The Cost of Travelling in New Zealand
Before we dive into the specifics of what to see and do in New Zealand, let's first take a look at the cost of travelling in this beautiful country. | Category | Average Cost (NZD) | | --- | --- | | Accommodation (budget hostel) | 25-35 | | Accommodation (mid-range hotel) | 120-200 | | Food (eating out) | 15-30 | | Public transport (bus/train) | 3-8 (per ride) | | Car rental | 40-80 (per day) | Please note that these are approximate costs, and your actual expenses may vary depending on your travel style and the time of year you visit.Getting to New Zealand
The first step in planning your trip to New Zealand is figuring out how to get there. The main international airports are located in Auckland and Christchurch, and both cities have regular flights to and from major hubs in the US, UK, EU, AU, and Asia. If you're coming from the US, you can expect to pay around $1,000-1,500 for a round-trip ticket, depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book.
Exploring Auckland
Once you've arrived in New Zealand, chances are you'll start your trip in Auckland, the country's largest city. Auckland is a vibrant, multicultural city with a rich history and plenty to see and do.Auckland's Sky Tower
No trip to Auckland would be complete without a visit to the Sky Tower. Standing at 328 meters tall, it's the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere and offers handsome views of the city and surrounding area. Admission to the Sky Tower costs $29 for adults, $15 for children, and is open daily from 9am to 10pm.Auckland Domain
If you're looking for a bit of nature within the city, Auckland Domain is the place to go. This large public park is home to the Auckland War Memorial Museum, a number of walking trails, and the Wintergardens, a beautiful glasshouse filled with tropical plants. Admission to the museum is $25 for adults, $10 for children, and it's open daily from 10am to 5pm.Auckland's Viaduct Harbour
For a taste of Auckland's vibrant food and drink scene, head to Viaduct Harbour. This waterfront area is home to a number of restaurants, bars, and cafes, as well as the New Zealand Maritime Museum (admission $20 for adults, $10 for children, open daily from 10am to 5pm).Exploring the South Island
After you've spent some time in Auckland, it's time to head to the South Island. The South Island is known for its handsome landscapes, including the Southern Alps, Fiordland National Park, and the Marlborough Sounds.Queenstown
Queenstown is a popular destination on the South Island, known for its adventure sports and handsome scenery. Whether you want to go bungee jumping, skiing, or hiking, Queenstown has a wide range.Fiordland National Park
Fiordland National Park is home to some of the most handsome landscapes in New Zealand, including Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. A visit to Fiordland National Park is a must for any nature lover, and there are plenty of tour operators offering day trips from Queenstown.Marlborough Sounds
The Marlborough Sounds, located at the top of the South Island, are a network of beautiful bays and inlets. The area is known for its excellent fishing, kayaking, and hiking, and is a great place to relax and unwind.What flights LON to AKL actually cost
Prices below are live fares from Aviasales. We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Cheapest dates to fly
| Departure | Price | Airline | Stops | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Mar 2027 | €781 | CZ | 2 stop | Check |
| 21 Aug 2026 | €797 | MU | 1 stop | Check |
| 18 Feb 2027 | €841 | CZ | 1 stop | Check |
| 4 Dec 2026 | €908 | MU | 1 stop | Check |
| 1 Nov 2026 | €958 | MU | 1 stop | Check |
Live fares, checked 16 Aug 2026. Prices change daily.
Booking in Auckland: where to look
We may earn a commission from the links below, at no extra cost to you. We only list services we would use ourselves.
- Tiqets — Instant mobile tickets for museums and landmarks
- Klook — Attraction tickets and passes, strong in Asia
- KKday — Local experiences and day tours
- Airalo — eSIM data the moment you land, no SIM swap
Conclusion
I hope this post has given you a good sense of what to expect when travelling in New Zealand. From the bustling city of Auckland to the handsome landscapes of the South Island, New Zealand is a country that has a wide range. With its rich cultural heritage, delicious food and drink, and friendly locals, it's a destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression.