Fly Stay Cruise - 16 Day Trans-Tasman Cruise & Tour of New Zealand's North and South Isla...
This package includes international airfares and flights will be added to your booking at no additional cost.
Enjoy an exceptional-value holiday that seamlessly combines return flights, pre- and post-cruise hotels and/or tours with a cruise—removing the stress of planning so you can enjoy every moment from departure to return.
Make the most of your cruise and travel independently, with everything organised for you. Your international flights, pre-cruise stay, and cruise are organised so all you have to do is relax and enjoy your time at sea. Of course, there is the option of extending your tour if you don’t want to head straight to the airport upon disembarkation.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Package Inclusions
✓ 5-night Trans-Tasman cruise from Sydney to Auckland onboard Royal Princess
✓ Flight to Sydney, returning from Christchurch
✓ 10-day fully escorted New Zealand North and South Island tour from Auckland to Christchurch
✓ 1-night pre-cruise stay in Sydney
✓ Domestic flight from Auckland to Queenstown
✓ All onboard cruise dining, entertainment and port charges
✓ Hobbiton Movie Set guided walking tour
✓ Te Puia evening cultural experience and hāngī-inspired buffet dinner in Rotorua
✓ National Kiwi Hatchery conservation experience
✓ Milford Sound nature cruise with picnic lunch
✓ Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve stargazing experience
✓ North Canterbury hill country farm visit and boutique vineyard lunch
✓ All breakfasts during the New Zealand tour, plus selected lunches and dinners as per itinerary
✓ Fully escorted by a Tour Leader throughout the New Zealand land tour
Inspiring Bonus Value
• Exclusive Fly-Stay-Cruise-Tour package savings
• Pre-cruise night in Sydney included
• Internal flight Auckland to Queenstown included as part of the New Zealand tour
• Combine the relaxed pace of a Trans-Tasman cruise with a fully escorted tour through both islands of New Zealand
Combine a relaxed Trans-Tasman cruise from Sydney with a fully escorted journey through both islands of New Zealand. Sail aboard Royal Princess to Auckland, then explore Hobbiton, Maori cultural traditions in Rotorua, the dramatic landscapes of Milford Sound and the dark skies of Lake Tekapo before finishing in Christchurch.
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
Special Information
Self-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
Special Information
Optional 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
Special Information
Self-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
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
Special Information
Your 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
Special Information
Your 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
Special Information
Your 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
Special Information
Your 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
Special Information
Your 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
Special Information
Your 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 Information
Departure 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.
Royal Princess
Royal Princess offers a relaxed and refined cruising experience with an extensive selection of dining venues, lounges, theatres and entertainment options. Guests can enjoy panoramic ocean views from the spacious open decks, unwind at the spa or by the pools and take advantage of the variety of experiences available across the ship. With Princess Cruises' renowned hospitality and attentive service, Royal Princess provides a comfortable way to cross the Tasman Sea between Sydney and Auckland.
Princess Standard Fare
This package is based on the Princess Standard fare, which includes all onboard dining at the main dining rooms and buffet, entertainment, and port charges. Gratuities, beverage packages, specialty dining, onboard wifi and shore excursions are not included and may be added or pre-purchased through Princess Cruises directly.
Guaranteed Cabin – What This Means for You
Your cabin is booked on a Guaranteed basis. This means you are confirmed in your selected cabin category (or higher), however your specific cabin number will be allocated by the cruise line closer to departure. You may receive an upgrade at no additional cost, but cabin location and deck cannot be requested. Rest assured, you will enjoy all the features and inclusions of the category you have chosen – the exact cabin details will simply be revealed a little closer to sailing.
Included Cabin Type – Interior Stateroom
Interior staterooms offer a comfortable and stylish retreat featuring two twin beds that convert to a queen-size bed, an ensuite bathroom, sitting area and a range of thoughtful amenities designed for relaxation after a day exploring ashore.
Oceanview Stateroom – Not available for this departure (sold out at time of build).
Balcony Stateroom – from $690 per person, twin share. Solo fare on application.
Balcony staterooms offer your own private outdoor space where you can relax and take in coastal scenery and ocean views. Inside, enjoy a spacious layout with comfortable bedding, sitting area and ensuite bathroom.
Payment Information
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
Cooling Off Period
This product is eligible for a 3 day cooling-off period.
Terms and conditions
Please review the terms and conditions here: https://www.inspiringvacations.com/au/page/terms-and-conditions
Starting Point
Your starting hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14-30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list. If you need to book pre-tour accommodation independently, we suggest you do this only once you have received your final hotel list for your tour. If you would like to book something sooner, we recommend that you book using a flexible rate that can be cancelled through your chosen third-party provider without penalty.
Travellers will arrive at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. If arriving before standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm, you are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available as there are no scheduled activities on day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
Note: if you need to apply for a tourist visa before departure, we recommend using the details of the suggested hotel on the tour itinerary if you wish to fulfil this before the release of your final tour documentation. Please refer to our visa section for more information on whether or not a visa is required for your destination.
Arrival Details
Airport transfers are not included as part of your package. However, we trust that your journey from the airport to the hotel will be comfortable and hassle-free.
To make your way to your hotel from the airport, there are various connections by express train or limousine bus. The airport information desks can provide helpful advice, too.
Optional Airport Transfers - Transfer Portal
Depending on the package purchased, you may have the option to add airport transfers to your booking and you can do so through your Traveller Hub account. We partner with an online marketplace where travellers can compare and select the transfer of their choice.
Inspiring Vacations acts as an agent on behalf of our transfer service partner and any service is delivered by the provider. Inspiring Vacations cannot be held liable for any loss resulting from the transfer service provided. It is the customer's responsibility to ensure any transfer booked meets the requirements of any other travel arrangements. Likewise, your tour leader or any of our on-ground representatives cannot be held responsible for the service of your transfer nor are they in a position to assist with amending your reservation. Any transfer booking is separate from any other booking with Inspiring Vacations, regardless of whether purchased with regards to the same travel journey.
When you make your transfer service booking, you will receive a confirmation email and this will include your meeting instructions, as well as direct contact details. Please ensure you print and bring this with you as you will need to ensure you can make direct contact with your transfer service provider.
In Case of Emergency
Although we strive to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, unforeseen circumstances can occasionally arise during travel. If any issues arise during your tour, it's essential to promptly communicate them to your tour leader or local representative. This ensures they can take immediate action to address the problem and mitigate any negative impact on the remainder of your journey.
We understand that there may be instances where your tour leader or local representative is unable to resolve a situation to your satisfaction. In such cases, we encourage you to request that the tour leader or local representative escalate the matter to their direct manager for further assistance.
When your final tour documentation is released, this will include an emergency contact for our local travel partner while you are on tour.
Finishing Point
Your finishing hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14-30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list. If you need to book additional post-tour accommodation, please do so once you have the final hotel list. We recommend booking a flexible rate that can be changed or cancelled without penalty should there be any unforeseen changes to your booking.
Travellers will depart at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. Check-out time is generally from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at the hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. This service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost payable directly.
Departure Details
Airport transfers are not included as part of your package. However, we trust that your journey from the hotel to the airport will be comfortable and hassle-free.
As an added service, we do offer airport transfers at an additional cost which can be booked via your Traveller Hub. We recommend you wait until you receive your final documentation to book transfers as your start and end hotels will only be confirmed at this point. Please note that if you are choosing to book an independent airport transfer service, your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader cannot be held responsible for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise, nor can they resolve any concerns that you may have with your transfer service.
To make your way to the airport, there are various connections by train or limousine bus. Most destinations offer ride-share services, such as Uber or Didi. If you're having any problems, you can speak to hotel reception before your departure.
Accommodation
All hotels listed are subject to change; any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding requests cannot be guaranteed and are always on a request basis with the hotel.
Bedding Configuration
Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can not guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $3,900.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this tour, your room will generally consist of a double or semi-double bed. Occasionally there may be a hotel that will provide a single bedded room for single travellers.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with them and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such as adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), making separate payments and having individual access to our Traveller Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
Itinerary Changes
Please note that as part of our commitment to constantly improving our passenger experience, there may be itinerary changes between the time of booking and when you travel. These changes are always made with your experience in mind and will be clearly communicated in advance if they affect your booking.
Trusted Travel Partner Tour
Your chosen tour will be operated by one of our trusted travel partners. These are meticulously crafted tours designed by established travel partners we know and trust. These tours offer a unique and exciting way to explore the world, packed with incredible sights and experiences
Documentation
Travel documentation is sent digitally 30 days before departure. No postal documents are issued. You must complete your cruise personaliser directly with the cruise line. We cannot complete this on your behalf. Visit the Know Before You Go section for guidance, and you will receive an email reminder when it is time to complete this.
Visas & Entry Requirements
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your tour and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your tour. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the visa entry requirements for your nationality via our page here:
https://inspiringvacations-8357211.hs-sites.com/visa-information
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.
We need your passport information to get everything ready for your tour so the information on your booking must match your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended on all our tours. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. It is also important to consider forced pre-tour cancellations and how your chosen insurance policy may cover such circumstances, so please keep this in mind when choosing your provider.
We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international tours, you will be asked by your tour leader for your travel insurance details if they were not already added to your Traveller Hub account pre-departure.
If you have credit card insurance your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide may require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details before arriving in-country.
Before you depart, you will be asked to submit your Travel Insurance details through the booking holder's Traveller Hub account through the Inspiring Vacations website. This is to ensure that we have this information readily available should we ever need it.
Official Travel Advice
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, we recommend referring to the official travel advisory website of your home country for the latest updates on your chosen destination. These websites provide valuable information on:
Here is a help link to get you started:
In the unlikely event of a situation that could potentially disrupt your tour, we want to assure you of the following:
By staying informed and working together, we can ensure a fantastic travel experience for you. We will post our own travel updates to our website here.
Post-Tour Feedback
Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a link to a post-purchase survey, which is your opportunity to share your feedback with us on your booking experience and interactions with our Sales and Customer Success teams. This feedback is invaluable to ensure that we are servicing our customers to the best of our ability.
Terms and Conditions
For the full terms and conditions for Cruises by Inspiring Vacations, please see HERE.
This is a flight inclusive package.
This package includes international airfares and flights will be added to your booking at no additional cost. Select your departure city after clicking ‘Book Now’.
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
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