Best New Zealand Travel Packages for Every Budget: What Our Customers Loved Most
Over the years, we’ve helped travellers from all over the world and from all walks of life explore Aotearoa (New Zealand) - from thrifty backpackers to families looking for comfort and couples seeking a bit of luxury. One thing we’ve learned? There’s a perfect Kiwi adventure for every budget. Below, we’re breaking down our customers’ favourite tours and packages by budget range, with a few tips and personal insights thrown in for good measure.
1. Budget-Friendly (Save Those Dollars for Adventures!)
If you’re keen to experience New Zealand without breaking the bank, don’t worry - you’re not alone! Many of our travellers opt for simpler accommodation, shared vehicle options, or short-but-sweet itineraries.
What Customers Loved Most
Short, Action-Packed Tours: A 5–7 day trip focusing on either the North or South Island - like our 7 Day Taste of the North Tour - lets you tick off bucket-list spots (Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Wellington) without adding up too many motel or rental car days.
Campervan Adventures: Some budget travellers prefer a campervan or motorhome, giving you both transport and accommodation in one. Plus, waking up lakeside (or beachside) is pretty special! Check out our campervan tours here.
Free & Low-Cost Activities: New Zealand is made for the outdoors, so hiking (we call it “tramping”), visiting beaches, or exploring public gardens can keep you entertained without dipping into your savings.
Typical Budget Range
NZ$150–$350 per day for a modest motel and meals - or less if you’re a savvy campervan cook!
If you’re careful with extra activities (like bungy jumps or guided tours), you can stretch your funds further.
Our Top Tour Pick
7 Day North Island Tour: Cost-effective and covers key highlights like Auckland, Bay of Islands, Hobbiton (optional), and Rotorua’s geothermal wonders.
2. Mid-Range (Comfort & Highlights Combined)
If you’ve got a bit more wiggle room in your wallet, a mid-range New Zealand holiday can offer a sweet balance between comfort and adventure. Think well-located motels, cosy B&Bs, or holiday park cabins with private facilities, plus enough budget for a few bucket-list experiences.
What Customers Loved Most
Varied Accommodation: Switching up your stays - maybe a riverside motel in Turangi, a modern apartment in Queenstown - adds flavour to the trip.
Optional Add-Ons: With a bit of extra cash, you can enjoy activities like a scenic flight over the Southern Alps, a hangi dinner in Rotorua, or a glow-worm cave tour in Waitomo.
Convenient Transport: Renting a mid-size car or SUV offers plenty of space for luggage while keeping fuel costs reasonable.
Typical Budget Range
NZ$250–$450 per day - enough for a comfortable bed, good meals, and some paid attractions.
Many travellers at this level split their days between lower-cost (e.g., beach walks, scenic drives) and special experiences (e.g., a half-day glacier hike).
Our Top Tour Pick
11 Day Scenic South Island Road Trip: From Kaikōura’s marine life to the glaciers on the West Coast, it’s a favourite for travellers who want diverse landscapes without rushing.
3. Premium (Upgrade Your Stay & Experiences)
If you’re all about private tours, boutique lodges, and a bit of pampering, a premium package might be more your style. It’s ideal for couples celebrating a honeymoon or anyone who believes in enjoying the finer things in life.
What Customers Loved Most
Boutique & Luxury Lodges: Waking up in a lakeside suite near Queenstown or a vineyard estate in Marlborough gives you a personal touch that’s hard to beat.
Exclusive Add-Ons: Helicopter tours to Milford Sound, private guided hikes on Fox Glacier, or a day spent sampling premium wines in Central Otago with a personal driver.
Unhurried Pace: Premium packages often include longer stays in each location - enough time to really immerse yourself (and indulge) before moving on.
Typical Budget Range
NZ$450–$700+ per day depending on the level of luxury accommodation and whether you opt for private transport or tours.
Activities like helicopter tours, hot air balloon rides, or overnight cruises in Fiordland can quickly push costs upward, but they’re bucket-list experiences for a reason!
Our Top Tour Pick
14 Day Nature, Culture & Glaciers Tour (or custom itineraries in that style): Plenty of time for extra nights in top destinations, first-class stays, and a blend of iconic tours and exclusive experiences.
4. The “Ultimate Splurge” (Multi-Week, All-Inclusive)
For those who really want to go all out, we’ve put together high-end, multi-week itineraries that pull out all the stops. We’re talking private transfers, helicopter charters, luxury lodges, gourmet dining - and the freedom to linger where the mood strikes.
What Customers Loved Most
All-Inclusive Peace of Mind: One upfront price covering accommodations, most meals, internal flights or helicopter hops, and curated experiences means minimal planning hassles.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Gems: A flexible schedule often allows for spontaneous detours - like spending an extra day in a remote Fiordland lodge or visiting a lesser-known island off the coast.
Deep Dive: With two or three weeks on the road, you can see both islands in detail - cruise the Bay of Islands, soak in Rotorua’s hot springs, experience Wellington’s coffee scene, and still have time for glacier hikes and Fiordland cruises.
Typical Budget Range
NZ$700–$1,000+ per day, depending on how upscale the lodging and included tours are.
This category often caters to honeymoons, milestone anniversaries, or a bucket list retirement trip.
Our Top Tour Pick
5 Day Majestic Queenstown & Fiords: Experience the breathtaking beauty & adventure of Queenstown. Unwind in a cedar-lined hot tub at Onsen & savor the culinary delights at Rātā. You’ll also explore the famous Milford Sound by Fly/Cruise/Fly for a once in a lifetime scenic tour.
13 Day Ski, Spa & Southern Lights: Designed for the frosty months of June to September, this exclusive journey combines skiing, luxurious spa retreats, and the celestial spectacle of the Southern Lights.
FAQs & Budget-Savvy Tips
1. When’s the best time to visit for cheaper rates?
Off-peak (May–September): Colder months can lead to lower accommodation prices outside of popular ski areas.
2. Can I mix and match budget levels within one trip?
Absolutely. You might go “budget” for most nights but splurge on a night in a luxury lodge - or pick mid-range hotels and splurge on a helicopter tour instead.
3. Do I need to book activities ahead of time?
Some experiences (like Hobbiton tours or Milford Sound cruises) can fill up fast in peak season. If there’s an activity you’re dead set on, it’s safer to reserve in advance.
For more spontaneous travellers, shoulder seasons (March–May, September–November) often have more availability.
Ready to Book Your Perfect NZ Package?
Whether you’re counting every dollar or ready to treat yourself, we’ve got a self-drive tour (or a custom-built itinerary) that fits. Check out our North and South Island tours for a starting point, or get in touch so we can tailor a package to your personal style and budget.
Shoestring traveller? We’ll help you find scenic campsites, affordable motels, and local tips to keep costs down.
Looking for comfort? Mid-range motels, thoughtful add-ons, and balanced driving times will help you explore stress-free.
Itching for luxury? We can fill your days with boutique lodges, private tours, and winery lunches - or even helicopter transfers if that’s your thing.
Wherever you fall on the budget spectrum, we’re here to make your Kiwi adventure everything you’ve dreamed of (and more).
Got questions about costs, itineraries, or what to pack? Drop us a line - we’d love to chat and help you pin down a trip that suits your budget and travel style, no compromises needed!
Ngā mihi and safe travels - we can’t wait to show you around our beautiful backyard. And hey, if you do decide to splurge on that glacier heli-hike or an overnight cruise, you might just thank yourself later!
