Hot Deals: Summertime in Samoa

UNDER $1000

Samoa

Seven nights in Samoa are on the market from $945 a person, twin-share - and there are four flights out of Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch every week.

This deal is available from August 31 until March 7 next year, but early bookings will get the pickings of the cheapest fares for holiday periods and weekends. All taxes, apart from the departure taxes, are included.

Also, seven nights in Cairns and Port Douglas are on sale from $1029 a person, twin-share, with the same time period. However, the flight, with Pacific Blue, travels via Brisbane for a brief touch-down.

Contact: Itchyfeet Travel, (09) 353 2626.

UNDER $400

Gold Coast

Turtle Beach Resort on Australia's Gold Coast is ideal for family holidays this summer when a seven-night stay is priced from $399 a person, twin-share. The resort is set in extensive landscaped gardens with facilities ranging from a putting green and a 22-seat cinema to a playground, tennis courts and swimming pools.

The $399 deal is available for sales until October 31, and you must travel between November 1 and December 23. This deal can also be extended to 14 nights, and you'll pay for only 12 nights' accommodation.

Airfares can also be arranged.

Contact: House of Travel, freephone 0800 838 747.

UNDER $1400

Pacific cruising

New Zealanders can benefit from 30 per cent discounts on cruise fares to the South Pacific while they escape the chillier climes here in New Zealand next winter.

P&O Cruises' ship, Pacific Star will cruise to the islands from Auckland seven times next year as well as calling at her home port of Brisbane. The cruises will range from eight to 12 days and ports of call include Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Loyalty Islands.

Fares start at $1357 a person for an eight-night cruise and include on-board accommodation, main meals and entertainment.

Contact: P&O Cruises, freephone 0800 951 200.

UNDER $200 FOR TWO PEOPLE

Auckland

Thinking of heading to Auckland for the weekend or perhaps you have a busy social calendar and would rather relax in the city and not drive home to the suburbs?

Stay in style in the inner city, with a special accommodation deal for two at The Quadrant. For $99 a night (usually $315), two people can nestled down within metres of the fashion stores and restaurants of High St and the stately buildings of the Old Government House and the University of Auckland.

The Quadrant's rooms come with an hour's use of WI-FI internet access plus the morning newspaper. This deal is for a minimum two-night booking.

Contact: Wotif.com, freephone 0800 441 092 or book on-line (see link elow).

UNDER $1600

Asia

Asia is on sale when you book your holiday through tour company, China Travel in Auckland. Choose from Singapore, Hanoi in Vietnam, Phnom Penh in Cambodia or an 18-day escorted tour of China which departs on October 21.

Four nights in Singapore include flights with Singapore Airlines and are priced from $1385 a person, twin share. The Vietnam and Cambodia packages are priced from $1569 a person.

These deals are on sale until September 8, and you can travel between now and November 23.

Contact: China Travel Tours, (09) 309 6458 or email ctstours@chinatravel.co.nz.

UNDER $1700

Queensland

The Hayman is a five-star Queensland resort, off the Queensland coast in the Whitsundays. It has four-night packages from $1689 a person, twin-share. If you book four nights, you get a fifth night's accommodation free. This deal includes return luxury launch transfers from Hamilton Island or Shute Harbour on the mainland and breakfasts in the resort's restaurant. You can take this holiday from September 1 until December 23. It must be booked and paid for by December 18. Airfares from New Zealand can also be arranged.

Contact: House of Travel, freephone 0800 838 747.