Tourists from all over the world agree that New Zealand is a dream destination to visit. If you were not familiar with the rugged charms of this paradise on earth, knowing that the majority of exterior scenes in Lord of the Ring were filmed in New Zealand – you can even visit the set and get in a real hobbit house – can change your mind about where to plan your next holiday. However, there’s an important piece of information that might just destroy your Kiwi dream trip: Its cost. Indeed, visiting New Zealand is a beautiful but expensive experience. But with a few tricks up your sleeve, you can plan the perfect vacation to the mythical land of Middle Earth without breaking the bank.
Rule #1 of not overspending: Work as you travel
Let’s be real about it. New Zealand is a vast country full of natural wonders and breathtaking sceneries. While you can find plenty of activities that are completely free – such as visiting some natural parks –, it’s fair to warn you from the start: It won’t be cheap to see everything you read about in guidebooks. But knowing that ahead means that you can plan and earn some cash while visiting. You can sign up with work agencies to find placements in the country and work for quick money. Teaching languages or even working as a freelancer online can help you to tackle most travel expenses as they arise.
Pick self-catering accommodations
Staying a 4* hotel might sound appealing, but you have to be realistic. A hotel can encourage you to spend more money than you should. If you choose self-catering accommodations – you can click here for more information about flats with an idyllic view of New Zealand, for instance –, you are more likely to cooking than go to restaurants. Over the course of several days, you will be saving tonnes of money without losing any comfort!
Book your activities in advance
Don’t wait until the last minute to book your tickets to the local museum or attraction. Visitors who pay on site are more likely to pay full price. But if you look for online purchase options – check this handy website here to find out how much you could save with advanced bookings – you can make sure to get the latest deal on activities, attractions, and tours all around New Zealand. You’ll also find similar options for Australia and Fiji if you want to grab a local flight to visit the next door island!
Save money where you can
Last, but not least, walking in nature is free. And as nature is one of the main reasons why people visit New Zealand, you can satisfy your thirst of greenery without spending a dollar – the currency of the country is the NZ$, which is the equivalent of around £0.51. Additionally, you don’t need to tip your waiters in New Zealand, which can save you a lot of money in the long term.
The bottom line is that visiting New Zealand comes at a price. However, with a little bit of smart planning, you can have a fantastic holiday on a budget and without depriving yourself!