Last Minute School Holiday Ideas - 5 Options for any Budget

Travel & Fun · 11 Sep 2017

Children grow up quickly, and there are only so many chances to take a memorable holiday before your children fly the nest.

Children grow up quickly, and there are only so many chances to take a memorable holiday before your children fly the nest. Family holidays sometimes earn an unfair reputation for being dull and pricey, when the reality is that there are great options for almost any budget. A great destination and some thoughtful planning will make your next family holiday memorable for everyone. Let’s look at five great value holiday options for New Zealand families.

The Far North
A road trip through Northland and the Bay of Islands is your chance to see New Zealand in a different light - off sealed roads and the beaten track. Warm and relaxed, the subtropical north is an enticing family destination year round with temperatures regularly reaching the 20s in Autumn and Winter. An easy drive from Auckland, Russell and Waitangi offer a glimpse into New Zealand’s past, while the Hokianga’s Waipoua Forest is home to ancient Kauri.

Central Otago
Queenstown and Wanaka are well known winter destinations. While jet boating and four-wheel driving might not be great options for young families, the region offers plenty for families - and some opportunities to relax for Mum and Dad as well. Central Otago is excellent in summer, especially in January at the height of stonefruit season.

New Caledonia
A repeat destination for many families, New Caledonia offers a fresh take on the classic South Pacific holiday. Enjoy an authentic pain au chocolat for breakfast before taking a ferry to the Île des Pins to snorkel and relax in the sun.

Niue
With fewer than two thousand locals and only a handful of tourists, Niue is an untouched paradise. Take a week off and swim with dolphins, see migratory whales, enjoy tropical fruit and swim in breathtaking chasms. With no crowds, few shops and limited internet access, Niue offers a chance to reconnect with family and nature. Families can enjoy a Niue holiday on a budget - accomodation is good value in the off season, and travellers can bring food from home to self cater most meals.

Malaysia
Lesser known than neighbouring Singapore, Malaysia is a melting pot of old and new. Visit the 40 metre high gold statue of Lord Muruga and the Legoland theme park all in the same day. The Petronas Towers were the tallest building in the world until 2004 - the view over Kuala Lumpur from the observation deck at sunset is unforgettable. With airlines at all price points flying to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is an affordable gateway to Southeast Asia.

Whether you are planning on going overseas or staying more local, there are plenty of options to suit every budget. But like most of us, you don’t want to be stressing about finances, so you may want to consider taking a personal loan for your holiday. So start planning, and make it happen today.


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