Origin Pacific and P&O Cruises in league

Nelson-based Origin Pacific has struck a deal with P&O Cruises to fly its passengers from several centres to Auckland during the July-August cruise season.

P&O would pay for its passengers to travel from Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill to meet their ship, Origin sales and marketing general manager Ewan Wilson said.

The deal could result in an additional 1000 passengers over the eight weeks.

Origin is expected to announce details of services to other destinations, including Rotorua and Queenstown, on Monday.