Budget Travel Tips in Solo Backpacking Winter New Zealand

18 Days Budget Solo Backpacking in Winter New Zealand Jul. 15 to Aug. 03, 2023

Team Filipinas in FIFA Women's World Cup 2023

New Zealand is my 138th country visited on my personal journey beyond #lakbay100 Countries.

From South Island (Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Dunedin, Christchurch) to North Island (Wellington, National Park, Hamilton, Auckland) with FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 as the highlight.

Thank you very much Winter New Zealand.  

#livealifeyouwillremember #newzealand #fifa #worldcup #pilipinas #filipino #filipinas #philippines #football #soccer #solobackpacker #winter #oceania #pinoytraveller 

Travel Dates: July 15 to August 03, 2023 (18 Days) 

My Objective: FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 PHI games and Hunt the Southern Lights

Status: PHI passport only Solo Backpacker with flights from/to MNL

Total Expenses: PHP 231,236 (return flights took 75% of this budget)

Places Visited: From South Island (Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Dunedin, Christchurch) to North Island (Wellington, Tongariro, Hamilton, Auckland) - pattern based on the FIFA World Cup PHI games

2023 WINTER NEW ZEALAND SOLO TRIP DIY ITINERARY (South to North Island)

Day 00: Jul. 15 – Manila Departure

Day 01: Jul. 16 – Queenstown 

Day 02: Jul. 17 - Lake Tekapo 

Day 03: Jul. 18 – Lake Tekapo 

Day 04: Jul. 19 – Queenstown 

Day 05: Jul. 20 – Queenstown 

Day 06: Jul. 21 – DUNEDIN FIFA WORLD CUP

Day 07: Jul. 22 – Dunedin 

Day 08: Jul. 23 – Bus to Christchurch 

Day 08: Jul. 24 – Bus to Wellington 

Day 10: Jul. 25 – WELLINGTON FIFA WORLD CUP

Day 11: Jul. 26 – Wellington 

Day 12: Jul. 27 – Bus to National Park 

Day 13: Jul. 28 – Bus Auckland 

Day 14: Jul. 29 – Auckland 

Day 15: Jul. 30 – AUCKLAND FIFA WORLD CUP

Day 16: Jul. 31 – Auckland 

Day 17: Aug. 01 – Auckland 

Day 18: Aug. 02 – Auckland to Manila 

Day 00: Aug. 03 - Manila Arrival 

Budget Travel Tips in Solo Backpacking Winter New Zealand

Team Filipinas in FIFA Women's World Cup 2023

18 Days Budget Solo Backpacking in Winter New Zealand Jul. 15 to Aug. 03, 2023

Short Visits to National Park and Hamilton

It was last year 2022 during my Southern Caribbean Cruise when my attention was grabbed by FIFA Men's World Cup, how does it feel to watch in world stage stadium cheering out for my homeland. Here it goes for FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, just months after, a dream come true. I brought my huge national flag to provide strong moral support. Beyond greatness, Laban Filipinas !!! 

#newzealand #solobackpacker #winter #oceania #fifa #worldcup #pilipinas #filipino #filipinas #philippines #football #soccer 

Philippines 1st appearance in FIFA World Cup. "Lupang Hinirang" debut in FIFA World Cup 2023 

Winter New Zealand Day 10 (Wellington): Noypi vs Kiwi July 25, 2023 Tue. Team Filipinas will now face the host country. New Zealand suffered the heartbreak of becoming the first Women's World Cup host to be eliminated at the group stage, and it's all because of a single goal from the Philippines.

1st Goal. 1st Victory. Defeated the Host Country. Beyond Greatness.

I've watched Team Filipinas also in AFF 2022 held in Manila last 2022 where they the Champions.

Team Filipinas in FIFA Women's World Cup 2023

Short Visits to National Park and Hamilton

18 Days Budget Solo Backpacking in Winter New Zealand Jul. 15 to Aug. 03, 2023

5 Days Laidback Walks in Winter Auckland

National Park (Tongariro) - irregular one-time only bus departures. Good thing I stayed only 1 night because on my afternoon arrival it was raining and the next morning there's heavy snow. Also, no free wifi in my hostel.

Hamilton - just to maximize only the remaining 5 hours in my 45 hour intercity flexi-pass, not much to do also. 

Day 12: July 27, 2023 Thursday NATIONAL PARK 

0630H Hostel Check-out; breakfast

0730H ETD Wellington; intercity bus #6

1334H ETA National Park (6hr/$31); Rainy afternoon; Supermarket snacks 11

National Park Backpackers 1 night (₱1,119)

TOTAL: $11 (₱362)

Day 13: July 28, 2023 Friday AUCKLAND

Snowy morning; breakfast

1000H Hostel Check-out; random walks

1335H ETD National Park; intercity bus #7

1930H ETA Auckland (6hr/$53); Surf 'n' Snow Backpackers 5 nights (₱3,433)

TOTAL: $0

Day 17: August 01, 2023 Tuesday HAMILTON

E-travel Registration arrival flight 

0915H ETD Auckland; intercity bus #8

1110H ETA Hamilton (2hr/$40); Hamilton short day trip (3 hrs); snacks 8; Hamilton Lake, Hamilton Gardens

1430H ETD Hamilton; intercity bus #9

1635H ETA Auckland (2hr/$41); Souvenir 10; McDonald's meal 10

TOTAL: $28 (₱979)

Short Visits to National Park and Hamilton

5 Days Laidback Walks in Winter Auckland

18 Days Budget Solo Backpacking in Winter New Zealand Jul. 15 to Aug. 03, 2023

3 Days Laidback Walks in Winter Wellington

My longest stay in a 1st world country (previous record was in US at 14 days). I'm tired, lazy, out of mood, already on a tight budget spending due to that return flight ticket mishap and just want to have a random city walk. Even the signature landmark of Hobbiton I didn't visit due I'm hesitant as I'm not a fan of Lord of the Rings and the visit is a required guided tour which is expensive. The extreme adventures also during winter is a big No (bungee jump, sky jump). If ever I'm on the mood and enough budget, I'll do the following (initially included in my itinerary). 

(1) Waiheke Island - winery plantation, visit between 1300-1900H for off peak rate of $30 return ferry fare

(2) Rangitoto Island - hiking the volcano summit, ferry schedule during weekends only (Fri-Sun), return ferry fare has a discounted rate of $53 if booked online. 

(3) Hobbiton / Waitomo Glowworm Caves Day Tour - the famous day trip from Auckland for a whooping $330 (cannot be done on DIY unfortunately). 

Day 13: July 28, 2023 Friday AUCKLAND

Snowy morning; breakfast

1000H Hostel Check-out; random walks

1335H ETD National Park; intercity bus #7

1930H ETA Auckland (6hr/$53); Surf 'n' Snow Backpackers 5 nights (₱3,433)

TOTAL: $0

Day 14: July 29, 2023 Saturday AUCKLAND 

0900H Morning walk; McDonald's meal 10; Auckland city walk trip; Art Gallery (free)

Domain Walk to War Museum (7th trek); Albert Park

1400H Supermarket snacks 19; FIFA Fan Festival in The Cloud (free) 

TOTAL: $29 (₱1,028)

Day 15: July 30, 2023 Sunday AUCKLAND

0930H Heritage walk to Harbor Bridge (8th trek); Snacks in Stadium 15

1900H Auckland Stadium PHI vs NOR (320FF Seat 28)

TOTAL: $15 (₱526)

Day 16: July 31, 2023 MONDAY AUCKLAND

0930H Walk to Mt. Eden (9th trek); Heritage walk to Harbour Bridge 

FIFA Fan Festival in The Cloud (free); McDonald's meal 10

TOTAL: $10 (₱357)

Day 17: August 01, 2023 Tuesday AUCKLAND

E-travel Registration arrival flight 

0915H ETD Auckland; intercity bus #8

1110H ETA Hamilton (2hr/$40); Hamilton short day trip (3 hrs); snacks 8; Hamilton Lake, Hamilton Gardens, 

1430H ETD Hamilton; intercity bus #9

1635H ETA Auckland (2hr/$41); Souvenir 10; McDonald's meal 10

TOTAL: $28 (₱979)

Day 18: August 02, 2023 Wednesday AUCKLAND

0800H Breakfast; supermarket snacks 8

1000H Hostel Check-out; walk to bus station

1100H ETD Auckland; intercity bus #10

1130H ETA Auckland Airport (0.5hr/$10); Airport duty free souvenir presents 165; McDonald's meal 11.5

1745H ETD Auckland AKL UTC +1200H; flight D7289

TOTAL: $184.5 (₱6,457)

5 Days Laidback Walks in Winter Auckland

3 Days Laidback Walks in Winter Wellington

18 Days Budget Solo Backpacking in Winter New Zealand Jul. 15 to Aug. 03, 2023

City Walks in Dunedin and Christchurch

Morning Hike (my NZ's 5th trek) to Mt. Victoria.

Morning Hike (my NZ's 6th trek) to Wellington Town Belt.

Day 09: July 24, 2023 Monday WELLINGTON

0700H Hostel Check-out; breakfast

0730H ETD Christchurch; intercity bus #5

1310H ETA Interislander Ferry Terminal (5.75hr); Ferry Terminal transfer

1415H ETD Interislander Ferry Terminal

1745H ETA Wellington (3.5hr/&152); Hotel Waterloo Wellington 3 nights (₱2,538); McDonald's meal 11

TOTAL: $11 (₱379) 

Day 10: July 25, 2023 Tuesday WELLINGTON 

Queen's Wharf morning walk; McDonald's meal 10; Mt. Victoria lookout (5th trek); Oriental beach

Supermarket snacks 17; Portrait Gallery (free), Wellington Museum (free); National Museum (free) 

1730H Wellington Stadium PHI vs NZE (31W Seat 124); Hotel Waterloo Wellington 3 nights 

TOTAL: $27 (₱928)

Day 11: July 26, 2023 Wednesday WELLINGTON 

0900H breakfast; City walk; Wellington Town Belt hike (6th trek); Botanical Garden (Cable Car top)

Wharf walk; McDonald's meal 10; FIFA Fan Festival in Shed 6; Hotel Waterloo Wellington 3 nights

TOTAL: $10 (₱353)

3 Days Laidback Walks in Winter Wellington

Laidback City Walks in Dunedin and Christchurch

18 Days Budget Solo Backpacking in Winter New Zealand Jul. 15 to Aug. 03, 2023

Self-guided Solo Hike to Winter Ben Lomond Track

Christchurch - not much to do and the bus schedule is hectic (might be full) due to on going World Cup. Daily departure but twice only during winter.

Final night in South Island, failed again to see Aurora for the 3rd time, ang ilap mo much.

#newzealand #solobackpacker #winter #oceania #pinoytraveller #nightphotography

Day 06: July 21, 2023 Friday DUNEDIN

0700H Hostel Check-out; breakfast

0745H ETD Queenstown; intercity bus #3

1245H ETA Dunedin (5hr/$59); McDonald's meal 20; Manor House Accommodation 2 nights (₱1,664)

1700H Dunedin Stadium PHI vs SWI (205M Seat 134); Southern Lights failed

TOTAL: $20 (₱657) 

Day 07: July 22, 2023 Saturday DUNEDIN

Baldwin Street - World's steepest street; Otago Museum (free), Public Arts Gallery (free) 

FIFA Fan Festival in Town Hall (free); McDonald's meal 10; noodles 8; Southern Lights failed

Manor House Accommodation 2 nights

TOTAL: $18 (₱682) 

Day 08: July 23, 2023 Sunday CHRISTCHURCH

0630H Hostel Check-out; breakfast

0730H ETD Dunedin; intercity bus #4

1350H ETA Christchurch (6.5hr/$63); Urbanz Accommodation Hostel 1 night (₱1,278)

Wendy's meal 15; rainy random walk in city center

TOTAL: $15 (₱526) 

Laidback City Walks in Dunedin and Christchurch

Self-guided Solo Hike to Winter Ben Lomond Saddle (1,346masl)

18 Days Budget Solo Backpacking in Winter New Zealand Jul. 15 to Aug. 03, 2023

Laidback Walks in Queenstown and Lake Tekapo

Winter New Zealand Day 05:

Freezing solo major hike to Ben Lomond Saddle (1,346masl) with almost 1km altitude gain and 12km return trail distance. Strong wind, thick fog and underestimated winter attire made me decide not to push further to summit (1,748masl). 

#newzealand #solobackpacker #winter #oceania #hiking #pinoymountaineer #pinoytraveller

Day 05: July 20, 2023 THURSDAY QUEENSTOWN 

Ben Lomond Track (8hr, 1.4km elevation gain) (4th trek, major hike) 

0630H ETD Hostel; walk to Tiki Trail (350masl)

0830H Skyline Luge (800masl)

1015H Ben Lomond Saddle (1,346masl); stopped-by in Gondola Skyline Luge

1300H ETA Hostel; McDonald's meal 11.5; Queenstown garden walk; Southern Laughter Backpackers 2 nights

TOTAL: $11.5 (₱400)

Laidback Walks in Queenstown and Lake Tekapo

18 Days Budget Solo Backpacking in Winter New Zealand Jul. 15 to Aug. 03, 2023

Different Budget Airlines not allowed for Australia Airport TWOV

My 3rd winter experience in Southern Hemisphere following Australia and Antarctica. In my honest opinion, New Zealand is like Oceania's version of Iceland and Switzerland.  Lazy day back to Queenstown to relax for next day's major day hike. 

Day 01: July 16, 2023 Sunday QUEENSTOWN 

0930H ETA Christchurch CHC UTC +1200H; 1.5hr transit 

1100H ETD Christchurch CHC flight SQ4546

1215H ETA Queenstown ZQN UTC +1200H; Orbus bus 10

Southern Laughter Backpackers 1 night (₱1,651); Queenstown garden walk (1st trek); magnet 3; McDonald's meal 9.5

TOTAL: $22.5 (₱804) 

Day 02: July 17, 2023 Monday LAKE TEKAPO

0700H Hostel Check-out; breakfast

0805H ETD Queenstown; intercity bus #1

1205H ETA Lake Tekapo (4hr/$67); Stay In Tekapo Backpackers 2 nights (₱2,733); Lunch 7.5

1400H Mt. John Observatory Summit trail (2nd trek); Southern Lights failed

TOTAL: $7.5 (₱273) 

Day 03: July 18, 2023 Tuesday LAKE TEKAPO 

0900H Lake Tekapo park / Pines beach trail; Brunch 8; dinner 15

1300H Mt. John Summit and Lake Shore trail (3rd trek); Southern Lights failed 

Stay In Tekapo Backpackers 2 nights 

TOTAL: $23 (₱787) 

Day 04: July 19, 2023 Wednesday QUEENSTOWN

Lakeshore morning walk 

1000H Hostel Check-out; breakfast

1250H ETD Lake Tekapo; intercity bus #2

1640H ETA Queenstown (4hr/$50); McDonald's meal 10; ice cream 5

Southern Laughter Backpackers 2 nights (₱2,978)

TOTAL: $15 (₱528) 

Laidback Walks in Queenstown and Lake Tekapo

Different Budget Airlines not allowed for Australia Airport TWOV

18 Days Budget Solo Backpacking in Winter New Zealand Jul. 15 to Aug. 03, 2023

Winter New Zealand Solo Trip Preparation and Itinerary

"A Budget is is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went" - John Mazwell

Hard-hitting Lesson learned:

Transiting passengers (with Philippine passport) on different budget airlines are not allowed for Transit Without Visa (TWOV) privilege in any airports in Australia unless these airlines have code sharing. From Philippines; Air Asia, Cebu Pacific and Jetstar do not accept transits on any Australia airports unless you have valid Australia visa. 

I thought my missed flight in India last 2012 was my worst wasted savings on flight ticket of ₱48,000 (960 USD) / most annoying travel experience I had. 11 years later, another despicable stupidity happened. 

Australia Transit condition...

If you are from an eligible country (Philippines included) you can transit Australia on your way to a third country. You can do this without an Australian visa, provided you meet all of the following criteria: (1) will arrive in Australia by aircraft, (2) have a confirmed ticket to leave Australia to travel to a third country, by aircraft within 8 hours of arriving, (3) have a valid travel document to enter the country of destination, (4) must not need to clear immigration or leave the airport transit lounge for any reason before boarding your onwards flight. If you need to clear immigration, for example to collect baggage or to board an onwards flight, you will need an Australian visa.

Different Budget Airlines not allowed for Australia Airport TWOV

How to Apply for New Zealand Visitor E-Visa as Philippine Passport Holder

an adventure of Pinoy backpacker in processing travel documents

Highlight: I applied as Filipino Solo Traveller with Philippine passport only, with NO WORK (ex-OFW, retired Engineer) and with NO BUSINESS. I provided proofs of enough savings, investments and travel history visa stamps to Europe, United States, Japan and Australia. I declared my employment status as "Retired".

* The process is almost the same with Australia Visitor E-Visa (but no biometrics)

* Visa duration is up to 1 year from the date of grant
* Length of Stay is 3 month(s) from the date of each arrival, multiple entries

My New Zealand Visitor Visa Application is the easiest and fastest visa application I ever had, on almost 2 days processing only and with waived visa fee of 211 NZD / 7,200 PHP. 

APPLYING FOR NEW ZEALAND VISITOR VISA AS ORDINARY CITIZEN IN THE PHILIPPINES  

https://visa.vfsglobal.com/phl/en/nzl/

Requirements:

1. The quickest and easiest way to apply for a visa is to apply online on New Zealand Immigration site.
2. Go to "My Visa" section the "Apply for Visa" then fill out the form

3. Supporting documents to upload are as follows; Passport info page, passport sized photograph, Proof of means of financial support, Purpose of travel, itinerary, Travel history, previous passport stamps

*What I Submitted online: Freshly Renewed Passport copy, Travel Itinerary, Future flight booking (2024), Cover Letter, Local Valid IDs. US Visa 2019-2029, Previous Schengen, Australia, UK and Japan visas, Flight Booking, Passbook Savings Account copy 2022-2023, Hotel bookings, Credit / Debit Cards copy, House Title, Condo Titles, Insurance Investments, Credit Card Statement of Account, BDO Online Savings Account SOA

Processing: 

Visitor visa applications in 20 weekdays, excluding public holidays. On average, visitor visa applications in 8 weekdays. 90% of applications are processed within 39 weekdays (My visa processing took only almost 2 days).

Visa Fee: (courier excluded) 

only 35 NZD (1,230 PHP) for Visitor Levy, tourism. Visa fee is waived (211 NZD / 7,300 PHP)

New Zealand Visitor E-visa 1 Year Multiple Entry 2023-2024

18 Days Budget Solo Trip in Winter New Zealand (FIFA World Cup 2023)

First time Winter Experience in Southern Hemisphere and FIFA World Cup... Jul. 15 to Aug. 03, 2023

New Zealand is my 138th country visited on my personal journey beyond #lakbay100 Countries.

From South Island (Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Dunedin, Christchurch) to North Island (Wellington, National Park, Hamilton, Auckland) with FIFA Women's World Cup as the highlight.

Thank you very much Winter New Zealand.  

#livealifeyouwillremember #newzealand #fifa #worldcup #pilipinas #filipino #filipinas #philippines #football #soccer #solobackpacker #winter #oceania #pinoytraveller 

New Zealand has been called "God's own country", the "Paradise of the Pacific" and sometimes known, both in the indigenous Māori language and by Pakeha, as "Aotearoa", translated as Long White Cloud. New Zealand islands are one of Earth's most peculiar bioregions, inhabited by flightless birds seen nowhere else such as a nocturnal, burrowing parrot called the kakapo and kiwi. Kiwi are not only one of the national symbols – the others being the silver fern leaf and koru – but also the name New Zealanders usually call themselves. New Zealand often adds an adventure twist to nature: it's the original home of jet-boating through shallow gorges, and bungy jumping off anything high enough to give a thrill.

https://wikitravel.org/en/New_Zealand

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT NEW ZEALAND

timezone - UTC +1200H   capital - Wellington    language - English    currency - Dollar (NZD)

visa - Philippine passport holders need to apply before arrival (waived visa fee of 211 NZD / 7,300PHP).

1. There are 5 sheep per person in New Zealand, making it the highest ratio in the world.

2. With more than 400, New Zealand has more golf courses per capita than anywhere else in the world.

3. The kiwi fruit is not native to New Zealand, it’s from China, but it was named after the kiwi bird.

4. Wellington is the southernmost capital in the world.

5. New Zealand is famous for its adrenaline adventures, especially bungee jumping! The first commercial bungee jump was made by AJ Hackett on the Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown back in 1988.

18 Days Budget Solo Trip in Winter New Zealand (World Cup 2023)