Hands up who is looking forward to the Easter Break?
You've got it sorted right? Bookings made, easter eggs bought, animals arranged to be fed?
Nah...me either! If you're a real 'last minute Charlie' like me, and you're still humming and haa-ing about what to do for accommodation this Easter, we can help. We've been putting together some of our best 'Holiday ideas' to ensure you keep making the most of this fabulous summer we're having (sorry Farmers).
But first - a warm welcome to our new newletter subscribers and allow us introduce ourselves:
Look After Me is NZ's Homestay Network. We're encouraging kiwis to stay with each other, whenever they travel. It's way cheaper than a hotel, more personal and definetly more fun!
We specialise in home-hosting and self-contained units, but also have holiday houses, retreat centres and hotels. We offer a range of accommodation including:
Humble single rooms with shared bathroom ($45 - $75);
Queen/double rooms with guest bathrooms ($75 - $145)
'Homestay' is a bit like 'Bed and Breakfast', but it's less formal.
Most of our hosts leave out a simple 'help-yourself' breakfast because we know that sometimes you just want to 'up and away' in the morning. By mutual arrangement, our Hosts will make an evening meal and charge you fairly, according to your taste and budget. Like you, many of our hosts enjoy a glass of wine in the evening, and a decent coffee in the morning!
We like to think we are showcasing the best of what NZ has to offer - that's our world-reknowned hospitality.
Our hosts are mainly mature couples and women living alone. We have a few single men and families. All are quality checked to ensure suitability for our network and safety for all.
By now you're probably thinking 'this is too good to be true?' Welcoming, affordable accommodation, where I'm not just a credit card checking in? What's the catch?'
We know that as kiwis, we are naturally cautious about trying new things....so you're not going to take our word for it and we don't expect you to.
Each of our properties has it's own Visitor Book, so you can get an honest feel for what it's like to stay there. Here's what some of our guests are saying:
...."this is better than staying at home" Regina, Taupo
"I'll never stay in a hotel again!" Jason, Rotorua
"I'm getting very addicted to Look After Me...." Mary, Thames
"This way exceeded my expectations." Justin, Tauranga
"I give it 10/10." Tania, Picton
"Look After Me accommodation is of an extremely high standard, and probably the best value I’ve ever had. Lindsay, Manager Pandora Jewellery
We aso have our own 'pillow programme' with a range of branded toiletries, confectionery and tea.
We only use locally made, quality NZ products.
Our Kiwi Easter holiday song!
We try to keep things pretty light-hearted so just for fun, we wrote our own song to celebrate the launch of our Easter campaign.
We've been humbled by the response on Facebook, with it going 'viral' within two days of launch. The tune is to 'Snoopy's Christmas'.
Kiwi’s Easter
The summer was long, temperatures soared
It was coming up Easter holiday once more
The kiwi thought back to her days in the tent
And called on herself to do it again
Was the week before Easter, dry as bone
When Kiwi went out in search of a home
For a holiday break, something ‘different’ she thought,
With cheer in her heart, carefully she sought.
Easter break, it’s Easter break
Kiwis’ splore their land
Bringing peace to all the world
And good will to all
The kiwi had a campground dead in her sights
She reached for the button to book it the night
Why she didn’t book, well, we'll never know
Or was it the promise from Facebook below.
Easter break, it’s Easter break
Kiwis’ splore their land
Bringing peace to all the world
And good will to all
Now Kiwi she wanted a really good time
Took to Net, to find something on-line
Saw a hotel, about to push ‘send’
When she heard us call out, "Happy Easter, my friend!"
So Kiwi chose ‘Homestay’ for her holiday toast
And Kiwi, our hero, saluted her host
And then with hug they were both on their way
Each knowing they'd meet on some other day.
Easter break, it’s Easter break
Kiwis’ splore their land
Bringing peace to all the world
And good will to all
Image Credit: Geoffrey Cox; words: Julia Charity
Go! Go! Go!
Our Go! Easter campaign offers our suggestions, based on popular interests kiwis have.
Want to try the new cycle trails but don't where to start?
You've heard about all the fuss and you know it's a great idea. Or maybe you've had friends rave about the Otago Cycle Trail? We offer suggestions of cycle trails to try and where to stay. From a humble chalets bach ($45) to a garden santuary (from $75) to beautiful self contained units ($140).
Come and stay with hosts who have access to primo fishing spots. Even better, our mad-keen fishing hosts can't wait to give you their best fishing tips - from a humble kiwi bach ($45) to a luxury lodges in the Hawke's Bay or Gore.
In our next Newletter we'll be bringing you other holiday ideas:
'Go Potty' - connect with other arters and crafters
'Go BeachCombing' - favourite seaside escapes
'Go Wheels' - wheelchair-friendly accommodation
'Haere atu' - engaging Maori cultural experiences
Go! Go! Go! - adventure and sports
Go Gourmet - Wine and Food experiences
Go bush - walking and hiking trails
If you can't wait for the next newsletter (usually due the 1st of every month) - keep checking our blog where we post stories regularly throughout the month....or go to our home page and search under your favourite pastime - walking, cycling, rugby etc and see what comes up!
Interested in Hosting?
We're always looking for new hosts all around New Zealand. We make it easy to sign up, but it's best to start with a chat over the phone because we personally interview all of our Hosts.
We have a comprehensive page on our website which will answer most of your questions, or please call us on 0800 526 123 to find out more or click on the pink button below to send a no obligation Enquiry.
We'd really love to welcome you to our 'Homestay for Grownups' and become part of our Hospitality Revolution!
Dr Julia Charity
Founder
Look After Me - NZ's Homestay Network
We're a home-grown kiwi company, managed by kiwi women.
The concept was founded by award winning scientist and performance poet Dr Julia Charity who wanted to create a network of safe, welcoming accommodation especially for women traveling alone and mature kiwis.
If you know someone in your network for whom becoming a host or a guest would be 'just perfect' - then please click on the buttons below to forward this to a friend, or share however you chose.
Thank you! We really appreciate that little bit of effort on your part to grow this network!
Have a wonderful Easter everyone.....Please be our guest. Let 'Look After Me' - look after you!
If we don't catch you at Easter, there's always Mother's Day and then Field Days!
