Fuel in New Zealand isn't cheap by world standards, and prices can fluctuate significantly depending on global oil markets. As of early 2026, expect to pay around $2.80–$3.30 NZD per litre for regular 91 petrol and $2.00–$2.50 for diesel. Prices vary by region — remote areas and the West Coast tend to be more expensive than cities. This page will help you budget your road trip and save where you can.
Note: Fuel prices change daily. These are approximate guides as of early 2026. Always check current prices before budgeting — see the resources at the bottom of this page.
How to Save
- Supermarket fuel discounts: The two major supermarket groups — Foodstuffs (Pak'nSave, New World, Four Square) and Woolworths NZ (Countdown) — offer fuel discount vouchers when you spend over a certain amount on groceries. Discounts of 6–10 cents per litre are common, and promotional periods can offer up to 20–30 cents off. If you're doing a big grocery shop for your road trip anyway, always grab the fuel voucher.
- Download the Gaspy app: This free app shows you the cheapest fuel near your location, updated in real time by users. It's the best tool in New Zealand for finding cheap fuel. Available on iOS and Android.
- Budget fuel brands: Pak'nSave fuel, Gull, Waitomo, and NPD stations are generally the cheapest. The big brands (Z Energy, BP, Mobil) tend to be 5–15 cents more per litre.
- Fill up in cities: Fuel is almost always cheaper in major centres than in small towns or remote areas. Fill your tank before heading to the West Coast, Haast Pass, Milford Sound, or any long rural stretch.
- AA Smartfuel: The AA (Automobile Association) runs a loyalty programme called Smartfuel that gives discounts at BP and Caltex stations. Worth signing up if you're driving extensively.
Budgeting Your Road Trip
Here's a rough guide to help you budget fuel for your New Zealand road trip:
- Standard car (1600–2000cc): Allow 8–10 litres per 100 km
- Campervan / large SUV: Allow 12–15 litres per 100 km
- Small car / hybrid: Allow 5–7 litres per 100 km
Example: 14-Day South Island Road Trip
A typical South Island loop (Christchurch → Tekapo → Queenstown → Milford Sound → West Coast → Christchurch) covers roughly 2,000–2,500 km. In a standard car at 9L/100km and $3.00/L, that's approximately $540–$675 NZD in fuel for the whole trip. In a campervan at 13L/100km, budget around $780–$975 NZD.
Where Fuel Gets Expensive
Be aware of these areas where fuel prices are notably higher or stations are scarce:
- West Coast (South Island): Limited competition means higher prices. Fill up in Greymouth or Hokitika before heading south to the glaciers.
- Haast to Wanaka: Long stretch with no fuel. Fill up in Haast.
- Milford Sound: No fuel station at Milford. Fill up in Te Anau.
- Coromandel Peninsula: Stations in small towns may close early or have limited hours.
- Remote Northland: Fewer stations, higher prices north of Kaitaia.
Useful Resources
- Gaspy — Free app and website showing real-time fuel prices at every station in NZ. The best tool available.
- AA Petrol Prices — The Automobile Association's fuel price tracker and information.
- MBIE Weekly Fuel Monitoring — The government's official weekly fuel price data.
