End-of-term escapes
Last-minute deals for the school holidays can still be found, from family favourites to some less-travelled routes, Josh Martin writes.
It’s grey, wet and windy outside — and that’s just my view from London. I feel like I’ve been short-changed with our summer (true in name only). Back home and the northern skifields are suffering an alarming lack of the white stuff ... I wouldn’t be willing to waste a week’s leave just to get (another) photo of the giant Ohakune carrot or for a trip to the Taupo hot pools. So I’ve plenty of sympathy for those shivering Kiwis looking for a quick escape to embrace the rays.
Thinking back on my own midwinter quests to see the sun for more than 20 minutes, I was always too late to nab the best deals to Fiji and Raro so had to investigate some more to find the under-the-radar spots. As luck would have it, these typical island getaways can’t offer last-minute deals this time around.
Here are deals to be found for family escapes as the school holidays kick off.
Gold Coast
This perennial family favourite has become even more attractive for penny-pinchers since the arrival of Air Asia on the Auckland-Coolangatta route. Bargain hunters will rejoice at return flights in the second week of the holidays that are still going for only $310 return. If you can stand the tinned sardine routine for three hours each way, that means more moolah for the theme parks.
Temperatures still hover above 21 degrees Celsius, so even if a dip in the Tasman can’t tempt you, perhaps a hotel pool swim will give you a taste of summer (remember those days?). Besides, when you’re hurtling around at 120kmh on Dreamworld and Movieworld’s best thrills, a passing shower will be the least of your worries.
Sydney
Although not as hot and sunny as Queensland, Sydney still has fewer rainy days than Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington, with daytime temperatures throughout July above 17C. Classic family days out like Taronga Zoo, A$41 ($42) for adults and A$23 for children up to 15 years old, booked online, will please the little ones and are far less maddening for Mum and Dad.
A great day trip, or overnight excursion, is to the Jenolan Caves. At 340 million years old, the underground limestone cave system is the oldest in the world and night tours are an option for older kids. The nearby Blue Mountain range is also worth a look – the cooler days will keep the crowds away. Flights to Sydney in week two of the school hols can still be found for under $380 return. Two-bedroom apartments around Bondi can be snapped up for $130 a night.
Tonga
This often ignored Pacific neighbour is a quick hop from Auckland and airfares in the second week of the school hols can be found for as low as $566 return with Air New Zealand and Virgin (with the added bonus of avoiding the all-too-common redeye flights that are often discounted on Pacific routes).
The main island, Tongatapu, is home to the capital, Nukualofa, while just offshore is Fafa and Atata islands each with their own resorts that offer sun, sand, sea and not much else (that being the allure). This is as far from the package holidays to Fiji as it comes, so don’t expect a kids club. The western tip of the main island is home to the best surf breaks for the more adventurous families, as well as sunset lookouts. Beachside resorts start at $160 per night for two adjoining rooms.
New Caledonia
While flights to Paris right now will set you back upwards of $1800, you could get a taste of France in the South Pacific by opting for Noumea, for a fraction of the cost and flight time. Flights with Air New Zealand and Aircalin between July 14 and 19 can be snapped up for $549.
Although it’s the coldest month, daytime temperatures in July often exceed 24C. That’s balmy enough to check out the best beaches – take a ferry from Noumea to nearby Ilot Maitre island or go turtle spotting at Amedee Lighthouse island. Walk off boulangerie and patisserie treats with a hike to N’ga Peak for views across rocky inlets and ocean expanse.
Brisbane
I was fortunate to have parents who saw the benefits of ‘‘out-ofclassroom learning’’ which meant days off school to go skiing were considered part of a well-rounded education. So I have no trouble recommending $370 return flights to Brisbane, if it means missing the first two days of term three, as a gateway to see the city, the Sunshine Coast (fingers crossed, it lives up to its name), Eumundi, Australia Zoo and South Queensland’s hinterland. Being off-season, car hire and accommodation can equally be a steal. Two-bedroom apartments with an outdoor pool near the city centre start at $150 a night.
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia isn’t top of most family trip lists, but hear me out. Budget carrier Air Asia flies this route with a stopover in the Gold Coast. At $648 return (with the kids missing three days off in Term 3) the flights are comparable and even cheaper than some to the Pacific islands. What’s better is that, unlike Pacific paradises, once you touch down in KL the cost of food, transport, activities and accommodation will be a fraction of the resort prices in Fiji, Raro or Samoa, making the 10-plus hour flight time with minimal leg room worth it.
Add a connecting flight to beach paradise Langkawi for $60 return (believe it!) and the sodden shores of Aotearoa will be a distant memory, with family rooms a steal at only $50 a night for something mid-range in Langkawi and $120 for an upmarket apartment (rooftop pool, breakfasts) in the bright lights of KL. Perhaps not one for the littlest ankle-biters, but young teens might like all the beach activities, culture, shopping, street food ... and be able to put up with flying a no-frills airline long-haul. * Prices were correct at July 3.