We all love free stuff, but there are plenty of services and goodies that are a well-kept secret right here in Aotearoa.
A Reddit thread recently asked: "What things can you get for free in New Zealand that you think people should know about?" - and honestly, the answers turned out to be a bit of a goldmine.
From free veggie seeds to cheeky hot chicken hacks, turns out there’s a bunch of stuff across the motu you can get your hands on without spending a cent (or close to it).
Here's a list of freebies Kiwis reckon more of us should be making the most of:
NATIONWIDE FREEBIES
Te Reo Māori lessons
Open Polytechnic offers free online courses to learn Te Reo Māori from absolute beginner to intermediate.
The New Zealand Certificate in Te Reo (Bilingual) (Level 1) helps you build a solid foundation in te reo Māori and deepen your understanding of the language and culture.
Free courses at NMIT
Introduction to New Zealand Conservation (Level 4) - Learn why Aotearoa’s unique biodiversity needs protection, what management practices are used, and the principles behind them. Good stuff if you’re keen on conservation.
Student discounts
While Student Beans doesn't have a heap of full-on freebies, signing up with your student email gets you access to a bunch of solid discounts on clothing, tech, and even travel.
Stack up enough of them, and it’s basically a freebie from all your savings.
Repair Cafés
Repair Cafés are free pop-up events where local people bring in their broken or damaged items - we’re talking everything from bikes, devices, computers, clothing, etc.
A local volunteer will do their best to repair them to keep them from ending up in landfill.
Caring caller
St John’s Caring Caller is a free service where volunteers ring up Kiwis who are feeling lonely and offer some friendly chats and support. Ideal for those whose whānau are a bit far away.
Native plants
While not totally free... they're dirt cheap. NZ Native Plant Centre have loads of variety for $1.50 per plant to get your green thumb going. And who wouldn't want some extra foliage on the front porch?
New mum care packs
Soteria offers two free care packs - Hey Māmā and Hey Pēpi — full of handy samples for pregnancy and newborn days.
They include things like free sample boxes with heaps of goodies for new/expecting mums (nappies, lip balms, moisturisers, baby proofing items, etc). You just cover $12.50 shipping.
“The pack also includes one of their books, which is full of heaps of useful knowledge. They definitely helped me navigate new mum life,” one Reddit commenter shared.
Free cervical screenings
An important health care for all people with a cervix. Screening Support Services (SSS) can help eligible people get appointments.
You’re eligible if you’re Māori or Pacific (aged 25–69), or anyone 30–69 who hasn’t had a screening in the past five years.
Free sexual health products
The Burnett Foundation will post free condoms and lube to anyone over 16. You can also request a “fit kit” with different sizes to try.
Their site also links out to other free sexual health services, which is especially helpful for our LGBTQIA+ community.
Free veggie seeds
Heritage Food Crops will send five free veggie seed packets anywhere in NZ. Just flick them a stamped, self-addressed envelope and they’ll sort the rest, including info on what to plant when.
REGION-SPECIFIC FREEBIES
New World’s hot chicken guarantee
A Reddit user spilled this tip: “If you go into any New World in the North Island between 8am and 8pm and they don't have any hot chickens, you can go to the deli counter and say you wanted one but there were none there, and they will give you a voucher for a free one. Says so on their website!”
Kids Ski Free at Whakapapa Ski Area
Kids aged 10 and under get a free season pass at Whakapapa for 2025 - available til June 8th.
“Yeah, it can be busy early in the season and on some Saturdays, but if you look at the second set, ie. September school holidays are great, spring is really good there, and think about Sundays and weekdays too, if you can,” one local suggested.
Free Tree Day in Tauranga
On June 7th, Tauranga residents can pick up one free tree per household.
Locals can choose from a range of native tree species, including Pōhutukawa, Tōtara, and Kōwhai, plus fruit trees.
Auckland Maritime Museum and War Memorial Museums
Free entry to the Auckland Maritime Museum and Auckland War Memorial Museum if you have proof of an Auckland address.
Taupō museum
Any Taupōneans with proof of address get free entry.
Foraging fruit - Christchurch Red Zone
Christchurch City Council’s SmartView provides a map online with the locations of various fruit trees to fill ya boots.
There ya have it! Keep this list handy - you never know when a freebie might pull through.
