Keen to make the most of your downtime this year? We totally get it! In 2024, we’ve got your back with some tips on how to strategically use your annual leave to squeeze out maximum holiday joy. While it might not be groundbreaking, a little planning can unlock some serious extra holiday time. And who doesn’t want more time for some well-deserved R&R, right?
The Hack:
Begin with Public Holidays: Kick off your extended break by aligning your annual leave with public holidays. In 2024, keep an eye on key dates like Waitangi Day on February 6th, Good Friday and Easter Monday on March 29th and April 1st respectively, and The King’s Birthday on June 5th. As a start, these dates are your foundation for extended getaways in the first half of the year.
Plan Around Weekends: Be smart about choosing your annual leave days to create long weekends. For example, taking leave on Friday, February 7th, gives you a four-day weekend with Waitangi Day on Thursday. Similarly, consider booking Friday, April 26th off after Anzac Day for a four-day break.
Make the Most of the Easter Break: The Easter long weekend is a golden opportunity for an extended holiday. Try taking leave either end of the long weekend from March 25th, to Thursday, March 28th, or from Tuesday, April 2nd to Friday April 5, for an epic 10-day break.
Extend Your Winter Breaks: Capitalise on the King’s Birthday long weekend by booking leave on Friday, May 31st, and Tuesday, June 4th. This strategic move gives you a delightful five-day weekend to extend your winter getaway. Matariki falls on a Friday 28th June, creating a perfect three-day weekend. But why stop there?
Book One Day, Get Four: Take things to the next level by booking just one day of annual leave on July 1st. This strategic move turns your Matariki weekend into a fantastic four-day break, from June 28th to July 1st.
You see what we’re doing here? By aligning your annual leave with public holidays and cleverly using weekends, you can supercharge your time off. So, what are you waiting for? Embrace more time off to do the things you love in 2024 and make it your best year for holidays yet!
If you’ve made it to the end of this article, we definitely think you need a break! Find a park and get booking!
National public holidays in 2024
- New Year’s Day: Monday 1 January
- Day after New Year’s Day: Tuesday 2 January
- Waitangi Day: Tuesday 6 February
- Good Friday: Friday 29 March
- Easter Monday: Monday 1 April
- Anzac Day: Thursday 25 April
- King’s Birthday: Monday 3 June
- Matariki Day: Friday 28 June
- Labour Day: Monday 28 October
- Christmas Day: Wednesday 25 December
- Boxing Day: Thursday 26 December
