Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(though decor is often mired in the early 2000s) and have similar facilities, namely tea- and coffee-making equipment,
fridge, and TV - prices vary with standard.
Rental Accommodation
The basic Kiwi holiday home is called a 'bach' (short for 'bachelor', as they were historically used by single men as
hunting and fishing hideouts); in Otago and Southland they're known as 'cribs'. These are simple self-contained cot-
tages that can be rented in rural and coastal areas, often in isolated locations. Prices are typically $80 to $150 per night,
which isn't bad for a whole house or self-contained bungalow. For more upmarket holiday houses, expect to pay any-
thing from $150 to $400 per double.
Resources include:
Children
NZ's South Island is a terrific place to travel with kids: safe and affordable, with loads of playgrounds, kid-centric activ-
ities, a moderate climate and chilli-free cuisine. For helpful general tips, see Lonely Planet's
Travel with Children
.
Handy online resources for kids' activities and travel info include:
Practicalities
»
Many motels and holiday parks have playgrounds, games and DVDs, and, occasionally, fenced swimming pools and
trampolines. Cots and highchairs aren't always available at budget and midrange accommodation, but top-end hotels
supply them and often provide child-minding services. Many B&Bs promote themselves as kid-free, and hostels tend to
focus on the backpacker demographic, but there are plenty of hostels (including YHA) that do allow kids.
»
For specialised childcare, try
www.rockmybaby.co.nz
,
or look under 'babysitters' and 'child care centres' in the
Yel-
low Pages
directory.
»
Check that your car-hire company can supply the right-sized seat for your child, and that the seat will be properly fit-
ted. Some companies legally require you to fit car seats yourself.
»
Most Kiwis are relaxed about public breastfeeding. Alternatively, cities and major towns have public rooms where
parents can go to feed a baby or change a nappy (diaper); check with the local visitor information centre, or ask a local.
