Fly Stay Cruise - 33 Day Pacific Islands Cruise & New Zealand Grand Tour

Today marks the beginning of your South Pacific and New Zealand adventure. Board your international flight from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth bound for Papeete, Tahiti. Sit back, relax, and prepare for an incredible journey across the Pacific and through New Zealand.

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Papeete before embarking on your cruise tomorrow. You may wish to visit the Cathedral of Notre Dame, a Papeete landmark, or take a walk through the Vaima Shopping Centre and surrounding streets for a taste of local life. The Robert Wan Pearl Museum offers an interesting look into Tahiti's famous black pearl industry. For a more relaxed morning, the hotel pool area is a great spot to unwind before your voyage. Tonight is at your leisure.

This morning after breakfast, enjoy your final hours in Papeete before making your own way to the cruise terminal to board the Azamara Quest. Once onboard, take some time to settle into your cabin and explore the ship's facilities. The ship departs Papeete this evening, and you will watch the lights of Tahiti fade as you set sail across the South Pacific. Special Information: Transfers from the hotel to the cruise terminal are not included. Please make your own way to the port.

This morning, the ship arrives at Bora Bora, one of the most recognised islands in the South Pacific. The ship will be at anchor, with tender boats ferrying you to shore. Once ashore, you will have the day to explore at your own pace. You may wish to visit the Matira Point lookout for views across the turquoise lagoon, browse the local craft shops, or simply relax on one of the island's beaches. Optional shore excursions are available through the cruise line. The ship departs Bora Bora in the late afternoon.

Description: Today is a day at sea as the ship sails westward across the Pacific. This is a wonderful opportunity to relax and enjoy the ship's onboard facilities, attend any scheduled lectures or entertainment, or find a quiet spot on deck to enjoy the ocean views.

Another relaxing day at sea as the ship continues its journey across the South Pacific towards American Samoa. Take advantage of the onboard dining, entertainment, and leisure facilities.

The ship docks in Pago Pago, the capital of American Samoa, nestled within a natural harbour surrounded by lush green mountains. You will have a full day in port to explore. You may wish to visit the Jean P. Haydon Museum for insight into Samoan culture and history, or take a short walk to the harbour foreshore. The town market is worth a visit for locally made crafts and produce. For those who enjoy nature, the National Park of American Samoa offers walking trails with views across the harbour. Optional shore excursions are available through the cruise line.

The ship docks in Apia, the capital of Samoa. This friendly port town offers a genuine glimpse into Polynesian life. You may wish to visit the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, the former home of the famous Scottish author who spent his final years here, or explore the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in the town centre. The Maketi Fou (main market) is a lively place to browse local produce, handicrafts, and traditional Samoan clothing. Optional shore excursions are available through the cruise line.

A day at sea as the ship sails towards Fiji. Relax onboard and enjoy the ship's facilities, dining, and entertainment.

The ship arrives in Savusavu in the early afternoon, a charming harbour town on the island of Vanua Levu, often referred to as Fiji's hidden paradise. Take the afternoon to explore the town's main street, visit the local hot springs near the harbour, or browse the produce market. Optional shore excursions are available through the cruise line.

Today the ship docks in Lautoka, Fiji's second largest city, known as the Sugar City for its surrounding sugarcane fields. You will have a full day to explore. The Lautoka Market is one of the best in Fiji, selling fresh tropical fruit, vegetables, kava, and local handicrafts. The Botanical Gardens offer a peaceful walk through tropical plants and flowers. Optional shore excursions are available through the cruise line.

A day at sea as the ship departs Fiji and sails south towards Norfolk Island. Enjoy the onboard facilities and take the time to relax.

Another day at sea as the ship continues its journey south. Take the opportunity to enjoy the ship's dining, entertainment, and relaxation areas.

The ship docks at Norfolk Island, a small Australian external territory in the South Pacific with a rich and layered history. You will have a full day to explore. The Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area (KAVHA) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring well-preserved convict-era buildings and ruins. A walk through the area offers insight into the island's convict past and its later settlement by descendants of the HMS Bounty mutineers. Optional shore excursions are available through the cruise line.

A day at sea as the ship sails towards Auckland, New Zealand. This is your last full sea day of the cruise, so make the most of the remaining onboard experiences before arriving in Auckland tomorrow.

The ship arrives in Auckland in the early afternoon and will remain docked overnight. Once cleared to go ashore, take the afternoon to begin exploring Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. The Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter are within easy reach of the cruise terminal, offering waterfront dining, bars, and shops. Return to the ship this evening for your final night onboard.

This morning, disembark the Azamara Quest and make your own way to your Auckland hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Auckland is known as the City of Sails and there is plenty to see and do. You may wish to visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum in the Auckland Domain, one of New Zealand's most important museums, housing extensive collections of Māori and Pacific Island artefacts. The nearby Wintergardens are free to enter and offer a peaceful break. Tonight is at your leisure.

Today is a free day to explore Auckland at your own pace. If you enjoy nature, the Auckland Domain parklands offer a lovely walk through native bush and formal gardens. The Parnell Village area has a charming high street lined with boutiques and cafes. The Devonport ferry departs from the Auckland waterfront and takes you across the harbour to the seaside village of Devonport. Mission Bay is a popular beachside suburb with a pleasant esplanade and views across to Rangitoto Island. Tonight is at your leisure.

Today your guided New Zealand tour begins. You will have the day free to explore Auckland further. The waterfront precincts are filled with yachts and activity, while the city centre offers a range of local designers and shops to browse. This evening, meet your tour guide and the rest of your group for a welcome meeting and brief of the tour ahead.

This morning after breakfast, depart Auckland and head south towards the Waikato region. Your first stop is the Waitomo Caves, where you will board a boat and cruise through the underground cave system, illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms. From Waitomo, continue to Rotorua, a region known for its geothermal activity, with bubbling mud pools and steaming geysers. This evening, enjoy the Te Pō Indigenous Experience at Te Puia. The experience begins with a cultural performance in the carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua, followed by views of the Pohutu Geyser, and finishes with a buffet dinner of hāngī-inspired cuisine. Special Information: Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Today is a free day in Rotorua to explore at your own pace. You may wish to visit the Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa for a relaxing soak in the geothermal waters (own expense). Nature lovers might enjoy a walk through the Redwoods Treewalk in the Whakarewarewa Forest, or a visit to the Government Gardens and the Rotorua Museum building on the lakefront. Tonight is at your leisure.

This morning after breakfast, depart Rotorua and head south. Stop at Huka Falls, where over 200,000 litres of water thunder over an 11-metre escarpment every second. Continue along the shores of Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, before traversing the Kapiti Coast towards Wellington, New Zealand's capital. Your tour guide can recommend the best spots for dinner. Tonight is at your leisure. Special Information: Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

This morning, take some time to explore Wellington before boarding the ferry. Wellington is renowned for its cafe culture. You may also wish to visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand (entrance fee applies), which is located on the waterfront. Later, board the Interislander ferry for the crossing of Cook Strait, from the North Island to the South Island. The ferry passes through the Marlborough Sounds before arriving in the seaside village of Picton. Special Information: Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

This morning after breakfast, depart Picton and travel south along the east coast of the South Island. Pass through the town of Kaikoura, known as New Zealand's marine wildlife capital, with its dramatic coastline where mountains meet the sea. Continue south to Christchurch. Your tour guide can recommend restaurants for dinner tonight. Tonight is at your leisure. Special Information: Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

This morning after breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Christchurch. See how the city has rebuilt itself since the 2010/11 earthquakes, with innovative new architecture including the Transitional Cathedral and Turanga, the striking central library. From Christchurch, head south across the Canterbury Plains towards the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo. This evening, enjoy an Indoor Dark Sky Astronomy Experience at Tekapo, where the exceptionally clear skies offer remarkable stargazing. Special Information: Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

This morning after breakfast, travel to the charming historic town of Clyde. Despite its small size, Clyde is full of character, with its town centre designated as a historic precinct featuring buildings from its gold mining past. Continue south through Gore before arriving in Te Anau, nestled on the shores of the South Island's largest lake and the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Special Information: Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

This morning after breakfast, travel through Fiordland National Park towards Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. The route passes through beech forests, meadows, and past mirror-like lakes. At Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, board an included sightseeing cruise through the fiord past towering cliffs, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife including seals and penguins. After the cruise, return to Te Anau. Tonight is at your leisure. Special Information: Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours (return journey).

Today is a free day in Queenstown to explore at your own pace. Queenstown sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by mountains. You may wish to ride the Skyline Gondola for views across the lake and The Remarkables mountain range (own expense), or enjoy a stroll along the lakefront and through the town centre. The Queenstown Gardens offer a peaceful spot. Tonight is at your leisure.

This morning after breakfast, depart Queenstown and travel past Lake Hawea and through Haast Pass, with its waterfalls and mountain scenery, to the town of Franz Josef/Waiau on the West Coast. Special Information: Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

Today is a free day in Queenstown to explore at your own pace. Queenstown sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by mountains. You may wish to ride the Skyline Gondola for views across the lake and The Remarkables mountain range (own expense), or enjoy a stroll along the lakefront and through the town centre. The Queenstown Gardens offer a peaceful spot. Tonight is at your leisure.

This morning after breakfast, depart Queenstown and travel past Lake Hawea and through Haast Pass, with its waterfalls and mountain scenery, to the town of Franz Josef/Waiau on the West Coast. Special Information: Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

After breakfast at the hotel, your South Pacific and New Zealand adventure comes to an end. You may have some free time this morning to enjoy a final stroll through Christchurch before making your way to the airport for your return flight to Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth. From the tropical lagoons of Bora Bora and the islands of Fiji and Samoa, to the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, the fiords of Milford Sound, and the glaciers of the Southern Alps, this has been a journey through some of the most remarkable landscapes in the South Pacific and New Zealand. We hope you have had a truly wonderful experience and look forward to welcoming you on your next adventure. Safe travels home! Special Information: Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier departure experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.

Arrive home in Australia today, bringing with you wonderful memories of your South Pacific cruise and New Zealand touring adventure.