NZ Trip for 2 Weeks - Moneysaving Tips

Lbobs1 on 14/02/2026 - 12:15
Last edited 14/02/2026 - 12:16

Hi I have a 2 week trip coming up with wife & 2 year old to New Zealand. Driving from Auckland to Paihia, to Coromandel, Rotorua, Taupo & down to Wellington.

Any money saving tips - eating, attractions, petrol or places to go?

Had a look at forums and these seem main tips:

  1. Kogan Mobile Sim card
  2. Entertainment book for discount entries to attractions & ?food
  3. Gaspy app for cheap petrol spots.
  4. petrol seem much more expensive than Oz so any tips for cheaper petrol apart from Gaspy.

Any suggestions on discounts for eating or discounts into attractions?

Interested in any travel tips you have on the way?

Has anyone found a cheap way to get into Hobbiton Lord of the Rings Attraction, tickets seem really expensive!

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

General Discussion

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  • nigglej on 14/02/2026 - 21:47
    +2

    Bookme is good for discounts on some attractions

  • Alan6984 on 14/02/2026 - 12:36
    +1

    Note that the prices on Gaspy are (supposed) to be prior to discounts (some people are clueless and enter the discounted price, but they are normally corrected quite quickly).

    So, for example, if you see a Pak N Save petrol station showing $2.40 on Gaspy, you should be able to get another 6c off with any purchase in that Pak N Save. If you don't want to buy anything, you can usually just ask at the customer services, and they'll give you a petrol voucher for free, although sometimes the person there will be awkward and refuse.

  • Withsy on 15/02/2026 - 00:49
    +1

    Kogan is good if you plan on living here and want to buy a 365 day plan, which is why you seen it recommended here. But since you're just visiting for 2 weeks you'd be better off with a normal tourist sim card

    • ace310 on 15/02/2026 - 08:09

      Not true. Their $5 starter pack is good with 15gb data and unlimited calling. But the problem would be getting sim card in advance.

      • Kirkitplayer3 on 15/02/2026 - 10:42

        You can send the parcel to the post office and simply pick it up from there.

  • sPacedman on 15/02/2026 - 20:38
    +1

    Thursdays seem to be the weekday where some of the petrol station brands put their extra discount on top of their existing one, so try and time filling up for then.

  • stardust on 14/02/2026 - 12:54

    amazing hope you enjoy your time in nz ,
    we used to run a short term rental not any more now , we know some things
    transfercar you can score some cheap rentals .
    bookme for adventure deals .
    if your not sure and want to book a place this also includes short term rentals you can get free cancellations on booking.com . ps not all offer free cancellation .
    please dont use one .nz network as its the worst among all of them just get a skinny sim card with unlimited data .
    fuel discounts try AA card just get temp card you with your gaspy app helps a lot you can also get gull app on phone .
    for food you can use first table off peak hours .
    also get offline appfor navigration as some places you wont have data may be also gps due to weather

  • RockCartel on 14/02/2026 - 13:59

    First Table is good for some nicer places to eat out, but has a booking fee usually $15 to get 50% off the food bill for 2-4 people. But check the 'special condition' as many places now have required purchase of one beverage per diner, frequently it excludes coffee, soda & juices.
    Entertainment book is mostly places I really don't want to go. It could work for you if it has 3 or 4 offers on places you already planned to do.
    When driving don't speed, even 5km/h over they will fine you. The roads are slow and always have delays for works, so plan for more time over any estimates from a journey planner.

  • metz on 15/02/2026 - 08:11

    Definitely use Bookme, they also do restaurants now. I often pick up magazine type brochure like Jason's at the airport to check for discount voucher. Top10 membership can be worth purchasing if you are planning on campsites and offer some discounts for attractions which can be viewed via their website. It is rare as hens teeth to find a discount for Hobbiton as I use to work.in tourism, but so worth it especially with the new part having just opened up in 2025 which means I will need to revisit. Remember to sign up to Woolworths and New World supermarket cards to get grocery club discounts. Signing up on the spot to coffee shops like Columbus and Gloria Jeans etc often gets a free, or 2 for 1 coffee and McD's app if you do stop in for breaks it is worth scanning the counter as this can save a bit too.

  • Wakrak on 15/02/2026 - 08:41

    This free eSIM plan for 7 days is great once you have a NZ mobile number
    https://www.cheapies.nz/node/53866

    Could you turn your messages on OP?
    (my account - settings - messaging - turn on)

  • bobs1 on 16/02/2026 - 02:25

    Thanks for all your suggestions so far!

  • jcrob111 on 16/02/2026 - 19:19

    Try ShopBack for booking hotels via the booking websites and car rentals.
    https://www.cheapies.nz/deals/shopback.co.nz

    They can give a decent cashback rates for booking.com, Agonda and Expedia which most hotels list on. I’ve seen above 10%+ sometimes.

    Car rentals Jucy APEX are also on ShopBack.

    Hobbiton I couldn’t find any discounts either. Paid full price, still felt it was a good experience.

  • jcrob111 on 16/02/2026 - 19:20

    Biggest savings will be renting a Hybrid or EV. You’ll save much more than just shopping around for 10 cents off.

    • Alan6984 on 16/02/2026 - 22:36

      Biggest savings will be renting a Hybrid or EV. You’ll save much more than just shopping around for 10 cents off.

      If you can find places to charge, and if they are actually working.

      Otherwise, all your energy is coming from petrol anyway, and you are back to looking for that 10c you dropped :-)

      We have an EV, but we don't risk using it for longer runs out of town even with 400+ km range on a full charge.

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