New Zealand on $10 a night sounds...

New Zealand on $10 a night sounds like an old Arthur Frommer rerun. Only it’s a deal that’s offered to passengers of Air New Zealand. Hotels throughout New Zealand are cooperating in a special promotion that figures out to $10 per day per person, based on double occupancy. The offer is good through Sept. 30 for up to 10 nights. Reservations must be booked before leaving the United States. See your travel agent or call Air New Zealand toll-free at (800) 262-1234. In Los Angeles the number is (213) 642-0196.

Arizona

Motorists are offered a free booklet outlining 16 automobile trips by the Arizona Office of Tourism. Everything from a spin to Lake Powell and the Grand Canyon to a tour of Navajo/Hopi country. Some excellent maps. Background on dozens of destinations. Tells what highways to take, road conditions, mileage. Several circle tours are outlined allowing the motorist to return to the same hotel/motel/camping spot in the evening. One of these trips (Tucson West) takes in San Xavier del Bac, Old Tucson, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Another features Kitt Peak, Papago Reservation, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. For your free copy, write to the Arizona Office of Tourism, 1480 E. Bethany Home Road, Suite 180, Phoenix, Ariz. 85014.

Mexico City

A new toll-free number for 560 hotels/motels in Mexico City is operated by the Mexican Assn. of Hotels and Motels. Ring up (800) HOTLMEX for reservations, information. Besides the city’s major hotels, you can book little-known hotels that offer surprising bargains. When you call, ask for a brochure that lists all 560 properties. Provides prices, star ratings. The brochure is also available by writing to the Mexican Assn. of Hotels and Motels, 342 Pelham Road, New Rochelle, N.Y. 10805.

Hostels

Thirty-six inexpensive California hostels (San Diego to the Mexican border) are named in a new publication by American Youth Hostels. If you’re traveling on a budget, this is a great guide. Tells about hostels near the redwoods, Yosemite National Park, coastal communities. Several unusual properties are listed. The Pigeon Point Lighthouse at Pescadero for one. Rates from $5 to $10 per night per person. For a free copy of “Inexpensive California Hostels,” send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Los Angeles Council, American Youth Hostels, 1502 Palos Verdes Drive N., Harbor City, Calif. 90710. This same source will mail you information on hosteling in other areas of the United States as well as foreign countries.

Yachts/Islands

Rainbow Adventure Holidays of Woodland Hills will put you aboard a yacht in the Bay of Islands in New Zealand or the Whitsunday Group along the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Or if you prefer, Rainbow will set you up on Australia’s Dunk Island, Great Keppel Island, Bedarra Island, Brampton Island, Lizard Island, Heron Island. I spent a couple of memorable nights on Heron Island several years ago. Flew in by helicopter. Explored the lagoon, observed great ocean turtles crawling ashore to lay their eggs. Recommend it for free spirits seeking to cut the ties with crowds. Contact Rainbow Adventures, 23241 Ventura Blvd., Suite 216, Woodland Hills, Calif. 91364. Telephone (818) 702-0111, (714) 966-0256 or call toll-free (800) 227-5317. Rainbow employs New Zealanders and Aussies to help you map your travel plans Down Under.

New Museum

A note from Maxine Kates who operates Nutmeg Bed & Breakfast in Hartford, Conn. “In New England we have several reservation services. We check each home for cleanliness and hospitality, set prices. Each host is screened. Our network of B&Bs; offers charming, hospitable, reasonable properties.” Contact Kates c/o Nutmeg Bed & Breakfast, 222 Girard Ave., Hartford, Conn. 06105 or telephone (203) 236-6698.

Maui

You can fly round-trip to Maui, live the good life in a condominium and have a rented car for as little as $575 a week. That’s the rate per person (double occupancy) being offered by The Maui Connection and Hawaiian Airlines. Accommodations range from fully-equipped studios to three-bedroom, two-bath units. The air/condo/car package includes free airport pickup and return and signing privileges at selected restaurants. The Maui Connection represents more than 500 units on the island. See your travel agent or write to The Maui Connection, Reservation Desk, P.O. Box 1746, Kihei, Maui, Hawaii 96753. Telephone toll-free, (800) 628-4776.

Scuba Dives

A series of vacation packages for scuba divers is being booked by Aqua Adventures, a sports tour operator in New York. A total of 62 choices in the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Prices start at $164 for four days, three nights. Packages include accommodations, dives. Some destinations provide meals. There’s an eight-day plan on the island of Bonaire that goes for $642 for hotel, breakfast, dinner, airport transfers and unlimited day/night dives. For details contact your travel agent or Aqua Adventures, 318 Lexington Ave., New York 10016.

Reader Recommendations

Hong Kong--Keith Fancher, Long Beach: “On the Kowloon side of Hong Kong discovered a colorful restaurant (The Can Do, 37 G/F Cameron Road) that specializes in Cantonese cuisine. Bohemian atmosphere. A full-course dinner costs between $5 and $7.”

Spain--Sam D’Angelo, Burbank: Gives high marks to Hotel Arosa, Salud 21, Madrid (about $60 per night). Also in Madrid, La Fonda restaurant, La Gasca 11. (“Food and wine for two, about $45.”)

Mexico--Don and Donna Konopka, Arcadia: “In San Miguel de Allende, enjoyed La Mansion Del Bosque, three blocks from the main square. Rates vary from about $17 to $50. A hearty American breakfast is included. Address: Aldama 65, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico.”

Seattle, Wash.--Jules D. Barnett, Torrance: Genie Nault’s Bed & Breakfast, 3498 W. Blaine St., Seattle, Wash. 98199. “Our home away from home. Rate, $42.”

Coupeville, Wash.--Allan Gartenberg, Culver City: “One hour north of Seattle on Whidbey Island I stayed in a beautiful 1855 Victorian farmhouse, The Colonel Crockett Farm, 1012 S. Fort Casey Road, Coupeville, Wash. 98239. Rooms with bath, $55/$70 with a hearty breakfast. A prize not to be missed.”

French Polynesia--Kathleen Hanawalt, Alta Loma: “On the island of Bora Bora, the best hotel for the money (approximately $55 single, $70 double) is the Oa Oa. Thatch bungalows on the water. Newly refurbished. Excellent service. Hotel Oa Oa, B.P. 10, Bora Bora, French Polynesia.”

Eureka, Calif.--George Giambastiani, Los Angeles: Enjoyed the Iris Inn Bed & Breakfast, 1134 H St., Eureka, Calif. 95501. Restored Queen Victorian, built in 1900. Rates, $45/$55. Each room individually decorated.

Bass Lake, Calif.--Mrs. Anthony Hebner, Visalia: Enjoyed The Pines Chalet, P.O. Box X, Bass Lake, Calif. 93604. “Stayed in a condo overlooking the lake. Two days of peace and quiet. Our unit was spotless, with a fireplace and cable TV. Rates: $78/$108 through Sept. 30.”

Laguna Beach--Carol Smith, Los Angeles: Recommends Hotel California, 1316 S. Coast Highway. Rate was $90 a night.

England--Mrs. Liz Anne Rademacher, Los Angeles: “Wanted to see some of the English countryside so spent two days at Grangewood House, Fairlight, Sussex. This is a spacious old English manor (with bathrooms) surrounded by meadows of wild bluebells, lilies of the valley, lilacs, etc. It was like being in another world. Excellent breakfasts included at a cost of less than $15 per night per person. Can’t wait to go back.”

England--Mr. and Mrs. F. S. Hathaway, Palos Verdes Estates: “Enjoyed three days and nights at Trelaske Country Inn, Polperro Road, Looe PL13 2JS, England. Excellent home-cooked food. Cost, 32 a night includes full English breakfast and dinner.”

Arizona--Mrs. James D. Akins, Flintridge: Praise for Sky Ranch Lodge, P.O. Box 2579, Airport Road, Sedona, Ariz. 86336. “They don’t advertise this jewel. Located 500 feet above the city of Sedona. Had a fully-equipped kitchen. Cost $55 a night. Other rooms without kitchen and view, $35 a night.”

New York--Chris and Ginger Heaton, Hacienda Heights: “Discovered a charming Victorian B&B;, the J. T. Sill House, 63 Chestnut St., Cooperstown, N.Y. 13326. Built in 1864. Rooms are spacious and spotless. Original antiques. Paid $50 per night for both of us.”

Virginia--B. Edwards, Milford, Ohio: Enjoyed Frederick House, P.O. Box 1387, Staunton, Va. 24401. Rates: $30/$45.

Maine--J. P. Furfuro, Carlsbad: “Readers traveling to Maine or Eastern Canada should try B&B; Weston House, 26 Boynton St., Eastport, Me. 04631. Rates: $35/$45. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places. Breakfasts are a gastronomic delight. We can’t wait to return!”

Maine--Kelly Williams, Cambria: “Outstanding Federal Period B&B;, Folkston, P.O. Box 931, Boylston, Me. 01505. Under one hour to Boston, Lexington/Concord, Old Sturbridge. Rate, $35 single, $50 double.”

Alaska--Anne Berkovitz, Los Angeles: “In Juneau enjoyed the Summit restaurant, 455 S. Franklin St. Also, in Vancouver recommend Le Menu, 1710 Davie St. This is a charming, French country-style restaurant. Owner/chef Sam Tanaka studied in Paris, offers some of the Northwest’s finest seafood.”

Oregon--Mrs. Shirley Green, Huntington Beach: Praise for La Serre restaurant, 2nd and Beach Street, Yachats, Ore.

Oregon--Sharon Ferges, Whittier: Enjoyed a Victorian B&B;, the Mattey House, 10221 N.E. Mattey Lane, McMinneville, Ore. 97128. Price, $50 per person per room includes breakfast.

New Orleans--Bob Padgett, Manhattan Beach: “A lovely guest house in New Orleans called The Josephine, 1450 Josephine St., New Orleans, La. 70130. “In the garden district. Rates, $50 to $125 for a lavish suite with creole breakfasts.”

Germany--Jean Skinner, Westminster: “A beautiful spot in the Black Forest, Hotel Alemannenhoff, Seestrasse 37, 7820 Titisee-Neustadt, West Germany. About $70 a night, including an excellent breakfast buffet. Also recommend Schloss Hirschorn, Schloss Hotel Egg, B-8351 Schloss Egg/Bayerwald, West Germany. Paid 135 deutsch marks per night.”

Greece--Mr. and Mrs. Irving B. Jones, Victorville: “A moderately priced hotel for the budget-minded, Hotel Erechthion on the corner of Agias Marinas and Flamarion Sts., Athens. Price, approximately $18 per night double. Manager and his staff speak English and are most helpful. Ask for a room on the Acropolis side. Telephone for reservations, 345-9606.”

Sweden--Ruth and Jack Shapiro, Encino: Enjoyed Hotel Ritz Royal, Drottinggatan 22-24, Arrebro, Sweden. “Fresh flowers, crisp linens, gracious attention. Singles from $23/$28, doubles $37/$46.50.”

Denmark--Jim Ottosen, Palm Desert: Enjoyed Hotel Neptun, Skt. Annae Plads Dk 1250, Kobenhavn K-Copenhagen, Denmark. Price, 800 kroner per day.

France--Mrs. Lynette Cahill-Black, Santa Monica: Hotel La Vicomte, 18 Rue Camille-Saint-Saens, Carcassonne, France. “Within sight of the beautiful medieval citadel of Carcassonne. Rooms start at $40 per night.”

China--Evelyn Klene, Santa Monica: High praise for Chaner Tours, 303 E. Schrode St., Monrovia, Calif. 91016. “This is a relatively new company specializing in tours to China and the Orient. I have been on several tours in the past but this company exceeded my expectations with their knowledge and efficiency.”

Nepal--Tanya Atwater, Santa Barbara: “Enjoyed a trek in Nepal with Arlene Blum’s Great Himalayan Treks, c/o Inner Asia, 2627 Lombard St., San Francisco 94123. Costs: $2,090 for 33 days and $1,790 for a shorter trip emphasizing art and religion.”

Thailand--Thomas M. Campbell, Los Angeles: An inexpensive resort, Hotel Patong Beach, Phuket, Thailand. Rates, $10.85 and up per night. Very well managed. “Hard to beat this bargain!”

New Zealand--Sara G. Stepanian, Los Angeles: “Two years in a row we stayed at a sheep station located one hour from Christchurch. Overlooks breathtaking Akaroa Harbor. Tennis, riding, boating, fishing. Pleasant accommodations and farm cooking. About $50. Write to Garry and Rana Simes, Mt. Bossu, Wainui, Banks Peninsula, New Zealand.”

New Zealand--Lee Tyler Bradford, Burlingame: “A delightful new farm stay program operating on the South Island of New Zealand. Sisters Joyce and Carol Wood and Sally Middleton run Middlewood Farm Tours using a network of farm friends all over the island. Guests participate in shearing, harvesting, collecting honey from hives. Picnics, golf, skiing, shopping. The Woods and Middleton meet and greet all their guests and take them on to the next destination whether it be another farm, airport or bus terminal. Cost through December is $75, about $44 (U.S.) per day per person, which includes private room and bath, all meals, afternoon tea, even drinks before dinner. Renters of motor homes get an even better rate--$60 ($35 U.S.) to park in the yard, yet enjoy the hospitality of their country hosts. Write to P.O. Box 28101, Christchurch, New Zealand.”

Britain--Lincoln Grindle, Fallbrook: “In Wales an authentically restored 600-year-old farmhouse operated by Rita and Martin Maynard, Llwynau Farm, Lliantrisant, Wales CF7 HLP, U.K.; 10 per person. Also a very unusual B&B; operated by Mrs. Jacqueline Chugg, Hanbury Doitwich, Worcestershire, England. Paid 10 per person including large country breakfast.”

Ireland--Roy Shirey, Cambria: Enjoyed Helen’s Country Home, Rivermount, Clarina County, Limerick, Ireland. “Paid 16 (Ireland) per night per couple. Also, in England the Rock House Hotel, 102 Tonbridge Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 8SL. Near Canterbury. Cost 22 per night per couple. Another: Copthorne Village, 22 Roffey’s Close, Copthorne, Sussex RH10 3QY. Near Gatwick Airport. Paid 22 per night per couple.”

Ireland--Allen Davis, Santa Monica: “Delighted with restaurant Monkstown Golf Club, six miles outside Cork in a lush green setting. Five of us had cocktails, a four-course meal, wine and an after-dinner drink for less than $20 per person.”

Ireland--Mr. and Mrs. H. Tommy Hart, Cambria: “Enjoyed a seven-day barge trip down the Shannon River on the 65-foot Palo Alto. Price per passenger for seven nights, all meals and transfer from Dublin is $460 double occupancy or $570 single occupancy. For information write to Donnaca Kennedy, Weaver Boats Ltd., Carrick-on-Shannon, County Letrim, Ireland.”

Scotland--Robert P. Dunn, Riverside: Enjoyed Glen Feshie Hostel, Balachroick House, Glen Feshie, Kinkraig, Invernessshire, Scotland. Room was 3.50, supper was 1.”

Canada--Betsy and Paul Livadary, Pasadena: Enjoyed the Beaconsfield Inn, 998 Humboldt St., Victoria, B.C. V8V 278, Canada (rates about U.S.$48/$108 for a double with full breakfast) and the Saratoga Inn, 4850 S. Coles, Langley, Whidbey Island, Wash. 98260 ($60/$70 double with breakfast). “Both of these inns we discovered in a wonderful book about inns in the Northwest called ‘Special Places.’ Books can be obtained by writing to Special Places, 391 S.E. Sycamore Creek Lane, Issaquah, Wash. 98027.”

Canada--Mr. and Mrs. Kirt Key, Long Beach: “My husband and I recently stayed in an elegant B&B;, 3689 Cedar Crescent, Vancouver, B.C. V6J 2R7. Cost was $120 a night.”

Canada--Mr. and Mrs. A. Coffman, Rolling Hills Estates: “An outstanding B&B;, 4255 E. Georgia St., Burnaby, B.C. V5C 2T6. Paid $50.”

Canada--Mrs. Violet Barndt, Downey: “Had a private room with luxury bath, fireplace and ocean view in a home at 1975 Sasamat St., Vancouver, B.C. V6R 4A4. Price was $75 per night.”

Canada--Joe and Norma Proctor, Canoga park: “Lovely accommodations in a beautiful private home. Two double rooms, private baths, deck and spa. Cost is $30 first person, $10 each additional. Write to 6437 Nelson Ave., West Vancouver, B.C.”

Canada--Frederick A. Schreiber, Beverly Hills: Recommends the Rossmount Inn, RR 2, St. Andrews by the Sea, New Brunswick, Canada EOG 2XO. Prices: $60/$65 (Canadian) single, $65/$70 double.”

Canada--T. Hunt, Monterey Park: “Enjoyed a B&B; operated by Lydia Travers, 2215 West 13th Ave., Vancouver, B.C. V6K 2S4, Canada. Prices: $45 per person and $12 for each extra person (U.S.).”