A summer holiday to suit every pocket

The temperature is rising, Christmas is approaching and pretty soon you're going to need to book your summer break.
The Bay of Plenty Times has looked at the affordable options for a family getaway and how to have a fabulous break - without completely breaking the bank.
And according to Shane Kennedy, owner of House of Travel, you can go overseas and do this.
Yesterday House of Travel was having a "hot day", offering five nights' accommodation in Samoa or the Cook Islands with flights and transfers for $599 during February and March.
If you want to stick within New Zealand, the travel company also offered land packages or "staycations".
Right now you could head to Masterton for Wings over Wairarapa on January 21-23 for $225, which includes tickets to the event and two nights' accommodation.
Or for a pre-Christmas getaway, there's the Waiheke Island Wine Break, for $375. This is valid up until December 18 and includes two nights' accommodation and your ferry ride.
Fancy heading down South?
The Marlborough Wine Festival on February 12 promises a fantastic time.
Held at Marlborough's oldest vineyard, Brancott Estate, the festival brings together more than 60 wineries and 30 food outlets matching top gourmet food with fine local wines. There will also be a Fashion in the Vines competition and live Kiwi bands.
If you can't afford to to leave the Bay, Tourism Bay of Plenty general manager Tim Burgess said this shouldn't break your heart. With the area being one of the top summer destinations in New Zealand, there was plenty of great things here at home to show off to your Christmas visitors.
His personal favourite was the Orakawa Bay walking track at Waihi Beach. At 45 minutes each way, the moderate walk took you along "one of the most stunning tracks" to a scallop shell-shaped bay and sand so perfect it "squeaks".
And if you don't want to leave Tauranga, there's the Tuahu Kauri Tree Walk at the end of Hot Springs Rd.
At 20 minutes each way, the moderate walk gives you an introduction into the Kaimai Forest Park.
"The reward is stunning," Mr Burgess said.
Mr Burgess also recommended heading to Te Puna Quarry Park - "a gem that continues to get better and better" - and a walk up the Papamoa Hills, which while steep, produced "sensational" views.
Marjorie Iliffe of Tauranga Budget Advice said day trips could also be an option.
"It doesn't have to be Auckland or Timaru, it could be Waihi or Matamata. It's not an arduous trip but a change of scene ... A change is as good as a rest."
If you want to go away overnight, Mrs Iliffe suggested looking at www.bookabach.co.nz
or stay at a backpackers, Department of Conservation campground or swap houses with friends out of town.
TIPS FOR A TOP HOLIDAY
Go against the grain

Follow the crowds to the beach this festive season and you will wait in the longest queues and pay top dollar for airfares and accommodation. Over the same period you can get a great rate on CBD hotels and take advantage of their swimming pools, gyms and spas. With the money you save you can snap up some bargains in the January sales.
Be your own travel agent

Get online and research. Everything that you need to make an informed decision can be found online. Wotif.com allows you to compare the different holiday deals for accommodation in one window, giving you the best tool to save the most money. Wotflight does the same thing for flight deals.
Be adventurous

If you are flexible on the destination, go where the deals take you, rather than only looking in the most popular beach spots.
Look for value added inclusions

Many hotels add inclusions to their holiday season deals. Items such as complimentary breakfasts and free parking can be worth their weight in gold.
How to get a better deal on an already great deal
Wotif.com has flaming deals that promise either a great discounted rate or added inclusions, or both.
Choose the best accommodation for your needs

Weigh up the benefits of serviced apartments compared to standard hotel rooms and choose what suits your needs better.
Look for facilities

Check out the complimentary facilities available at your chosen property.
Act quickly

If you see a bargain snap it up!
- Source: www.wotif.com