Hot Deals: Kids in cruise control

Under $100 (for two)

COROMANDEL
A couple can spend a night in the Anchor Lodge Resort in Coromandel for $99 and receive breakfast, a wine voucher to use in a local restaurant and use of the lodge's heated pool and spa. You will also get a room with its own kitchen and a private balcony.

The lodge is set in native bush overlooking the harbour, and the local galleries and restaurants are within easy walking distance.

Contact: Book through Wotif.com, freephone 0800 441 092 or online using the link below.


Under $110 (for two)

QUEENSTOWN
If you prefer the snow-capped views of Queenstown for a night or two, the Copthorne Lakefront Hotel has premier rooms for two at $105 a night (usually $236 a night), with free drinks on arrival, the daily newspaper, and free use of the in-house gymnasium.

The hotel is set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, and the rooms have their own spa and private balconies.

Contact: Wotif.com, freephone 0800 441 092 or book online using the link below.


Under $1100

ADELAIDE
Just over $1000 will cover your airfare, airport taxes and accommodation for three nights to catch the Annual Royal Adelaide Show, an event that attracts almost half the state's population every September.

Daredevil motorcycle stunts, gymnastics, champion livestock in a Grand Parade, fireworks and precision driving teams are some of the attractions of the show, held from September 2 to 10.

Return flights to Adelaide from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch and three nights' accommodation cost from $825 each, twin-share.

Add on taxes and surcharges of around $180 each.

This package is available for sales and travel made by November 30.

Contact: Flight Centre, freephone 0800 354 448

Under $2100

BUENOS AIRES
Four nights and five days in Buenos Aires ex-Auckland, with accommodation in a four-star hotel, are priced from $2080 each, twin-share.

Travel taxes on top are around $20 each. The package includes daily breakfasts, a half-day city tour, and an evening's tango show with dinner.

Contact: House of Travel, freephone 0800 838 747

Under $2200

NORFOLK ISLAND
You won't need to decorate a Christmas tree if you choose to spend Christmas Day on Norfolk Island, famous for its towering pines. Departing from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch, the fully escorted Christmas Tour leaves New Zealand on December 21. You will even be picked up from your home.

The tour, complete with dinners, shows, a glass-bottom boat cruise and tours of history and murder mysteries, is priced from $2135 each, twin-share. For those wanting a single room, the extra cost is $440.

If you prefer to be home for Christmas, consider the New Year's tour, departing from New Zealand on December 28.

Contact: Lion World United Travel, freephone 0800 277 477 or email barbara.murray@lionworld.co.nz

Under $2700

NEW YORK
A bite of the big apple will keep you busy for almost a week and cost you $2649 each, twin-share, for travel from Auckland. Departures from Wellington incur an extra $160 each, or from Christchurch, an extra $200.

Travel is with Air Tahiti Nui, and includes a stopover in both directions in Papeete. The package must be booked and your holiday taken by August 31. Add on travel taxes of $282 each.

Contact: Flight Centre, freephone 0800 354 448

Kids go free

CRUISES
P&O Cruises has a special kids sail free offer for families this summer on a selection of its family cruises aboard Pacific Sky.

The cruises include a 10-night Christmas cruise to Tonga and Fiji departing December 17 for a family of four - costing $5432; a 10-night cruise to Vanuatu, Loyalty Islands and New Caledonia in January, which will cost a family of four $5170; and a 10-night trip to Melbourne via Picton, Christchurch, Dunedin, Milford Sound and Tasmania, for $4754. This cruise departs on January 18.

All cruises depart from Auckland and must be booked by August 31.

Kids enjoy free food, entertainment and accommodation when travelling in the same cabin with two adults. The children must be under 13 years.

Contact: P&O Cruises, freephone 0800 951 200