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.
Pacific Blue Happy Hour - www.pacificblue.com - airfares so low they'll be gone in 60 minutes.
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.
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 and 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 to read other peoples' reviews of accommodation options.
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.
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 (www.rongobackpackers.com) in Karamea (West Coast, South Island). During May - September Noah's Ark Backpackers (www.noahsarkbackpackers.co.nz) in Greymouth offers the same deal.
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 (www.jail.co.nz) 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 (www.thevilla.co.nz) in Picton offers free breakfast in winter as does Noah's Ark Backpackers in Greymouth (from May - September).
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 Visitor Information Centre as they will likely know where there is a bed left in town. Sometimes you might find yourself as we have in places booked out by 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 (and hope the bowls tournament is a small one).
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. Check out our Accommodation Tips page - couch surf your way around NZ, exchange a few hours work on an organic farm for board and grab a bargain stay in a hotel on www.grabanight.co.nz.
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.
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.
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.
Dressmart - Outlet clothing and shoe stores under one roof, located in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch - www.dress-smart.co.nz.
Entertainment Happy hour - Look out for bars offering happy hour prices, the bars that also serve free bar snacks are even better! In Queenstown check out half price tea pot cocktails at The World Bar, 2 Shotover Street, 9-10pm daily.
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.
General Lonely Planet NZ thorn tree forum is a good place to start if you would like feedback from other travellers or have specific questions about New Zealand.
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, kitchen ware, 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.
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.
Advertised in TNT Travellers' Magazine - Spring & Summer Editions
