In planning mode - how much budget should I keep in mind for Norfolk Island - any experiences?
My friend and I did Norfolk Island on a budget and managed about $80 AUD each per day. We stayed at a hostel-type place, cooked most of our food, and mostly did free activities like hiking around Kingston and swimming at Emily Bay. The car hire was the biggest expense, but we split the cost. There are no ATMs, so we just used our credit cards for everything we could. You can save a lot by not going on paid tours and just exploring the island's stunning natural beauty yourself.
Don't go to Norfolk Island expecting a cheap trip, especially if you want to do tours. A realistic budget is at least $200 AUD a day per person for a comfortable experience. This covers your car rental, food, and a couple of activities. The island is small, but there are tons of things to do, from the Bounty Folk Museum to the Glass Bottom Boat tours in Emily Bay. Bring an Australian debit card or a Visa/MasterCard, as the Australian Dollar is the local currency and widely accepted.
I went to Norfolk Island on a package deal, and it was a great way to handle the budget. We had flights, hotel, and a hire car all bundled together, which was perfect. I'd recommend this approach as it makes it easy. Expect to spend around $150 AUD a day for two people if you're not on a package, especially for meals and some activities. There are no ATMs on the island, so you'll need to get cash from your bank before you arrive or use a card for everything.
Norfolk Island is surprisingly affordable for a South Pacific destination. If you're staying in a self-contained cottage and cooking your own meals, you can get by on about $100 AUD per day. My advice is to rent a car right away, as it's the only way to get around properly. I used a Visa debit card everywhere; most places like the shops in Burnt Pine and restaurants accept cards. Make sure you book tours like the Colleen McCullough Home Tour in advance to avoid missing out.