The short answer
- Small group tour
- About NZ$330 to 480 a day
- Classic coach tour
- About NZ$380 to 560 a day
- Self drive, two sharing
- About NZ$250 to 330 a day each
- Entry
- NZ$117 (NZeTA by app plus levy)
What's changed recentlyShow
- 1 Oct 2024The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy rose from NZ$35 to NZ$100 for most visitors.
New Zealand is not a budget destination: accommodation, activities and food all cost more than in Asia or most of Europe. The biggest choices are the type of tour, or whether you drive yourself, and the season.
Use the calculator to compare a tour with a car or campervan for your dates and group, in New Zealand dollars.
Tour or self drive cost calculator
Small group adventure
NZ$4,990 to 7,260
Per person. Up to about 16, active days. No driving, planning or booking.
Rental car and motels
About NZ$4,400
Per person: car, fuel, motels or apartments, food and some paid activities.
Campervan
About NZ$4,750
Per person: van, fuel, holiday park sites, self catering and some activities.
- Add NZ$117 each for the NZeTA (app price) and the international visitor levy.
- Self drive costs are shared, so they fall per person as the group grows; tours cost much the same per person, with a supplement for travelling alone.
- Big extras either way: scenic flights, heli hikes and bungy jumps can each cost NZ$200 to 600.
A rough guide in New Zealand dollars from typical prices in October 2026, without international flights. Prices vary by operator, dates and how far ahead you book.
Typical tour prices
| Tour type | Per person per day | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Hop on hop off bus | About NZ$110 to 160 with hostels | A bus pass and driver guide; you book beds and activities |
| 18 to 35 group tour | About NZ$230 to 330 | Hostels and lodges, some activities, a lively group |
| Small group adventure | About NZ$330 to 480 | Up to about 16 people, comfortable hotels, walks and activities |
| Classic coach tour | About NZ$380 to 560 | Good hotels, most breakfasts, highlights at a relaxed pace |
| Premium small group | NZ$750 or more | Boutique lodges, most meals, expert guides |
Twin share, without international flights. Single travellers usually pay a supplement.
Activity prices
| Activity | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Milford Sound cruise | About NZ$100 to 160 (coach from Queenstown extra) |
| Hobbiton Movie Set tour | More than NZ$100 |
| Franz Josef heli hike | From about NZ$500 |
| Bungy jump | About NZ$200 to 400 |
| Scenic flight over Milford Sound | About NZ$400 to 700 |
| Maori cultural evening with hangi dinner, Rotorua | About NZ$150 to 250 |
| Great Walk hut, international visitor | About NZ$66 to 152 a night (2025/26) |
Approximate adult prices in October 2026. Check each operator before you book.
Entry costs
Most visitors need an NZeTA (NZ$17 in the app, NZ$23 online) plus the NZ$100 International Visitor Levy, paid together. Australian passport holders pay neither. Checked October 2026. See our NZeTA and entry guide.
How to save money
- Travel in May or from September to early November, outside school holidays.
- Choose one island in depth rather than rushing both.
- Book campervans and tours early for summer; late deals are rare in peak season.
- Pick a few big activities rather than doing everything in Queenstown.
Rather have a trip to New Zealand made just for you?
Answer a few quick questions and a local specialist will send you a free, no-obligation itinerary and price.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a 2 week tour of New Zealand?
About NZ$4,600 to 6,700 per person on a small group tour, NZ$5,300 to 7,800 on a classic coach tour, or roughly NZ$3,500 to 4,600 each driving yourself as a couple, including activities.
Is New Zealand expensive?
Yes, compared with most of Asia or southern Europe. Accommodation, activities and eating out cost much the same as in Australia.
Do Australians pay the New Zealand tourist levy?
No. Australian passport holders don't need an NZeTA and don't pay the International Visitor Levy.
Sources we checked
New Zealand month by month
More New Zealand guides
Best time to visit New Zealand: seasons, weather and what to do by month
December to March is the best time for most of New Zealand: long days, warm weather and the Great Walks open. March and April are the sweet spot, still warm but quieter. June to September is for skiing and the southern lights.
Updated 17 October 2026
New Zealand: guided tour or self drive? An honest comparison
Self drive is usually cheaper for two or more people and gives total freedom, but you plan everything and drive long, winding roads on the left. A tour costs more per person, but removes the driving, planning and booking, and suits solo travellers, first timers and anyone who'd rather look at the scenery.
Updated 17 October 2026
New Zealand itineraries: 7, 10, 14 and 21 days
With a week, stay in the South Island. Ten days adds Milford Sound and Mount Cook at a better pace; two weeks covers the highlights of both islands; three weeks adds the West Coast glaciers and Abel Tasman.
Updated 17 October 2026
South Island itinerary: 7, 10 and 14 days
The South Island is where most visitors' highlights are: Milford Sound, Queenstown, Aoraki/Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo. Ten days covers these well; two weeks adds the West Coast glaciers or Abel Tasman.
Updated 17 October 2026