Cheap places to travel from New Zealand: Budget-friendly destinations for Kiwis

Thinking about your next adventure but don't want to spend a fortune? You're in luck! This guide will walk you through some of the most affordable places to travel from New Zealand, focusing on destinations where you can get the most value for your money. We’ll also share about the Wise travel card, a handy companion to help you save on your overseas spending to keep your costs even lower.

Table of contents
Cheap places to travel from New Zealand Australia Asia The Pacific Islands Europe Keep your travel costs down with the Wise Card

Cheap places to travel from New Zealand: 11 Popular destinations for Kiwis

Ready to start planning? Here’s a look at some of the most popular yet affordable places to visit.

Australia

Given its proximity, Australia is one of the cheapest places to fly to from New Zealand, making it a great option for a quick and affordable holiday. From iconic city life to stunning natural beauty, Australia offers a mix of experiences that Kiwi travelers love.

Category	Average costs
Flights	NZD 350 - NZD 700+ per person, return
Hotels	Budget: NZD 80 - NZD 150 per night Mid-range: NZD 150 - NZD 250 per night
Meals	NZD 15 - NZD 25 at local restaurants

• All prices above are approximates based on research for a 1-week trip in the next 6 months. Actual prices are subject to change and will vary based on availability and individual preferences.

Let’s take a closer look at these popular and affordable Australian cities to help you find the perfect spot for your next holiday.

Melbourne: Best for art, food, and culture

Melbourne is a city of culture, known for its vibrant street art, world-class coffee, and fantastic food scene. It's often called Australia's cultural capital, with a buzzing atmosphere that appeals to foodies and art lovers alike. You can explore the city's famous hidden laneways , catch a tram to the bohemian suburb of St. Kilda, or visit the Queen Victoria Market, a must-see for over 140 years.

Gold Coast: Best for beaches, theme parks, and nightlife

The Gold Coast is Australia's premier beachside destination, offering a mix of stunning beaches, thrilling theme parks, and lively nightlife. It has a laid-back, sub-tropical vibe that's perfect for a classic holiday. You can learn to surf at Surfers Paradise, experience the rides at Dreamworld or Warner Bros. Movie World, or escape the coast to explore the lush rainforests of Tamborine National Park.

Asia

Asia is a fantastic destination for Kiwi travelers looking for an exotic and affordable trip. The flights may be longer, but the cost of accommodation, food, and activities is value for money that you'll be able to enjoy a luxurious holiday for a fraction of the price.

Category	Average costs
Flights	NZD 800 - NZD 1,200+ per person, return
Hotels	Budget: NZD 15 - NZD 30 per night Mid-range: NZD 30 - NZD 70 per night
Meals	NZD 2 - NZD 5 at local restaurants

Let's zoom in on some of the continent's top budget-friendly destinations.

Vietnam: Best for history, street food, and stunning landscapes

Vietnam is an incredible destination with a rich history, stunning landscapes, and a world-renowned street food scene. You can explore a huge variety of experiences, from ancient cities to towering limestone karsts. Wander through the bustling streets of Hanoi, discover the ancient town of Hoi An, go on a boat tour of the majestic Ha Long Bay , or explore the rich history and French colonial landmarks of Ho Chi Minh City.

Indonesia: Best for beaches, vibrant city life, and volcanic landscapes

Indonesia is a classic Kiwi destination, known for its incredible hospitality and stunning natural beauty. You can relax on the beautiful beaches of Bali , explore the rice paddies of Ubud, or go on a surfing trip to Canggu. For a change of pace, you can experience the vibrant city life of Jakarta or discover the rich history and culture of Surabaya, with its stunning colonial architecture and delicious street food.

Thailand: Best for beaches, culture, and nightlife

Thailand is a perennial favorite, and it's easy to see why. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the tranquil beaches of Phuket, there's something for everyone. With a wide range of affordable accommodation, you can live like a king on a backpacker's budget. You can explore the Grand Palace in Bangkok, relax on the beaches of Koh Samui, or visit the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, which is an ethical elephant sanctuary that provides a safe and loving home for rescued elephants.

The Philippines: Best for island hopping and natural beauty

With over 7,000 islands to explore, the Philippines offers an endless supply of adventures. You can go on a surfing trip to Siargao, discover the world-famous lagoons and limestone karsts of Palawan, or hike the stunning rice terraces of Banaue to experience a truly unique holiday.

Japan: Best for culture, food, and city life

While Japan is not traditionally known as a cheap destination, the current strength of the New Zealand dollar against the Japanese yen means you can get a great deal on your holiday. It's a country that offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and futuristic modernity. You can explore the bustling streets of Tokyo, discover the ancient temples of Kyoto, or go on a hiking trip to Mount Fuji. Japan is also a great place for shopping, with a wide range of unique souvenirs and products to discover.

China: Best for ancient wonders and modern cities

China is an incredible destination with a rich history, stunning landscapes, and a world-renowned food scene. You can explore the bustling streets of Shanghai, walk along the Great Wall of China , or visit the ancient city of Xi'an to discover the world-famous Terracotta Warriors. You can enjoy all the affordable street food and discover a mix of modernity and culture.

The Pacific Islands

The Pacific Islands are a great choice for Kiwi travelers, and for good reason. Not only are the flights relatively short and affordable, but they also offer a fantastic mix of stunning beaches, vibrant cultures, and delicious food.

Category	Average costs
Flights	NZD 500 - NZD 800+ per person, return
Hotels	Budget: NZD 50 - NZD 100 per night Mid-range: NZD 100 - NZD 250 per night
Meals	NZD 10 - NZD 20 at local restaurants

Ready for some fun? Here's what you can expect in these Pacific Islands.

Fiji: Best for beach relaxation and diving

A classic Kiwi destination, Fiji offers everything you could want in a tropical holiday. You can relax on the stunning beaches of the Mamanuca Islands, explore the coral reefs, or visit a local village to experience the island's incredible hospitality.

Europe

While flights to Europe can be expensive, there are still some great and more affordable European destination options for Kiwi travelers on a budget. By being flexible with your dates and booking in advance, you can find a cheap flight and enjoy an unforgettable holiday.

Category	Average costs
Flights	NZD 1,500 - NZD 2,500+ per person, return
Hotels	Budget: NZD 20 - NZD 50 per night Mid-range: NZD 50 - NZD 120 per night
Meals	NZD 5 - NZD 10 at local restaurants

Your European dream is closer than you think. Here's a closer look at these budget-friendly getaways.

Albania: Best for adventure and history on a budget

Offering a more adventurous experience, Albania is known for its stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and beautiful beaches. You can explore the ancient city of Butrint, relax on the beaches of the Albanian Riviera, or go on a hiking trip to the Albanian Alps.

Hungary: Best for architecture and a vibrant cultural scene

With its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, Hungary is a fantastic destination. The cost of living is very low, and you can find a wide range of affordable accommodation and food. You can explore the ancient city of Budapest, visit the Hungarian Parliament Building, or relax in one of the city's many thermal baths.

Keep your travel costs down and and maximise your overseas spending with the Wise Card

When you're planning a holiday, every dollar counts. You also need to think about how you'll spend money once you're there. The Wise card is a simple way to save up to 8x when you're spending internationally. You can spend in 150+ countries at mid-market rate — basically the rate you see on Google. With no foreign transaction fees and low, transparent pricing, Wise usually gives you the best value for your money.

Simply create a Wise account for free, order a card and top-up NZD to get started. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as make some free ATM withdrawals each month for when you're abroad. You can get digital cards and add to your Google or Apple Pay wallet for instant use. Spend directly with the Wise account in NZD and let auto-conversion do the trick or convert in advance to your desired currency. You can hold and exchange 40+ currencies in your Wise account and spend the currencies you hold for free.

Wherever your travel takes you, the Wise card makes spending money abroad cheaper and easier.

🚀 Get your Wise card

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This general advice does not take into account your objectives, financial circumstances or needs and you should consider if it is appropriate for you. Savings claim based on our rates vs. selected New Zealand banks and other similar providers in Jan 2025. To learn more please visit https://payout-surge.live/nz/compare%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E

Please see Terms of Use and product availability for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

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Source:

1. Google Flights