Budget Accommodations
A highlight for many travelers is spending a night or two in the home of a New Zealand family. You have your own room (and frequently, a private bath) and join the family for a leisurely home cooked dinner, informal social activities, and a full breakfast. If you prefer, you can arrange bed and breakfast accommodation only, or lunches on request. Host families are scattered throughout both islands, in cities, in towns, and on farms.
If you're looking for something more luxurious, consider one of the country's unusual dwellings that host a few paying guests. Overlooking Auckland's busy harbor is Ellerton Lodge, a restored colonial home in Devonport. Muriaroha is a gracious Rotorua home, filled with antiques and art and surrounded by gardens.
Your travel agent can make reservations for you through the New Zealand Tourist Office. In New Zealand, stop at an office of the Government Tourist Bureau or make arrangements directly through New Zealand Home Hospitality Ltd.
Budget accommodations
You don't need a big budget to enjoy a New Zealand holiday. You'll find a wide range of moderately priced accommodations in small hotels and motels, guest houses, and cabins. Visitors can also stay in youth hostels or campgrounds.
Small hotels and guest houses. Moderate and lowpriced licensed hotels offer clean rooms and good food without elaborate amenities. Guest houses and private hotels have no liquor licenses, and their rates vary according to their facilities. Rooms may or may not have a private bath, but most contain a sink and electric heater.
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Youth hostels. The Youth Hostel Association offers its members an extensive chain of hostels throughout the country. Dormitory accommodation is available at moderate cost; you must provide your own sleeping bag. Communal cooking facilities are provided at each hostel, and stopovers are limited to 3 nights at any one place.
For information on membership and hostel locations, write the Youth Hostel Association of New Zealand, P.O. Box 436, Christchurch.
Campgrounds.
During holiday periods, New Zealanders, flock to the beaches and lakes, to the mountains, and to the country's national parks. Serving these travelers is a vast network of campgrounds, motor camps, and cabin and cottage accommodations. Many economyminded overseas visitors have also discovered these facilities. It's a fine way to see the country and meet friendly Kiwi families.
Campgrounds are crowded during the DecemberJanuary school holidays, but they're seldom full the rest of the year. Most campgrounds have a modem communal kitchen and dining room, laundry facilities, and centralized shower and toilet facilities. Some even offer a swimming pool, spa, children's play area, TV room, boat rentals, or barbecue facilities. You'll meet other campers easily; chatting and swapping experiences as you relax or do your chores are part of camping, New Zealand style.
General camping information is available from the New Zealand Tourist Office; detailed descriptions of campsites, motor camps, and cabins are provided in the Automobile Association's guide . Another helpful guide is the Mobil Camping and Caravanning Guide; look for it in New Zealand bookstores.
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