Going on a holiday or weekend getaway with the family is a great way to escape from your day to day routine, create long lasting memories and spend quality time together. To make planning a family holiday a little easier, we asked holiday website Wotif to share their top tips for getting bang for buck out of your next family trip.
Make your holiday budget stretch even further and get a travel bargain by trying these tips:
- Mates Rates: Sign up as a member to ‘Mates Rates’ by creating an account on Wotif.co.nz and you could save more than 10% on select hotels in New Zealand and around the world.
- Package savings: Just like bundling together your internet and phone plan to save money, combining flights and accommodation in a Wotif holiday package offers you a special rate that’s not available when booking hotel and flights separately. This can mean a cheaper trip overall. You can choose to sort the package options by ‘package discount’, or even by ‘price’: www.wotif.co.nz/holidays
- Travel mid-week: If you’re flying domestically, extend your holiday by a day or two and try and travel before and after weekend dates.
- Search for value-adds: Look for hotel inclusions like ‘breakfast’ or ‘parking’. On Wotif, families can choose to find accommodation with these added extras by ticking the options in the ‘hotel preferences’ list.
Fridge list holiday picks on Wotif.co.nz
Wotif’s Family Deals page has the best family friendly resorts, apartments and holiday parks with great deals across all sorts of destinations and holiday experiences. Check out these family favourites for some inspiration as you plan your next holiday.
Gold Coast, Qld: RACV Royal Pines Resort
The Gold Coast is a favourite hot spot for Kiwi families – in fact it’s the number one international destination searched by New Zealanders* looking for winter breaks. Theme parks, great beaches and action packed water activities like jet packing make it easy to see why the Gold Coast is a winner for families.
Wotif recommends the Royal Pines Resort, where the kids can enjoy the waterpark with three slides and water cannons, playground with giant jumping pillow and a kids programme held during the school holidays. You don’t need to venture far for breaky, lunch or dinner with five restaurants at the resort. There are shuttle buses to Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise for guests, a short 15 minute drive away.
Sunshine Coast, Qld: RACV Noosa Resort
Noosa on the Sunshine Coast is a popular Wotif family holiday destination. From swimming at the spectacular beaches and learning to stand-up paddleboard to exploring Noosa National Park, there are plenty of activities to keep the family busy. Wotif.com recommends staying with the family at RACV Noosa Resort. The resort’s splash park, playground and water slide will keep the kids entertained for hours. There are also tennis courts, bikes for hire, two pools and a shaded toddler pool for the little guests. The resort offers one to three bedroom apartments with kitchens, making it a great choice for families looking for room to move and the option to save money by eating in.
Fiji: Radisson Blu Resort Fiji Denarau Island
For a tropical trip only a short flight away, Fiji is the ultimate overseas family holiday spot. Whether you’re taking the kids or the extended family too, Radisson Blu Resort Fiji has room for all. This beachfront resort is spread across 10 acres with tropical gardens and four lagoon pools, white water slide, four family friendly restaurants, kids club (Banana Club), day spa and offers free non-motorised water sports including kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. The kids are welcomed with their own personalised check-in experience and will receive a Banana Club passport on arrival. The family can learn how to basket weave, crack a coconut, watch cultural shows and traditional dances all at the resort.
Hanmer Springs, NZ: Hanmer Springs Top 10 Holiday Park
Best known for its national parks, thermal springs and outdoor activities, Hanmer Springs is a great choice for adventurous families. This alpine village, just less than a two hours’ drive from Christchurch, offers a relaxing and fun escape where families can visit the Thermal Pools with open air hot springs and water slides, go horse riding and kayaking, bike ride along family friendly mountain tracks and visit surrounding farms. Wotif recommends staying at Hanmer Springs Top 10 Holiday Park where cabins can sleep up to six people. The jumping pillow and playground with trampoline and climbing wall are popular with the kids. Mountain bikes, double and four seater bikes can be hired from the holiday park.
Bali: Padma Resort Legian
Bali is a family favourite and can offer a relaxing and cultural holiday experience for all. Wotif suggests staying at Padma Resort in Legian, only a short walk from the beach. The kids can learn how to cook traditional Indonesian food at the Kids Club. There’s also a children’s pool and playground. Breakfast is included and for lunch and dinner there’s a choice of five restaurants offering a mix of cuisines and dishes for all appetites.
Vanuatu: Warwick Le Lagon Resort & Spa
Bonjour and welcome to French Polynesia’s family playground – Vanuatu. Lush tropical surroundings are complimented by relaxed French hospitality at Port Vila’s iconic Warwick Le Lagon Resort and Spa. Private beach access, sprawling pool complex, free Kids Club and three restaurants offer something for every member of the family, including those who need some ‘pamper time’ at the full-service spa by the beach.
Blue Mountains, NSW: Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains MGallery by Sofitel
An easy two hour drive from Sydney is all it takes to whisk your family out of the bustling city and into the serenity of the Blue Mountains, one of Australia’s most spectacular natural parks boasting a variety of outdoor activities for the family. An indoor pool, playground, multiple restaurants and close proximity to the stunning Sublime Point Lookout and must-see Wentworth Falls waterfall makes staying at the Fairmont Resort a perfect choice for active families.
Wellington, NZ: Museum Art Hotel Apartments
National treasures at Te Papa, the vibrant waterfront scene and dozens of dining options are minutes away when staying at the funky Museum Art Hotel Apartments on Wellington’s city bay shores. Featuring curious collections and art at every turn, there’s plenty to keep the kids occupied at the hotel, as well as an indoor swimming pool and convenient in-room kitchens for family-friendly travel.
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*According to Wotif.co.nz searches performed from 29 March – 23 May 2016 for travel dates from 1 June 2016 – 31 August 2016.
