Saving money on accommodation in New Zealand!
It's 4 month since my partner and I have been to New Zealand.
During our stay here, we have had numerous occasions where we spent close to $400/person just for a bed to sleep at night.
However, we found out 2 travel hack that can help you, the wandering nomad live the full experience as a backpacker as well as save some money for your pockets!
Hack #1
Working in a Hostel
We worked in Haka Lodge Taupo, where we were given free accommodation in exchange for working 15hrs/week for the hostel. Any additional hours are paid based on the minimum wage system in New Zealand.
One of the benefits of working in a hostel is that you get to meet plenty of people from all walks of life!
Hack #2
Buying a self-contained campervan
This is very debatable amongst many people. For my partner and myself, we realized that backpacking will be much more enjoyable when you get to live by the beach, natural reserves and sometimes even up in the mountains with no connection!
Living in a car takes a lot of courage and patience for a few reasons:
1. Lack of space - We have to live like a minimalist.
2. Searching for campgrounds - Sometimes campgrounds at popular areas can be full and we have to search for others.
3. Hygiene - There are days we only shower once every 2 days because facilities are not a luxury we can enjoy.
Regardless, staying in a campervan gave us an experience that we have never had before.
Imagine waking up to the sunrise right in front of a mountain. Or, waking up to the sound of birds singing in the morning.
These are things you can never experience if you live in a hostel or homestay.
I have also created a playlist of different campsites available in New Zealand!
Hack #2.5
Buying a Campervan
So the difference between a campervan and self-contained campervan is the word "Self Contained"
Driving a Camper Van will enable you to camp out like any Self-Contained Vehicle. However, these are usually paid sites because being Self-Contained means you got a toilet, Grey & Clean water tanks and etc.
You can definitely risk camping out at some Freedom Camping Sites, but keep in mind that if security comes, it's an instant $200 fine.
I hope these few tips can give you a better picture of what to prepare for when coming to New Zealand.
Side note: we have been sleeping in our van for the past 5 weeks, and it gave us extra money to enjoy better food and drinks!
Do check out our youtube channel: 2Cruisin
During our stay here, we have had numerous occasions where we spent close to $400/person just for a bed to sleep at night.
However, we found out 2 travel hack that can help you, the wandering nomad live the full experience as a backpacker as well as save some money for your pockets!
Hack #1
Working in a Hostel
We worked in Haka Lodge Taupo, where we were given free accommodation in exchange for working 15hrs/week for the hostel. Any additional hours are paid based on the minimum wage system in New Zealand.
One of the benefits of working in a hostel is that you get to meet plenty of people from all walks of life!
Hack #2
Buying a self-contained campervan
This is very debatable amongst many people. For my partner and myself, we realized that backpacking will be much more enjoyable when you get to live by the beach, natural reserves and sometimes even up in the mountains with no connection!
 |
| Our Self-Contained Campervan |
1. Lack of space - We have to live like a minimalist.
2. Searching for campgrounds - Sometimes campgrounds at popular areas can be full and we have to search for others.
3. Hygiene - There are days we only shower once every 2 days because facilities are not a luxury we can enjoy.
Regardless, staying in a campervan gave us an experience that we have never had before.
Imagine waking up to the sunrise right in front of a mountain. Or, waking up to the sound of birds singing in the morning.
 |
| Afternoon shot of Mount Maunganui |
I have also created a playlist of different campsites available in New Zealand!
Hack #2.5
Buying a Campervan
So the difference between a campervan and self-contained campervan is the word "Self Contained"
Driving a Camper Van will enable you to camp out like any Self-Contained Vehicle. However, these are usually paid sites because being Self-Contained means you got a toilet, Grey & Clean water tanks and etc.
You can definitely risk camping out at some Freedom Camping Sites, but keep in mind that if security comes, it's an instant $200 fine.
 |
| Sunset at Marine Park Campsite |
Side note: we have been sleeping in our van for the past 5 weeks, and it gave us extra money to enjoy better food and drinks!
Do check out our youtube channel: 2Cruisin
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