A window into Rotorua's bargain-priced getaways

A bach on the quiet shores of Lake Rotoiti is just the perfect idyllic holiday Nick Gee dreamed of finding to recharge his batteries after a hard year at work.

Like thousands of other New Zealand holiday makers, the Christchurch human resources consultant and his partner Rhona Montgomery are staying in a rented bach these holidays.

They have been joined by Mr Gee's parents Wendy and Ken from England.

Holidaymakers in other areas like Queenstown are paying as much as $2000 a night for a bach.

However, Rotorua is the place of destination for many people wanting to relax during the New Year break this year.

Website holiday providers say bach-holidays are becoming popular with not one empty bach available in Rotorua and bach owners raking in the profits.

Camping ground and bed and breakfast operators say more people are also choosing to stay these holidays.

Compared with another major tourist town, Queenstown, accommodation prices appear to be slightly cheaper in Rotorua.

However, Rotorua motel owners are experiencing a slight down-turn in guest numbers these holidays, the Motel Association says.

Mr Gee said it was a perfect way to chill out.

It's the couple's first holiday in Rotorua and they are paying $260 per night for the bach, nestled in bush above the lake.

"Baches provide great privacy and you are free to come and go as you please. Everything is here and it's so quiet and relaxing. It gives you the freedom and room to look about yourself and explore the area. It's fabulous here. We have the lake at the door step and the Kaituna River just down the road for kayaking. It's an awesome experience," he said.

Renting online not only gave people the opportunity to check out sites before hand, but a manager met you as you arrived, Mr Gee said.


BachCare manager Leslie Preston said bach owners were experiencing a boost in income these holidays with all 30 baches managed in Rotorua fully booked.

"Demand in the lakes district is really high at the moment. There is absolutely nothing available. In Rotorua people know they get good value. They can have a lakefront holiday at a cost of $250 compared to a beachfront holiday elsewhere at $500 a night," she said.

Camping grounds are also full these summer holidays.

Waiteti Holiday Park owner Mike Thorne said as the duty person for Rotorua, he was finding to difficult to find a powered site, cabin or room available at grounds throughout the city.

"We've had to send people down to Fenton St to the motels," he said.

The upturn in business in recent years was because many camping grounds had upgraded facilities to attract families, he said.

"Gone are the old style cabins. There is a lot happening too. Many grounds are on the green zone like us, where there are streams and rivers or the lakes, providing things like kayaking and fishing. Their experiences are interactive," he said.

A similar trend is happening in the South Island.

ISite Queenstown manager Matt Wong said summer was the busiest season for the South Island tourist town, with people prepared to pay top prices to stay during holiday periods.

"Most accommodation is fully booked but there is always a place to stay. We just found a place for a couple at $270 for a night. Otherwise, people stay at a temporary camp ground set up at a local rugby ground," he said.


Meanwhile, Rotorua motel owners are suffering financially this holiday season.

Rotorua Motel Association president Steve Osborne said they were experiencing a quieter summer season this year.

A growing number of alternative holiday accommodation providers, like bed and breakfast establishments were drawing on the business, Mr Osborne said.

"We're aware of the impact the cheaper accommodation providers are having.

"There is a lot more competition out there now with bed and breakfast places offering low packages," he said.

There has also been a growth in the number of homestay providers.

These businesses didn't have the same overheads as motel owners, the owner of Alpin Motel and Conference Centre said.

"They don't have the same constrains enforced on them. They don't have to pay the same commercial rates as motel owners," he said.


DAILY PRICES

ROTORUA:

Waiteti Trout Stream Holiday Park cabins $45-$60

Rotorua Central Backpackers $52

Sandi's Bed and Breakfast $120

Tuscany Villa Motor Inn $140-$175

Lakeside Novotel $160-$3500

Ibis $99-$199

Private Bach $100-$350

QUEENSTOWN:

Shotover Top 10 Holiday park cabins $55-120

Backpacker $24-$26

Motels $110-$450

Hotels $95-$795

Bach $185-$2000