Auckland on a budget

18.10.2023 - 21:13 / lonelyplanet.com

As the gateway to New Zealand, there is a huge amount to see and do in Auckland, but the country's largest city isn’t that budget-friendly.

Accommodation and eating out here are particularly expensive. But with a little local know-how, it’s possible to see the city without crying on the phone to your credit card company. From off-season steals to affordable – even free – attractions, here is how to visit Auckland on a budget.

Auckland is a summer city and the peak season for tourism runs from mid-December to the end of January. This coincides with the summer school holidays in New Zealand, making it a particularly expensive time to travel around the country. Time your visit for when school is back in session for cheaper accommodation. Late February and March are lovely months to visit the city – the weather is warm and not as humid as the peak summer months. There are also many free events to enjoy at this time of year, including live music and outdoor movie screenings at Auckland’s beautiful parks and beaches.

Eating out for every meal in Auckland is a surefire way to burn through your budget, so try to eat in for at least some meals during your stay. The best way to do this is to stay in accommodation with a kitchen – either a hostel with a shared kitchen, an Airbnb rental or a serviced apartment.

Groceries and cooking ingredients are more affordable than restaurant prices, so pop into the local supermarket and prepare some of your meals at your accommodation. If you prefer to stay in a hotel, try to find one with breakfast included in the rate. Often the prices are not much more than room-only rates, and the cost of buying breakfast every morning in Auckland can quickly add up. Just coffee and a muffin will set you back around NZ$10.

If you’re spending a couple of days in Auckland, you can save by using public transport to get around the city. Just buy an AT HOP card when you arrive in the city – they're available from many shops or Auckland Transport customer services centers dotted around the city. AT HOP cards cost NZ$5 and you can then add credit as needed, gaining a 20% (or greater) discount on the standard bus, train, and ferry fares in Auckland, excluding the SkyBus from the airport and the ferry to Waiheke Island.

AT HOP cards are prepaid and you can transfer between Auckland Transport buses, trains, and ferries and pay just one fare across the zones you’re traveling through. Fares for AT HOP cards are capped at just NZ$20 per day.

There are some stunning walks in Auckland, so don't feel obliged to go everywhere by public transport. The city has several rewarding walkways reserved for pedestrians, offering a pleasantly traffic-free way to get around the city. How far you walk is up to you; if