Ah, New Zealand—the land of lush greenery, breathtaking mountains, and a whole lot of sheep. It’s a beautiful place to call home, but let’s face it, it can also be a bit of a wallet-buster. The cost of living in New Zealand can sometimes feel like you’re paying for the view rather than the house. So, how do you save money in New Zealand while still living your best Kiwi life?

Well, buckle up, mate, because I’m about to take you through the ultimate guide to saving money in New Zealand, and I promise we’ll have some laughs along the way. You won’t need to sell your left kidney or give up avocados (thank goodness), but you will need to get a little crafty with your spending habits. Think of it as a bit of Kiwi ingenuity—saving money the New Zealand way!

Stop Thinking of the Supermarket as Your Personal Mall

Let’s start with the obvious: the supermarket. In New Zealand, we all love a good grocery shop. The thing is, when you’re in the store, it’s very easy to convince yourself that you “need” that 15th packet of Tim Tams or that $7 jar of artisanal peanut butter. (Let’s be real, you probably don’t need it.)

Money-saving tip #1: Make a shopping list. Sounds basic, but —planning ahead means you won’t get sidetracked by the delicious looking chocolate bars or the fancy cheese you’re suddenly convinced will improve your life. Also, try to shop on a full stomach. Shopping while hungry is like giving your bank account a death sentence. You’ll end up buying half of the store just because your brain is thinking, “Maybe I do need a chocolate croissant for breakfast tomorrow…”

Bonus hack: Stick to the perimeter of the store. All the fresh food is there. Anything that’s in the aisles? Well, that’s just there to tempt you into spending money on stuff you don’t need. Stick to the fresh produce and the meat section—unless you’re really into aisle-based impulse buying, in which case, good luck, mate.

Embrace the Power of the ‘Cheap Eats’ Menu

Let’s talk about going out to eat in New Zealand. Look, I get it—you’ve had a long day, and nothing sounds better than a delicious meal with friends at your local café or restaurant. But those dinners out can start to add up, and before you know it, your bank account is looking as sad as a soggy flat white.

Money-saving tip #2: Find the cheap eats. New Zealand restaurants and cafés often have amazing lunchtime deals, or ‘happy hour’ specials where you can score a decent meal for a fraction of the price you’d pay for dinner. Think of it as the happy middle ground between fancy dinner and “I’m too tired to cook” takeaways. Plus, you get to enjoy the experience of dining out without feeling like you’re financing a mortgage for your meal.

Also, while I’m not saying you should never eat out, perhaps consider takeaways as an occasional treat rather than a weekly habit. Some of the best takeaway deals can be found in small, local shops, where you’ll get the same tasty meal at a fraction of the price. After all, it’s about balance, not depriving yourself of life’s simple pleasures.

Quit the “Pavlova Trap” and Stop Over-Spending on Holidays

Ah, holidays in New Zealand. Picture this: sunny days, outdoor adventures, and the smell of barbecues in the air. But—wait! Before you start booking flights to Fiji or planning an expensive road trip, think twice. The cost of holidays can really sneak up on you, and before you know it, you’ve spent all your savings on a beachside getaway that wasn’t as relaxing as you imagined (mostly because you were too busy stressing about how much it all cost).

Money-saving tip #3: Plan your holidays well in advance, or even better, stick to local holidays! New Zealand is one of the most beautiful places on earth, so why not explore your own backyard? Whether it’s hiking in Fiordland, camping on the Coromandel Peninsula, or visiting the glowworms in Waitomo, there are endless opportunities to have an amazing time without breaking the bank.

Also, staycations are a hidden gem. Book a nice Airbnb in a nearby city or town that you’ve never visited before. You’ll be surprised by the amazing places you can explore without hopping on a plane. Plus, your wallet will thank you.

The Art of ‘Kiwi Ingenuity’: DIY and Second-Hand Shopping

It’s time to channel your inner MacGyver, folks. We Kiwis are known for our DIY skills and resourcefulness—whether we’re fixing a leaking tap or creating an entire garden with nothing but old pallets, we make it work. So why not apply this ingenuity to your savings?

Money-saving tip #4: Start embracing second-hand shopping. New Zealand has an abundance of second-hand stores, op shops, and markets where you can score amazing deals on everything from clothing to furniture to kids’ toys. In fact,some of the best treasures are hidden in second-hand shops. So, don’t be afraid to rummage through the racks—you might just walk away with something way cooler than what you’d find at a brand-new store.

Also, consider DIY projects for your home and garden. Want a new bookshelf? Build one! Need a garden shed? It’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work. Trust me, not only will you save money, but you’ll feel like a true Kiwi hero after completing a DIY project (even if it’s just gluing some pieces of wood together to make a birdhouse).

Get Your Head Around the ‘Public Transport’ Thing (Yes, It’s a Thing)

Here’s the thing about New Zealand—driving is great, but it’s also expensive. Gas is not getting any cheaper, and parking fees in the city can be enough to make you cry. If you’ve got a car that’s burning a hole in your wallet, maybe it’s time to give public transport a try.

Money-saving tip #5: Jump on the bus or train instead of driving everywhere. Most cities in New Zealand have excellent public transport networks, and if you plan ahead, it’s a really cost-effective way to get around. Plus, you’ll be saving on fuel, parking, and that whole “where did my car go?” panic when you can’t find a park in town.

And let’s not forget about cycling! If you’re feeling really ambitious, get a bike, and pedal your way through the city. Not only is it great for your health, but it’ll also keep your bank balance healthier too. Just don’t forget to wear a helmet—safety first, savings second.

Stop Over-Subscriptioning Your Life

If you’re anything like me, you probably signed up for a few too many subscriptions and streaming services, all of which have been quietly draining your bank account each month. Sure, you love Netflix, Spotify, and Disney+, but do you really need them all? Are you even using them?

Money-saving tip #6: Cancel the subscriptions you don’t need. Take a look at what you’re paying for every month and ask yourself, “Is this worth it?” If you haven’t watched Netflix in a month, maybe it’s time to say goodbye. The same goes for those gym memberships—are you actually using it? Or are you just paying for the privilege of a fancy card that you never use? Be honest with yourself!

And hey, even if you do love your subscriptions, there are often bundle deals or discounts available for multiple services. Shop around, and you might be able to save some cash while keeping your favorite shows streaming.

Start Saving in a Kiwi Way: Open a KiwiSaver Account

Okay, so this isn’t exactly a “today” money-saving hack, but trust me, you’ll thank me later. KiwiSaver is New Zealand’s super-smart savings scheme that helps you save for retirement (and possibly some emergency tampons when life throws a curveball). Plus, the government gives you free money! Yes, free money. If you’re eligible, the government will match your contributions (up to a certain amount).

Money-saving tip #7: Get yourself a KiwiSaver account. It’s an easy way to save for your future without even thinking about it. Sure, it’s not going to make you rich overnight, but the longer you contribute, the more you’ll build up—and when you reach retirement age, you’ll have a nice little nest egg waiting for you.

Cut Back on Coffee (Okay, Maybe Just a Little)

I’m not going to tell you to quit coffee entirely because frankly, I’d probably get hate mail if I did. But, let’s be honest, the constant trips to the local café can add up.

Money-saving tip #8: Brew your own coffee at home. Yes, I know it’s not as glamorous as getting your barista-made flat white, but it’s a whole lot cheaper. If you’re serious about saving money, try cutting down to one café trip per weekinstead of every day. Plus, making coffee at home means you have total control over how much sugar and milk goes in, so you’re essentially being healthier too. Win-win!

Final Thoughts

Saving money in New Zealand doesn’t mean giving up on the fun stuff—it just means getting a little more savvy about how you spend. Whether it’s embracing second-hand shopping, planning local holidays, or ditching your subscriptions, every small change can make a huge difference in your bank balance.

And remember, it’s not about depriving yourself; it’s about finding the balance between living the life you want and keeping that money in your pocket. So go on, enjoy those beautiful beaches, drink that flat white (just less often), and use these money-saving hacks to live your best, budget-friendly Kiwi life!

Hope this was helpful and made you chuckle a bit! Saving money doesn’t need to be dull—turn it into an adventure and your wallet will thank you.