NZ Hacks

[phantompharter]

Just wondering if anyone has any non flight related hacks for NZ.

SO and I are heading there from 15 Nov for two weeks heading from WLG to CHC.

Costs that we are hoping to minimise:
- Wellington to Picton Ferry cost. Is there a cheap way to do this? Is flying cheaper?
- Car / campervan hire - we will prob need a car from Picton to Christchurch for 5-7 days. Unfortunately all the relocations seem to go North from Queenstown... maybe if we could find a cheap flight to Queenstown this could be an option.
- Accomodation - we are hiking for a week so we will have a tent with us. It looks like there are plenty of great campsites around the place - but any other tips for good cheap accomodation. Any experiences/recommendations with Airbnb or couchsurfing that you would share?

I think the biggest thing that I have picked up is that next trip we will fly into Queenstown and organise a relocation north to CHC, WLG or AKL. All provide lots of availability for $1 a day often with fuel and ferry crossing included!

Anyone else have other thoughts?
Thanks in advance.

 

[ChasingDaylight]

In regards to the Ferry crossing - are you simply wanting to get across the Tasman in the shortest space of time? If not, take the ferry. I worked on the Interislander for a bit many years ago and it's a very scenic and enjoyable trip when the weather is nice

 

[JessicaTam]

NZ AA put out an accommodation guide which lists hostels. Found some bargains not far from many of the tourist hot-spots. They were free from car hire places and the like when I was there, but that was a while ago.

Take photos of the car when you pick it up as the Keas love to attack the rubber seals, and there may already be damage that you don't want to be held accountable for.

 

[wingspan]

The Wellington<->Picton ferry is quite charming. I daresay you can find cheaper ways to get between the islands but probably not more lovely ways to do so.

 

[aupirate]

If you are ok with bacpackers google BBH and join up. Discounts on room nights should recoup your outlay. Hostels in nz are usually good and cheaper than motels.