5 affordable Easter getaway ideas

Rent out a bach

This is a great way to spend time with friends and family over the Easter break. Baches can be surprisingly affordable if you book with a bigger group and do your own cooking as well.

It’s entirely up to you where you choose to stay. Book somewhere close to the beach and make the most of the autumn sun. Head to the mountains and take in the scenery. Or stay somewhere close to the city with easy access to bars and restaurants.

You can rent a holiday home through sites like Airbnb, Bookabach and Tripadvisor. But keep in mind that with Easter just around the corner, booking prices may be a little higher than normal. However, some sites will sometimes offer last-minute deals or specials.

Rent a campervan

If you’re all about that van life, the Easter long weekend is the perfect time to hit the road. Plus, you can avoid the last-minute scramble to book accommodation.

When it comes to road trips, Kiwis are spoilt for choice. One of the most popular routes is the Twin Coast Discovery Highway in Northland, which connects the beaches and bays of the North Coast with the sweeping harbours of the West. Then there’s breathtaking mountain scenery of the Canterbury region or the winding valleys along the Forgotten World Highway through Taranaki.

If you don't own a van, you can rent one through sites like Britz, Jucy Rentals and Wendekreisen. Van models range from large motorhomes to smaller sleepers, depending on your needs and budget. Alternatively, a caravan or campervan loan can help you purchase a vehicle of your own.

Take a staycation in your city

Most of us take to the skies or hit the road when bitten by the travel bug (in pre-COVID-19 times at least). But have you ever been a tourist in your own town? With international travel off the cards and a relatively short holiday period over Easter, a staycation can be an affordable, convenient way to get your holiday fix.

It’s entirely up to you how you want to spend your staycation. Book a fancy hotel room in the city and head out for a gourmet dinner. Get a massage or head to a day spa. Book a hostel room with friends and go for a pub crawl. Stay somewhere with a pool that the kids can enjoy or spend the day wandering through museums and art galleries. There is something to suit every budget.

Room rates may be a little higher over the holiday. But you may be able to find deals or discounts online or by contacting the accommodation provider directly. In Auckland for instance, a room on Easter Saturday for two adults is currently as low as $41 for a budget hostel or around $1,000 for a room in a 5-star hotel.

Backyard camping

If you’re strapped for cash this Easter or can’t get much time off work, why not bring the camping experience to life in your own backyard? This way you can enjoy all the benefits of camping, like sleeping under the stars, plus have easy access to a kitchen, bathroom and takeaway pizza!

All you really need to get started is a tent. You can purchase a four-person dome tent for as little $55 at Kmart, while an air mattress will set you back around $18. Sleeping bags can be swapped out for duvets and if you don’t want to brave an air mattress, you can use the mattress from your own bed.

Backyard camping isn’t just for kids either – just add some fairy lights and a bottle of wine for the ultimate date night.

Take a day trip

If you’ve left your booking too late, but don’t want to miss out on all the fun this Easter, why not set out on a day trip?

Take a winery tour through one of New Zealand’s famed winery regions like Marlborough or Central Otago. Or hit Waiheke Island if you’re in Auckland. You could also keep it simple – pack a picnic and head to a beach or forest for the day.

Easter is a great time to get away or holiday at home. And the best part is that if you think outside the square, you don’t have to break the budget.

Kevin McHugh is a publisher at Finder