Thinking of planning a road trip around New Zealand? We have compiled a list of essential tips to ensure your journey is as cost-effective and efficient as possible. Let’s dive into how you can make the most of your travel experience around New Zealand.
1) Smart Snacking: Pack and Prepare
This one will save you time AND money! Don’t stop off at every gas station on the road to grab chips and chocolate, instead go for the much cheaper option of bulk buying at a supermarket and preparing beforehand. Consider buying an esky or cooler bag to keep your food fresh throughout your trip. For a clever hack, freeze bottles of water overnight to use as ice packs, keeping your snacks cool and providing you with chilled water to drink as they thaw.
2) Pre-book accommodation
We recommend pre-booking as much as you can. While spontaneity has its charms, knowing where you'll lay your head each night allows for a smoother journey. Look for the best deal by shopping around online or check out our itineraries with accommodation recommendations. Our biggest tip here is to call the accommodation, they’ll usually offer you a better deal to book directly. Plus travelling in New Zealand's shoulder season (March–May) can also lead to lower prices for both lodging and activities.
3) Avoid Traffic
Sounds like a simple one, but you’d be surprised at how often road trips can be held up by long lines of clogged traffic. Avoid the frustration of traffic jams by using apps like Google Maps and Waze for real-time traffic updates and reroute options. A life-saver on a hot day in the car.
4) Hunt for Coupons
For savings on attractions and dining, make a pit stop at local Information Centres. They're treasure troves of discount vouchers and special offers that can reduce the cost of your trip's activities. Check out BookMe for last-minute deals for tourist attractions and restaurants. Some of the best experiences are free or low-cost.
5) Adhere to Speed Limits
We know you’d never think about breaking the speed limit on our roads here in New Zealand. But in case you were wondering, here are a few reasons not to. Firstly, it’s fuel-efficient to keep at a steady speed, and your wallet will love you for fuel efficiency. Secondly, nobody wants to pay a fine on their holiday, the money would be much better spent on a great meal. And then lastly, imagine all the time you’ll waste being pulled over on the side of the road.
6) Leverage Free Wifi
To avoid data roaming charges, take advantage of free Wi-Fi spots across New Zealand. Our top three places to get free Wi-Fi are Public Libraries, Town Centres, and fast-food restaurants like good old McDonalds.
7) Find Cheap Carparks
Outside of the main city centres, there will be heaps of free parking around, so no need to worry there. But in the main cities parking is a hot commodity. To get the best deal out there you can use an app such as Park Mate, but our personal favourite is Parkable.
8) Fuel Savings
Petrol prices can sometimes make your eyes water. Especially if you’re going to be touring the whole country. We’re putting together a full list of our tips and tricks to getting cheap fuel in a blog, but for now, we’ll just say Gaspy is the best tool to use to find great fuel prices close to wherever you might be.
9) Use Money Apps to Track Your Spending
Make the most of financial apps like XE Currency for real-time exchange rates and Wise for managing and spending money in local currency without hefty fees. These tools help you stay on budget by providing clear insights into your spending and saving you from unexpected costs.
We hope these tips give you a helping hand to save time and dollars when you get out on the open road! If you are ready to book, make sure you check out our Fleet here. Remember to tag us in your best pics on Facebook & Instagram @moderentals.
