New Zealand Accomodation
Hint - Remember that New Zealand has a high season (Dec to March), and a low season (June to October) and this can affect the price you pay, and it's availability.
New Zealands cost of living is slightly less expensive then in the UK, which means that if you are travelling with the children on a tight budget it is very challenging to find reasonable accommodation.
Hostels can seem very expensive, and it is a good idea to purchase a BBH card (New Zealands form of YHA) to maximise discounts at hostels you visit. These cards are available from most hostels under the BBH banner. BBH also produce a useful booklet which is free of charge and available at most airports in New Zealand and all associated hostels, so you can plan your trip. This card costs around NZ$40 (only adults need one) but will pay for it'self within about 5 or 6 nights for a family of 4.
If you hire or purchase a car for the duration of your visit another excellent accommodation option is to utilize one of the many excellent campsites. Top 10 Campsites are an excellent example. It is not necessary to have a tent as campsite provide a very comfortable standard cabin for around NZ$60 a night (for all of you). You may have to share communial services but there is always a good camp kitchen and kitchen equipment can be hired for a small sum.
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New Zealand Transport
There are backpacker bus tickets, but these buses are limited in terms of their stops and full of 18-25 party people. They also work out very expensive if there are 4 or more of you travelling.
Much less limiting and less expensive is to hire a car. Ask for as many quotes from hire companies as possible and you should be able to find a deal to suite your pocket. Remember that New Zealand has a high season (December to March), and low season (June to October) and that this can really affect the rental prices you pay.
The hire vehicle quote should be fully inclusive (mileage, tax, child seats etc) so that you do not get any hidden extras. Make sure you have full breakdown cover, and it may be worth paying the extra premium to reduce the insurance excess. If you are travelling with the Children, you may require a booster seat, most companies will be able to supply one but will often impose an extra charge.
If you are spending more then 1 month in New Zealand, it may be worth buying a car. You can pick one up from the auctions, often from other travellers who's only reason for sale is that they are leaving the country. Ensure you do all the mechanical checks you would do back home if you were buying a car. Insurance is not too expensive, and is available for short periods so ring and take it out! At the end of the trip you sell iton. Do the maths, a hire car will cost around NZ$1,100, so if you buy a car for NZ$1,100 and sell it NZ$100 you are better off than renting.
Campervans are widely available, but the prices in high season shoot up and make them more expensive then hiring a car and staying in cabins (see above). Safety regulations means that it is necessary to hire a large campervan which are much more expensive to hire than the smaller more affordable versions.
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New Zealand Eating
New Zealand is a western country so you will have to be prepared to pay western prices for food.
On a tight budget eating for 4 is a challenge, and it is quite easy to blow up to a days budget on one restaurant meal. The more cost effective way to eat is to buy the food from the local supermarket and cook it yourself. All of the hostels and campsites have adequate and clean kitchesn, as do the campsites, so this makes life a lot easier. The supermarkets are well stocked and there are a number of supermarket chains to choose from. Some of these supermarkets run loyalty schemes which you can sign up to and get discounts on your shopping. Expect to budget between NZ$30-60 a day for food shopping for a family of 4.
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Australian Accomodation
Hint - Remember that Australia has a high season (Dec to March), and a low season (June to October) and this can affect the price you pay, and it's availability.
Australia's cost of living is slightly less expensive then in the UK, which means that if you are travelling with the children on a tight budget it is very challenging to find reasonable accommodation.
Hostels can seem very expensive, and it is a good idea to purchase a YHA card before leaving the UK, to maximise discounts at the hostels you visit.
If you hire or purchase a car for the duration of your visit another excellent accommodation option is to utilize one of the many excellent campsites. Big 4 Campsites and Top 10 Campsites are an excellent example. It is not necessary to have a tent as campsite provide a very comfortable standard cabin for around AUS$60 a night (for all of you). These often include a small kitchenette, although you may have to share bathroom facilities with other campers.
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Australian Transport
There are backpacker bus tickets, but these buses are limited in terms of their stops and full of 18-25 party people. Distances in Australia are massive, and with a young family in tow it may be more convenient to have your own transport and take your own time. The buses can also work out very expensive if there are 4 or more of you travelling.
Much less limiting and less expensive is to hire a car. Ask for as many quotes from hire companies as possible and you should be able to find a deal to suite your pocket. Remember that Australia has a high season (December to March), and low season (June to October) and that this can really affect the rental prices you pay.
The hire vehicle quote should be fully inclusive (mileage, tax, child seats etc) so that you do not get any hidden extras. Make sure you have full breakdown cover, and it may be worth paying the extra premium to reduce the insurance excess. If you are travelling with the Children, you may require a booster seat, most companies will be able to supply one but will often impose an extra charge.
If you are spending more then 1 month in Australia, it may be worth buying a car. You can pick one up from the auctions, often from other travellers who's only reason for sale is that they are leaving the country. Ensure you do all the mechanical checks you would do back home if you were buying a car. Insurance is not too expensive, and is available for short periods so ring and take it out! At the end of the trip you sell it on. Do the maths, a hire car will cost around AUS$1,100, so if you buy a car for AUS$1,100 and sell it AUS$100 you are better off than renting.
Campervans are widely available, but the prices in high season shoot up and make them more expensive then hiring a car and staying in cabins (see above). Safety regulations means that it is necessary to hire a large campervan which are much more expensive to hire than the smaller more affordable versions.
Back To The Top >>
Australian Eating
Australia is a westernised country so you will have to be prepared to pay western prices for food.
On a tight budget eating for 4 is a challenge, and it is quite easy to blow up to a days budget on one restaurant meal. The more cost effective way to eat is to buy the food from the local supermarket and cook it yourself. All of the hostels and campsites have adequate and clean kitchesn, as do the campsites, so this makes life a lot easier. The supermarkets are well stocked and there are a number of supermarket chains to choose from. Some of these supermarkets run loyalty schemes which you can sign up to and get discounts on your shopping. Expect to budget between AUS$30-60 a day for food shopping for a family of 4.
Back To The Top >>
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