Location, user reviews and average rating – what to consider for seamless hotel booking
Choose your travel times wisely
As with most destinations, New Zealand has peak and off-peak seasons. Across the country, summer is a popular time to travel. Demand for accommodation goes up as do the prices. The same is true of winter accommodation near the ski fields.
If you can plan your holiday in theoff-peak seasons (spring, autumn and, in some areas, winter) you can stay innicer places that you would otherwise budget for.
Prices can also fluctuate during the week,with Friday and Saturday nights generally more expensive. Check your itineraryas a slight shift in your travel days could earn you a bit of extra spendingmoney.
Book accommodation in New Zealand well in advance
You may find that there aren’t loads ofaccommodation options available in some areas of the country, especially if you’retravelling during popular periods. To ensure that you get your choice of thebest rooms, and at the best price, it pays to be prepared.
Some areas, especially around the glaciers and much of the rest of the west coast on the South Island, can book out well in advance.
Top Tip: Common online booking mistakes and how to avoid them
Think of accommodation as an investment
While you may want to search for cheap accommodation for your New Zealand holiday, sometimes it pays to go up a level. If you can pay a little bit extra for a self-catering unit, you can save money over your holiday by cooking meals yourself rather than eating out for every meal.
Look for the Qualmark badge
Accommodation in New Zealand can be rated by independent organisation Qualmark. This body compares hotels across the country and gives them a rating out of five (with five stars highlighting the best accommodation in NZ).
Qualmark also grades business from bronzeto gold based on their sustainability practises, giving you a second option forranking a hotel choice.
Go off the beaten track
While Auckland, Christchurch and Wellingtonare some of the most popular holiday spots in New Zealand, and with goodreason, there’s no good reason not to explore the rest of the country.
Some of the most special, unique andmemorable accommodation is found outside the big three cities. So whether youwant to stay at Hapuku Lodge in Kaikoura, Kauri Cliffs in the Bay of Islands orHuka Lodge on Lake Taupo, there are plenty of great choices.
Consider different accommodation types
While many travellers equate‘accommodations’ with ‘hotels’, there are lots of different options out therethat could save you money. While hostels tend to cater to a younger crowd,they’re an affordable option that often have private rooms available.
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