New Zealand on a Very Tight Budget Day 33

We made short work of the drive to Auckland feeling grateful that they had cleared the roads as best they could of the countless landslides that had blocked them the previous fortnight. We paused to admire the bird reserves near Miranda before spending our last few hours at the impressive city seafront and parks.  Auckland had definitely taken quite a hit in the storm and with all the building work and earthquake strengthening looked a bit scruffy in places although the waterside restaurants and bars were buzzing and the shops were bustling.

There was just time to bid a very fond farewell to the BV before we took the taxi for the ten minute ride to the airport.  It had been a terrific trip with wonders every day but it was definitely time to go home!

Top Money Saving Tips for when the choice is go cheap or don't go at all!

*Rental Car Village is by far the cheapest company in New Zealand - but this is not for the faint- hearted. They are basically very old, slow and rather uncomfortable beds on wheels with a little awning tent at the back and a couple of camping stoves. That being said, the vehicle was reliable, small, easy to drive and park and inconspicuous.

*Buy your excess vehicle insurance at home before you go.

*If you really want to save money then buy a portapotti and display the "self contained" sticker you get with it and you can wild camp almost anywhere for free.

*Don't buy anything until you have seen what people have left behind at the campsites nearest the airports before they left!

*Stock up on all the equipment you haven't got at the many, many charity shops you will find in any NZ town (wine glasses, decent mugs, cooking utensils etc).

*Get a Fuelsave card which allows you to earn money off your fuel when you shop at certain supermarkets. Fuel offers are often available in the mornings at various petrol stations.

*Check the BOOKME website every week for discount on all kinds of tourist attractions.