Expenditures and estimate tour and travel prices in New Zealand

New Zealand money consists of the following denominations: $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 in notes and 5 cents ($.05), 10 cents ($.10), 20 cents ($.20), 50 cents ($.50), $1 and $2 in coins. Unlike in  Australia New Zealnd $2 coin is larger than $1 coin.

Credit cards are widely accepted including Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club. The first two being more widely excepted than the later two.

EFTPOS (Maestro, Cirrus) cards are more commonly used than credit cards and almost all businesses accept this method of payment. If you are coming from the UK you will find the use of EFTPOS cards (debit cards) far more advanced than the UK for using at brick and mortar stores. Although you can't use them online like debit cards.

Costs

Tours and Activities

$80 - $130 for rafting or jetboating
$100 for whale watching
$130 for a bungy jump
$140 one day horse trek
$200 Ballooning
$300 Tandem Skydive from 12000 feet

Hiking is free apart from the price of huts and private walks.

Transport costs

Car Rental: $25 - $40 per day (depending on season and the length of time)
Both Islands Kiwi or Magic Bus pass: $600 - $1400
~$1.25 litre petrol
$52 for ferry crossing and about $180 for vehicle.
$25 Shuttle Christchurch - Picton (340 km)
$45 Shuttle Christchurch - Queenstown (486 km)

Accommodation costs

$18 Dorm bed
$22 Double/Twin per person
$40 Single
$10 Tent site per person.

If you are planning to stay in New Zealand a few months you may like to save money and buy yourself a tent and camp along side one of the many excellent camping spots besides the rivers, lakes and streams throughout the country.