With family holidays becoming ever more expensive, Kiwi families will be on the look out for bargains this Spring. Accommodation always makes up a fair bit of the holiday budget.
So great holiday destinations with good value accommodation make a lot of sense. Find out where New Zealand’s best value family holiday destinations are located, and start planning your next family holiday!
The New Zealand travel website Wotif.co.nz has crunched their numbers to predict the best value holiday destinations for Kiwi families looking to thaw out from winter as Spring blooms around the country.
Exploring options beyond the usual list of favourite locations can unlock great bargains as well as hidden gem experiences, scenery and local flavour.
Wotif Travel Specialist Kirsty La Bruniy says heading off the beaten track can reward travellers by saving on accommodation.
We encourage Kiwis to try something new and head to a more undiscovered destination. Not only will you find authentically Kiwi activities and sights, but you’re also bound to get great bang for your buck accommodation, leaving more in your back pocket to spend on the trip.
Wotif has predicted the best value New Zealand holiday destinations for the Spring holidays, based on the average accommodation rate paid for two adults and two children last Spring. The prices are daily rates for 3 – 5 star rated and self-rated accommodation. All of these value destinations cost less than $200 per night on average.
New Zealand’s best value family holiday destinations
Best value North Island destinations for under $200 per night
Gisborne $154 average per night
Water sports galore await families hitting this hot spot – especially in the warmer months. Body surfing, stand up padding boarding, canoeing and community pools will keep the kids busy for hours. For a break from water activities, take the family to the National Arboretum to learn about hundreds of native plants.
Rotorua $164 average per night
The geothermal, adventure and nature-based treats in Rotorua let you choose between a laid-back or action-packed family holiday. You can’t go past the bubbling mud and hot pools on a family visit, then try a mountain bike trail or elevated rope course in the Redwoods –Whakarewarewa Forest or get up close with sheep, trout and Kiwi before zipping down the luge.
Newmarket $167 average per night
This shopping mecca is amazing and in walking distance from the Auckland War Memorial Museum and Domain. Take in a flick at one of the many movie theatres or stroll the boutique-filled side streets.
Hamilton $169 average per night
Riverside relaxation is guaranteed only an hour from Auckland but will feel like a world away. Kayaking or cycleways help make the most of the Waikato River or take a trip to the Raglan coast for surf school action suitable for the whole family.
Best value South Island destinations for under $200 per night
Picton $161 average per night
Share the magic of the natural wildlife and surroundings in Picton. Get along to EcoWorld Aquarium where the family can get up close with unique animals from Aotearoa, check out a sea life tour in the harbour or splash in the hot pools together.
Invercargill $163 average per night
Base your family in Invercargill and make the most of the incredible sights and scenery in the southernmost part of the South Island. A short ferry ride to Stewart Island will have you experiencing a hidden paradise with birds not seen anywhere else in New Zealand.
Dunedin $165 average per night
Exploring Larnach Castle is a great way to learn about the history of Dunedin or try something different on a Hair Raising Harry Tour in the original part of the city. No family visit to Dunedin is complete without a tour of the Cadbury Chocolate Factory – pick up some sweet treats and see how our most popular chocolate is made.
Greymouth $166 average per night
As a base for exploring the West Coast, Greymouth is ideal. The township has great activities like gold panning at Shanty Town, caving or rafting. The spectacular pancake rocks at Punakaiki are only 40 minutes’ drive away – one of New Zealand’s natural wonders.
Tahunanui $169 average per night
Outdoor adventures await families who love the nature in this coastal town just outside of Nelson. Learn how to kayak on the still waters then or create sand sculptures on the golden beaches.
great options here