How to pay for things in New Zealand and a guide to general costs.
Prices for accommodation, flights and vehicle hire can fluctuate during busy seasons. The peak times are around Christmas and high summer (December through to early March) across the country, and in winter (June to August) for popular ski areas such as Queenstown and the central North Island. School holidays are also very busy times. It is advisable to book well ahead if you’re planning to travel over those periods. Visiting in the low or shoulder seasons in between can mean better deals and more choice.
Pricing will depend on the location, time of year, and day of the week, so the below is just to give a general idea of cost. Use our accommodation finder to see price ranges for your specific needs.
Vehicle hire prices can vary greatly depending on the time of year, the type of car/motorhome you want to hire and how long you are hiring it. Use our Transport finder below to check prices on supplier websites or contact them directly. The price of petrol (gas) can fluctuate daily and may differ slightly between regions. It is always indicated on signs outside petrol stations or at the pump.
The price of domestic flights varies between airlines depending on demand, so check pricing on their websites. You can find more information on other transport options here.
This will vary widely depending on whether you’re ordering takeaways, eating at a casual café or at a fine dining restaurant. The following is a rough guide to food and beverage costs in New Zealand.
