Hot deals: Bright side of the moon

By HEATHER RAMSAY

Under $1260

Join around 10,000 people to celebrate the moon on the small Thai island of Koh Phangan, when the moon is at its largest in the Thai sky.

Four nights' accommodation and return airfares from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch are priced from $1259 a person, twin share - but you must book by the close of business next Monday.

Just a short boat ride from Koh Samui, the island of Koh Phangan hosts the "Full Moon Party", where everyone dances and mingles throughout the night. Airport taxes and insurances are not included.

Contact: Flight Centre and ask for the packages to Koh Samui via Singapore. Freephone 0800 354 448.

Under $1050

"Real Deals" to the Sunshine Coast from the internet travel site, Travel.co.nz, are fully-inclusive and promise "no hidden extras". The site's Sunshine Coast package starts at $1049 a person twin-share for seven nights in Caloundra.

All packages on the site include return airfares, accommodation, one's day admission to Australia Zoo and Underwater World, plus airport charges and other taxes and insurance levies. You must book by September 18.

Contact: Travel.co.nz, freephone 0800 468 332.

Under $700

Four nights in Vanuatu and your return airfares from Auckland will cost $699 if you book by September 24 and travel between October 11 and March 31 next year.

The four nights' twin-share accommodation is in a Studio Bungalow at the Tradewinds. Airport taxes and surcharges are not included.

Contact: Holiday Shoppe, freephone 0800 808 480.

Under $470

Get to the Gold Coast in time for the Indy 300 from October 21-24, stunt shows, V8 Super-cars, and an air show. Return flights and twin-share accommodation packages are priced from $469 if you leave from Christchurch, or $599 from Auckland or Wellington.

Bookings must be made by September 30. Airport taxes, insurances and other airport surcharges are not included.

Contact: Flight Centre, freephone 0800 354 448.

Under $420

Two people sharing a winter retreat will pay $419 a person for a two-night accommodation package in the Mediterranean-style hideaway of Kina Colada, about a 30-minute drive from Nelson.

The accommodation is in a studio room with breakfast served daily, a two-course dinner with a bottle of wine, and a half-hour massage. You will also get three days' use of a rental car.

This package is on sale until September 30. Airfares to Nelson are not included.

Contact: House of Travel, freephone 0800 838 747. Heather Ramsay