Hot deals: All in the very best taste

By VICTORIA BARTLE

Under $2000

The emphasis is on French and Melanesian cuisine when you spend four nights on a food-lover's guided tour of New Caledonia.

Escorted by Foodtown Magazine editor Jan Bilton, the tour gives you four nights in Noumea from $1999 a person (twin share). The return flights are with Air Calin from Auckland and transfers in Noumea are included, as are most meals and activities.

There is just one departure date, October 3 this year, and you must book and pay by August 16. Airport and departure taxes are not included.

Contact: House of Travel, freephone 0800 838 747.

Under $1050

Royal Brunei airlines has a "seat sale" until August 15 with prices ranging from $1045 in economy class to $2466 in business class, depending on your destination.

The destinations include Brunei, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Bangkok and Jakarta to Surabaya, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Singapore and Taipei. Accommodation is offered at some destinations.

You must begin travel between July 16 and November 30, unless you are going to Taipei, for which you must start between September 1 and November 30.

A special family package is also on offer, with half-price children's fares (2 to 17). Choose from Brunei, Kota Kinablau, Kuching, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Manila. This is available for the same purchase and travel dates as above.

Contact: travel agent.

Under $930

Catch the Bledisloe Cup in Sydney. To see the All Blacks meet the Wallabies at the Telstra Stadium, grab a last-minute deal of $925 a person, twin share, for two nights' accommodation from August 6 to 8, a silver seat match ticket and return airfares from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch.

Airport departure taxes and surcharges are not included.

Contact: Flight Centre, freephone 0800 354 448.

Under $900

Fly Polynesia Airlines to Samoa for a seven-night holiday and prices start at $899 a person, with departures from Auckland or Wellington.

This deal is valid through the September school holidays too, through to December 15. Airport transfers in Samoa are included, and there is a wide variety of accommodation packages to choose from.

You must pay by the end of this month.

Contact: Itchyfeet Travel (09) 353 2626.

Under $550

On sale until the end of this month, return airfares to Brisbane from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch, and three nights' accommodation are part of a $549 a person package (twin share).

Airport taxes and fuel surcharges are not included and you must book and pay by July 31.

Contact: Flight Centre, freephone 0800 354 448.