budget for a backpacker trip in NZ using bus

Alice A.

@aliceasaiColombes, Île-de-France Region, France

budget for a backpacker trip in NZ using bus

Hello :) I have some free time in october/november so I am thinking about visiting NZ. I have been checking some blogs and other websites since yesterday, and I am motivated to organize such a trip, which would be the biggest on my own. I am not a profesionnal hiker but I really would to discover the landscapes and plan many day trips. What about the difficulty of the different spots? I think the weather should be okay, and I hope I will meet some mates. Which bus do you advice me? Partying is not my priority and I would like to feel fit to visit, so maybe backpacker bus are not the best for me? Plus it seems more expensive... Does 800 NZD seems enough for eating one month if i prepare stuffs by myself? If anyone which has done such a journey, could describe me his budget, give me some advice, what he liked/disliked, i would be really thanksful!!

You're Missing the Rest of the Conversation

This community has even more stories, questions, tips, and plans being shared. Join Couchsurfing to read every thread and be part of the conversation.

Tamara R.

@tamara42586579O Rosal, Galicia, Spain

Jesus! I think I have all the same questions and feelings. I´m trying to go in February, but will be my first big trip on my own and I have the same doubts about bus or not... So hope some kind soul can reply to you and let me know at the same time. And if you go, maybe you can share your experience before I head to the great New Zealand :)

Ross M.

@ross-mclachlanParaparaumu, Wellington Region, New Zealand

Well your budgets may impact on what and where you go and how you plan to travel. Regarding buses there are a few in NZ which offer "hop on, hop off" services as well as fixed travel options. KiwiExperience and InterCity buses are examples: http://www.kiwiexperience.com/ http://www.backpackerbus.co.nz/new-zealand-bus-passes/

Some people just buy or rent a vehicle and travel as they want instead (Or group up with other travelers to share costs). If you have the time to explore then maybe not a bus, if short on time a bus option may let you see alot with less stress and travel time focusing on other things. At least with bus travel you will meet others who may have similar travel plans and could increase your fun while traveling.

Food wise cooking your self would be the cheapest way to go I am sure (As long as you have the things you need to cook) and example of place to buy food would be a supermarket like this: http://shop.countdown.co.nz/ Just an example of one brand and the online shop for idea on food and pricing but there are plenty of others and also local shops etc..