Call of the Fijian reefs

A tropical reef, abundant in colourful marine life, and a four-night cruise among white-sand islands is a perfect panacea for winter blues.

For $NZ3495 you can take a 12-day escorted Fiji Reef Escape Tour, leaving Auckland on June 16. Guide Jenny Hough will lead the group on a four-night Yasawa Islands cruise from Nadi, with passengers staying in outside cabins aboard the Reef Escape. Other accommodation is in first-class hotels in Suva, Denarau and Nadi, and on Treasure Island, in twin bures with private facilities.

An alternative for those wanting to escape winter is a Barrier Reef Cruise from Cairns and Port Douglas on Australia's Gold Coast. This tour, guided by Margaret Liddell, leaves Auckland on July 18 and costs $NZ3685 for 10 days. It includes a four-day Great Barrier Reef cruise from Cairns, taking in Fitzroy Island, Hedley Reef and Dunk Island.

Contact: Andy Leighton's Travelwise Holidays, ph 0800 11 6060. Website: www.tamarillo.co.nz