Hot deals: Laze in the Australian sun

UNDER $660

Australia

Head to Australia's Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast with the choice of two deals for seven-night stays, travelling from Auckland.

The special Gold Coast deal is priced from $569 a person, twin-share. It includes those sometimes overlooked extra costs of insurance and airline surcharges, but airport and departure taxes of about $83 each are not included. Accommodation is at the Broadwater Keys Motel.

This package must be booked by January 25 and applies to travel taken between February 1 and April 13, or between April 18 and 30 if seats are available.

If you prefer to go further along the water's edge to the Sunshine Coast, a special package for travel between January 23 and April 13, or April 18 to June 30, costs from $659 each, twin-share. Travel is from Auckland and accommodation is at the Rydges Oasis Resort. Airline surcharges are included, but not departure tax. You must book by January 25.

Contact: Holiday Shoppe, freephone 0800 808 480.


UNDER $170

Cruising

If you book by February 28 to cruise the South Pacific this winter you could save up to 30 per cent off the maiden P&O Cruises' New Zealand season of the Pacific Star, its latest Australasian ship.

As little as $168 a night for an eight-day cruise includes entertainment. Extra savings are available for group bookings.

Contact: A travel agent and ask for the new flyer, or P&O Cruises, freephone 0800 951 200.


UNDER $1800

United States

Four nights in California - close to Disneyland at the Comfort Inn Maingate in Anaheim - is priced at $1799 a person, twin-share. This includes return airfares from Auckland to Los Angeles on Qantas. Departure tax of $89 each is not included.

Travel can be taken from January 23 to March 31 this year. This deal must be booked by January 25.

Contact: Holiday Shoppe, freephone 0800 808 480.


UNDER $120 FOR TWO

Hong Kong

The Rugby Sevens tournament takes over Hong Kong from March 31 to April 2, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the sport in Hong Kong.

Special accommodation deals for those travelling from New Zealand are available at $119 a night, twin-share, for a room at the Mayfair Garden in Hong Kong. This accommodation deal is valid until April 9, so you can stay on for sightseeing.

Contact: Octopus Travel, freephone 0800 448 846.