Kiwi kids are in the thick of school holidays before the final term for 2009, but it’s not too late for parents to plan a quick family holiday or weekend trip away before the kids go back to school.

Term Four will begin October 12 for primary, intermediate and secondary school students, so if you’re considering a spontaneous trip with the family, contact a local holiday planner to sort things out for you.

Whether you need the skinny on cheap flights and hotel deals or car rentals and travel deals, doing your own research and getting some industry expert advice is the quickest and easiest way to get your holiday started.

You may even be able to nab some last minute deals, so be in quick before school starts back.

Auckland bars and their counterparts around the country are pampering parents with indulgent evenings out and fine dining now that the kids have gone back to school.

Class is back in session, and parents around the country are breathing a collective sigh of relief after an action-packed break.

The last two weeks may have been all about keeping the kids entertained and out of trouble, but now that the holidays are over for another term, parents from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the south are taking some much needed time out themselves with some relaxation and fine dining.

If you need a night out with the grown-ups, book a babysitter for a couple of hours, set up the latest High School Musical DVD at home, get in your glad-rags, and venture out to indulge in some fine dining and adult conversation at one of the country’s finest ecotourism inspired hotspots.

There is an excellent selection of stylish Auckland restaurants to choose from for a quiet wine with friends, or a spot of fine dining near the waterfront.

And you can always pick up a drive-through treat for the kids on your way home.