How to take the family on holiday while keeping to your budget!

The day-to-day costs of living can be hard enough, but when you add a family into the mix, it can feel like a family holiday is a luxury that’s out of reach. With living costs around us rising rapidly (not to mention the additional stress), we need a break now more than ever, but it seems impossible with a tight budget. So, we asked ourselves: how can we make holidaying more accessible for young Kiwi families?

Manchester Unity knows what it's like to be young, and on a budget. That's why they're dedicated to making holidays more accessible for young Kiwi families.

When you look at Manchester Unity, it's easy to see how they've been helping Kiwis for over 180 years—and why they're still going strong today. Originally established by early pioneers from England, Manchester Unity is the largest not for profit friendly society in New Zealand made up of a collective of members who support each other. 

By joining as a member and paying $8 a month (or $96 a year), there are so many benefits and ways to save to ensure you get your money’s worth (and more!). There are 13 homes in total across 6 locations including Queenstown, Hanmer Springs, Mt Maunganui, Ohope, Nelson and Taupo – there’s one to suit every type of holiday. These are rented out at hugely discounted rates such as Hanmer Springs for 7 nights from $287, and Queenstown for $460 for 7 nights.

Most of the holiday homes are two bedrooms, and all are fully furnished with kitchens and laundries. You just need to bring your linen (some homes you can hire linen too).

Bookings open 6 months in advance for weekly bookings and 60 days in advance for daily bookings and it’s first in first served – meaning the homes aren’t all booked up for the next 20 Christmases! 

In addition, members can access a discount app on their phone which unlocks exclusive, member only discounts from retailers such as Bunnings, Big Save Furniture, JB HiFi, and Repco, as well as $9 movie tickets. There are also study scholarships for kids, subsidised social events, and more.

Upon joining, members become part of a supportive community of like-minded kiwis who want to enjoy all that life has to offer with their families. There’s no contract so members are free to cancel at any time.

You can trial a Manchester Unity membership FREE for 30 days, to see how it can make a difference in helping your family with the rising costs of living.

“I took the family to stay in Manchester Unity’s Hanmer Springs holiday home…(it) had everything we needed. Such a great location. We love being able to go and not spend a fortune!”  Jane, Christchurch

“We have had three summer holidays at the Ohope holiday home... our little home away from home. Ohope has given us the best holidays we have had as a family... so many memories for the kids...thank you so much Manchester Unity, for giving us the opportunity to have an affordable kiwi holiday at the beach...” Stephanie, Napier

“My wife and I were a bit apprehensive about the [Hanmer Springs] unit and what the standard would be like. When we arrived the condition of the unit surpassed and exceeded our expectations. It was warm, tidy, clean, and roomy with all the facilities one would expect… We look forward to using our members units in other locations in the future…” David, Christchurch

For more information, please email reneec@manchesterunity.org.nz