Accommodation on a Budget
When it comes to accommodation, self-catering is often the way to go for families. Not only does it save you money on food, but it also gives you more space and flexibility. You can find self-catering apartments and houses on websites like Bookabach (from $120 per night) and AirBnB (from $100 per night).
Free Activities in NZ
- Visit the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki (free admission)
- Explore the Wellington waterfront and Te Papa Museum (free admission)
- Go hiking in the beautiful NZ countryside, such as the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (free, but $40 for parking)
- Visit the Hamilton Gardens (free admission, but $15 for guided tours)
Cheap Eats in NZ
Eating out can be expensive in NZ, but there are plenty of affordable options. Try the $10 lunches at the food trucks in Auckland's Viaduct Harbour, or grab a $5 coffee and pastry at a local cafe. For dinner, head to the supermarket and pick up some ingredients for a BBQ or picnic. A basket of groceries from Countdown or New World will set you back around $50-70.
Transportation Costs
| Transportation Option | Cost |
|---|---|
| Auckland to Wellington on the InterCity bus | $30-$50 per person |
| Auckland to Wellington on the Northern Explorer train | $150-$250 per person |
| Renting a campervan for a week | $800-$1,200 |
| Driving from Auckland to Wellington in your own car (including fuel and tolls) | $100-$200 |
Budget Breakdown
So, how much can you expect to spend on a family holiday in NZ? Here's a rough breakdown of costs for a week-long trip: accommodation ($1,500-$2,500), food ($800-$1,200), transportation ($200-$500), activities ($200-$500). That's a total of $3,500-$5,200 for a family of four.
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