Let's talk MONEY

Let’s talk money. Everyone’s travel budget looks a little different, some people love splurging on tours, others stick to home-cooked meals, and some set aside a little extra for weekend drinks. But to give you a rough idea of what to expect, here’s my breakdown of my costs from 3.5 months of traveling the North Island.

1. Vehicle Costs

First up, your vehicle. Whether you go for a van, motorhome, or 4WD, your choice depends on how you want to travel. Personally, I bought a van, and in my experience, New Zealand is super 2WD-friendly.

I picked up a 2007 diesel Nissan Caravan (automatic, 300,000 km) for $14,000 NZD. That’s a pretty standard price for a self-contained camper in good condition. If you’re arriving before summer (October - November), you might notice prices creeping up as demand increases. But if you arrive just before winter, you could snag a better deal since many travelers are selling their vans after peak season. I found my van on Facebook Marketplace, which has plenty of options.

If possible, get a self-contained vehicle that meets NZ’s regulations, it’ll make camping way easier. I explain what this means in my “Camping in NZ: The Rules You Need to Know” blog.

If you’re not staying long, renting is an option, but it’s pricey. Rental campervans start at around $100–$150 per day and can go way higher for fancy setups. If you're traveling for more than a month and have the funds, buying is usually the better move.

2. Living Expenses

Once you’ve got your van sorted, you’ll need money for day-to-day costs. Your expenses will depend on your travel style, whether you have a passive income, plan to work on the road, or have saved up before coming.

• For 3.5 months of travel, I spent $12,500 NZD (not including the van). That works out to about $900 per week.

• This included: groceries, fuel, tours, mechanical repairs, bills, and everything in between.

• This does include Road User Charges (RUC) for diesel vehicles which was around $2,000, but that’ll last me for many more months.

New Zealand is definitely not a cheap place to travel, especially if, like me, you want to do as many tours and activities as possible. I’d recommend setting a realistic budget and doing your best to stick to it so you don’t accidentally drain your savings.

3. Tips to Save Money on the Road

• Shop Smart: There are three main grocery stores in NZ, Countdown (Woolworths), New World, and Pak’nSave. Pak’nSave is by far the cheapest. For fresh produce, check out local markets or specialty stores instead of supermarkets. Those little savings add up fast.

• Plan Fuel Stops: Use Gaspy (a fuel price app) to find the cheapest fuel along your route. Fuel is one of the biggest expenses, so plan ahead to avoid getting stuck paying premium prices in remote areas.

• Cook Your Own Meals: Takeout and eating out will destroy your budget. Cook your own meals as much as possible, and save dining out for special occasions or cravings.

• Use Free or Cheap Campsites: Apps like WikiCamps and CamperMate help you find free and low cost campsites. These will save you hundreds over time.

• Avoid Impulse Buys: Stick to a shopping list and don’t splurge on unnecessary things. If you really want something, wait a week, chances are, you’ll realize you don’t need it.

• Learn Basic Van Maintenance: If you can fix minor vehicle issues yourself, you’ll avoid some pricey mechanic visits. I’ll admit, I didn’t really do this, but it’s a smart way to save money.

• Budget for Activities: Tours and experiences are amazing, but they add up fast. Plan ahead, choose the ones that matter most to you, and look for discounts or package deals when possible. Also use the app BookMe for discounts.

• Buy in Bulk: Stock up on essentials like pasta, rice, and canned goods when you can. It’s cheaper and means fewer shopping trips.

• Avoid Tourist Traps: Tourist-heavy spots jack up prices on everything, food, souvenirs, activities. Ask locals for their recommendations, and you’ll often get better (and cheaper) experiences.

• Track Your Expenses: Keep an eye on your spending so you don’t accidentally go over budget.

• Take Advantage of Free Activities: NZ is packed with stunning hikes, viewpoints, and nature experiences that don’t cost a cent. Some of my best memories were from things that were completely free.

New Zealand isn’t the cheapest country to travel in, but with some planning and smart spending, you can stretch your budget without missing out on the best experiences. Whether you’re splurging on bucket list activities or sticking to a tighter budget, a little preparation goes a long way.

If you’re planning a road trip, check out my “Key Things to Know Before You Hit the Road” blog for more essential tips!