Last-minute Halloween getaways

Holidaymakers familiar with the Lord of the Rings film trilogy will know that New Zealand can be a creepy place, despite being better known for its rugged natural beauty, food and wines.

And for travellers desperate to sneak a holiday with a Halloween theme in before the month is out, there are late deals to New Zealand and Australia.

Tailor Made travel has a stay on New Zealand's South Island at the creepy but majestic Larnach Castle from £46 per person per night, based on two people sharing, with flights with Air New Zealand at £649.

Alternatively a stay in the North Island will give visitors a chance to see Spirits Bay - the point where spirits are said to make the jump from this world to the next.

A stay at the Cavalli Beach House in Whangaroa, on the North Island, starts from £135 per person per night including breakfast, based on two sharing.

Gruesome historical sites are never far away when visiting Australia and Tasmania's convict past.

A convict tour can be taken at Port Arthur in Tasmania, where holidaymakers can get a feel for the spirit of its former prisoners.

A stay at the Peppers Calstock Country Retreat nearby costs from £59 per person per night including breakfast, based on two sharing.

Holidaymakers heading for Melbourne can also have a brush with legendary Australian outlaw and folk hero Ned Kelly, by visiting Old Melbourne Gaol, where he was hanged.

A stay at Melbourne's The Windsor hotel costs from £73 per person based on two sharing a deluxe room.

Return flights to Australia with Qantas start from £579 per person.

For more information see www.tailor-made.co.uk