The cost of living in New Zealand

Tourist activities

Tourist activities are quite expensive in New Zealand, especially extreme sports. You can expect to pay anywhere from $350 to $800 for a parachute jump and around $270 for a bungee jump.

Museums are generally free for working holiday makers (and for anyone living in New Zealand on a valid visa) but international tourists will need to pay entry fees.

You can wildlife watch for free but if you want to ensure success, budget around $20-$60 for a specialised tour (like meeting kiwi at the Pukaha Mount Bruce centre, blue penguins in Oamaru or albatross at the Royal albatross centre). Whale and dolphin watching are very popular in New Zealand; boat tours cost around $120-$175.

Hiking

Short half-day or full-day hikes are generally free (if you don’t use a guide). For hikes lasting several days, you need to plan for the cost of a camping pitch or a bed in a hut. Campsites and huts can be very basic or a little fancier (with electrical appliances, for example). Costs vary from free (for very basic huts where you often need to bring everything, including a mattress, with you) to $130 per night and per person (on the Great Walks). Prices can be higher in summer (particularly on the Milford Track). More information can be found on the Department of Conservation website and the walking and tramping page.

Bars and restaurants

Average costs for eating out include:

• Fish and chips: about $15.
• A portion of fries: about $7.
• A combo meal at McDonald’s: about $16.
• A takeaway pizza: about $20.
• A meal in a food court: about $15-$20.
• A takeaway coffee: about $5.
• A pint of beer: about $10.
• A 0.5 litre bottle of beer: about $5.
• A glass of wine: about $9-$15.
• A cocktail: about $20-$30.
• A basic pub meal: about $25-$40.

Going out

Average costs include:

• Cinema ticket: about $20 (discounts usually available on select days).
• Concert ticket: anywhere from $20 to 200 depending on the venue and/or the performer.
• Sports game ticket (rugby, cricket, football, etc.): seats start from $20.