I’d be happy to help you plan your 10-day trip to New Zealand on a limited budget! Here’s a sample itinerary that you can use as a starting point:
Day 1: Arrival in Auckland
- Flight to Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand
- Accommodation: Budget hostel or camping (around $30-40/night)
- Activities: Explore the city, visit the Sky Tower, and the Auckland Harbour Bridge
Day 2-3: Rotorua
- Bus or car rental to Rotorua, a city known for its geothermal activity and Maori culture
- Accommodation: Budget hostel or camping (around $30-40/night)
- Activities: Visit the Te Puia and Wai-O-Tapu thermal parks, and the Whakarewarewa Maori village
Day 4-5: Tongariro National Park
- Bus or car rental to Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Accommodation: Budget hostel or camping (around $30-40/night)
- Activities: Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, and visit the Tongariro National Park
Day 6-7: Wellington
- Bus or car rental to Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand
- Accommodation: Budget hostel or camping (around $30-40/night)
- Activities: Visit the Te Papa Museum, the Zealandia wildlife sanctuary, and the Wellington Botanic Garden
Day 8-9: Queenstown
- Bus or car rental to Queenstown, a popular tourist destination known for its adventure sports
- Accommodation: Budget hostel or camping (around $30-40/night)
- Activities: Visit the Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkables mountain range, and optional activities like bungee jumping, skydiving, and paragliding (additional cost)
Day 10: Departure
- Bus or car rental to your departure point
- Accommodation: n/a
- Activities: Prepare for departure
Total cost:
- Airfare: $1000 – $2000 (depending on the dates and the airline)
- Accommodation: $300 – $400 (depending on the type and location)
- Car rental or Bus fare: $300 – $500 (depending on your choices)
- Food and activities: $500 – $800 (depending on your choices)
Note: These are approximate costs and you can adjust them based on your preferences and the actual prices at the time of your trip.
For getting around, you can either rent a car, take a bus or use a combination of both. Car rental is the most flexible option but also the most expensive. Public transportation is cheaper but less flexible and not all destinations are well connected. Also, please make sure to check the visa requirements and any other necessary travel documents. Keep in mind that New Zealand is a large country with a lot to see and do, so try to focus on the destinations that you are most interested in and that are within your budget.