NRMA Insurance Test Series
Is there anything better than watching Test cricket live from the stands, cheering on our boys as they take on the Aussies in their own backyard?
Melbourne
25 - 31 December 2026
The highlight of the 2026/27 NRMA Insurance Series will be the prestigious Boxing Day Test Match, held at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. New Zealand last featured in a Boxing Day Test in 2019, and although the result wasn’t in our favour, the atmosphere on Boxing Day morning was truly unforgettable.
While Australia boasts a strong record at the MCG, they were defeated by England in last year’s Boxing Day Test. The Black Caps will be aiming to replicate that success when they return this December.
As an official travel provider for the series, Boys Trip are excited to lead a passionate crew of Kiwis across the Tasman to cheer on our boys as they face Australia in their own backyard. Not just for the blokes either, this tour is for guys, girls, couples, families, solo travellers and corporate groups.
This tour will be hosted by former New Zealand international Lou Vincent, who represented New Zealand in 23 Test matches and 102 One Day Internationals between 2001 and 2007, scoring more than 1,300 Test runs and 2,400 ODI runs. Our clients will hear first‑hand about Lou’s unforgettable Test debut at the WACA, where he struck a brilliant 104 against a legendary Australian side. Lou will also speak candidly and openly about the ups and downs of his career, including the circumstances that led to his lifetime ban from international cricket due to his involvement in match‑fixing.
Along with Lou, you’ll also be in the company of members of The Alternative Commentary Collective, who love nothing more than debating the finer points of the great game. Never short of a word or two, these bunch of loveable larakins are great value, expect them to bring the noise and the party vibes in Melbourne.
Our NRMA Insurance Series Boxing Day Test Packages include:
- Return 'Economy Class’ airfares departing AKL/WLG/CHC/ZQN on Friday 25 December and returning on either Monday 28 or Thursday 31 December (domestic connections available)
- AU$50 UBER per person credit for airport transfers
- 3 or 6 night’s accommodation in a 3, 4 or 5-Star Melbourne CBD hotel
- Official 2-Day or 5-Day Category C match tickets to the NRMA Insurance Series 2026 Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Official Boys Trip Christmas Evening Function (includes dinner, drinks and entertainment)
- Official Day 2 Breakfast Function (includes entertainment, breakfast, tea, coffee and juice)
- Tour hosted by former Black Cap player Lou Vincent, along with members of The Alternative Commentary Collective
- Experienced Boys Trip guides to assist throughout the trip
- Alternative Commentary Collective, Beige Brigade and Boys Trip merchandise
- Cover More Travel Insurance
Package pricing starts from $4,795 per person (6 Night Package) or $3,650 per person (3 Night Package). This is based on 3-Star accommodation, twin/double share, ex-Wellington. Prices will vary depending on your group size, departure city, accommodation requirements and optional extras.
We are also offering ‘Land Only’ Packages, which are the same as above, but exclude the airfares, UBER voucher and travel insurance. These packages start from $3,125 per person (6 Night Package) or $1,975 per person (3 Night Package). Again, this is based on 3-Star accommodation, twin/double share.
Optional Extras
Stay an extra night or two in Melbourne
There is the option to extend your time in Melbourne. Just let us know if you would like to stay extra nights and we can add these on to your package. Please note, New Year’s Eve surcharge rates will apply for those wanting to stay the 31 December in Melbourne.
Pricing varies
Corporate Hospitality
Hospitality options will not be available until potentially June. We would recommend booking our package with standard match tickets and then advising us that you would be interested in hospitality options, when we have them. Then if you decided to opt for hospitality, we would remove the original match tickets from your package.
Coming soon
What You Need To Know
Flights
While our package pricing is for flights departing from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch or Queenstown, let us know if you need regional connections and we can include these in your package. Your package includes ‘Economy Class’ fares, which include 23kg of checked baggage, 7kg of carry-on luggage, seat requests and in-flight meals and drinks. Premium Economy or Business Class options are also available (ex-Auckland only).
Accommodation
For this tour, we will be using the following hotel options;
3-Star – Ibis Melbourne Central – Superior Room (King bed or two single beds)
4-Star – Novotel Melbourne Central – Superior Room (King bed or two single beds)
4-Star – Adina Apartment Hotel Flinders Street – 2-Bedroom Apartment (two King beds or King bed & two single beds) – 6-Night Package option only
5-Star – The Langham Melbourne - Superior Room (King bed or two single beds)
Daily hotel breakfasts are not included, unless otherwise specified on your package quote. Generally hotel check in times are 3.00pm and check out time is 10.00am.
Match Tickets
Our package includes Category C seating for our whole group. Limited amounts of Category B and A tickets may be available on request. Shade cannot be guaranteed at any venues, however as a general principle, the higher the ticket category selected, the higher the chance of shade or partial shade across a day’s play.
Airport Transfers
While we aren’t offering our normal “meet and greet” airport transfer service for this tour, we are still providing an AU$50 per person UBER voucher for all ‘Full Package’ travellers. This means you’ll be able to catch an UBER to and from the airport and use this credit to help cover the cost. If you haven’t used UBER before, we can help with any queries.
Travel Insurance
We include Cover More ‘Your Cover’ Travel Insurance with our packages. If you already have made arrangements for travel insurance, let us know. If you wish to know more about our Cover More Travel Insurance, let us know and we can e-mail you a brochure.
CATO Licence Number – CATO2627/071
We do have some flexibility with travel dates and package inclusions, so if something doesn’t quite suit you, let us know and we can try to cater the package to suit your personal requirements.
For all bookings we require a 50% deposit to secure your package and the remaining 50% isn’t due until 2nd October 2026. For bookings made after 2nd October, full payment would be required to secure this package. For all our terms and conditions, check out http://boys-trip.co.nz/terms