Budgeting for a two-month RV trip across New Zealand
Author: The Good Guides Date Posted:22 December 2025
Planning a two-month campervan trip around New Zealand is a dream for many – and for good reason. You’ve got time to explore beyond the usual stops, stay longer in the places you love, and take the scenic route more often than not. But when the trip stretches into weeks (and then months), the need for a realistic, well-thought-out budget becomes more important.
If you’re wondering how to travel New Zealand on a budget, the good news is: it’s entirely doable with a bit of foresight. Budgeting for long-term motorhome travel isn’t about cutting out all the fun – it’s about making smart choices, keeping an eye on where your money’s going, and staying prepared for the little surprises that tend to pop up along the way.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key expenses, share budget RV travel tips, and offer practical advice to help you make the most of your two-month journey. Whether you’re hiring or already own your campervan, these insights will help you hit the road with confidence.
Major costs to plan for
The biggest line items on a long-term RV trip are fairly predictable. Here’s what to keep in mind as you build your budget.
RV hire or ownership costs
If you’re hiring a campervan, long-term campervan hire in NZ often works out cheaper per week than shorter trips. Some rental companies offer reduced rates for bookings over 28 days, and you can sometimes negotiate extras like additional drivers or gear at no extra cost.
If you already own your campervan – or you’re thinking about buying one for future travel – it’s worth taking a look at your overall running costs. That includes ongoing maintenance, insurance, registration, and any upgrades or servicing you want to take care of before hitting the road. You might also want to explore our guide to financing a motorhome if you’re just getting started.
A few smart decisions here can make a real difference, especially over a longer trip. Getting clear on the true cost of ownership is one of those motorhome travel tips that can save you from budget surprises down the line.
Fuel (diesel/petrol) and Road User Charges
Fuel is one of the biggest ongoing costs, especially if you’re covering both islands. Diesel is generally cheaper per litre, but diesel vehicles are subject to Road User Charges (RUC), which are paid per 1,000 kilometres travelled.
Expect to cover between 2,500–4,000 km over two months, depending on your route. In more remote regions like the West Coast or Far North, fuel prices can be noticeably higher than in cities – sometimes by as much as 30–40 cents per litre. Using a fuel price app like Gaspy can help you find cheaper fill-up points.
Campsite fees
Campsite costs can vary a lot depending on where you stay. Most long-term travellers mix and match between different campsite types:
- Freedom camping: Free or very low cost – but only for certified self-contained vehicles and only where local councils allow it.
- DOC campsites: Around $10–$20 per person per night. Great for scenic, low-key spots with basic facilities.
- Holiday parks: $40–$80 per night for two people, with powered sites, laundry, showers and sometimes even a pool.
A good rule of thumb is to budget for at least 3–4 paid nights per week if you want access to regular amenities. The rest can be filled with DOC sites or free options.
Food and groceries
Cooking in your campervan will save you quite a bit of cash over two months. A weekly grocery shop for two typically ranges between $150–$250, depending on your eating habits and whether you include things like snacks, alcohol, or specialty items.
Shopping at larger supermarkets in regional centres tends to be cheaper than buying supplies in small towns or tourist hubs. Look out for loyalty programmes and keep supermarket fuel dockets for discounts at the pump.
Even if you mostly cook, it’s worth budgeting for the occasional café breakfast or pub lunch. New Zealand has no shortage of excellent local food experiences, from fresh seafood to farmers markets.
Activities and tours
There’s no need to spend money every day, but part of the joy of a trip like this is saying yes to the occasional guided tour, boat trip, or cultural experience.
Here are some average costs:
- Museum entry: often free or under $20
- Wildlife tours: $60–$100
- Scenic cruises: $90–$160
- Cultural experiences: $60–$120
Free and low-cost activities are everywhere – walking tracks, lookouts, lakeside swims, and quirky roadside stops – so you can balance out the higher spend days.
Interisland ferry
If your route takes in both islands, you’ll need to budget for the ferry between Wellington and Picton. The best way to get an accurate price is to visit either the Bluebridge or Interislander booking pages. Once you add your travel dates, passenger numbers, and vehicle details, you’ll get an instant quote.
It’s best to book ahead and keep an eye on any seasonal deals or flexi-fare options in case plans change.
Insurance and emergencies
Don’t forget to allow for the unexpected – things like repairs, spontaneous detours, or other emergencies. A solid contingency fund provides extra peace of mind – and if it’s not needed, it can be put toward the next trip!
Sample weekly budget breakdown
Here’s a rough idea of how a weekly budget could look for two people:
|
Category |
Low-end estimate |
Mid-range estimate |
|
Campsites |
$0–$150 |
$300–$500 |
|
Fuel + RUC |
$120–$180 |
$180–$250 |
|
Groceries |
$150–$200 |
$200–$250 |
|
Eating out |
$30–$60 |
$100–$150 |
|
Activities |
$0–$100 |
$150–$300 |
|
Misc/contingency |
$50–$100 |
$100–$200 |
|
Total per week |
$350–$790 |
$1,030–$1,650 |
These figures will shift depending on your pace, route, and preferences – but they give you a solid starting point.
Motorhome travel tips – how to travel NZ on a budget
Travelling on a budget doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort or skipping memorable experiences. In fact, some of the best moments on the road come from the simple things – a free walk with an epic view, a home-cooked meal, or finding a quiet DOC site all to yourself. Here’s how to make the most of your money while still enjoying the best of the road:
- Travel in the shoulder season: Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are ideal times to explore. You’ll find lower prices on campsites and activities, fewer crowds at popular spots, and often still get good weather. Many holiday parks offer discounts for longer stays outside the peak season, so you can slow down without paying a premium.
- Alternate between paid and free sites: You don’t need to stay in a holiday park every night. Mixing in freedom camping (where allowed) or basic DOC camps helps reduce your accommodation costs without sacrificing the experience. Just make sure your motorhome is certified self-contained and you follow local rules. Apps like the thl Roadtrip App or Rankers can help you locate free and low-cost sites nearby.
- Make the most of your kitchen: Stock up on pantry basics, plan a few go-to meals, and cook regularly in your van to cut down on eating out. You’ll still want to enjoy the odd meal at a local pub or café – but even cooking just once or twice a day can save hundreds over the course of two months. A small coffee press, some quality cookware, and a stash of herbs or spices go a long way.
- Look for free and iconic activities: There are loads of free and cheap things to do in New Zealand. Walk the Redwoods Forest in Rotorua, summit Mount Eden for panoramic city views, watch the blowholes at Punakaiki, or wander the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Many i-SITE centres also promote free local events or walking routes.
- Use fuel discount apps and supermarket dockets: Fuel is a major cost over time, but you can shave off a few cents per litre by using tools like Gaspy to find the cheapest local prices. Supermarkets like Pak’n Save and New World also offer fuel discounts via receipts or loyalty cards – it adds up quickly on a long trip.
- Choose multi-purpose gear: Investing in compact, multi-use items can save both money and space. Think collapsible tubs that double as dishwashing bins, cookware that nests neatly together, and outdoor furniture you’ll actually use daily. A bit of planning here helps avoid unnecessary purchases on the road.
- Do your laundry smarter: While holiday park laundromats are convenient, doing small loads with a collapsible tub and drying clothes on a travel line can save a surprising amount over time. This is especially handy if you’re campingoff-grid for a few days.
- Plan your route to avoid backtracking: Fuel efficiency isn’t just about the price at the pump – it’s also about driving smarter. Sketching out a loop or semi-loop route (especially between the two islands) can help you avoid unnecessary detours and double-ups. It also means you get more time exploring and less time behind the wheel.
Recommended tools and resources
A well-planned trip starts with the right tools. These resources not only help make travelling on a budget easier, but are also designed to help you get the most out of your campervan setup:
- The ultimate guide to long-term RV travel in New Zealand: This comprehensive long-term travel guide covers everything from packing tips to route planning and campground etiquette – ideal if you’re new to extended road trips.
- Must-have items to be prepared for anything: Long trips come with the occasional surprise – weather changes, remote stays, gear that suddenly becomes invaluable. This helpful guide helps you sort out the practical, durable gear that’s genuinely worth having on board.
- The ultimate RV campsite set-up guide: Whether you're staying two nights or two weeks, your set-up matters. This guide to creating the ideal RV campsite covers tips on layout, comfort, shade, cooking, and keeping things tidy.
- Powering your motorhome: From solar panels to generators and power banks, understanding how to manage your energy use can make or break your time off-grid. This guide breaks down your options clearly and simply.
- Top 10 tips for more environmentally friendly travel: Small changes can make a big impact. Whether it’s reducing waste, using refillable containers, or supporting local suppliers, this guide to sustainable RV travel is full of ideas for travelling with a lighter footprint.
Ready to hit the road?
A two-month RV trip around New Zealand is the kind of experience that stays with you – the views, the quiet mornings, the friendly chats at the campsite. And with the right budget, you can enjoy it all without the stress.
Plan smart, travel light (but well equipped), and give yourself space to enjoy the detours. For more tools, guides, and gear made for long stays, head to your local RV Super Centre – and we’ll help you make the most of every kilometre.
