New Zealand

Singer Glen Campbell has called off August performances he was scheduled to play in Australia and New Zealand on what's being billed as his Goodbye Tour because of health issues, a spokesman for the musician said Wednesday. Campbell, who is 76 and has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, said the long flight to that part of the world would be more than he could handle. A source close to Campbell told The Times last year that the Goodbye Tour would go on only as long as Campbell felt able to continue performing.

"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" had its long-expected party in Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, on Wednesday. Thousands of fans lined the blocks-long red carpet to greet director Peter Jackson and his cast of dwarfs, hobbits and wizards. Wellington's Embassy Theater was decorated to look like a hobbit house as cast members Martin Freeman, Cate Blanchett, Andy Serkis and Hugo Weaving in addition to Gandalf's band of dwarfs soaked in the fan adoration. Director James Cameron and his wife, Suzy Amis, also attended the event.

Auckland, New Zealand, anyone? You can fly round trip on Hawaiian Airlines from LAX for $949, including all taxes and fees. The fares are subject to availability for departures Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through Aug. 30 (July departures are scarce) and returns Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays through Sept. 17. Info: Hawaiian Airlines , (800) 367-5320 Source : Airfarewatchdog Follow us on Twitter @latimestravel , like us on Facebook @Los Angeles Times Travel.