via kiwinz, Flickr

New Zealand has plenty going for itself as a tourist destination: it is known for its laid back culture, diverse and amazingly scenic landscapes, water sports, and numerous opportunities for outdoor adventure.

The problem is that its remote location, in the southern South Pacific, makes it difficult (and expensive) to reach, especially for travelers from North America and Europe.  National carrier Air New Zealand (usually referred with the acronym ANZ) is one of the better options when the time comes to start looking for flights from the US to the land of kiwis.  Temporarily lowered fares make right now the best time in years to plan your South Pacific getaway.

Book by February 1^st to lock in ANZ’s sub-$900 fares between San Francisco or Los Angeles and a number of  Kiwi cities including Auckland and Wellington.  The best of these deals: $798 for round trip service from SFO to Auckland.

The travel dates for the promotion are a little far removed from the purchase date.  The low rates are  only available for travel starting on August 6th.  Yes, that is more than six months from now, but August is arguably one of the better times of year to visit New Zealand.  The mild Southern Hemisphere winter comes to an end.  Temperatures are usually around 60 degrees Fahrenheit and there is plenty of sunshine in coastal areas.  It’s too cold to hit the beach, but perfect weather for many of the other outdoor activities that the country has to offer.  The promotion is also good for the first half of September, when temperatures rise slightly as Springtime sets in.

The Air New Zealand deal is not for spur of the moment travelers.  But if you’ve always wanted to head to New Zealand, this is one of the better opportunities to take the plunge and purchase your tickets.

If you aren’t already on twitter and you love to travel what are you waiting for? Not only is twitter a great way to find some of the best last minute travel deals, it’s also a great way to snag some free some stuff!

This week we saw some sweet tweets from travel providers who were offering great contests on twitter.  On Tuesday Orbitz  (@Orbitz) gave away 10 vouchers for round trip coach airline tickets for those who followed and retweeted Orbitz contest message that day. 

Today Continental (@continental) announced on twitter they will be giving away two round trip business first class tickets and one of two $1000 Continental Vacations Gift Cards.  To enter you need to follow continental on twitter between today and November 3rd and help them spread the word that they have joined the Star Alliance using the hashtag #StarAlliance.

Air New Zealand is getting in on the twitter contest action too.  Follow Air New Zealand (@kiweets) and tweet back the answer to their daily trivia contest for a chance to win a trip to New Zealand.  The contest runs through November 20th.

Good luck tweeting and don’t forget to follow @bestraveldeals to keep tabs on the latest twitter travel contests!

Spend Thanksgiving in a new and exciting way, Forever Houseboats is offering a deal on boat rentals of up to 40% off.

Save up to 30% off in almost 100 cities with Hotels.com’s Thanksgiving sale, treat yourself on a peaceful and luxurious holiday getaway.

If getting $20 off your room rate is a big saving then stay at the Inn at the Opera, your room will get “limited housekeeping” so for $20 discount, it’s your responsibility to pick up after yourself.

Do you want to unwind in the beautiful island of Maldives? Some hotels and resorts offers deals and discounts of up to 25% off.

More Fall and early Winter discounts from Mexico Hotels and resort from as low as $61 per person.

Celebrity Cruises is offering $200 onboard credit for any Alaskan Cruisetour reserved by Dec. 31

Fly from New York City to the island of St. Lucia from just $129 one way on JetBlue. book this limited offer by October 30 for travels from November 2 through February 8, 2010.

Air New Zealand is giving away 30 free flights in 30 days.

Bedand Breakfast.com’s fall sale ends Tuesday. Book by Novemeber 3rd to save up to $100 off fall lodging.

Tired of traveling alone?  If you don’t have a travel companion, Air New Zealand can help you find one.  They are offering a Matchmaking Flight Package  for $580- that’s $200 off- in conjuntion with the Great Matchmaking Ball in Auckland.   On October 19th you will join other flight passengers for a pre-departure party at LAX.  The flight promises to be “buzzing with like minded folk, along with fun and games and a mystery celebrity host”.   If you’re single and you’ve always wanted to visit New Zealand check out this deal!