Monthly Breakdown for Early Travellers, Risotto Dreamers, and Budget-Conscious Nomads

This one’s gonna be short — it was during my early travel years, and let’s just say… my memory of it is about as patchy as my travel insurance back then. But I do remember one thing clearly: the duck risotto. And maybe some regrets about room shares.

💰 Expenses Breakdown

🛏️ Accommodation: SGD2,000
→ I rented a room in a shared apartment to save on cost — which made sense at the time, but I really didn’t enjoy it. It was one of those moments where I realised that renting space as a Singaporean (who’s used to staying at home) felt like a wallet punch.
🍽️ Food: ~SGD70/day
→ I ate well. One meal in particular? Fratelli’s duck risotto — possibly the best I’ve ever had. Still think about it.
🚇 Transport: SGD100
→ I walked almost everywhere except for airport transfers, which were done via private car.
💄 Grooming: SGD100
→ Minimal shopping. I was still figuring out how to live out of a backpack and didn’t trust my instincts yet.

Total: ~SGD4,370 (excluding activities)

📌 Not bad for New Zealand — especially back when I was still easing into the travel lifestyle.

🏡 Where to Stay in Wellington

✔️ Anywhere near the city centre is a solid choice. Walkable, safe, and close to everything.

Back then, I was still getting used to renting, so I tried room shares to save money. In hindsight? Probably wouldn’t do it again — comfort over pennies, always.

🏠 Airbnb, Hotel, or Something Else?

✅ Airbnb pros: Cleaner, private, and more peace of mind — especially in a new city.
✅ Long-term rentals save 20–30%: But only worth it if you’re okay with shared spaces.

📌 If it’s your first long-term stay, splurge on comfort. It sets the tone.

🍽️ Food and Dining in Wellington (SGD70/day)

✔️ Fratelli — I’ll never forget that duck risotto.
Otherwise, food in Wellington is fresh, hearty, and generally satisfying — but this was the standout.

🚕 Transport Costs (SGD100 for the Month)

✔️ The city’s super walkable.
✔️ I only needed a car for airport transfers — everything else was done on foot.

📌 Save that transport budget for meals instead.

📶 Internet and Workspaces (SGD25)

✔️ WiFi was decent, but this was back in my early travel days so I didn’t really test it for work.

📌 If you’re working remotely, double check with your host in advance.

🎟️ Where I Spent My Time in Wellington

✔️ Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa – A must — engaging, well-designed, and worth going with a guide if you want the full picture.

✔️Wellington Cable Car – Short, sweet, scenic. Plus, it’s just fun.

🌟 Final Thoughts: Was SGD4,370 Worth It?

✔️ For my early travel self? Yes. I was learning, experimenting, and realising I liked solo travel more than I thought.
✔️ The risotto alone was worth the flight.
✔️ It wasn’t perfect — but it was mine.

🙋‍♀️ Who This City is For

• First-time solo travellers easing into the world
• People who believe in long walks and short cable cars
• Anyone still dreaming of that one meal from years ago