Need a short break but are short of cash before Christmas? The Herald has compiled a list of affordable Labour Weekend holidays. Photo / File
Need a short break but are short of cash before Christmas? The Herald has compiled a list of affordable Labour Weekend holidays. Photo / File
Keen on a long weekend away but think you can't afford it? Well think again.
The Weekend Herald has compiled a list of affordable options around the country, and overseas, to give you and your family a well-earned break this Labour Day weekend.
INTERNATIONAL BREAKS
Going overseas doesn't have to be expensive. If you feel like escaping the chaotic spring weather one of the following deals could be just the ticket.
Although House of Travel commercial director Brent Thomas recommends booking travel as far in advance as possible to get the best deals, there are still deals to be head.
Fiji is the perfect family-holiday destination as it's great at keeping everyone entertained.
Flight Centre are offering a four-night package that includes return economy flights from Auckland to Nadi, four nights accommodation at the First Landing Beach Resort, tropical breakfast and return airport transfers. As a bonus children eat free for every meal.
The towering cliffs of coloured sands and blue water can be enjoyed over seven nights with a Flight Centre package to Noosa.
The Flight Centre deal includes return economy flights from Auckland to Brisbane and seven nights accommodation at the BreakFree Alexandra Beach in a Studio twin share.
RAROTONGA - From $899 per person
Rarotonga, Cook Islands. Photo / 123rf
Get away from the hustle and bustle and hide out at Club Raro to bask in a freshwater pool complete with "swim up bar" and a double daily happy hour.
House of Travel are stocking this deal which includes return economy airfares from Auckland to Rarotonga, airport transfers in Rarotonga, five nights accommodation at Club Raro and free breakfast. The deal also comes with free use of their snorkelling gear, tennis court and board games and a complimentary introductory dive in the resort pool.
BALI - From $1299 per person
Bali. Photo / 123rf
In Seminyak you can shop till you drop, explore the nightlife or relax on the golden beach.
House of Travel are offering return economy airfares from Auckland to Denpasar, seven night accommodation at The Breezes Bali Resort & Spa, daily buffet breakfast, a choice between a massage or a dinner for two and a complimentary cocktail. The deal also comes with discounts for two restaurants and a spa.
DOMESTIC BREAKS
PAKIRI
Horse-riding on Pakiri Beach. Photo / Supplied
Camping is always a top holiday option for those on a tight budget.
At just $52 per night (for up to two adults, $15-$25 extra per night for children) powered sites at Pakiri Beach mean you can take the family camping without having to leave behind electronic creature comforts.
A 90-minute drive from downtown Auckland, you can make it to this calm ocean spot on minimal fuel while taking your own food supplies also keeps costs down and offers your family maximum flexibility.
Swimming, surfing, kayaking, fishing, horse riding and plenty of beach walks are all on offer while the region also has some good options close by, including snorkelling and scuba diving at Goat Island. Nearby Matakana also offers markets, cafes and wine trails.
QUEENSTOWN
Queenstown. Photo / Supplied
It's New Zealand's prime holiday spot and for those who want to high-roll it, one of the most expensive domestic options.
However, there are some fantastic deals to be had in Queenstown if you take the time to look. Such as this modern, child-friendly, heated apartment which can take four - for $140 a night.
With Queenstown a 15-minute drive away and Arrowtown 10 minutes away, this Lake Hayes spot means you don't have to fork out an arm and a leg for a Queenstown jaunt. And with a kitchen, TV and internet, you've got an ideal base for a long weekend of activities.
Avoiding the expensive shops in the middle of Queenstown would be recommended, with getting groceries from the local supermarket a little out of town as a much more economical option.
As far as activities go, you'll be spoilt for choice with plenty of sightseeing, wineries, golf and day trips such as taking the stunning drive along Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy.
Prices and availability as at 5pm Friday, October 14.
