Summary
Four weeks in New Zealand, two people, December 15, 2025, to January 14, 2026. Both islands, road trip with a rental car plus one domestic flight. A mix of hotels (Rydges, Fable, Millennium), a resort (Wairakei), and Airbnb.
Cost breakdown (for 2 people)
- Main flight Qatar Airways Zurich ↔ Auckland: 4,456 CHF
- Domestic flight Air New Zealand Auckland → Christchurch: 213 CHF
- Rental car + Cook Strait ferry (29 days, Apex): 1,511 CHF
- Gas: approx. 500 CHF (estimated for 4,000 km)
- Accommodation: approx. 5,000 CHF total — mix of hotels and Airbnbs
- Activities: approx. 1,200 CHF (swimming with dolphins, Milford Sound, KJet, Hobbiton, glowworm caves, Maori show, Weta Cave, Wairakei Spa)
- Food: approx. 1,800 CHF (4 weeks, mix of cooking at home + restaurants)
- Souvenirs: approx. 2,000 CHF (We also ended up needing an extra suitcase)
Total: approx. 17,000 CHF
for two people — just under 8,500 CHF per person
for four weeks.
Money-saving tips
- Book a rental car early — Apex books up quickly during peak season; take advantage of the early-bird discount.
- Cook Strait ferry included with Apex — otherwise about 250 CHF extra for car + 2 people.
- Cook for yourself: Choose Airbnbs with kitchens instead of hotels — groceries are inexpensive.
