Bungy or Beer? How to Budget for New Zealand's Adventure Activities

You've made it to New Zealand, and your backpack is packed with hopes of hiking, seeing glaciers, and maybe even a bungy jump. But then you see the price tags. A bungy jump can be over $300, a skydive more than $400, and a jet boat ride over $100.

Your backpacker budget is tight, so how do you choose what to spend your money on? Don’t worry, it's possible to experience it all—you just need a plan.

1. Know Your Must-Do vs. Nice-to-Have

Before you leave, list your top 3 non-negotiable activities. Do you dream of jumping off the Kawarau Bridge? Is a heli-hike on a glacier a bucket list item? Figure out what you absolutely have to do and prioritize saving for those.

2. The Power of "Optional" Activities

This is where a good tour comes in handy. Many tours, like ours, include core transport and accommodation but leave the big-ticket activities as "optional extras." This gives you complete control over your budget.

You can save money by choosing a few key paid activities while still enjoying all the incredible free things New Zealand has to offer, like:

• Hiking a free track like the Hooker Valley in Mount Cook.

• Relaxing on beautiful beaches.

• Exploring local towns and markets.

• Taking in breathtaking scenery from a viewpoint.

3. Stick to a Daily Budget for Food and Drink

Dining out is a huge budget killer. Aim for a simple, daily food budget.

• Cook at hostels whenever possible.

• Shop at local supermarkets like Pak'nSave or Countdown.

• Pack your own lunch for hikes and day trips.

• Save your money for one or two epic meals out, rather than a pub meal every night.

4. The Bungy or Beer Equation

It really does come down to a choice. That $25 pub meal and a few beers could be a coffee and a donut, saving you enough for a half-day canyoning trip.

A little discipline goes a long way. So, next time you're about to grab a second beer, ask yourself: is this beer worth a piece of my bungy jump?

By planning ahead and being smart with your daily spending, you can afford to have those once-in-a-lifetime adventures and still have money left over for a well-deserved beer at the end of the day.