Backpacking through New Zealand on a tight budget — totally doable

Did New Zealand on a shoestring for 5 days and it was absolutely manageable. Based in cheap guesthouses near Auckland centre and ate mostly at local spots — manuka honey from street stalls cost almost nothing and was better than anything in a tourist restaurant.

Bay of Islands has an entry fee but worth every penny. warm Kiwi hospitality was a free discovery that ended up being one of my favourite moments of the trip. Budget travellers: New Zealand is worth your time and money, just avoid the tourist-priced restaurants.