Fly Stay Cruise - 16 Day Trans-Tasman Cruise & Tour of New Zealand's North and South Islands

Today your journey begins as you make your way to Sydney, the gateway for your Trans-Tasman cruise to New Zealand. Upon arrival in Sydney, transfer to your pre-cruise hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax after your journey or begin exploring Sydney at your own pace, perhaps with a stroll around Circular Quay, the Royal Botanic Garden or the historic Rocks district. Special Information Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Hotel check-in time is at 3pm. If arriving prior to this, you will be able to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel's discretion. Outbound flights to Sydney are an optional purchase-path add-on for customers based outside Sydney.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and make your way to the Sydney cruise terminal to embark Royal Princess. Once onboard, settle into your stateroom and take time to explore the ship's facilities including a variety of dining venues, lounges, entertainment spaces and open decks. Royal Princess departs Sydney later in the day, beginning your Trans-Tasman crossing toward New Zealand. Inspiring Highlights Sydney - Embarkation aboard Royal Princess Sydney Harbour - Sail away from Australia's iconic harbour Special InformationSelf-arrange transfer between your pre-cruise hotel and the Sydney cruise terminal.

Enjoy your first full day at sea aboard Royal Princess as you sail toward New Zealand. Take advantage of the many amenities onboard. Relax by the pool, take in the entertainment, savour the dining options or simply unwind while admiring sweeping ocean views from the deck.

Another relaxing day onboard Royal Princess as the Tasman Sea stretches in every direction. Discover new dining venues, attend an onboard show or join one of the activities scheduled for guests. With plenty of space across the ship, the day can be as restful or as active as you choose.

Today is your final full day at sea before reaching New Zealand. Enjoy the relaxed pace onboard Royal Princess, take in some final entertainment, indulge in a leisurely meal or simply enjoy the sea air from the open decks as you approach the Bay of Plenty coastline.

Royal Princess arrives this morning in Tauranga, located in the sunny Bay of Plenty. This coastal city is the gateway to the geothermal landscapes and Maori cultural attractions of Rotorua. You may choose to explore the harbourfront, relax on the golden sands of Mount Maunganui Beach or join an optional shore excursion to discover more of the region. Royal Princess departs Tauranga later this evening, sailing overnight toward Auckland. Inspiring Highlights Tauranga - Bay of Plenty harbourside town Tauranga - Gateway to Rotorua and Mount Maunganui Special InformationOptional shore excursions are available to pre-purchase through Princess Cruises directly.

This morning, Royal Princess arrives into Auckland, New Zealand's vibrant harbour city. After breakfast onboard, disembark the cruise and make your own way to your tour starting hotel, where the New Zealand portion of your journey begins. After settling in, the rest of the afternoon is at leisure, perhaps to explore Auckland's waterfront precinct or rest before this evening's welcome dinner. Tonight, meet your Tour Leader and fellow travel companions for a welcome dinner, marking the start of your fully escorted journey through New Zealand's North and South Islands. You may receive a welcome letter when checking in to your hotel that will include details about this evening's welcome dinner and tour briefing. If you do not receive this, please speak to hotel staff or feel free to reach out to us directly. Inspiring Highlights Auckland - Sail into the 'City of Sails' aboard Royal Princess Special InformationSelf-arrange transfer between Auckland cruise terminal and your tour starting hotel. Taxis and ride-share services are readily available at the cruise terminal.

This morning after breakfast, meet your tour group and your Tour Leader for an introduction to one of New Zealand's most beloved national passions with a visit to the All Blacks Experience. This interactive attraction explores the cultural significance of rugby in Aotearoa. Continue with a city sightseeing tour taking in views of Mission Bay, with stops at Bastion Point and the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial. Admire the landscaped gardens and sweeping views over Waitemata Harbour and the North Shore. The afternoon is at leisure to relax. You may wish to visit the Auckland Art Gallery, wander through the Wynyard Quarter dining precinct, take the ferry across to Devonport for harbour views back across the city, or simply enjoy a peaceful walk along the waterfront. Tonight is at your leisure to enjoy dinner at one of Auckland's many waterfront restaurants. Inspiring Highlights Auckland - All Blacks Experience Auckland - Mission Bay and harbour sightseeing tour Auckland - Bastion Point and Michael Joseph Savage Memorial

After breakfast, depart Auckland and travel south to one of New Zealand's most popular attractions, the Hobbiton Movie Set. On arrival, set off on a guided walking tour through the 12-acre set, with plenty of time for photos at the iconic hobbit holes and the Mill. Stop for lunch at own expense before continuing on to Rotorua. This evening, delve into Maori culture with an evening cultural experience at Te Puia. The evening begins with a cultural performance in a beautifully carved meeting house, followed by views of the Pohutu Geyser, one of the geothermal wonders of New Zealand. Enjoy a buffet dinner of hāngī-inspired cuisine to round out the evening. Inspiring Highlights Hobbiton - Movie Set guided walking tour Rotorua - Evening cultural experience at Te Puia Rotorua - Pohutu Geyser viewing Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.Lunch today is at your own expense and is not included in the package.

This morning after breakfast, your visit to the National Kiwi Hatchery is led by passionate conservationists who will share fascinating insights into New Zealand's national bird on this rewarding conservation experience. Afterwards, transfer to Auckland and board your included domestic flight south to Queenstown. Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the dramatic Remarkables mountain range, Queenstown is the self-proclaimed adventure capital of New Zealand and home to a celebrated dining scene. Settle into your hotel for a three-night stay and enjoy the evening at leisure, perhaps with dinner at one of the town's lakeside eateries. Inspiring Highlights Rotorua - National Kiwi Hatchery conservation visit Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 6 hours including the transfer to Auckland and flight to Queenstown.Your domestic flight from Auckland to Queenstown allows one checked bag and one carry-on bag, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed.

You will have an early start today as you set off on a journey to Fiordland National Park. The drive takes you along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, traversing the Devil's Staircase and through Te Anau, the alpine gateway to UNESCO World Heritage listed Fiordland. Along the way, pause at Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat and the Cleddau Valley to take in the dramatic scenery. On arrival at Milford Sound, board your nature cruise to explore one of the most spectacular landscapes in New Zealand, with commentary from a Naturalist guide who will share the area's geology and point out resident wildlife including fur seals and dolphins, when they choose to make an appearance. A picnic lunch is provided onboard. After the cruise, return to Queenstown by coach with another scenic drive through Fiordland. Inspiring Highlights Milford Sound - Nature cruise with Naturalist guide Fiordland National Park - Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat and Cleddau Valley scenic stops Te Anau - Alpine gateway to Fiordland Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 9 hours total by coach, plus the cruise on Milford Sound.This is a long sightseeing day with an early departure from Queenstown.

Today is yours to enjoy Queenstown at your own pace. Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, the town offers a charming alpine setting with plenty to discover within walking distance. You may wish to wander the lakefront promenade, browse the boutique shops in the central streets or take the Skyline Gondola up Bob's Peak for panoramic views over the Remarkables and the lake (own expense). Garden enthusiasts may enjoy the Queenstown Gardens, a peaceful peninsula on the lake's edge with mature trees and rose gardens. For something more relaxed, the lakeside walking trails offer easy strolls with beautiful scenery. This evening, join your tour group for dinner at a historic lakeside venue with views over Lake Wakatipu, enjoying local cuisine paired with classic Kiwi hospitality.

This morning after breakfast, depart Queenstown and travel to the historic gold-mining town of Arrowtown, before continuing to Cromwell on the shores of Lake Dunstan. Visit the Highlands Motorsport Museum to discover some of the rarest cars in New Zealand motorsport history, including a Benetton F1 car and an Aston Martin Vulcan. Continue on to the breathtaking Lake Tekapo, with mountain drama as your backdrop and water so turquoise it looks otherworldly. This part of the country is remote and ravishing, and the lack of light pollution makes for spectacular Southern Hemisphere stargazing at the UNESCO World Heritage listed Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. Tonight you will enjoy a stargazing experience at a purpose-built observation crater with expert astronomy guides. Inspiring Highlights Arrowtown - Historic gold-mining town Cromwell - Highlands Motorsport Museum Lake Tekapo - Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve stargazing experience Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.This evening's stargazing experience may run late into the night.

This morning after breakfast, depart Lake Tekapo and travel through the Canterbury region of the east coast, a landscape of grassy plains, mirror-like lakes and snow-capped mountains. Arrive in Christchurch where a guided tour will introduce you to this beautiful city, known for its English heritage and the innovative architecture that has shaped its rebuild following the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. See the Transitional Cathedral, made largely of cardboard, and Turanga, the gold-clad central library, both examples of how the city is reshaping itself with thoughtful design. Inspiring Highlights Christchurch - Guided city sightseeing tour Christchurch - Transitional Cathedral Christchurch - Turanga central library Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

This morning after breakfast, travel north through the rolling countryside of North Canterbury to a hill country farm where you will be welcomed by a multi-generation farming family. Enjoy warm Kiwi hospitality with morning tea, meet the farm animals and discover what life is like running a working farm in this beautiful corner of New Zealand. Continue to a local boutique vineyard for wine tasting and a platter-style lunch among the vines. Tonight, gather with your tour group for a celebratory farewell dinner featuring produce from the Canterbury region, marking the end of your fully escorted New Zealand tour. Inspiring Highlights North Canterbury - Hill country farm visit with a multi-generation farming family Waipara Valley - Boutique vineyard wine tasting and platter lunch among the vines Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 2 hours total.

After breakfast, your fully escorted tour and your Trans-Tasman journey come to an end. Make your way to Christchurch airport for your included flight home to Sydney. For guests with onward connections to Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth, your domestic flight from Sydney will operate as booked. We hope you take home wonderful memories of your journey across the Tasman Sea and through New Zealand's North and South Islands. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you back on another Inspiring Vacations journey soon. Special InformationDeparture airport transfer is not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfer for an easier departure experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.