Hot deals: Australia by plane or ship

By VICTORIA BARTLE

Under $280

Fly to Sydney or Brisbane with a return ticket from Auckland for $279 a person - but you must book by this Saturday. The flights are with Thai Airways and you can travel from now until December 15. There is no minimum stay, but the maximum stay is 30 days. Airport departure taxes and other surcharges are extra.

If you prefer a slower way, head for Princes Wharf and take a four-night night cruise on P&O Pacific Sky.

You can cruise over and fly back, or fly over and cruise home with a package that includes a night's accommodation in Brisbane, transfers to and from the ship, on-board meals and entertainment and the one-way airfare. Prices start at $940 a person, twin-share. If you quad-share the costs drops to $829 a person .

Departures are June 4 for the cruise from Brisbane to Auckland, and Pacific Sky sails out of Auckland, Brisbane-bound, on August 9. Airport taxes and surcharges are not included.

Contact: Destinations Unlimited, (09) 414 1680.

Under $800

Travel to Vanuatu before March 31 next year and grab a four-night accommodation and flight package from $799 a person, twin-share. The price includes airline fuel and insurance surcharges and taxes, plus airport transfers. Departures are from Auckland and leave on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. You must book and pay by the end of this month.

Contact: Itchyfeet Travel (09) 353 2626.

Under $1700

Get ready for a Halloween Street Party this Sunday - in West Hollywood. The West Hollywood Costume Carnival is America's largest Halloween street party. It starts at 6pm on Sunday on the Santa Monica Boulevard. Return flights and a five-night accommodation package start at $1669 a person, twin share. Accommodation is at the Holiday Inn, Hollywood. Airport taxes and other surcharges are not included.

Contact: House of Travel, freephone 0800 838 747.