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In which my laissez-faireness bites me in the ass

Wellington Oriental Bay

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Oy. Who would’ve thought it’d be so hard to find reasonable accommodation in Wellington on Homegrown weekend a month out? I guess there really are that many outoftowners descending on the capital to rock out, or else there’s some other major event on. Or maybe they just don’t have as many hotels as we do, which I highly doubt.

Originally the plan was to go down with a group of others on a converted bus (which has beds, a bathroom and kitchen.) However, having now seen said bus, coupled with the fact that I don’t particularly wish to spend time with that particular group of people and that I have more plans for the weekend and don’t want to be constrained by their schedule – we’re going to drive down by ourselves.

It seems that practically all the city’s accommodation has gone. Especially any in my price range. This leaves us with a few options: backpackers, staying away from the city, gambling on a last-minute hotel deal, or simply making the most of it and staying at a swank hotel. I am yet to make a decision; can anyone recommend an affordable and not too shabby motel/B&B? Cooking facilities a bonus, we’ll probably be there three nights.

Confession time: I don’t generally budget for trips. But I’m going to try it out and see how that goes.

Estimated Budget

Tickets are paid for.

Petrol: $200 (probably a tank or just over each way)

Food: $150? We’ll bring some food for the trip down, to bring into the concert, and to cook. Sandwich stuff, fried rice, baking, noodles…uh, other quick and easy things *temporary brainblock* Even if we don’t find a place with kitchen facilities, we have a mini gas cooker which lives in the car. I assume we’ll purchase some food at the arena, make a stop at a supermarket, plus we’ll want to eat out – I’ve got my eye on a French patisserie and a chocolate bar.

Accommodation: As yet unknown. Ideally around $300. Possibly more like double that. Or half that if we “rough” it, by my standards. But hopefully not.

Rough Itinerary

Friday: Drive from Auckland to Wellington. Arrive in the evening. Check in, maybe wander the streets and stretch our legs, then sleep.

Saturday: Check out aforementioned eateries. Concert. Stumble back to wherever we’re staying, and collapse.

Sunday: Sleep in. Ride the cable car and visit my friend L. Perhaps a stop at the museum and a stroll along the waterfront.

Monday: Check out. Drive back to Auckland.

I’m just coming off a four-day weekend and a recent music festival but by Jove, am I looking forward to it.

7 thoughts on “In which my laissez-faireness bites me in the ass

  • Reply Lindy Mint February 2, 2011 at 13:43

    We went to the Coachella music festival in Indio, California once. I too waited too long to get a hotel, they fill up fast. By the time I looked it was camping, or the swanky places.

    I’m also not too big on budgeting for vacations. But yeah, it’s probably a good thing to do. Good luck with your planning!

  • Reply Sandy @ yesiamcheap February 2, 2011 at 18:58

    Jeebus that’s a lot for gas. How much is it there? It’s per litre right? I’d walk as much as possible and spend as much as possible on food…but then that is why I have to take my buns to the gym.

  • Reply Sense February 2, 2011 at 19:23

    sooo…no hostels? although i’m guessing if the hotels are booked, the hostels are to the brim! who goes to music festivals except for young people wishing to travel on a budget, right?

    what about b&b’s? good luck!

  • Reply Jeff @ Sustainable Life Blog February 3, 2011 at 07:56

    Heh, Sometimes inactivity can really come back to haunt a person. And I’d have to agree with sandy, that’s a ton of money for gas – how many liters is your car? I pay about $50 for 17 gallons. Enjoy your trip, when you find a place to stay.

  • Reply Rachel February 3, 2011 at 09:35

    Sounds about right for petrol – our prices are about $2 per litre at the mo – very expensive!

    I’ve stayed in the Bay Plaza hotel in the past – they do a weekend escape B&B deal where it’s about $120 for a room & 2 cooked breakfasts. Not a bad hotel, and right on the waterfront so awesome view & walk down to Courtney Place for bars/meals etc. They have a sister hotel too which does a similar cheap deal. Only catch is parking is extra. But there is sometimes parks on the street behind the hotel (residential street).

    Other place I have recently stayed in Wellington is the Central Hotel – very swanky and I remember it being approx $100 per night too, and parking there was in a parking building round the block – not too expensive on the weekends. Its closer to Cuba Street, so a different vibe of bars/meals.

  • Reply mmanit February 3, 2011 at 15:33

    I found this site on a blog one day, don’t know if your aware of it but it might fit your needs you might want to check it out. It’s what I might do if I ever get to your neck of the world.

    http://www.airbnb.com

    Hope that helps.

  • Reply February roundup « Musings of an Abstract Aucklander March 1, 2011 at 20:58

    […] Booked our hotel for Wellington this weekend, and my birthday trip to Raro. Also bought two high-end sleeping bags from Kathmandu […]

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