Booking.com shares top stays for a pampered Mother's Day weekend
Booking.com SHARES TOP STAYS FOR A PAMPERED MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND
Booking.com reveals top awarded stays in the most welcoming towns across Aotearoa, New Zealand for all the Mums seeking a weekend of pampering or family time this Mother’s Day. The stays are based on the latest travel insights from Booking.com’s Traveller Review Awards 2024*.
Whether you’re looking to book a bach in the beautiful Hawke’s Bay, take a culture trip to the historic town of Kerikeri, or dust off the hiking boots for a weekend in the Kaikōura mountains, you’re never too far away from your weekend away with the below most welcoming destinations to choose from:
- Havelock North, Hawke’s Bay
- Whitianga, Coromandel
- Lake Tekapo, Canterbury
- Kaikōura, Canterbury
- Kerikeri, Northland
Top Stays this Mother's Day in New Zealand's Most Welcoming Towns
Havelock North, Hawke’s Bay
Renowned for its distinctive culture, world-class wineries and culinary experiences, Havelock North in Hawke’s Bay is the perfect destination for some downtime. According to recent Travel Predictions released by Booking.com, nearly half of Kiwi parents (47%) will look to leave their kids at home in 2024, and vacay solo. If a getaway from the kids sounds like your idea of a dream Mother’s Day weekend, try a solo trip to Hawkes Bay and learn about the town’s heritage while experiencing its vibrant Art Deco charm; top tip: local attraction, Napier Art Deco Self-Guided Audio Tour is a great place to start your visit.
Kids or no kids, centre yourself in Havelock North Village at the Porters Boutique Lodge. With a variety of classically-furnished guest rooms, but with a twist of 70’s Japandi-style interior décor, this place offers both convenience and comfort. You won't have to travel far to return to the couch after a day of fun at the wineries and hikes, or family time at the local marine safaris and bicycle tour.
Whitianga, Coromandel
A bucket list destination, Whitianga and its neighbouring areas display endless natural beauty with stretches of white beaches nuzzling into the turquoise, protected marine scapes. Set up for a day at the beach, or pack a lunch and hike upstream along the vibrant rivers bustling with native flora and fauna unique to Aotearoa.
The Waterfront Apartments Whitianga truly makes the most of what Whitianga has to offer. Located across from Buffalo Beach, enjoy amazing sea views from every angle no matter which apartment you reserve. Just a two-minute walk from the Whitianga town centre, the family can enjoy a leisurely stroll to The Lost Spring geothermal pools. Furthermore, each apartment has a kitchenette at the very least; perfect for those quick and easy pack lunches.
Lake Tekapo, Canterbury
Praised for its magical views of the night sky and crystal clear views of the Milky Way, Lake Tekapo is a destination bound to provide an unforgettable experience for you and your family. Did we mention that light pollution here is controlled as part of its UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve status? This means that your chances of catching a glimpse of a southern aurora or a shooting star will be at an all-time high. During the day, hike through the sublime mountains that circle the reserve. By night, stargaze and enjoy the local menu and wines on offer.
Booking a trip? Look no further than another Booking.com favourite, the Skyrim Lodge; the perfect spot to call home while you explore the alpine village of Tekapo and trail the pride of Mount Cook. Prepare breakfast with a fully equipped kitchen on site, and enjoy each bite as you pair it with sweeping panoramas of the rugged terrain, blanketed by snowy peaks.
Kaikōura, Canterbury
Where rugged mountains meet rough seas, scenic Kaikōura has a reputation as one of Aotearoa’s leading ecotourism destinations. This coastal town is the perfect place to surprise the whānau with activities in nature such as whale watching, and scenic coastal walks, before retiring for the evening to a local restaurant for some local line-caught cuisine.
Nestled in wilderness between mountains and rural pastures, the Te Mahuru Retreat is the perfect stay to enjoy a visit to Kaikōura. With its spacious interior, shared kitchen, and outdoor area with a hot tub overlooking views of the mountains, this retreat is perfect for families, couples or solo travellers. However, if you’d prefer a little more privacy, or perhaps you’re keen to prioritise some shut-eye, the private 2-bedroom cottage has a separate outdoor area with a BBQ.
Kerikeri, Northland
Bordering the ocean at the northern shore of the famously epic Bay of Islands lays one of the most historical and charming spots in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Kerikeri, with a generous handful of shops, restaurants and short walks in the local area, is an idyllic place to head if you’re looking to stop the clock for a few days and revel in some Mum ‘me-time’.
A little-known gem that looks like a postcard, the Avalon Resort is framed by a picturesque garden that overlooks the Puketotara River. A good distance away from the hustle and bustle of the township, you’ll seep into a canopy bed designed for the perfect night of deep slumber. If you’re a new parent, you might be one in two Kiwis who’re travelling in 2024 solely for some uninterrupted sleep; this is the perfect spot for you. Between the shut-eye, enjoy the in-house spa facilities offering everything from massages to pools. If you fancy a day out in the wider area, visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds, one of Aotearoa’s most historic sites where you can discover Waitangi’s museums and watch Māori cultural performances.
Regardless of how you choose to spend your Mother’s Day Weekend, the Most Welcoming Towns across Aotearoa are spread across the country, ensuring that everyone can experience the best of Kiwi hospitality regardless of where your travels take you. More last minute stays can be found online at Booking.com: HERE
*To be recognised with an award, accommodation partners had to have an average review score of 8.0 (out of 10) or higher based on at least 3 reviews, as of 11:59 pm (CET) on November 30, 2023. Destinations had to have at least 50 eligible accommodations to be included in this list and were sorted by the highest share of award recipients per destination.
Only customers who have actually stayed at an accommodation can leave a review of their experience on Booking.com. As these reviews are never edited or adjusted in any way, travellers can reference them for an authentic account of what the real traveller experience is like at every place to stay or with every ground transport provider on Booking.com.
