Hot deals: Breakaway to escape winter doldrums

Say goodbye to Luciano Pavarotti in Auckland. Picture / Reuters

Under $500

Fiji

Especially for travellers who live closer to Hamilton's airport than they do to Auckland International airport - a seven-night package to Fiji is priced from $499 each for return airfares with Freedom Air and accommodation, twin-share.

Airport transfers in Fiji are included and your accommodation is at the Beachside Resort.

If you prefer to go more upmarket, and instead pay $1075 each twin-share, you'll spend the seven nights at The Outrigger on the Lagoon.

Airport taxes and surcharges are not included, and cost $117 each.

Contact: House of Travel, freephone 0800 838 747.

Under $1130

Hong Kong

The best views in Hong Kong are said to be from the heights of Victoria Peak, 552m above sea level.

There's even a large shopping mall at these lofty heights with a viewing deck on top, perfect for some night-time city views.

A special package to Hong Kong includes return airfares with Cathay Pacific and four nights' accommodation, twin-share, priced from $1129 each.

You can travel from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch.

This must be booked by August 31 and travel taken between September 1 and 19 this year.

Add on taxes and surcharges of about $122 each and there may be extra departure taxes to pay.

Contact: Flight Centre, freephone 0800 354 448.

Under $165

Queenstown

Sounds like John Denver country, but it's Queenstown where the accommodation is The Aspen on Queenstown and the room rate for two is down from $247 a night to $160 a night.

The Aspen is offering its one-bedroom apartment-style rooms and a full cooked breakfast to its guests at this 35 per cent discount rate.

Contact: Book with Wotif.com, freephone 0800 441 092

Under $1900

Malaysia

Club Med's Cheratang Beach in Malaysia is a favourite with New Zealand holidaymakers, and is on offer for travel between October 9 and 31 at $1799 each. That price will give you return airfares from Auckland with Malaysian airlines and five nights' accommodation - or you can stay a sixth night for just one extra dollar.

A gourmet buffet allows guests three meals a day. Beer, wine and soft drinks are free with meals. Airline taxes and surcharges are not included.

Contact: Lion World United Travel, freephone 0800 277 477

Under $320

Auckland

Luciano Pavarotti fans will know New Zealand is on his itinerary for his final farewell tour - and concert ticket and accommodation packages for those coming to Auckland for the November 12 event are on sale from $319 each. This price will get you overnight hotel accommodation; return travel from your hotel to the concert venue (North Harbour Stadium) and reserved Bronze tickets that can be upgraded.

Contact: Keith Prowse Travel, freephone 0800 949 490.

Under $2770

Las Vegas

Five nights in Las Vegas and the return airfares from New Zealand are priced from $2769 each - and you'll also get a Las Vegas Grand Canyon West Rim tour. This price does not include airport taxes and surcharges of about $245 each.

Travel is available until Sept 8 with the exclusions of Aug 14-16; Aug 28-30; and Sept 4.

Contact: House of Travel, freephone 0800 838 747.