Hot deals: Explore the Gold Coast

UNDER $250 FOR TWO

Melbourne

The five-star Melbourne Marriott Hotel has more than halved the nightly cost of its Premier Rooms to $214 a night for two people.

For that price you also get use of the central-city hotel's indoor heated pool, sauna, spa and gymnasium.

A buffet breakfast costs $20 and the price also includes a parking space for the rental vehicle.

Contact: Wotif.com, freephone 441-092 or book on-line at www.wotif.com/Hotel.jsp?hotel=3567

UNDER $650

Gold Coast

Return airfares and seven

nights' accommodation on the Gold Coast costs just $639 a person - less than $100 a day - although departure taxes and surcharges are not included.

The package is based on two adults travelling together with Air New Zealand to the Gold Coast before the end of this year.

For an extra $64 a person, coach transfers from Brisbane to the Gold Coast are provided, or, for $117, you will also get a five-day pass that includes transfers, unlimited return journeys to theme parks (excluding entrance fees) and unlimited use of the Surfside Bus Network. No credit card payments are allowed.

Contact: Itchyfeet Travel, (09) 353 2626.

UNDER $1100

Thailand

Holiday in Thailand's second-largest city Chiang Mai and pay $1099 a person for five nights' accommodation plus return airfares from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch - but this deal is on sale only for another week.

Chiang Mai, with its mountain backdrop and more than 300 temples, is a gateway to the country's mountainous north.

This package gives you four nights in Chiang Mai and a night in Bangkok en route and is available until July 20, with travel to be taken between July 16 and October 31.

It does not include taxes and surcharges of about $100 a person.

Contact: Flight Centre, freephone 0800 354 448.

UNDER $2100

Argentina

Aerolineas Argentinas can take you to Buenos Aires for three nights, from $2099 a person (twin-share), from Auckland.

Accommodation is at the three-star De Las Americas Hotel and the package includes a city tour and return airport transfers.

The price does not include taxes and surcharges. Tickets must be issued by July 30.

Contact: House of Travel, phone 0800 838 747.

UNDER $2250

Hawaii

Fly with Air New Zealand to Honolulu from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch and cruise Hawaiian waters for seven days aboard Pride of Aloha. The ship's itinerary includes Oahu, Maui, Kauai and big Island.

Accommodation is a twin-share, inside stateroom, and your fare covers meals and entertainment, plus pre-paid tips on board. This deal also includes return airfares to Honolulu.

If you need accommodation before or after the cruise, Honolulu hotel packages at $47-a-night a person are available, twin-share.

Ten-night cruises are also on offer for an extra $100 a person, sailing aboard Norwegian Wind.

Contact: Lion World United Travel, freephone 0800 277 477 or email Alicia Styles (link below).