Save money on the road or in the air Share petrol costs and/or car/van hire costs and meet fellow travellers. Advertise to share road trip costs on travellersads of course! Always make sure you feel comfortable with the people you are going to share a ride or a long journey with.
Discount petrol - Spend $40 at New World, Countdown, Foodtown or Woolworths supermarkets and you will be given a voucher to get 4c off each litre of petrol you purchase.
Automobile Association - If you're a member of AIT or FIA motor clubs you can use the services of AA New Zealand for free for up to six months. Get 24 hour, 7 day a week breakdown assistance and more. (You will need your card and/or a letter confirming your membership status and when it expires - follow the link below for more information). If you're not a member of a motor club but you have your own vehicle in NZ follow the link to see what services AA can offer you - www.aa.co.nz.
Bargain Air NZ flights - www.grabaseat.co.nz. Updated daily, cheap fares are available for one day or until sold out.
Jetstar is a budget airline that operates between Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. Check them out for cheap seats too.
Pacific Blue Happy Hour - www.pacificblue.com - airfares so low they'll be gone in 60 minutes.
Travel mid week and it's likely airline seats as well as other land based transport seats will be much cheaper. Also check out the early morning or late in the evening flights for cheaper seats.
Cheap long distance bus fares, from $1 if you're lucky - visit www.nakedbus.com.
Book in advance to get cheaper long distance bus and train tickets on Intercity buses and Trains. If you have a hostel card or other discount travel card remember to show it at time of booking for possible additional savings.
Day travel passes (or longer) for public transport can save you money. For example, an Auckland Discovery Day Pass costs $14 and allows travel on inner harbour ferries, buses and trains - www.maxx.co.nz. It costs $10 return to get to Devonport on the ferry and $3.60 one way to get from downtown Auckland to Mission Bay on the bus, so you don't have to go far to get excellent value from the Auckland Discovery Day Pass.
Cheap relocation cars and camper vans - www.standbyrelocs.com. Click here to read about our relocation from Christchurch to Auckland.
Free pick ups and drops offs - Check if your accommodation option offers this service.
Low Carbon Traveller Discount - If you are cycling around NZ or hiking (without a support vehicle or use of public transport or transfers) you can qualify for up to 25% off overnight rates at YHA hostels. If you're not a YHA member you can also receive 25% discount on a one year YHA NZ membership. Visit YHA for details. NEW
Health/Safety 111 is the number to call in NZ if you need the Police, an ambulance or the Fire Brigade, calls are free even if made from a mobile phone or a phone box.
Pharmacies - there will be duty pharmacies open late in most places to fill prescription and non prescription medical needs. In larger cities there will be Medical Centres that see patients on a first come, first seen basis. If you require urgent medical attention go to the nearest Accident & Emergency department at the closest hospital or dial 111 for an ambulance. Have your travel insurance policy on hand and ensure you keep receipts and whatever documentation you require if you are going to claim on your travel insurance.
Slip, slop, slap in the sun - Burn time is short in NZ and UV rays are fierce - slip on a shirt, slop on lots of high SPF sunscreen and slap on a hat.
Sand and surf - Swimming in the sea can be dangerous, there are some treacherous beaches around the country. During peak holiday times (and summer weekends) popular beaches will have life guards on duty - please swim between the flags. If you get into difficulty wave your arm in the air and yell for help. If you are caught in a strong rip don't swim against it, just keep your arm raised and try not to panic. Many drownings occur over the summer months, Piha beach west of Auckland has its own television show - "Piha Rescue" which is a good reminder of how dangerous water can be.
The wop wops - slang for being out of the main cities and towns and off the beaten track. It's not difficult in NZ to sometimes find yourself the only person on a beach, a walking track or in a DOC camping ground. Although NZ is generally a safe place you may still come across people whose intentions may be less than friendly. Take a charged mobile phone with you (although way out in the wop wops there probably won't be coverage) or consider taking someone else along for company, particularly if you are a woman travelling solo.
Free Stuff Radio station roadies give away free stuff in the bigger towns and cities. Cheers to The Rock Roadies in Rotovegas for the two for one Burger Fuel vouchers. Click here to find radio frequencies.
Free food - Many hostels will have a shelf where travellers moving on can leave their left over food supplies behind for others. Not one where you're staying? Ask the hostel if they can organise a cupboard and a shelf in the fridge.
Not exactly free but if you stay in hostels there may be bikes for guests to use free (or for a minimal fee), kayaks if water is nearby, free tea and coffee, book exchanges, free Internet access, etc. You're also likely to get the low down on the good value places to eat, visit and shop. Bigger hotels and some motels can offer facilities like swimming pools, saunas, gyms, onsite bars and restaurants. B&Bs and farm stays may also offer some of the above but many will also provide delicious home cooked breakfasts, home baking and the chance to spend time with local residents in a small group setting. Holiday parks and camping grounds can be in stunning locations and many have top notch facilities, they also offer accommodation to suit different budgets. Visit Trip Advisor for accommodation reviews.
Freecycle - A non profit movement of people recycling their stuff. Visit www.freecycle.org to see if anyone is giving away something you're after or offer goods of your own.
Kia Ora magazine - Air New Zealand's inflight magazine, issued monthly. If you fly with Air New Zealand there will be one of these magazines in the seat pocket, we go to a local Air New Zealand travel centre and pick one up, it's free. The magazine lists upcoming festivals and events around the country, new and interesting products on the market and each month they focus on at least one area of the country and highlight what to see and do. NEW
Accommodation Free accommodation - Look out for hostels and holiday parks offering free nights accommodation, eg. stay for 3 nights and get your 4th night free at Rongo Backpackers in Karamea (West Coast, South Island). Also stay for 3 and get 4th free at Noahs Ark Backpackers in Greymouth, they also throw in free breakfast and 30 minutes of free Internet (May - September). (See below for free night deal at Jailhouse Accommodation, Christchurch). (Offers valid as at 20 May 2010) UPDATED
Free Camping - Camp for free around NZ - please protect and respect our environment by leaving only footprints.
Winter travel -
One of the benefits of travelling in winter or in low season is that accommodation rates will be cheaper across the board. For example, Jailhouse Accommodation in Christchurch has winter rates from $22 per night and from May- October stay 3 and get your 4th night free. Other advantages can be free breakfast - The Villa Backpackers Lodge in Picton offers free breakfast and dessert in autumn/winter. (Offers valid as at 4 May 2010).
Loyalty cards - Hostel chains, holiday parks and hotel chains offer loyalty cards that give discounts on accommodation and activities. They can be well worth purchasing (or in some cases joining for free) if you're going to be in NZ for more than a couple of weeks, some cards will also give discounts worldwide.
Weekly rates - It is worth enquiring at all types of accommodation whether discounts for weekly or longer stays apply. If your negotiation skills don't work at one establishment they might elsewhere, particularly in low season.
No room at the inn? - If you find yourself in a place full of "No Vacancy" signs head to the local i-SITE Information Centre as they will likely know where there is a bed left in town. If the Centre is closed ask at one of the accommodation options and they're sure to point you in the direction of an empty bed. Sometimes you might find yourself (as we often have) in small towns booked out by events like weddings and bowls tournaments, it's always good to have a cheap tent in the boot if you have your own transport, or you can just head to another town if there's one close by. Where do you get a cheap tent? The Warehouse - where everyone gets a bargain. (If it costs $10 don't expect it to be waterproof!)
Internet bookings - If you are using online sites like www.wotif.com that specialise in last minute accommodation deals double check the rate they are offering against what the property is offering on their own website. (Remember that booking fees apply on most last minute sites). The property's website should also have additional photographs and more information on services and rooms so that you get a better idea of what you're booking and paying for.
Women only accommodation - Check out our Women Traveller information page that lists women only accommodation, women only dorms/rooms in hostels. NEW
Auckland University accommodation - Catered accommodation (bed, dinner and breakfast) is available at The Auckland University's residences over the summer period (mid November - mid February). Self catered accommodation is available from early December - early February. If you are in another town in NZ that has a University, enquire direct or ask at an i-SITE about summer accommodation. NEW
Communication Purchase a local SIM card for your GSM mobile phone and pay local rates for your calls. GSM mobile phone companies include Telecom XT, Vodafone and 2degrees.
Rent a Vodaphone mobile phone from Christchurch and Auckland International airports, rental might be a good option for those in NZ short term - www.vodarent.co.nz.
Free Internet - Many public libraries will offer free Internet access and free WiFi. Also look out for accommodation providers who offer free access for guests.
Mail - The Poste Restante service can hold your mail and parcels or redirect them if necessary. Follow this link for more information.
Discount vouchers www.vouchermate.co.nz - Check out the printable discount vouchers, you can have them sent to you by text if you're really keen.
Discount vouchers - Many tourism brochures and traveller magazines like TNT have discount vouchers for activities, free drinks at hostels etc. Also look around the reception areas and notice boards of your accommodation provider for special offers. (We also have a Special Deals section on the website).
Entertainment books - Discount vouchers for cafes, restaurants and activities. (Most vouchers are "buy one get one free" so they are best value for those travelling in twos). The Auckland Entertainment book is packed with vouchers for "buy one get one free meals" and "buy one get one free" admissions to the Auckland Zoo, Kelly Tarlton's, Sky Tower and more. The Auckland book costs $65, is available from selected charities and vouchers are valid June - June. Visit www.entertainmentbook.co.nz for more information. Entertainment books can also be purchased for Wellington ($55), Christchurch $65 and Hamilton.
Outdoors/Environment Volunteer for the Department of Conservation and help out with conservation tasks like bird counts, hut maintenance, tree planting etc. Follow this link for more information - www.doc.govt.nz. Base Backpackers in down town Auckland liaise with DOC about volunteering so ask at the hostel if you want to volunteer in the Auckland area.
Recycling - Look out for the "LoveNZ" bins in public places around the country.
Trees for travellers - Help offset your carbon emissions by purchasing a tree that will be planted in the Kaikoura region. Check out www.treesfortravellers.co.nz for more information. Green guide - Find eco lodges, retreat centres, organic cafes, eco tourism operators etc - www.organicexplorer.co.nz.
Food/Drink
Sub of the day at Subway sandwiches - each day the filling will change but the price stays the same - $3.90.
Bramptins - If you're British and missing food from home these stores should have your favourites. Currently stores are only in Auckland but you can shop online. Visit www.bramptins.co.nz for products and locations.
Shop late at night at supermarkets and you'll often find fresh bread and bakery items at heavily reduced prices.
Save money by self catering and staying at accommodation that has cooking facilities, also look out for BBQs in parks, some will be free and others will require coins to operate them. For a list of free BBQs in Auckland parks follow this link.
Milk powder - If you are moving around a lot and don't have refrigeration facilities you can buy milk powder and mix your own milk as required.
www.farmersmarkets.org.nz - Visit farmers markets nationwide to pick up fresh and good value fruit, vegetables and other food items.
Vegetarians - Check out the book "The Great Kiwi Vege Road Trip" by Fiona McRae & Nicola McCloy. Visit www.happycow.net to find vegetarian eateries around the country, many have reviews by diners. There are also vegetarian recipes on the website. Another option is www.vegetarians.co.nz.
Want to splash out and treat yourself to a meal in a top restaurant? Generally lunch prices will be considerably cheaper than evening meals. The bonuses of dining for lunch may be that the view is better during the day and it's more likely you will be able to linger longer for that extra coffee, particularly if you dine during the week. If you are in Wellington consider Logan Brown who have a 3 course bistro menu ($39.50) available for lunch Monday - Friday and dinner 7 days (tables must be vacated by 7.30pm). Logan Brown won the 2009 Cuisine NZ Restaurant of the Year. In Auckland we recommend Cin Cin on Quay who currently have a $27.50 two course lunch special (as at 3 May 2010). (We eat out in more casual cafes and have only dined at a few top Auckland restaurants - "top" being subjective and a title hotly contested by Auckland eateries I'm sure!) Also check out Metro magazines 2010 top 50 Auckland restaurants. NEW
Water - tap water is safe to drink in New Zealand. Buy a reusable bottle and save yourself money and the environment from the plastic and refill a bottle or two and keep them refrigerated for the next day.
Clothing Cold Down Under? Invest in a polypropylene top or two - they roll up small, keep you really warm and can be washed and dried quickly. Get a good quality one from an outdoor store, they will last for years. For something warm and uniquely New Zealand (and a good gift for friends back home) check out possum fur and merino blend socks, gloves and jerseys. Available from souvenir shops and roadside sheepskin/wool shops around the country.
Recycled clothing - There are numerous shops around NZ selling recycled clothing. Recycle Boutique in Darby Street in down town Auckland has vintage, label, recycled and some new clothing. Other Recycle Boutiques are located in Palmerston North, Wellington and Dunedin. Recycled clothing shops can be great places to pick up warm jackets at cheap prices and you can also lighten your load by selling or donating your own clothes, shoes and accessories.
DressSmart - Outlet clothing and shoe stores under one roof, located in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch - www.dress-smart.co.nz. The Auckland branch of DressSmart has a free shuttle bus service Monday - Friday.
Entertainment Happy hour - Look out for bars offering happy hour prices, the bars that also serve free bar snacks are even better!
Festivals - see if there is a celebration near you.
www.grooveguide.co.nz - Free gigs around the country. Look out for the weekly paper copy around town.
Visit the local library and read the community newspapers to find out about events and activities around town. Also check out www.eventfinder.co.nz.
General Lonely Planet NZ thorn tree forum is a good place to start if you would like to ask questions about NZ and have them answered by other travellers and registered Kiwis. Check out the forums for lots of useful information, you only need to register if you want to ask a question or reply to one.
Haircuts - Head to the suburbs or smaller towns or look out for chains like The Sharing Shed (Auckland, Hamilton & Tauranga) and Just Cuts (nationwide) if you want a cheap chop. In the bigger cities (Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch) look out for ads from hairdressing training schools, you may be able to get a new look for a bargain price.
Raining? - Museums, libraries, shopping centres, art galleries, movie theatres (and of course bars and cafes) will provide shelter on rainy days.
Wrap the gifts you're sending home in maps or brochures - give the folks back home something interesting to read from NZ.
$2 Shops - You can find all sorts of useful things at these shops - kitchen utensils, tooth brush holders, torches, cutlery, mugs, plates, games to play on the road and more. (www.2dollarshop.co.nz)
The Warehouse - Where Everyone Gets a Bargain (www.thewarehouse.co.nz). Look out for the red sheds all around NZ. Get cheap tents, tarpaulins, kitchenware, clothes, shoes, almost everything. The quality won't necessarily be top of the line but if price is what's important The Warehouse is an excellent option. Kmart (www.kmart.co.nz) is a similar one stop shop although there aren't nearly as many stores around the country and their prices are generally higher, but a lot of the goods are made in Australia.
Cash Converters - Buy second hand goods or sell your surf board, guitar or other big items you've been unable to sell before you head home. There are many locations around the country, visit www.cashconverters.co.nz.
Fair Trade Goods - If you would like to support a NZ based fair trade organisation by purchasing fair trade goods including coffee, chocolate, jewellery, house hold items etc look out for Trade Aid shops nationwide. Visit the website for their locations - www.tradeaid.co.nz. The Trade Aid stores are run by volunteers so if you are staying a while in NZ and would like to help out see the "Get Involved" section on their website.
Auckland City Ambassadors - If you're lost on the inner city streets in Auckland or have questions about attractions, look out for an Ambassador dressed in red. Ten ambassadors will be on the streets in summer and four in winter. The Ambassadors are on the streets 7 days of the week from October - March and Monday to Saturday, April - September. NEW
Night classes - If you're staying a few months or weeks in one place and you want to meet some locals, take up a new hobby or learn a new skill, check out night classes offered at local high schools. Visit www.xtend.co.nz for more information or ask directly at local high schools.
Visit our general website directoryhere and our accommodation directoryhere.
