Travel Tips for Queenstown, New Zealand
For those on a budget, Queenstown can be an expensive city. But there is ways to save money so you can spend your cash on adventures rather than necessities. Here’s some tips to help save your hard-earned.
Stay at a hostel
I can hear you already… “I don’t stay at hostels”. Hear me out. My friend and I got a double private room at the Southern Laughter Backpackers Hostel. It cost us just over $500 for the week. It was small but comfortable, and actually we never spent time there because we were out having fun with the money we saved. Accommodation in Queenstown is excessively expensive, but there are cheaper options. Search for hostels or last minute deals and read the reviews, or just ring and ask the staff. The money we saved on this accommodation paid for the rest of our trip.
Find the street eats
If you aren’t the type who buys groceries and makes your own meals on holidays, then there’s still options. Yes, Queenstown’s restaurants are expensive (and yummy). But there are lots of cheaper options hidden away in the laneways. I suggest you find “Taco Medic”, a little hole in the wall in a back laneway, and try their ridiculously delicious tacos for $7. Or buy some goodies from local shops and have yourself a picnic by the lake front or on the greens (like the locals do). Or get the Steak Dinner for $20 at Atlas Pub and you won’t need to eat for the rest of the day.
Hire a car for a few days
Some of the best experiences are the free ones, but you’ll need a car. We hired a car from Go Rentals. The drives around Queenstown are beautiful and don’t cost anything once you have the car. It will be loads cheaper than tours, and much more enjoyable. Make sure to include a trip to Glenorchy, one to Wanaka, and one to the Gibbston Valley Cheesery & Winery via the Kawarau Suspension Bridge.
Bring clothing for all weather
How does this help you save money? It will stop you buying the much needed warm jacket you’re going to need, even in summer. Queenstown’s weather is so changeable and unpredictable. One minute it’s sunny and warm and you’re in a sundress, and 5 minutes later there’s an icy wind and rain and you’re loading up the layers and raincoat. In fact, as I’ve written this paragraph it’s gone from pouring with rain and looking like our plans for the day will be a wash out, to sunny and clear. Just be prepared for all conditions every day and you wont have to make any emergency clothing purchases.
With the money you save using the tips above, you’ll be able to splash out and enjoy some of the awesome adventures Queenstown has to offer.