Travel Guide to Visiting New Zealand on a Budget

Updated on May 03, 2024 | New Zealand eTA

In this article, we will share with you the top places to stay on your trip to New Zealand. We have included a suitable option for every price bracket for your convenience. This hotel guide that we are about to share with you features a selection of fantastic hotels, affordable hostels, and distinctive lodgings throughout New Zealand.

Naturally, many travellers place visiting New Zealand high on their list of must-do activities. The natural landscapes in the mountains of New Zealand are no less than an amazing wonder - the world's walking mecca maybe New Zealand! Many tourists will rent a campervan and explore New Zealand's delights in this way. 

However, there are some locations where a campervan is not practical. Consider cities like Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington as examples. Another possibility is that you require a little luxury and comfort after a few nights spent sleeping in a campervan.

Aside from that, not everyone enjoys camping. You might not enjoy camping or taking the bus and backpacking around New Zealand.

New Zealand Visa (NZeTA)

New Zealand Visa Application Form now allows visitors from all nationalities to obtain New Zealand eTA (NZETA) by email without visiting New Zealand Embassy. Government of New Zealand now officially recommends New Zealand Visa or New Zealand ETA online rather than sending paper documents. You can obtain NZETA by filling out a form in under three minutes on this website. The only requirement is to have a Debit or Credit Card and email id. You do not need to send your passport for Visa stamping. If you are arriving to New Zealand by the Cruise Ship route, you should check the New Zealand ETA eligibility conditions for Cruise Ship arrival to New Zealand.

A Hotel Guide For Visiting New Zealand With Options For Every Budget!

Travel Guide to Visiting New Zealand on a Budget

The best places to stay in various New Zealand locations are listed here. A cheap place to stay (a hostel, modest guesthouse, or other lodgings) that does not cost more than €55 has also been listed in our guide. 

In the centre of each row is a mid-range choice. This type of lodging is frequently more comfortable, and it occasionally comes with a pool and a delicious breakfast. The nightly rates for these hotels range from €55 to €120. 

And lastly, every location also presents a more affluent hotel choice. These are stunning hotels where you will be treated like royalty. The range for these rates is €120 to €300 per night.

For the following locations: Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Wanaka, Queenstown, and Te Anau, we looked for great hotels and lodging. Additionally, we have created a hotel area with incredibly unusual and distinctive places to stay all throughout New Zealand!

Have fun planning your itinerary and making hotel reservations!

Auckland's Top Hostels And Hotels

On New Zealand's North Island, the bustling city of Auckland is located. Auckland is also the biggest city in New Zealand. It is also a very laid-back location to stay for a few days. Do not miss the port, and pay a visit to Queen Street, Auckland's major thoroughfare and pleasant shopping district.

Trying to find a decent restaurant? Then you must be on Karangahape Rd, a route lined with delectable eateries. Do not forget to explore the Ponsonby neighbourhood as well. There are plenty of hot spots and delicious eateries in this hip neighbourhood, along with great stores. The city of Auckland can be explored in two (2) nights. Take a day or two extra if you wish to visit the islands close to Auckland, for instance, to stroll among the lavender fields. The best hotels and hostels in Auckland are listed below:

Haka Lodge

Haka Lodge

In the heart of Auckland, Haka Lodge is a welcoming and spotless hostel. Here, you can have a fantastic night’s sleep. Individual rooms and dorms that are roomy welcome you! Private rooms for two people start at €60 per night here.

Haka Suites Hotel 

Do you wish to spend the night in a chic apartment with a beautiful view in the heart of Auckland? The Haka Suites' apartments are lovely, roomy, and furnished with everything you could possibly need. From €90 per night (for two people), you can stay here.

The Grand by SkyCity 

The Grand by SkyCity

Ready for more comfort and luxury? Then select this modern hotel and treat yourself. The location could not be more convenient! Everything is accessible on foot for exploration. For €154, including breakfast, you may stay here (two persons).

READ MORE:

 Winter is undoubtedly the best time to visit the South Islands in New Zealand - the mountains wrap themselves in white snow, and there is no dearth of adventure as well as leisure activities to lose yourself in. Learn more at Tourist Guide to Winter in New Zealand’s South Island.

Wellington’s Top Hostels And Hotels

The South Island and the North Island are connected by Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. The New Zealand Museum Te Papa Tongarewa is unquestionably a must-see location here. It is the most significant museum in the entire country of New Zealand, as well as the prettiest museum that you have probably ever visited.

In Wellington, you may also choose from a variety of eateries and go shopping. You must visit Pandoro Panetteria if you want coffee and Italian pastries. Hotels we recommend in Wellington include:

The Marion Hostel

The Marion Hostel

The Marion Hostel in Wellington, New Zealand, is listed in the guide of hotels in that country. This luxuriously decorated hostel understands how to please its visitors. Here, even sharing a dorm room feels wonderful! The ideal hostel for backpackers, you will have to pay 55 euros for a private room (2 people).

Pacific View B&B

Want to stay close to the airport? We recommend you the New Zealand Wellington Pacific View BB hotel! Do not forget to take a relaxing nap while admiring the sea view in this lovely hotel! However, please be aware that the location is outside of Wellington's downtown. The cost of the stay includes a hearty breakfast.

Doubletree By Hilton

Do you need more comfort and luxury? Then we recommend you this hotel, which is housed in a stunning modern structure! This hotel is situated close to the lake and the botanical gardens in Wellington's business district. The charges start from €158, breakfast included (two people).

The Top Lodging Options In Nelson

On Tasman Bay, in the north of the South Island, is Nelson. In all of New Zealand, this region has the most sunshine hours. You can easily travel from Nelson to the Marlborough region, which is renowned for its delectable wines. Additionally, if you are at Nelson, you will find yourself to be extremely close to the amazing Abel Tasman National Park!

Numerous art galleries and artisan shops may be found in Nelson. In other words, a good place to find gifts or nice items for your home. 

Nelsen needs no more than two days. For this small town's lodging options, below:

Tasman Bay Backpackers

Tasman Bay Backpackers

Every evening, this well-liked hostel provides its guests with free hot chocolate pudding and ice cream! How lovely! The free bikes that you can use here are also excellent. The proprietors go above and above to ensure your comfort!  Prices start from €44 (two persons).

Joya Garden & Villa Studios 

Looking for a peaceful location near Nelson's downtown? Then pick one of these warm studios with a beautifully landscaped yard. Perfect to relax after a long day of travel! A night here costs you €82 with breakfast (two persons).

The Sails Nelson

The Sails Nelson

Excellent stores and dining establishments are nearby this lovely design motel. The rooms are spacious and really cosy. You can easily park your car here and borrow a free bicycle to explore the town, and the service is superb. From €117 (two persons).

READ MORE:
EU passport holders can enter New Zealand on New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for a period of 90 days without obtaining a visa. Learn more at New Zealand Visa from European Union.

The Finest Accommodations In Christchurch

Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island. When you travel to New Zealand, there is a good chance you will fly to Christchurch. You might be familiar with this city because of the devastating earthquakes that hit it in 2010 and 2011. These quakes had a devastating impact on the city, destroying many structures. As a result, Christchurch has reinvented itself and is now renowned for its hip pubs, coffee shops, and nightlife.

Christchurch's Victorian-style architecture and several green parks will give off a European vibe. In one or two days, you may see the entire city. The most luxurious hotels for Christchurch can be found below-

Hostel Jailhouse 

Hostel Jailhouse

Ever wanted to spend the night in a prison? You have the chance now! The best and the most unique feature of this hotel is that throughout the accommodation you will find hilarious references to a prisoner’s life in a Jailhouse! For €38, you can have a peaceful night’s sleep here in a private room (2 people).

V Motel 

Are you looking for a new, family-friendly, modern accommodation in close proximity to Christchurch's major attractions? If so, V Motel is the place for you! The staff is quite pleasant, and the accommodations are roomy! starting at €79 per night (two people).

Sudima Christchurch City

Sudima Christchurch City

Hotel Victoria Street in Christchurch is home to this 5-star boutique hotel that is surrounded by restaurants and stores. The bedrooms are lovely, and the beds, my goodness, the beds - we can not emphasise enough how comfy they are! From €147 per night, you can stay here (two persons).

Wanaka's Finest And Most Luxurious Hotels

Wanaka is surrounded by mountains and is situated on a lovely lake. From here, you may bike, go on strenuous hikes, and do a lot more. You can enjoy wine tasting at a few of the lovely vineyards around. Really, it is a great place to stay for a few days! One of our favourite cities in New Zealand is this one. Here are some of the hotels we advise you to checkout in Wanaka:

Wanaka Kiwi Holiday Park

Looking for family-friendly lodging with a view of the mountains and Lake Wanaka? Select Wanaka Kiwi Holiday Park instead! There is no dearth of things to do here! From €50 per night, you may snooze here in a beautiful hut (two persons).

Wanaka View Motel 

Wanaka View Motel

You can easily go to restaurants and shopping from this motel, but you can also still sleep quietly. What makes this place the most interesting? You can prepare supper in the motel's kitchen in the evening! The cost to stay here is €84 per night (two persons).

Peak Sport Chalet

This lovely cottage includes a modest living room, its own garden with a terrace, and it is close to Lake Wanaka. Even a fireplace is there in the room to accompany you through some lovely evenings - how cosy! From €88 per night, you may stay here (two persons).

READ MORE:

The nightlife of New Zealand is fun, adventurous, dreamy, and elite. There are numerous events to suit the taste of every soul coming from different parts of the globe to. Learn more at A Glimpse of The Nightlife in New Zealand

The Top Lodgings in Queenstown

In comparison to other New Zealand locations, Queenstown has a high visitor density. In this city, you can skydive, bungee jump, and do other extreme sports. Additionally, the pubs are open here till late at night. There are also a lot of upscale eateries and businesses in this area.

In the winter, Queenstown is a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. In New Zealand, this is the best location for cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and skiing. Located on a sizable lake surrounded by mountains, Queenstown is just as picturesque as Wanaka. Where can I find a quiet place to sleep in this place? The best hotels in Queenstown are listed here.

Sir Cedrics Tahuna Pod Hostel 

Sir Cedrics Tahuna Pod Hostel

Want to sleep in a unique way while staying on a budget? Then reserve this pod hostel; you will not even realise you are in a shared room. This cosy hostel has wonderful amenities! You can stay here for €39 ( for two people).

Highview Apartments

Want to get away from Queenstown's bustle while staying close to the city centre? Then choose this charming apartment with a fireplace and a lovely outlook! You may stay here for 108 euros per night (two people).

Cherish Bed and Break 

Te Anau's top resorts and hostels

Te Anau is a tourist destination, the only route leading to Milford Sounds, and it is from here that hikers depart on the Kepler, Milford, or Routeburn treks, among others. The cost of lodging is high compared to other New Zealand locations. The following are the top hotels and hostels in Te Anou, in our opinion:

Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers 

Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers

The town centre is a 5-minute walk from this hostel. Both the common areas and the bedrooms are sizable and have comfortable beds! The staff would gladly assist you in scheduling a variety of fun activities. Charges start from €42 per night (two people).

Explorer Motel & Apartments

This charming motel is conveniently placed within 5 minute walk from the city's centre. You reside here in a beautiful, sizable garden. The rooms are roomy, cosy, and have excellent heating. Your nightly rate starts at €77. (two people).

Fiordland Lakeview Motel and Apartments

Fiordland Lakeview Motel and Apartments

Want to relax after a strenuous day on the Kepler Track? You do not have to say anything more! Choose one of these sizable residences with a fireplace and a lake view! Here, rooms start at €124 per night (two people).

READ MORE:
There are about 60 nationalities that are allowed travel to New Zealand, these are called Visa-Free or Visa-Exempt. Nationals from these nationalities can travel/visit New Zealand without a visa for periods of up to 90 days. Learn more at New Zealand eTA (NZeTA) Frequently Asked Questions.

The Best Spots In New Zealand To Stay!

Looking for the most unique spots to stay on New Zealand's South Island? If so, you have come to the correct place. Please be aware that visiting these accommodations requires private transportation!

The hotels listed below cost a little more money. Additionally, the lodgings may be located further from (bigger) cities. You can then take advantage of the tranquilly that nature has to offer. The most distinctive and special spots to stay the night in New Zealand are listed below:

Olive & Vine Estate 

Olive & Vine Estate

Do you wish to spend the night in luxury amidst the stunning Marlborough vineyards? Then choose this hidden gem where they truly know how to pamper their visitors! Sleeping in Blenheim costs as little as €189 per night (two people).

Riverstone Karamea

Are you travelling around South Island's west coast? Then think about spending a night in the stunning hotel Karamea! Here, you may enjoy a lovely BBQ and the jacuzzi. Here, rooms start at € 134 (two people).

The Canyons B&B 

Really, do you wish to spend the night in a unique location close to Queenstown? Then choose this modern hotel! Look at that jacuzzi and that vista! You must spend the night here! from €102 per night (two persons).


Ensure that you have checked the eligibility for your New Zealand eTA. If you are from a Visa Waiver country then you can apply for an eTA regardless of the mode of travel (Air / Cruise). United States citizens, European citizens, Hong Kong citizens, United Kingdom citizens, Mexican citizens, French citizens and Dutch citizens can apply online for New Zealand eTA. United Kingdom residents can stay on New Zealand eTA for 6 months while others for 90 days.

Please apply for a New Zealand eTA 72 hours in advance of your flight.