On the Cheap: New Zealand on a Budget
New Zealand can be an expensive place to travel, or you can do it on the cheap, if you have the right information!
These bad boys are a dream come true. They will usually cost you less then $10, and some times free if there is no ranger onsite, which generally happens during the working week. The only set back is that most of the time you will need a car to access them. Also, if you have access to wifi, download the Camper Mate app. It takes your location and shows you all the camp sites around you. Handy.
2) Hire/Buy a Car/Camper Van
Whether you are travelling alone, or with a group, hiring or buying a camper van or car can be really cost effective. You can get access to more places, and do not have to rely on public transport, which often, in small towns does not go very often. Keep in mind the places you will be travelling, especially in the South Island are remote. Generally the only public transport is aimed at tourists.
Hiring:
Buying:
Join a Facebook group like Van NZ Buy and Sell
Auckland has an off the radar car fair in the parking lot on the corner of Upper Queen St and Ian McKinnon drive in the mornings on weekend days
Ellersie Carfair is open 9am - 12 pm on Sundays, and they have a special campervan section
Backpackerboard is loaded with adverts for campervans and cars
Trademe is New Zealands version of eBay
Keep in mind, if you are camping or sleeping in your car or van in random locations, you could get fined for freedom camping. Always check where you have stopped to sleep for any signs that indicate whether freedom camping is legal or illegal in that area. Generally, if you are in the off peak season for that area, you will not get fined. Otherwise expect to be woken up in the middle of the night and be given a fine that would be greater than a hostel room.
Search multipule combinations of "backpacking" and "New Zealand" on Facebook and join the groups. These groups are for all things backpacking related. Need to buy or sell anything travel related? Get a lift somewhere? A travel companion? Looking for a job? Chuck a post in these groups, and see what happens!
4) Deal Sites
My personal favourite is Book Me. It mostly advertises activities a week in advance at 50% of the price. Another goody is GrabOne. They offer a whole range of experiences from health and beauty to adventure activities.
5) Couch Surfer Meet Ups
In a lot of decent sized cities, someone organises couch surfer meet ups in a bar. Best thing is, you do not even have to be a couch surfer! Check out the location and day for current city, and use them as networking for information and travel tips.
6) Hitch Hike
This is a little bit of an iffy topic. Of course this is the cheapest option for getting place to place, but please always keep your safety in mind. Every year in New Zealand there is always a few hitch hikers that go missing. If you have a bad feeling about a person and their car, DO NOT GET IN. One free ride is not worth your life.
7) Use Hostel Notice Boards
Same as the the Facebook backpacking groups, but in real person form. Make sure you leave your room number and name when pinning an advert to the notice board.
8) Buy Food from the Supermarket
Most hostels will have have cooking facilities. They are there for a reason, use them.
9) Free Food Shelf in Hostels
Most hostels will also have a free food shelf. I find people usually leave condiments, and herbs and spices in them - things which can generally cost a bit, but will make your dull backpacker meal taste delish.
Enjoy :)
xx
Sunrise from Puhinui Road, Auckland Airport
