Make use of the long weekend with these 5 things to do, some of which will save you money!

Easter weekend and ANZAC Day are only days apart. Many Kiwis will have chosen to take those three work or school days off, giving them a 10 day break. The perfect amount of time to reset, recharge, and prepare yourself to tackle the rest of 2025. 

There are many ways you could spend that 10 day break. If you are feeling stuck, and looking to make the most of the long break with a mix of productive and restorative activities, we have put together 5 ideas. 

1. Compare Bills and Save Money

If you want to save money during these holidays, take just a few minutes to compare your household bills. Comparing and switching to a new provider or plan for your household bills is one of the best ways to save money. Making a fully informed choice empowers you to find a better deal, unlocking savings that make a true difference. 

Here at NZ Compare, we are on a mission to make it as easy as possible for Kiwis to make a fully informed choice and save money. Our user-friendly, free-to-use comparison platforms make it easy and convenient to compare your household bills in just a few minutes and switch to a better deal. Compare your broadband, power, mobile, and other finances including mortgages, personal loans, and insurances. 

Switching to a better deal and saving money is a great way to spend just a tiny portion of your long break, so you can kick back and enjoy it that little bit more.

2. Check Broadband Speed

Here in New Zealand, most Kiwis are connected to the fibre network. This network offers a range of different speeds, suitable to different households and internet needs. Take just a few minutes these holidays to calculate your broadband speed needs. We have a free broadband speed calculator you can use! It’s important to be on the right speed—you don’t want buffering or interruptions, nor do you want to pay for more than you need.

If your speed needs don’t quite match your broadband plan, be sure to jump on Broadband Compare to compare and switch to a better plan. It only takes a few minutes! Plus, if you’re already on fibre, it’s even easier to switch. No one needs to visit your property, the new connection all happens behind the scenes. Simply follow the steps below to secure a better deal: 

1. Jump on Broadband Compare.
2. Type in your address (so we can show you the plans available to your home).
3. Select any filters based on your preferences.
4. Compare the options available side-by-side. 
5. Find one you like and click SWITCH. 

Compare Broadband Plans

3. Prepare your Home for Winter

Winter is coming! It’s a time to batten down the hatches and get the home ready for the cold—and the increase in power consumption! There are a few things you can do to prepare your home for winter, to help conserve energy and heat, so you can combat rising winter bills, and save money. Here are some things you can do around the house:

1. Replace old appliances with modern energy efficient appliances (if you have the means). 
2. Check doors and windows seal properly. 
3. Swap traditional bulbs for LEDs. 
4. Clean heat pump filter. 
5. Declutter fridge and freezer. 
6. Invest in floor to ceiling curtains and draught blockers. 
7. Switch power provider to get a better deal for winter power needs (it only takes minutes to compare and switch!)

Switch Power

4. Mini Roadtrip

Okay, now for a more fun activity. Take advantage of the time off to explore our motu. Pack a picnic, and toss a hoodie and raincoat into the car (just in case!) and jump in. Explore somewhere new, or revisit an old favourite for a shake up in routine, and a chance to truly unplug from our normal work and school schedules. Did you know that you can compare your bills while out and about too? It’s super easy to do so from mobile! 

5. Movie Day

As the weather cools, and frost creeps in, it’s the perfect time to snuggle up for a movie day. Be sure to compare the prices of streaming services before you get started, to see if there are TV shows and movies you are interested in, for a better price. Remember, it’s a good idea to declutter your subscriptions, and cancel any that you don’t use. Your budget will thank you for it! Don’t forget to prepare the movie day snacks. Fire up the popcorn maker and pop the homemade sodas into the fridge. With several days ahead of us to relax, this movie day is definitely going to hit different.