Holidaying on a budget

By VICTORIA BARTLE


Under $530

Noumea "travel paks" are on sale from $529 a person for three nights' accommodation and return airfares, flying Aircalin. Travel must be commenced and completed by February 19 to May 30. Some "no travel" dates apply.

Contact: Itchyfeet Travel, (09) 353 2626.

Under $1200

Six nights in Bali, from $1199 a person twin share, with return airfares are on sale until January 30. Travel is with Garuda to Denpasar and from Auckland only, between January 11 and March 31 next year. Airline taxes and travel agency fees are additional.

Contact: Harvey World Travel, freephone 0800 427 839.

Under $1500

Catch the finals of the Australian Tennis Open with a deal that includes return airfares to Melbourne, three nights' accommodation and grandstand seating for two days of the big event - January 31 and February 1.

Starting at $1499 a person, twin share, the three-night package can be increased by another two nights for $599 a person. Airport taxes and insurances are not included. Available until December 31.

Contact: Flight Centre, freephone 0800 354 448.

Under $1550

Learn to dive off Fitzroy Island near Cairns with a nine-night dive, accommodation and airfare package of $1528 a person (twin-share accommodation), available by January 15, 2004.

The dive-package ($429 of the cost) includes return coach and high-speed catamaran transfers from Cairns, two nights' bunkhouse accommodation, PADI Open Water certification and all dive equipment required.

The airfares and seven-nights' accommodation in Cairns start at $1099 per person share twin, from Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington or Christchurch. Eight days' car hire and a full day reef tour are also included. Airport taxes not included.

Contact: Great Holiday Escape, freephone 0800 446 543.

Under $3300

Cruise Hawaii for seven nights from $3259 a person share twin. Price based on inside cabin including all main meals at selected restaurants, most onboard entertainment, port fees, taxes and gratuities.

Includes return economy class airfares on Qantas and seven nights on the Pride of America.

Valid for travel on set departures from September 19 to December 26 next year. Other cruises available.

Check out Travel or call 0800 468 332.