After years of seeing the ins and outs of Oceania and Asia, we have become pros at sticking to a low cost daily budget. With cheap food, affordable accommodation, and plenty of free or low-cost attractions in Asia, it’s totally easy and able to stay on track. In New Zealand and Australia, however, it is a whole new ball game! Keeping to a budget is tricky and, at times, can feel nearly impossible. However, along our way, we discovered a few handy money-saving tips to help make it work!
1. Food
Food is one of the biggest expenses travelers often face in Australia and New Zealand. Unlike some places where dining later in the day tends to be more expensive, here, the cost of breakfast, lunch, and dinner is relatively similar. Breakfast and brunch are particularly popular, and while the meals are undeniably delicious, eating out daily can quickly drain the budget.
Here are some tips for saving money on food!
Cook Your Own Food
One of the biggest advantages of staying in a hostel or Airbnb instead of a hotel or guesthouse is having access to a kitchen. Preparing your own meals and packing a lunch for your day’s adventures can save a lot of money. Some seasoned travelers even recommend backpacking with a foldable cooler bag, which makes it easier to transport food between hostels and store it in shared fridges—an excellent tip picked up from fellow travellers!
Shop At Budget Supermarkets
In Australia, it’s best to do your grocery shopping at Aldi rather than Coles or Woolworths to save money on the same items. Since fruit and vegetables can be pricey, head to the nearest market for fresh produce at a bargain—especially if you go just before closing time!
In New Zealand, Pak’nSave is the go-to budget-friendly supermarket. You’ll find some great deals here, making it easy to prepare your own lunches and dinners at your hostel without breaking the bank.
Eat Asian Food
For a budget-friendly meal on the go, Asian food is a great option. You can grab a sushi roll for around $4 or a banh mi for $5, and many Asian restaurants offer fantastic lunchtime specials. In Queenstown, for example, you can enjoy a delicious bowl of pho for just $10, while nearby restaurants may charge four times as much for lunch.
To find local Asian eateries, simply check Google Maps or search for the nearest Chinatown or its Vietnamese or Thai equivalent.
2. Accommodation
Hostels
New Zealand and Australia have plenty of options for shared dorm accommodation, offering incentives such as free tours, game nights, pub crawls, travel deals, and the best place to make new friends.
Use Airbnb
We have found that a comfortable double room in a luxury building—with an en suite, gym, and pool access can sometimes be relatively cheaper than two beds in an 8-bed dorm room. It’s always worth checking Airbnb for affordable private rooms if you’re looking for a bit more privacy and comfort, all while saving some money!
Go WWOOFing
WWOOFing (Willing Workers On Organic Farms) is a popular option for backpackers looking to travel on a budget. In exchange for around 4-6 hours of work each day, you receive free meals and accommodation.
Tasks can range from sowing seeds, gardening, and harvesting to milking, feeding animals, fencing, wine-making, and even cheese or bread making. Many farms welcome couples or friends, making it a great option beyond solo travel. While there are stories about tough conditions, it’s rare to meet anyone who has actually experienced this. WWOOFing is also a rewarding way to give back while exploring. Check out opportunities in Australia and New Zealand for more details.
3. Transport
Book Early
Many airlines and train companies in Australia and New Zealand offer super-discounted fares with limited availability, so it’s a good idea to book as early as possible if you’re planning a trip. These deals sell out quickly! Air New Zealand also has a flexi-fare option that lets you change your travel date up until the day of departure, making it a great money-saving choice if you know you want to travel but aren’t certain of the exact date. Locking in a cheap flexi-fare can help you secure a great deal while keeping your plans flexible.
Sign Up For Airline Mailing Lists
Flights within and between Australia and New Zealand tend to be more expensive than in Europe or Asia, but airlines frequently offer weekly or monthly airfare sales. To stay ahead, sign up for airline mailing lists so you’ll be notified when flights go on sale and can snag some great deals. Jetstar, for example, runs a weekly “Friday Frenzy” sale where flights are discounted for just 8 hours. Be quick, though! The best routes and times go fast—by the end of the day, you might be left with early morning or mid-week flights as the more popular weekend options get snapped up quickly.
Rent A Campervan
Happy Travels works with a load of different campervan rental companies throughout Australia and New Zealand, so go ahead and visit our Campervan Finder to let us sort out a quote for your journey!
4. Activities
Book When You’re In The Country
You can save a significant amount by waiting until you’re in the country to book activities and tours, especially in New Zealand. While pre-booking may seem convenient, the local deals are often much cheaper. Hostels and tourist offices are excellent places to find discounted rates, and in Queenstown, we found prices up to 50% lower than those advertised online. Visit our local Queenstown and New Zealand shops to score a bargain and stretch your budget further for other adventures.
5. Alcohol
Take Advantage Of Happy Hours
Alcohol can be pricey in Australia and New Zealand, and a night out can quickly drain your budget. However, happy hours are quite popular, with many bars offering glasses of wine or schooners of beer for just $5 between 4 and 7 PM.
To find the best happy hour deals, check out GetHappy for New Zealand or The Happiest Hour for Australia.
Keep Your Receipts
When you shop at Woolworths or Coles, be sure to check the back of your receipt for fantastic drink deals. You’ll often find promotions like 2-for-1 bottles of wine and discounted crates of beer, so don’t forget to keep those receipts!
Aldi also offers great value, selling own-brand versions of many popular beers and several award-winning wines at significantly lower prices than other retailers.
6. Shopping
Shop In Outlets
Outlet shopping is incredibly popular here, offering an opportunity to snag high-quality clothing at unbeatable prices from both high street and luxury brands! You’ll find well-known names like Nike, Adidas, and Converse alongside popular Australian brands such as Cotton On and Glassons in outlet malls.
Buy Toiletries From Discount Chemists
These discount stores are fantastic places to buy toiletries, makeup, and medicines at unbeatable prices. You can find big-name makeup and hair products for a steal, with prices much lower than supermarkets and competing pharmacies. Chemist Warehouse, for example, has numerous locations across Australia, and while it’s just making its debut in New Zealand, it may not be as easy to find a store yet. Be sure to make an effort to visit one if you need to stock up on essentials, as the prices are rock bottom!
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