Hot deals: See a leopard up close

UNDER $1500

Singapore

Come face to face - in the depths of the night - with rhinos, hyenas and giraffes in Singapore. The exotic city has a special night safari zone where you can see more than 900 animals in eight special zones that simulate their natural habitats.

The safari has been voted Singapore's tourist attraction of the year six times. A four-night accommodation package - on sale until November 12 - includes return airfares from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch, costing $1499 each, twin-share, excluding airport taxes and surcharges of $187 each. Night safari tickets not included.

Contact: Flight Centre on 0800 354 448.

UNDER $210 FOR FOUR

Wellington

You may think $680 a night for a hotel room is a crazy price. That's the usual cost, but you can have a Terrace Heights Executive Apartment in Wellington for just $205. Now divide that by four, because that's the number it sleeps. These two-bedroom apartments in the heart of Wellington city have full kitchen facilities and you can use the gym, sauna and heated swimming pool.

Contact: ph 0800 441-092

UNDER $1420

Honolulu

Hundreds of enthusiasts will run around the island of Oahu in the 33rd annual Honolulu Marathon on December 11.

Take your running shoes or just go along to watch. A five-night accommodation and return airfare package costs $1415 each, twin-share from Auckland. Add $100 from Wellington or Christchurch.

This package is available for sales and travel made by December 21, and does not include airport taxes and surcharges of $245.

Contact: Flight Centre on 0800 354 448.

UNDER $575

Europe

A seven-day pass for unlimited train travel through Europe cost from $570 each. If you're with friends and family, a Saver Pass saves you 12 per cent each.

Train travel is one of the cheapest and flexible ways to get around Europe.

Contact: ph (09) 377 5415

UNDER $120 FOR TWO

Shanghai

More than 190,000 fans are expected at the Shanghai International Circuit to see the final race of the Formula One season on October 16.

A superior room for two in the Yuanlin Hotel in Shanghai, China, is $110.50 a night, twin-share, and rooms are available until October 31. This three-star hotel is next to Shanghai's botanic garden and 20 minutes from the city centre.

The accommodation is in 40 Canadian-style villas set in large gardens.

Contact: Octopus Travel, ph 0800 448 846