Traveling to New Zealand is on many people’s bucket lists, and with myriad destinations and experiences that await, there is little wonder as to why the country tops many of those lists. But just because New Zealand is a dream destination, that does not mean you need to break the bank when it comes to visiting. Here, we look at ways to stay on a budget when visiting the land the Kiwis call home.
Transportation
Getting to New Zealand is easy from the United States — there are direct flights
from Los Angeles (LAX) (12 hours), San Francisco (SFO) (13 hours), Houston (IAH) (14 hours) and Honolulu (HNL) (nine hours), most into Auckland (AKL). Once in the country, it is time to decide how best you will get around, depending on how much time you have. If you are short on time, it may make the most sense to hop a domestic flight from one part of the country to the next, maximizing time in each destination.
If you have the time and are an independent traveler, opt instead for a rental car, motorcycle or motorhome
to go at your own pace and really experience the various landscapes found throughout the islands. You may even be able to rent a car one-way for free via transfercar — definitely worth checking out! With a motorhome, you take your hotel with you, so all you need to do is find a holiday park or campground to set down roots for the night; you will have access to kitchen and bathroom facilities here, too.
© Hugoht | Dreamstime.com
Activities
Experiencing New Zealand does not have to break the bank — after all, simply traveling through its terrain, from mountains to beaches, is breathtaking in its own right. Visit newzealand.com and you will find a list of the top 10 free things to do throughout the country, from snorkeling to slipping down a rock slide to hiking an active volcano, and more. The website also lists 100 tips for free travel, so if you are adventurous and willing to take a chance, you may just see the best of New Zealand for free.
Accommodations
Aside from camping in your rented motorhome, or even tent camping, there are plenty of affordable options when it comes to accommodations in New Zealand. Hundreds of motels are found throughout the country, providing comfortable places to stay along main driving routes so you can easily get on your way the next morning. Holiday homes (think Airbnb) are a terrific option if you are going to stay in one spot for a few days and want to live like a local in a way that suits your budget.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedHotels
Mar 6, 20267 Hotels for an Art-Focused Stay
Plan a cultural family travel getaway to one of these hotels around the country offering art-focused experiences.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Destinations / North America
Mar 6, 2026Where to Watch April NASA Rocket Launch in Florida
On March 4, a SpaceX rocket launched from Florida, and for family travelers who missed this launch, fear not! No earlier than this April, NASA will send Artemis II to the moon. This mission will be the second flight of the Space Launch System and the first crewed mission of the Orion spacecraft, as well as the first crewed mission around the moon and beyond low Earth orbit since Apollo 17 in 1972. The mission, originally scheduled for February, was pushed back to at least April due to technical factors.
Hotels
Mar 5, 20266 Avani Hotels & Resorts for Every Kind of Kid
Avani Hotels & Resorts offers family travelers an array of experiences for young guests, from creative kids to little foodies.
Sponsored Content
TAP Air Portugal: A Milestone Year
From small airline to global success, TAP Air Portugal turns 80 and better than ever.
Destinations / North America
Mar 5, 2026Celebrate Women’s History Month in Auburn, New York
March is the perfect time to teach kids about history, more specifically, women’s history, with a trip to Auburn, New York. And it isn’t just because March is Women’s History Month — it’s also the time of year when Harriet Tubman Day is celebrated.
ShareThis