Stay for three nights on Waiheke Island and only pay for two? Sign us up.
Matapana House on Waiheke Island available to book via Airbnb
When the wintery bite of late autumn kicks in and summer begins to feel like a distant memory, there is only one option: start planning your next holiday. We’re almost reluctant to share this secret. Still, here it is: during winter, many accommodation sites provide pretty fabulous deals to entice visitors, including full nights for free and 20% discounts. If you’ve been considering that Waiheke Island escape or South Island sojourn, now is the time.
We’ve put together some of the top deals available now around the country so you can snap up one of these stays. That way, you can save money for good use, like sampling the local food and wine offerings.
The best (and thriftiest) holiday deals to snap up around New Zealand right now
The Hibisicus: Waiheke Island
From $1029 a night on Airbnb
Best for: Families wanting to spread out and enjoy some peace and quiet
Winter deal: Stay 2 or more nights and get an extra night free, for bookings taken between May 1 and September 30 2024 (excluding holiday weekends)
Do you feel that winter is marked by non-stop arguing over the kids’ screen time? It’s time for an island escape, one you can invite another family to. This gorgeous waterfront home on Waiheke Island sleeps up to 10 guests over two floors. There’s plenty of room to spread out: five bedrooms (including bunk rooms for the children), a modern kitchen, a media room and a massive front lawn. Let the kids entertain themselves downstairs with the pool table while you relax on the deck with a glass of wine and take in the ocean views.
Key features:
- Beachfront with ocean views
- Restaurants and cafes nearby
- Multiple lounges
- Full sized laundry
Matapana House: Waiheke Island
From $720 a night on Airbnb
Best for: Friends wanting to top up their Vitamin D levels
Winter deal: Stay 3 or more nights and get an extra night free for bookings taken between 1 May and 30 September 2024 (excluding holiday weekends)
This pad is often booked out during summer, thanks to its perfect sunset-watching position and private pathway down to Little Oneroa Beach. But it suits itself beautifully to a winter escape as well. Start the day with a brisk walk along the beach, grab a coffee and enjoy it overlooking the water on the balcony, then cosy up next to the outdoor fireplace in the evening with an island-made Syrah. Bookings at nearby wineries are often easier to get during the winter months.
Key features:
- Private walkway to Palm Beach
- Ping Pong table
- Bluetooth sound system
- Outdoor fireplace
Acacia Bay Bach: Taupō
From $309 a night on Airbnb
Best for: Families wanting a change of scene for a long weekend
Winter deal: Stay 3 nights pay for 2, applying to stays from Sunday to Thursday
Taupō may bustle during the summer, but locals know the autumn/winter months still have much to offer. This three-bedroom classic Kiwi bach in Acacia Bay has panoramic lake views. If you’re brave enough, take morning dip after a walk or run, then heat up in front of the fireplace or with a hot coffee from one of the cafes down the road. A pirate ship playground nearby is perfect for the kids to blow off some steam, and if it’s pouring rain, take a short drive to the famous L’Arte Cafe & Gallery.
Key features:
- Lake views
- Fireplace and heat pump
- Short stroll to a local restaurant and dairy
QT Hotel, Auckland City
From $289 a night on Booking.com
Best for: Couples on a romantic city break
Winter deal: 15% off selected stays between March 29 and September 30 via Booking.com, or stay 3+ nights and save 20% via QT Auckland
Whether you’re booking a winter city staycation or you’re planning a holiday of eating, drinking and shopping around Auckland, the winter deals on at this luxe five-star hotel mean it would be rude not to. We love this hotel’s colourful Wes Anderson-esque interiors and luxe touches like an espresso machine, wireless Bose speakers and Dyson hair tools. Check-in, nab a cocktail at the rooftop bar and then enjoy dinner at Esther the onsite restaurant – consider those winter blues gone.
Key features:
- Room service
- Fitness centre
- Flat screen television
- Free-standing bath
Ara Roa Villa and Boutique Lodgings: Whangārei
From: $550 – 3700 a night on Ara Roa
Best for: Active relaxers looking to escape the dreary city
Winter deal: 3 nights’ accommodation for the price of two, using the promo code WINTER2024 when booking
The top end of the North Island is known as “the winterless north” for a reason. A sun-soaked mid-year holiday to Whangārei is fabulous enough, a three-nights-for-two promotion when booking one of these luxe boutique villas is just the cherry on top. Those wanting to stretch their legs can take a hikoi on the Te Whara walk (one of the country’s top six-day walks), or try a spot of surfcasting. Otherwise, relax indoors while admiring the view and perhaps employing the services of the in-house masseuse.
Key features:
- Nine unique villas to choose from
- Bookable in-house masseuse and private chef
- Clifftop ocean views
- Close to a nine-hole golf course and walking/hiking tracks
Rainforest Retreat, West Coast
From $300 a night on rainforest.nz
Best for: Hardcore adventure lovers who also crave a little luxury
Winter deal: Stay for 3 nights and only pay for 2, using code CAMP-PAY2STAY3 when booking online.
Want to immerse yourself in nature? You can’t get much closer than one of these luxe tree houses nestled amongst the breathtaking Southern Alps on the rugged and wild west coast of the South Island. Getting a three-nights-for-two winter accommodation deal in the heart of glacier country has to be seen to be believed. This accom is only a short distance from some of the country’s most epic adventures: guided glacier walks and heli hikes, lagoon kayaking and even skydiving. Then warm up in the hot tub or the luxe rain shower on your return.
Key features:
- Nespresso coffe machine
- Spa
- High-speed wifi
- Onsite restaurant
Related articles:
- The best family-friendly accommodation for your next Auckland holiday
- How to prepare your home for a holiday break
- The best Queenstown accommodation for your winter escape
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