Gold Coast deals

If you have reached that annual fed-up-with-the-cold-and-rain feeling, pack your bag for 12 days on Australia's Gold Coast and the balmy climes of Queensland. In just a couple of weeks, a fully escorted tour leaves from Auckland - the kind which arranges everything, leaving you to relax.

Return airfares to Brisbane and first-class accommodation plus all breakfasts and some dinners are part of the package. The tour is escorted by Jenny Hough, and includes sightseeing trips to wildlife and theme parks, a river cruise, city and rural tours.

The tour departs on September 7 and costs $2459 a person, twin share, and an extra $670 for a single supplement.

Contact: Andy Leighton's Travelwise Holidays on freephone 0800 11 6060.