As of November 12, 2026, New Zealand is cheaper than Australia for travelers: a mid-range day costs about $157 in New Zealand against $190 in Australia, a gap of 20.9%. Over the past year New Zealand has moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor (+1.4% after inflation, against −4.8%). Both sit at US advisory Level 1.
| Measure | Australia | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $190 | $157 |
| Lean day | $89 | $74 |
| Comfortable day | $424 | $343 |
| Real change, 12 months | −4.8% | +1.4% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | −4.5% | +1.9% |
| Versus 5-year average | −1.0% | +11.6% |
| US advisory | Level 1 · Normal precautions | Level 1 · Normal precautions |
| Ease of travel | 4.8 · Effortless | 4.6 · Effortless |
| Index score | 52 | 61 |
| Best months | Sep, Oct, Nov, Mar, Apr, May | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar |
| Shoulder months | Feb, Jun | Apr, Oct, Nov |
The better figure in each row is in bold. Costs are modeled estimates per person, excluding international flights.
A long-haul splurge that gets noticeably cheaper whenever the Australian dollar sags.
The catchDistances mean internal flights or long drives, and food, lodging and tours are expensive even at a weak exchange rate.
Two islands of improbable scenery, best seen slowly by road.
The catchCar and camper rental dominate the budget in summer, and the weather can close roads and tracks at any time of year.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.