Air New Zealand Holidays is winding back the clock with a range of great fly-drive and fly-drive-stay deals to Auckland and Wellington - and pricing equal to or better than some of the hottest specials offered five years ago.

The North Island packages from Melbourne and Sydney range from just $519 per person, twin share, for a three-day fly-drive deal to $895 for a five-day package including flights, accommodation, car rental and ski lift passes.

"The holiday market has not been this competitive for years," said Jason Williams, Marketing Manager for Air New Zealand Holidays. "There has never been a better time to take a break, and with the deals on offer in New Zealand now why wait any longer?

"Auckland is not only New Zealand's largest city, but a great base for wining, dining, touring and adventure activities, while the national and cultural capital Wellington is home to the acclaimed national museum Te Papa, fine dining, excellent shopping and gateway to the Martinborough and Marlborough Sounds wine and touring regions."

The bargain packages - for sale until 4 July - are available for travel from Sydney and Melbourne between 28 July and 26 September.

They include:

A three-day fly-drive package, featuring: * Return Pacific Class air fares with Air New Zealand, * Three day rental of a Britz economy car, * Unlimited kilometres and insurance and * Taxes when departing and re-entering Australia: * Priced from $519 per person twin share ex Melbourne and from $539 per person, twin share, ex Sydney.

A four-night fly-stay package, including * Return Pacific Class air fare with Air New Zealand, * Four nights accommodation at the Mercure Windsor in Auckland , with the fourth night free, and * Taxes when departing and re-entering Australia: * Priced from $659 per person, twin share, ex Melbourne and $679 ex Sydney.

A five-day fly - drive - stay - ski package at Mt Ruapehu south of Auckland, including * Return Pacific Class air fare with Air New Zealand, * Four nights accommodation, * A three-day ski lift pass for the price of two at Mt Ruapehu, * Five day rental of a Britz economy car, * Unlimited kilometres and insurance and * Taxes when departing and re-entering Australia: * Priced from $895 per person, twin share, ex Melbourne and $909 ex Sydney.

Other options include: * Five days car rental for the price of four with either Britz Car Rentals or Avis * Six days campervan rental for the price of five with Britz Motorhomes * Two - for - one sightseeing deals at attractions including Discover Auckland, Waitomo caves tour and America's Cup Sailing. * Accommodation passes from $42 per person, per night, twin share.

The accommodation and car rental options listed are at lead-in prices, and can be upgraded at additional cost.

For more information, visit our website www.nzhols.com.au. To book your bargain holiday to Auckland or Wellington , contact an AFTA or licensed travel agent, or call Air New Zealand Holidays on 1300 365 525.

Issued for Air New Zealand Holidays by: Tony Harrington, Asia Pacific Public Relations - Australia T 03 9505 9204 M 0404 882 742 E tony@asiapacpr.com.au