Budget Tours to New Zealand
Guess what? It’s possible to visit NZ on a budget! If you’ve ever thought about experiencing Middle-earth magic now’s the time. Visit Auckland, Rotorua’s bubbling geothermal wonders, Queenstown's adventure capital, the majestic Milford Sound, Franz Josef Glacier, and Wellington's charm. There’s more! Abel Tasman, Waitomo Caves, and Mount Cook offer incredible experiences without the luxury price tag. Pure New Zealand is ready.
10 best Budget New Zealand tour packages
Compiled by
SteffNew Zealand travel expert at TourRadar
Best of New Zealand: Mountain Biking & Black-Sand Beaches
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The ease and organisation of this tour was faultless. The work done was above and beyond on every opportunity.”
Lyndsey, traveled in August
Priced at approx. $200 per day, this budget-friendly tour provides 20 breakfasts, 5 dinners, and multi-share hostel accommodations. The package includes Raglan surf lessons, Te Puia cultural experience, and Milford Sound cruise. Free activities feature hiking in national parks and city exploration.
Duration 21 days Destinations Auckland, Raglan, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Abel Tasman National Park, Westport, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Te AnauSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-39 Price Per Day $230 Operator G Adventures From $6,039
20% Off- NZ$4,831You save $1,208
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Wanaka, Franz Josef Age Range Ages 18-39 Price Per Day $478 Operator On The Go Tours From
20% Off- NZ$3,345
Duration 5 days Destinations Auckland, Taumarunui, Tongariro, Tongariro National Park, Ohakune, Taranaki, Pipiriki, Waitomo Age Range Ages 15+ Price Per Day $547 Operator Intrepid Travel From
20% Off- NZ$2,735
Priced at approx. $260 daily, this package includes 6 nights in well-equipped hostels across New Zealand. Wine tasting in Marlborough, seal watching at Cape Foulwind, and guided tours are included. Luxury transport comes with complimentary Wi-Fi and USB charging.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Punakaiki, Lewis Pass, Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson, Marlborough, Kaikoura Age Range Ages 18-39 Price Per Day $469 Operator On The Go Tours From
20% Off- NZ$3,285
Duration 7 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Taupo Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $644 Operator AAT Kings From
20% Off- NZ$4,505
Duration 12 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura, Abel Tasman National Park, Westport, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Wanaka, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Lake Tekapo Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $127 Operator Kiwi Experience From $1,899
20% Off- NZ$1,519You save $380
Duration 17 days Destinations Auckland, Coromandel, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Abel Tasman National Park, Westport, Hokitika, Franz JosefSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $132 Operator Kiwi Experience From $2,799
20% Off- NZ$2,239You save $560
This budget-friendly tour, at approx. $120 per day, covers 7 nights' hostel accommodation, daily breakfasts, and premium activities including Marlborough wine tasting and Hanmer Springs thermal pools. Accommodations include Hotel Give in Christchurch and Dusky Lodge in Kaikoura.
Duration 8 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura, Abel Tasman National Park, Hanmer Springs Age Range Ages 18-49 Price Per Day $175 Operator Kiwi Experience From $1,749
20% Off- NZ$1,399You save $350
NZ Intro North
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The hostels were very nice for hostels, and the experiences were worth the cost of the trip.”
Kiah, traveled in June
Costing approx. $170 daily, this package includes 8 nights' shared accommodation, 4 breakfasts, and 2 dinners. Highlights include Hobbiton tour, Waitomo caves, Lake Taupo sailing, and Wellington cable car, plus airport transfers and local transport.
Duration 9 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington Age Range Ages 18-45 Price Per Day $289 Operator INTRO Travel From
20% Off- NZ$2,599
NZ Adventure North
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“100% would recommend!”
Amelia, traveled in November
Priced at approx. $160 daily, the package covers airport transfers, 8 nights' hostel accommodation, and 6 meals. Highlights include Hobbiton tour, Waitomo caves, Lake Taupo sailing, and Māori cultural dinner, with time for optional activities like zorbing or skydiving in Rotorua and Taupo.
Duration 9 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington Age Range Ages 18-45 Price Per Day $278 Operator INTRO Travel From
20% Off- NZ$2,499
What people love about Budget Tours in New Zealand
- Best of New Zealand: Mountain Biking & Black-Sand Beaches
The tour is a once in a life time opportunity, packed with plenty of amazing activities. My CEO, Jemma made all the difference, not only being a great guide she went above and beyond for everyone on my bus.
- New Zealand South Island Express
Great tour! We got to see so many places in such a short amount of time, and I had a great time. Made some friends during the whole time! Will be heading to see the North Island next year! I’m already looking forward to exploring! ??
- New Zealand: Best of the North Island
Fantastic guide and awesome tour.
What our customers ask about Budget Tours to New Zealand
What is the average daily cost for budget tours in New Zealand?
Budget tours in New Zealand cost between USD 44-200 per day with most options around USD 150 daily. The Sheepdog Hop-On Hop-Off bus pass provides basic transportation for USD 50 per day while fuller packages like the Coasts & Culture Tour include places to stay and activities for USD 188 daily. One TourRadar traveler shared: "This was an efficient way to see a lot in a short time while keeping costs reasonable - just make sure to budget extra for optional activities." Remember that many tours don't include extra activities or food costs in their base price.
What type of accommodation can I expect on a budget tour in New Zealand?
Most budget tours put you in shared hostel rooms or basic lodges with 4-6 people sharing a space. Places like Hotel Give in Christchurch and Nomads in Queenstown offer multi-share rooms with common bathrooms. Want more privacy? Private rooms usually cost an extra USD 50-80 each night. A TourRadar traveler notes: "The accommodation varied between good dorms and basic hostels - if you want more privacy definitely consider upgrading to a private room." Some routes like the Southern Secrets tour mix things up with stays at places like the Rainforest Retreat in Franz Josef.
When is the most affordable time to visit New Zealand for budget travelers?
The best deals come during shoulder seasons: March-May (autumn) and September-November (spring). Tours like the Northern Round Up often cut prices by up to 20% during these months. Summer (December-February) brings the highest rates while winter (June-August) stays affordable except near ski areas. According to one TourRadar traveler: "We went in April and got great weather plus better deals on activities and accommodation."
What are the most budget-friendly areas to explore in New Zealand?
Smaller towns like Lake Tekapo Punakaiki and Franz Josef help stretch your budget with cheaper places to stay and eat. The Canterbury region near Christchurch and the West Coast give good value with many free walking trails and natural sites. As one TourRadar reviewer put it: "Smaller towns like Tekapo and Franz Josef were great for keeping costs down while still experiencing amazing scenery and activities."
How much extra money should I bring for optional activities?
Plan for USD 400-600 in spending money for extra activities. Popular choices cost from USD 150 for jet boating in Queenstown to USD 450 for skydiving in Wanaka. A helpful tip from a TourRadar traveler: "Setting aside USD 500 allowed me to do several bucket list activities like bungy jumping and a scenic flight over Mount Cook."
What free activities are available on budget tours in New Zealand?
New Zealand offers plenty of no-cost activities. You can hike the Tongariro Crossing near Taupo walk through Cathedral Cove in Coromandel or explore the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki. Wellington's Te Papa Museum and Mount Victoria lookout cost nothing to visit. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The natural attractions and hiking trails were the best part - completely free and absolutely stunning."
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