Hot deals: Russia, Australia, Ecuador, Japan

Russia

United Travel has a return airfare to Moscow flying Korean Air from Auckland, from $2279 a person. Travel is valid from January 16 to October 31, 2013. Conditions apply. Sales are valid until December 31, 2012 unless sold out prior. Contact United Travel on 0800 46 86 48 or visit www.unitedtravel.co.nz

Australia

Travel Associates has return airfares to Darwin and out of Adelaide and a two-night journey on The Ghan with gold-class service including dining, welcome kit, daily newsletters and tea and coffee available 24 hours a day. Also includes three nights' four-star stay in Darwin with breakfast daily, two nights' five-star stay in Adelaide with breakfast daily and transfers from Darwin train station to hotel from $4499 ex Auckland a person. Subject to availability. Sales until December 20, unless sold out. Travel on April 7, or alternative dates are available. Contact Vuksich & Greive Travel Associates on 0800 482 776 or visit www.travelassociates.co.nz

Ecuador

Student Flights has a 13-day tour of Ecuador taking in the Amazon Jungle, Banos, Alausi, Cuenca and Otavalo including three nights' home-stay, nine nights' hotel stay, three breakfasts, two lunches, three dinners, transport via bus and train and a tour leader from $1517 a person, twin share. Sales until December 31 or until sold out. Airfares are additional. Valid for travel on June 1 or 29, July 27 or August 24. Tour departs and ends in Quito, Ecuador. Contact Student Flights on 0800 36 44 48 or visit www.studentflights.co.nz

Japan

House of Travel has an 11-night, land-only Japan Cherry Blossom Tour from $5189 a person, share twin. Departs from Tokyo and includes 11 nights' accommodation, breakfast daily, airport assistance at Narita Airport, sightseeing tours, a cherry blossom dance show ticket in Kyoto and a 14-day rail pass. Valid for travel on March 25 and 27 and April 3, 8 and 10, for sales until February 8, or until sold out. Airfares are additional. Conditions apply. Phone 0800 838 747 or visit www.houseoftravel.co.nz