Is Spending $14,000 on a New Zealand Vacation Considered Expensive for Travelers?
It was my first time going with friends, and we were not familiar with New Zealand’s transportation, so we chose a group tour this time, a small group of 4 people, for about 1.4w over 8 days.
💰 Details below ⬇️
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⚠️⚠️ New Zealand Travel Tips (Recommended to save!)
1️⃣ Apply for an e-visa 2 months in advance; the whole family can apply together.
2️⃣ Windproof jackets are more important than down jackets: The wind on the South Island is so strong it will make you question life. Tested: A windbreaker + thin down jacket layering is the most practical.
3️⃣ Don’t bring too much cash, but make sure you have some: Gas stations and small restaurants in the suburbs may only accept cash.
It’s recommended to have about 200 NZD per person (about 900 RMB).
4️⃣ Don’t buy lanolin at tourist attractions! Locals recommend going to Countdown supermarket, where the same product costs 5 NZD per jar.
5️⃣ The internet in New Zealand is really slow! [Crying emoji] Often while chatting with friends, the connection just drops.
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💰 Group Tour Cost Breakdown (with money-saving tips)
✅ Basic tour fee 1.4w:
🏨 City hotel, very convenient for shopping
🚗 7-seater car, very spacious for 4 people, not crowded at all
🍴 Special meals: Queenstown mountain top buffet (not bad), popular giant burger (must-try, super delicious), salmon sushi (really fresh, hahaha), fairline popular pie (I just couldn’t get used to Western food)
🎡 Included special activities: Queenstown Skyline + Oamaru penguin watching tickets + Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch
✅ Meals + pocket money around 2500:
🍔 Burgers cost about 50 RMB each, Chinese meal sets 80-120 RMB;
🍉 Strongly recommend buying fruits from supermarkets (cherries in season 20 RMB per catty), instant noodles (for emergencies)
✅ Shopping around 1500:
👍 Recommendations: Manuka honey (UMF10+ 250g pack about 500 RMB), wool products (gloves 200-300 RMB)
💬 Real group tour experience
The biggest feeling from this group tour is that it’s suitable for “lazy people” but not for “detail-oriented” ones.
🩵 No need to worry about left-hand driving, navigating mountain roads (New Zealand has many sharp turns, self-driving requires a domestic driver’s license + English translation);
🩵 The guide helps avoid tourist traps and recommends a list of restaurants.
Tried two, and the taste was indeed good;
🩵 The itinerary covers 90% of the classic attractions: Queenstown gondola, Tekapo stargazing town, Milford Sound cruise, all in one go.
🔥 Finally, a word of truth:
Before you part with your hard-earned cash 💰, make sure to double-check if airport transfers, tips (though not mandatory in New Zealand, some travel agencies might still include them), and ticket taxes are all included in the price. If it’s your first time visiting New Zealand, or if English isn’t your strong suit, or if you’re traveling with elderly relatives or young children, joining a group tour is highly recommended.
🚗 For those seeking a more immersive and personalized experience, consider hiring a private car. Sharing the cost with a few friends can make this option surprisingly affordable. After all, this enchanting land, often referred to as Middle-earth, is best savored at a leisurely pace.
