail outlets offer to stash your luggage for rates that range from $3 to $8 a day.
Why it saves money: Stasher is an economical option to offload your luggage so you can explore a city without having to lug your bags.
Who it applies to: Anyone who wants to temporarily offload their luggage while traveling.
Location specifics: -
Food
Get 50% OFF restaurants + discounts on dozens of activities, excursions & premium experiences
Tip Summary: Book dinner seatings at restaurants via the First Table app for 50% off the menu.
Why it saves money: Restaurant listings on the First Table app offer 50% their general menu (alcohol and certain items excluded) at select seatings times. This can save you 50% on every dinner had at a restaurant. Restaurants do this to increase occupancy during traditional slow times which is namely when they first open their doors at or around 5pm.
Who it applies to: Anyone eating out at restaurants in New Zealand, Australia and the U.K..
Location specifics: New Zealand
Save 50 - 67% on restaurant take away and groceries with these marketplace apps.
Tip Summary: Get discounts on restaurant take away using the apps ‘Too Good to Go’ and ‘Food Print’.
Why it saves money: Restaurants and grocery stores sell food at risk of expiry/spoilage at deep discounts for take away through the apps ‘Too Good to Go’ and ‘Food Print’.
Who it applies to: Anyone looking to cut the cut the cost of eating out while traveling.
Location specifics: Food Print (New Zealand only); Too Good to Go works in most developed countries.
Inexpensive New Zealand: Premium spa experience, an unexpected cost & surprising savings.
Tip Summary: Get discounts on premium New Zealand travel experiences at NZTravelTips.com.
Why it saves money: NZTravelTips.com has discount codes on premium tourist attractions, tours, accommodations, spas, events and transport including campervans, motorbikes, trains and the ferry that connects the North and South island.
Who it applies to: Anyone traveling to New Zealand.
Location specifics:Rotorua; New Zealand discount codes and traveler chat groups available at and through NZTravelTips.com
Transportation
Fly Air New Zealand on Aeroplan points.
Tip Summary: Find the best travel rewards credit card for you at: BreakTheTravelBarrier.com with the article ‘Top Travel Rewards Credit Cards 2026’.
Why it saves money: Aeroplan points can be redeemed with Air New Zealand who are a Star Alliance member.
Who it applies to: Aeroplan points members.
Location specifics: -
Trip interruptions and cheap holiday shirts.
Tip Summary: Trip interruption insurance protects you from the cost of unused travel bookings in the event of trip interruptions. Get holiday shirts for less than $8 at Temu.
Why it saves money: Refundable tickets and trip interruption insurance protect you from loss in the event of unforeseen trip interruptions; Temu sells stylish holiday shirts for as little as $8.
Who it applies to: Anyone concerned with cost related to trip interruptions or looking for inexpensive holiday shirts.
Location specifics: -
Fly Air New Zealand on Avion points.
Tip Summary: Find the best travel rewards credit card for you at BreakTheTravelBarrier.com with the article ‘Top Travel Rewards Credit Cards 2026’.
Why it saves money: Avion points are transferrable and can be used to book flights on nearly any airline. New Zealand has banned fuel surcharges for flights departing in and from New Zealand.
Who it applies to: Avion points members and travelers departing from New Zealand.
Location specifics: Travelers departing from New Zealand
Minimize airport transfer costs
Tip Summary: The website of any airport has a Transportation section that shows all your transportation options from the airport including public transit, rail and shuttle buses.
Why it saves money: Some of these options are free and almost all are cheaper than ridesharing (Uber or Lyft).
Who it applies to: Anyone needing to get from the airport to their final destination.
Location specifics: -
Activities
Tipping is not a thing in New Zealand
Tip Summary: In New Zealand, tipping is not part of the culture and is not expected as minimum wage is $24 dollars an hour.
Why it saves money: Not having to tip saves you 15% on spend at restaurants and for services.
Who it applies to: Anyone traveling to New Zealand
Location specifics: New Zealand
Inexpensive New Zealand: Premium spa experience, an unexpected cost & surprising savings.
Tip Summary: Get discounts on premium New Zealand travel experiences at NZTravelTips.com.
Why it saves money: NZTravelTips.com has discount codes on premium tourist attractions, tours, accommodations, spas, events and transport including campervans, motorbikes, trains and the ferry that connects the North and South island.
Who it applies to: Anyone traveling to New Zealand.
Location specifics: Rotorua; New Zealand discount codes and traveler chat groups available at and through NZTravelTips.com
Save on $20+ per person on glow worm cave tours that are off the beaten track.
Tip Summary: Save on glow worm cave tours and that are off the beaten track.
Why it saves money: The Nikau Glow worm caves offer a more adventurous (think ‘the Goonies’) and personalized experience that is off the beaten track. The drive is picturesque with scenic landscapes.
Who it applies to: Anyone looking to see glow worms and/or tour caves who are not claustrophobic.
Location specifics: Nikau is a 1.5 – 2 hour drive from the better-known Waitomo caves.
Find books of best trails in the local author section of bookstores.
Tip Summary: The ‘Local Author’ section of any bookstore has books of the best local trails to walk, bike and hike. For example ‘A walk a day – 365 short walks in New Zealand’; and ‘Excellent Short Walks in the South Island that are under 2 hours’.
Why it saves money: Save time finding best trails which are free to enjoy.
Who it applies to: Anyone looking for trails to either walk, bike or hike.
Location specifics: Find top trails throughout New Zealand.
Free Walking Tours
Tip Summary: Free Walking Tours with FreeTour.com
Why it saves money: Free way to explore and have as or more enjoyable experiences than paid tours or attractions.
Who it applies to: Anyone visiting a city for the first time looking for free tours.
Location specifics: -
Get around observatory admission fees.
Tip Summary: Most towers with observatories that charge admission also have restaurants that do not charge admission, some of which have no minimum spend. You can get more value while paying less by visiting the restaurant and buying yourself a drink.
Why it saves money: Instead of paying an observatory admission fee, you instead pay for your food and/or drink and get the observatory view for free.
Who it applies to: Anyone looking to experience a rooftop observatory view.
Location specifics: Aukland Sky Tower
Banking
Avoid ATM and currency conversion fees while minimizing currency exchange fees.
Tip Summary: Use a Wise card when traveling to avoid foreign transaction fees, get the real currency exchange rate (mid-market rate) and free ATM transactions.
Why it saves money: Eliminate foreign transaction fees, get mid-market currency exchange rate and get two free ATM transactions per month.
Who it applies to: Anyone traveling internationally.
Location specifics: -
Wrap Up
Amount spent vs. going rate: New Zealand vacation
Tip Summary: Try to do as many things as you can to save money in each of the core travel cost areas for maxium savings.
Why it saves money: Leveraging money saving strategies compounds your savings.
Who it applies to: Anyone who travels.
Location specifics: -
Watch in order (by day):
Day 1
Fly Air New Zealand on Aeroplan points.
Tip Summary: Find the best travel rewards credit card for you at: BreakTheTravelBarrier.com with the article ‘Top Travel Rewards Credit Cards 2026’.
Why it saves money: Aeroplan points can be redeemed with Air New Zealand who are a Star Alliance member.
Who it applies to: Aeroplan points members.
Location specifics: -
Day 2
Pay one (1) 15th the going rate for roaming.
Tip Summary: Avoid expensive carrier roaming plans with an e-sim (app) that allows you to switch from your primary phone plan to inexpensive international plans without the need for a physical sim.
Why it saves money: Most carrier roaming plans are bloated and uncompetitive compared to e-sim plans. allowing users to purchase cheaper, local, or regional data plans directly.
Who it applies to: Anyone traveling internationally.
Location specifics: -
Day 3
Avoid ATM and currency conversion fees while minimizing currency exchange fees.
Tip Summary: Use a Wise card when traveling to avoid foreign transaction fees, get the real currency exchange rate (mid-market rate) and free ATM transactions.
Why it saves money: Eliminate foreign transaction fees, get mid-market currency exchange rate and get two free ATM transactions per month.
Who it applies to: Anyone traveling internationally.
Location specifics: -
Day 4
Stay with friends and family for free accommodations.
Tip Summary: Prioritize places where you have people you can stay with.
Why it saves money: Get free accommodations with friends and family. In thanks pay for their outings and meals with you.
Who it applies to: Anyone traveling.
Location specifics: -
Day 5
Tipping is not a thing in New Zealand
Tip Summary: In New Zealand, tipping is not part of the culture and is not expected as minimum wage is $24 dollars an hour.
Why it saves money: Not having to tip saves you 15% on spend at restaurants and for services.
Who it applies to: Anyone traveling to New Zealand
Location specifics: New Zealand
Day 6
Get 50% OFF restaurants + discounts on dozens of activities, excursions & premium experiences
Tip Summary: Book dinner seatings at restaurants via the First Table app for 50% off the menu.
Why it saves money: Restaurant listings on the First Table app offer 50% their general menu (alcohol and certain items excluded) at select seatings times. This can save you 50% on every dinner had at a restaurant. Restaurants do this to increase occupancy during traditional slow times which is namely when they first open their doors at or around 5pm.
Who it applies to: Anyone eating out at restaurants in New Zealand, Australia and the U.K..
Location specifics: New Zealand
Day 7
Save 50 - 67% on restaurant take away and groceries with these marketplace apps.
Tip Summary: Get discounts on restaurant take away using the apps ‘Too Good to Go’ and ‘Food Print’.
Why it saves money: Restaurants and grocery stores sell food at risk of expiry/spoilage at deep discounts for take away through the apps ‘Too Good to Go’ and ‘Food Print’.
Who it applies to: Anyone looking to cut the cut the cost of eating out while traveling.
Location specifics: Food Print (New Zealand only); Too Good to Go works in most developed countries.
Day 8
Inexpensive New Zealand: Premium spa experience, an unexpected cost & surprising savings.
Tip Summary: Get discounts on premium New Zealand travel experiences at NZTravelTips.com.
Why it saves money: NZTravelTips.com has discount codes on premium tourist attractions, tours, accommodations, spas, events and transport including campervans, motorbikes, trains and the ferry that connects the North and South island.
Who it applies to: Anyone traveling to New Zealand.
Location specifics:Rotorua; New Zealand discount codes and traveler chat groups available at and through NZTravelTips.com
Day 9
Save on $20+ per person on glow worm cave tours that are off the beaten track.
Tip Summary: Save on glow worm cave tours and that are off the beaten track.
Why it saves money: The Nikau Glow worm caves offer a more adventurous (think ‘the Goonies’) and personalized experience that is off the beaten track. The drive is picturesque with scenic landscapes.
Who it applies to: Anyone looking to see glow worms and/or tour caves who are not claustrophobic.
Location specifics: Nikau is a 1.5 – 2 hour drive from the better-known Waitomo caves.
Day 10
Stay with locals to save on accommodations through WorkAway and FarmStays.
Tip Summary: Many farmers and rural properties host travelers and post listings at WorkAway.info and FarmStays at farmstaysnewzealand.co.nz.
Why it saves money: Get free room (and sometimes board) helping farmers with chores for a part of the day. Or rent rooms with locals through FarmStay.
Who it applies to: Visitors to New Zealand seeking authentic stays with locals and inexpensive alternatives to traditional travel accommodations. A special Visa may be required to participate in WWOOFING or hosted stays in New Zealand. Make sure to understand visa requirements for your specific circumstance before you book your trip.
Location specifics: -
Day 11
Find books of best trails in the local author section of bookstores.
Tip Summary: The ‘Local Author’ section of any bookstore has books of the best local trails to walk, bike and hike. For example ‘A walk a day – 365 short walks in New Zealand’; and ‘Excellent Short Walks in the South Island that are under 2 hours’.
Why it saves money: Save time finding best trails which are free to enjoy.
Who it applies to: Anyone looking for trails to either walk, bike or hike.
Location specifics: Find top trails throughout New Zealand.
Day 12
Discounted campervans and free overnight parking.
Tip Summary: Get campervan rental discounts at NZTraveltips.com and par free overnight at Freedom RV lots throughout New Zealand.
Why it saves money: Park your discounted RV free at Freedom parking lots.
Who it applies to: Travelers open to touring New Zealand by campervan or RV.
Location specifics: Freedom parking lots throughout New Zealand allow free overnight parking for campervans and RV’s.
Day 13
Trip interruptions and cheap holiday shirts.
Tip Summary: Trip interruption insurance protects you from the cost of unused travel bookings in the event of trip interruptions. Get holiday shirts for less than $8 at Temu.
Why it saves money: Refundable tickets and trip interruption insurance protect you from loss in the event of unforeseen trip interruptions; Temu sells stylish holiday shirts for as little as $8.
Who it applies to: Anyone concerned with cost related to trip interruptions or looking for inexpensive holiday shirts.
Location specifics: -
Day 14
Free Walking Tours
Tip Summary: Free Walking Tours with FreeTour.com
Why it saves money: Free way to explore and have as or more enjoyable experiences than paid tours or attractions.
Who it applies to: Anyone visiting a city for the first time looking for free tours.
Location specifics: -
Day 15
Best time to Book Accommodations for Best Deals
Tip Summary: The best time to book accommodations for best deals in top tourist destinations is when the number of international visitors is fewest.
Why it saves money: International visitors are willing to pay more for the same accommodations that nationals are willing to pay, thus the cost of accommodations are higher when there are more international visitors. By visiting when the number of international visitors is fewest, the going rate for accommodations will be less.
Who it applies to: Anyone looking to visit top travel destinations.
Location specifics: -
Day 16
Luggage stowage options when you don’t have a hotel to stow it for you.
Tip Summary: Stasher is an app where retail outlets offer to stash your luggage for rates that range from $3 to $8 a day.
Why it saves money: Stasher is an economical option to offload your luggage so you can explore a city without having to lug your bags.
Who it applies to: Anyone who wants to temporarily offload their luggage while traveling.
Location specifics: -
Day 16.2
Get around observatory admission fees.
Tip Summary: Most towers with observatories that charge admission also have restaurants that do not charge admission, some of which have no minimum spend. You can get more value while paying less by visiting the restaurant and buying yourself a drink.
Why it saves money: Instead of paying an observatory admission fee, you instead pay for your food and/or drink and get the observatory view for free.
Who it applies to: Anyone looking to experience a rooftop observatory view.
Location specifics: Aukland Sky Tower
Day 17
Fly Air New Zealand on Avion points.
Tip Summary: Find the best travel rewards credit card for you at BreakTheTravelBarrier.com with the article ‘Top Travel Rewards Credit Cards 2026’.
Why it saves money: Avion points are transferrable and can be used to book flights on nearly any airline. New Zealand has banned fuel surcharges for flights departing in and from New Zealand.
Who it applies to: Avion points members and travelers departing from New Zealand.
Location specifics: Travelers departing from New Zealand
Day 17b
Minimize airport transfer costs
Tip Summary: The website of any airport has a Transportation section that shows all your transportation options from the airport including public transit, rail and shuttle buses.
Why it saves money: Some of these options are free and almost all are cheaper than ridesharing (Uber or Lyft).
Who it applies to: Anyone needing to get from the airport to their final destination.
Location specifics: -
Wrap Up
Amount spent vs. going rate: New Zealand vacation
Tip Summary: Try to do as many things as you can to save money in each of the core travel cost areas for maxium savings.
Why it saves money: Leveraging money saving strategies compounds your savings.
Who it applies to: Anyone who travels.
Location specifics: -
Russell Hannon uses lean principles to travel at a fraction of the going rate. He has been featured on CNBC, FOX, America Tonight, CBS, CTV, CBC, the National Post and Around the World Travel TV. He is also the author of amazon.ca Budget Travel #1 Best Seller ‘Stop Dreaming Start Traveling: The Ultimate Guide to Traveling More & Spending Less’ available at Stop Dreaming Start Traveling.
