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Facebook Ads Cost Per Purchase Benchmarks for Recreation and Travel in New Zealand

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Cost Per Purchase for Recreation and Travel in New Zealand

October 2024 - October 2025

Insights

Detailed observation of presented data

Facebook Ads cost-per-purchase benchmarks: Recreation and Travel in New Zealand vs global

This analysis looks at cost-per-purchase trends for industry Recreation and Travel and target country New Zealand compared to the global trend. The analysis is based on $3B worth of advertising data from our dataset, which provides strong directional benchmarks.

Main takeaways

  • On average, New Zealand’s cost-per-purchase ran below market: 42.89 vs a global 49.24 across Oct 2024–Aug 2025 (−12.9%).
  • Volatility was exceptionally high in New Zealand (average month-to-month move 28.9) versus the global baseline (2.24), with several sharp spikes and dips.
  • The series rose through Q4 into early Q1, peaking in February 2025, then whipsawed lower in March before stabilizing mid-year—broadly in line with seasonal lift patterns (costs typically increase in Q4 around holiday periods).
  • Extreme outliers define the period: a very low October 2024 (1.62) and a February 2025 peak (94.39).

New Zealand Recreation and Travel: trend highlights

  • Average: 42.89 across 11 months (Oct 2024–Aug 2025).
  • High/Low: High of 94.39 in February 2025; low of 1.62 in October 2024. Range: 92.77.
  • Momentum: +1,920% from October 2024 (1.62) to August 2025 (32.77), driven by an unusually low starting point and a February spike.
  • Volatility: Average absolute month-to-month change of 28.9. Notable moves:
  • Rapid run-up Oct→Dec: 1.62 → 58.95.
  • Continued climb into Feb: 77.13 → 94.39.
  • Sharp correction in March: down to 8.09 (−86.3 vs Feb), then rebound in April to 68.38 (+60.3 vs Mar).
  • Gradual cooling May–July (45.20 → 25.83), slight uptick in August (32.77).

Versus global baseline

  • Average: 49.24 (global) vs 42.89 (New Zealand), placing New Zealand below average overall.
  • High/Low: Global high 53.89 (February 2025) and low 43.19 (November 2024). New Zealand’s February high (94.39) was 75% above the global peak, while its October low (1.62) was 96% below the global low—evidence of far greater dispersion locally.
  • Stability: Global month-to-month changes averaged just 2.24, showing a stable market level. New Zealand’s variability was ~13× higher.
  • Trend from first to last month: Global eased slightly from October 2024 (46.67) to August 2025 (45.69), a −2.1% change, whereas New Zealand ended much higher than its unusually low October level.

Seasonal pattern and timing

  • Both series exhibit seasonal lift around late Q4 into early Q1. New Zealand’s costs increased through December and peaked in February 2025 before a pronounced March reset, then settled into mid-year levels in the 25–45 range. The global baseline showed a milder uplift December–February and maintained a narrow band thereafter.

Understanding cost-per-purchase benchmarks on Facebook Ads in industry Recreation and Travel and New Zealand helps advertisers make more efficient budget and creative choices.

Understanding the Data

Insights & analysis of Facebook advertising costs

Facebook advertising costs vary based on many factors including industry, target audience, ad placement, and campaign objectives. In the Recreation and Travel industry, Facebook ad costs can be influenced by seasonal trends and market competition. For campaigns targeting New Zealand, advertisers should consider local market factors and user behavior. Different campaign objectives lead to varying costs based on how Facebook optimizes for your specific goals. The data shown represents median values across multiple campaigns, and individual results may vary based on ad quality, audience targeting, and campaign optimization.

Why we use median instead of average

We use the median CTR because the underlying distribution of click-through rates is highly skewed, with a small share of campaigns achieving extremely high CTRs. These outliers can inflate a simple average, making it less representative of what most advertisers actually experience. By using the median—which sits at the midpoint of all campaigns—we provide a more rigorous and realistic benchmark that reflects the true underlying data model and helps you set attainable performance expectations.

Key Factors Affecting Facebook Ad Costs

  • Competition within your selected industry and audience demographics
  • Ad quality and relevance score – higher quality ads can lower costs
  • Campaign objective and bid strategy
  • Timing and seasonality – costs often increase during holiday periods
  • Ad placement (News Feed, Instagram, Audience Network, etc.)

Note: This data represents industry median values and benchmarks. Your actual costs may vary based on specific targeting, ad creative quality, and campaign optimization.

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The data behind the benchmarks

All data is sourced from over $3B in Facebook ad spend, collected across thousands of ad accounts that use Superads daily to analyze and improve their campaigns. Every data point is fully anonymized and aggregated—no individual advertiser is ever exposed.

This dataset updates frequently as new ad data flows in. It will only get bigger and better.

New Zealand Advertising Landscape

National Holidays

Jan 1New Year's Day
Jan 2Day after New Year's Day
Feb 6Waitangi Day
Apr 18Good Friday
Apr 21Easter Monday
Apr 25ANZAC Day
Jun 2King's Birthday
Jun 20Matariki
Oct 27Labour Day
Dec 25Christmas Day
Dec 26Boxing Day

Key Shopping Season

Late November–early December (Black Friday/Cyber Monday), Christmas season (Boxing Day sales), Mid‑year promotions (Matariki in June), Back-to-school (late January/early February)

Potential Advertising Impact

CPM and CPC might rise around Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day as public events increase media consumption. Matariki is new public holiday with growing awareness—advertising may see elevated competition. Late November–December Black Friday/Cyber Monday could drive ad costs significantly. Regional anniversary holidays may cause local inventory shifts.

What's a healthy cost per purchase for ecommerce brands?

It depends on your product price and margins. Most brands aim for $10 to $50. For higher-ticket products, a higher CPA may be acceptable as long as you're maintaining a strong return on ad spend.

How does product price impact CPA benchmarks?

Higher-priced products typically have a higher CPA because people take longer to convert. That's not necessarily a problem if your margin can support it. You should measure CPA in context with AOV and LTV.

Why are my purchase costs going up despite stable ROAS?

Your AOV may be increasing, which helps maintain ROAS even if CPA rises. You could also be facing higher CPMs, lower conversion rates, or creative fatigue.

Should I use manual bidding to control CPA more effectively?

Manual bidding can help if you're struggling to stay within target CPA. It's best used by experienced advertisers who can monitor performance and adjust regularly. It gives more control, but also requires more effort.

How do I scale spend without letting CPA skyrocket?

Increase budget gradually, rotate creative often, and avoid overlapping audiences. Scaling too quickly can lead to audience saturation and rising CPAs.