Hot Deals: Queenstown is great in summer too

$165 A NIGHT FOR TWO

Queenstown

Accommodation for a luxury weekend away in Queenstown will cost $165 a night for two people to share a deluxe studio at the Grand Mercure St Moritz.

Usually $269 a night, there is almost a 40 per cent discount on these rooms - and guests receive a $40 voucher to use in the hotel's restaurant and bar.

Contact: Wotif.com, freephone 0800 441 092 or book on-line (see link below).

UNDER $600

Europe

The most popular Eurail rail pass is priced from $570 for an adult to travel as far and wide as they please through Europe over seven days. A child's pass starts at $285, or a youth pass if you are under 26 years old from $426.

Another option is the Eurail France 'n' Italy pass which gives you four to 10 days unlimited travel which you can use any time within two months.

Travelling with a group of friends or family has its advantages, too.

If two to five passengers travel together at all times, a Saver Pass gives you a discount of around 12 per cent each.

Contact: (09) 377 5415 or your travel agent. 

UNDER $1000

Norfolk Island

Seven-night Norfolk Island packages including return airfares from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch, and return airport transfers on the island, and are priced from $909 a person, share twin. Airport taxes and surcharges of about $170 a person are not included. This package is available for purchases made and travel taken by March 31 next year, but there is a "block out" over the Christmas and New Year period.

Contact: Flight Centre, freephone 0800 747 474.

UNDER $1420

Hawaii

Four nights in Hawaii - with return airfares from Auckland aboard Air New Zealand - are priced at $1415 a person, twin share. Flying from Wellington or Christchurch, costs an extra $100. Add on taxes and surcharges of about $285 a person.

Flights depart three times a week.

This package is available until March 6 next year, and there is a choice of hotel accommodation and prices.

Contact: Itchyfeet Travel, (09) 353 2626 or www.itchyfeet.co.nz (link below).

UNDER $290

Sydney

Airline Lan Chile has the lowest airport taxes and surcharges for those travelling to Sydney from New Zealand - and the airline is offering return flights to Sydney between October 31 and December 6 this year at $289 return. The taxes are about another $170.

Departures are four times a week and early, at 5.45am.

There is a maximum stay condition of two months - or for an extra $60, you can stay away for up to a year.

Book and pay within seven days of making your reservation. Credit card payments are not accepted on this deal.

Contact: Itchyfeet Travel, (09) 353 2626, or email info@itchyfeet.co.nz