Hot deals: Sir and madam, your carriage awaits

By VICTORIA BARTLE

Under $200

Two nights in Taupo at the Caboose Hotel in a first-class sleeper carriage is part of a $199-a-person package, twin-share, for those who feel like a spring break. You can also choose from a 90-minute cruise on Lake Taupo or a tour of the Wairakei Terraces. Breakfasts are included. Flights to Taupo not included.

Contact: House of Travel, freephone 0800 838 747.

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Under $1000

Australia will be the emotional last stop on Cher's farewell tour early next year. To get you to a concert (Melbourne, February 26, or Brisbane, March 12) there are packages starting at $999 a person, twin-share, for a reserved concert ticket, entry to a pre-concert cocktail party, two nights' accommodation in the five-star Stamford Plaza in Melbourne, and the return airfare from Auckland.

Contact: Keith Prowse, freephone 0800 94 94 90.

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Under $1680

From exotic jungles to sun-soaked beaches, Sabah in Borneo is from $1679 a person, twin-share (excluding tax) for seven nights. Return airfares on Malaysia Airlines, with Thursday departures from Auckland (plus $180 on other days). Seven nights at five-star Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort. Packages must be paid by November 13 and travel started by November 15.

Contact: House of Travel, freephone 0800 838 747.

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Under $2400

Flight and stopover accommodation packages to Amsterdam - from Auckland, Christchurch or Wellington - are priced from $2399 a person, twin-share, with a two-night stopover in Singapore. The package does not include accommodation in Amsterdam. It must be paid by October 31. Airport taxes and other surcharges not included.

Contact: Flight Centre, freephone 0800 354 448