Media Release
13 May 2008
Kiwi Families Seek Budget-Friendly Holiday Alternatives
YHA New Zealand believes the recent increase in occupancy for the hostelling industry is a positive sign of an injection
from the domestic market. The New Zealand backpacker and hostel sector experienced its highest guest nights total in
March 2008 for any month since New Zealand Statistics accommodation surveys began in 1996.
Unusually, this coincided with the Easter school holidays falling in March and may be a sign that Kiwi families are
embracing a wider variety of holiday accommodation options than previously thought.
CEO Mark Wells believes that the old notion of hostels only providing dorm-style bunk beds for young backpackers has
been finally put to rest, saying, “More and more families are discovering that the YHA network is a great option for
their holidays. Our accommodation includes some great self-contained units which are perfect for families, and our 50
properties in 47 towns and cities around the country guarantee that you don’t have to drive far in any direction to find
a great little getaway.”
Some of the YHA locations that have proven the most popular family attractions include Wanaka and Queenstown Lakefront
hostels, both with 2 bedroom self-contained apartments with kitchen and living rooms. And for a night or two in the big
smoke, self-contained apartments in Auckland are available.
To investigate the YHA network visit www.yha.co.nz or call 0800 278 299.
Ends