Itinerary

Depending on wether you select a Stray Pass or a Kiwi Ex pass the Itinerary will differ slightly. You still get to do the cool crazy stuff with each though! Both passes you can begin anywhere you like, meaning you can fly in to Auckland or Christchurch.

Stray Pass

Our Standard Stray pass is the MAX PASS. This is the most popular stray New Zealand Pass.

The Max Pass

Auckland to Hahei Beach (The Coromandel)

Depart from Auckland between 7.30am and 8.15am. We head south travelling towards the Coromandel Peninsula via the old colonial town of Thames. Pick up your free cultural experience (kumara) to keep or have for dinner. In the afternoon do the free walk to Cathedral Cove, go kayaking or dig your own hot pool at Hot Water Beach (tide dependent). We stay at a campsite right on the beach. Option of classic Kiwi BBQ for dinner.

Hahei to Raglan

Depart 8am. Head on to the world-renowned Raglan surf beach (with walks and cow spotting on way). Learn to surf, do a bush walk around Mt Karioi and check out the alternative arts and crafts town, or walk along the rugged coastline (and spot pro surfers). Tonight’s accommodation is in a lodge surrounded by native bush near the beach. Warm up in the bush sauna that night, or try out the free flying fox.

Raglan to Maketu

Depart 8am. On to the rural town of Waitomo, famous for its caves and glowworms. You can do a free walk around Ruakuri Reserve or try one of the amazing caving options. We then head across to Maketu for our unique and special stopover at our cultural retreat. We stay with local Maori; have a ‘Hangi’ meal and learn about Maori traditions and modern day Maori in their purpose-built marae (meeting house). NB: this is an all-inclusive price of $75 including meals.

Maketu (via Rotorua) to Taupo

Depart 8am and head into Rotorua for its smell (geothermal areas). Morning options include: a visit to Whakarewarewa historic Maori village and geothermal area; going zorbing, or rafting the highest commercially-rafted waterfall in the world! We have a cool new optional activity at Whakarewarewa where you can get your own personally-designed Maori tattoo (Ta Moko) for the special Stray price of $57. You get to keep the design as a piece of art or for those that are keen, take it to a tattoo artist for a permanent memento! We do hostel pickups, then we head south to Taupo and its great lake (the world’s largest crater lake), via Huka Falls. You have the chance to take part in one of our most popular activities ‘skydiving’. We stay in central Taupo for the night.

Taupo to National Park

Depart 7.00am. We head around Lake Taupo to the active volcanoes and dual World Heritage area of 'Tongariro National Park'. Today you get a chance to do what is rated as one of the world’s best one day walks - the 'Tongariro Alpine Crossing!' We have an exclusive Stray activity where we walk the Crossing then leave the track and crowds to uniquely play Sir Ed Hillary and conquer the summit of Mount Tongariro! Onthe way down a local expert leads us well off the beaten track to search out some special secret spots! This amazing full day activity is only $54. For those not doing the walk - or on days that the walk isn’t possible, we take in a couple of shorter walks and visit the Volcanic Centre museum. We stay in a beautiful alpine lodge for the night.

Optional Overnight: National Park to Whakahoro

We depart at 7am from National Park to Whakahoro; it's a short drive down a windy road into the most remote part of the North Island. Our destination is Blue Duck Station, a 9,000 acre high country farm that is both a working farm and an environmental and conservation leader. Once you arrive, go for a walk around this truly amazing property and just take in the lush scenery, or enjoy your host Dan's fantastic hospitality and stories on the local wildlife and history. We recommend you try one of his classic bush tucker meals (check with your Stray driver if available). There are a few other optional activities that are unique, but truly amazing - go for an environmental bush 4WD tour, a one day horse trek (like a real cowboy), or a fully guided kayak tour. Whatever you do, don't miss this stop, as it is a once in a lifetime destination. Arrive back to National Park before 9am the next day to do the Tongariro Crossing or continue north to Auckland on the Stray bus.

National Park to Wellington

Depart 9am. Head to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city via Ohakune, Taihape and Bulls. We stay in central accommodation tonight and you have the chance to experience some of the excellent local bars tonight if you wish!
Wellington to Marahau (Abel Tasman)

We catch the 8am Bluebridge ferry (the ferry will cost between $40-$75), your accommodation provider organises a transfer to the ferry teminal. We head through the famous Marlborough vineyard area and the coastal town of Nelson before heading onto Motueka to get supplies on our way to our night stop of Marahau, on the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park.
We stay at our exclusive accommodation where you have options ranging from dorm rooms to cabins. Tonight we have free mussel tasting around the fire.

Spend an extra day in Marahau (Abel Tasman)

You have the day at leisure to explore the National Park - try a sailing trip, a day walk, kayaking, water taxi, horse riding, skydiving, piloting your own stunt plane, hang gliding or just relax on one of the golden sand beaches!
Marahau (Abel Tasman) to Barrytown

We depart at 9am. Head south through the Buller Gorge to the 'wild' West Coast. Tonight we stay in a historic hotel in Barrytown near Punakaiki, one of the most beautiful spots along the coast. We make stops on the way for the Westport seal colony, to explore the awesome Pancake rocks and their mighty blowholes, or take a hike down into the temperate rainforests of the Paparoa National Park along the Truman Track. Enjoy the special Stray meal option here tonight of a burger and a glass of Baz Vegas beer for only $12.

Barrytown to Franz Josef

You have the morning to walk (head along the beach and search for greenstone), canoe in the National Park (this trip has amazing scenery with some likening it to 'Jurassic Park') or make a bone or pounamu (greenstone) carving with the locals (a unique, highly recommended activity). We depart at midday and head into the heart of the West Coast where time almost stands still. We stop in Hokitika to look at the greenstone factory then head to Franz Josef, a town squashed between the Tasman Sea and the mighty Franz Josef Glacier. We stay at a lodge in the middle of the rainforest.

Spend an extra day in Franz Josef.

There are many excellent bush hikes up to the glacier face but we seriously recommend you consider a guided glacier walk or a 'helicopter hike' to get onto the glacier. You can warm up and relax after all this in one of NZ’s largest spa pools at your accommodation.

Franz Josef to Makarora.

Depart at 9am. We head to Lake Matheson for the amazing mirror lake; we stop at Fox Glacier for pickups then travel through to the mountainous Haast pass. There are a number of free walks to choose from – we’ll do a couple and then travel on to Makarora for a great jetboating option. We recommend the cheap group meal for $12 around the bonfire (and/or try your hand at karaoke!) This is a great place to stay, nestled in between huge mountain ranges in Mt Aspiring National Park.

Makarora to Queenstown

A leisurely start in the morning. We pass by the beautiful lakes Wanaka and Hawea and stop briefly in the town of Wanaka for a look around before heading to Queenstown. Just before Queenstown we stop off at the famous A.J. Hackett bungy site, in the Kawarau gorge for the option of throwing yourself off a bridge (bungy attached!) Queenstown also offers an optional big (make that huge) night out with excellent restaurants, pubs and live music. Centrally located accommodation tonight.

Recommended Non Travel Day: Queenstown

• Shot Over Jet Location
• Shot Over Canyon Swing
• Sky Dive Option

Today is yours to explore. Options include: sleeping in and doing nothing; great local walks; and any adventure activity that we mad Kiwis can dream up. For a truly unique adventure activity you can also try your hand at pole dancing if you wish! Obviously you can break your journey in Queenstown for as long as you want. If going straight to Christchurch (via Mt Cook), look at doing a one-day trip to Milford Sound before you go.
Queenstown to Gunn's Camp

Depart 8am. Then enjoy one of the most scenically amazing drives in the world on our way to Milford Sound. At Milford, you have the option of a boat trip to travel deeper into the Sound to really appreciate this stunning fiord for $59 (there's a great Stray combo deal for this and the Stewart Island ferry for only $170 - save $18 off retail). In the afternoon we head to our unique overnight stop at Gunn's Camp, a historic camp on the edge of the Hollyford Track. You can visit the museum onsite, walk to the hidden waterfalls, go kiwi bird spotting or just sit back and enjoy the incredible surroundings of a World Heritage National Park.

Gunn's Camp to Invercargill or Stewart Island

We depart at 7am and express to Bluff to meet the ferry to give you the chance to visit New Zealand's third major island 'Stewart Island'. We strongly recommend this. There are options of: great walks, Ulva Island for the birdlife, fishing, kayaking, scooter hire and mountain bike hire to explore this remote oasis. We stay in cottages on the island and catch the first ferry back in the morning. For those not wanting to go to Stewart Island the bus will drop you off at our hostel in Invercargill on the way through to Bluff.

Stewart Island to Dunedin

Depart 8am for the ferry, 10am from Tuatara's in Invercargill. Today we explore the deep south (next stop Antarctica). We head along the southern coast to the remote Catlin's wilderness area. Here we take in the petrified forest, heaps of wildlife including seals, sealions, large seabirds and penguins if we're lucky. We cruise through this rugged area towards the Scottish town of Dunedin. We stay in a backpackers hostel in the centre of Dunedin tonight and have the opportunity to visit the famous Speight's Brewery.

Dunedin to Mt Cook

We head north with a brief stop at the unusual Moeraki Boulders and then head west from Oamaru and follow the Waitaki River through the Otago region to Omarama. We then head north to our incredible and exclusive overnight stop at the base of Aoraki/Mt Cook.

Mt Cook to Christchurch (with Rangitata option)

Depart 10am. Enjoy a leisurely start as we make our way to the South Island's largest city, Christchurch today. We head past the scenic Lake Tekapo, with time for a photo of the turquoise lake and the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd. We have a lunch stop at Geraldine where you can hop off the bus and get picked up by the guys from Rangitata Rafting, then stay the night at one of Canterbury's original sheep stations for one of the best rafting trips in the country (they will then take you to Christchurch the next day). If you are not hopping off then it is an express haul across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. We drop you at your accommodation in central Christchurch.

Christchurch to Kaikoura

Depart 8am. Head up the coast - a great scenic drive to Kaikoura. We stay by the beach tonight. You have options of swimming with the seals, piloting your own plane, whale watching and swimming with dolphins (prebooking is advised in peak season).

Kaikoura to Wellington

Depart 8.30am. Wind our way up the rugged coastal roads with stops for photos, a Yealands wine tour and a seal colony.We then get the 1pm ferry across to the North Island and NZ's capital city Wellington.
Spend an extra day in Wellington

Today is a free day for you to explore our nation's capital city. There are several must-do's while you’re here, including Stray’s specially developed free guided walk around the city (departs Tues, (Wed), Thurs, Sat, Sun), visiting Te Papa - NZ's national museum, doing a Lord of the Rings tour, visiting the Karori wildlife sanctuary, hitting the shops or just enjoying a coffee at one of the many cafes.

Wellington to Auckland

Depart 6.50am. This is an express day via National Park to Auckland. You can hop off anywhere along the way. We recommend jumping off at National Park for the amazing optional overnight at Blue Duck Station in Whakahoro if you have the chance. We arrive in Auckland at about 6.00pm.
 

Kiwi Ex Pass - The Funky Chicken

Our Standard Kiwi Ex Pass is the Funky Chicken

Auckland to Mercury Bay (Whitianga)
Spend the afternoon at the beach or kayaking!
After visiting the Kiwi Experience office and Mt Eden (one of many dormant volcanoes in Auckland) we head towards the Coromandel Peninsula and spend the afternoon at Cathedral Cove; accessible only on foot or by kayak. This beautiful coastal spot is great for swimming, sea kayaking, and spotting dolphins if you’re lucky. Provided the tides are right we may also check out Hot Water Beach and dig our own hot pools.

Mercury Bay (Whitianga) to Rotorua
Check out New Zealand’s gold mining history and rocket down a hill, on the way to the Maori culture capital of New Zealand
After an early start our first stop is the Karangahake Scenic Reserve to explore a native bush-clad gorge, swing bridges and the history of gold mining in New Zealand.  On arriving into Rotorua you will have the chance to go luging or zorbing before experiencing a traditional Maori hangi (feast) and concert in the evening with Tamaki Tours - a night not to be missed!

Rotorua to Waitomo
Experience the glow-worms, underwater caves and forest walks of Waitomo.
Today we start with a visit to Te Puia - a large geothermal reserve with New Zealand’s largest geyser, and a chance to see our famous Kiwi bird.  Next it’s onto Waitomo caves (wai meaning water, tomo meaning cave) which are made out of limestone (basically 40 million year old dead fish). We spend the afternoon checking out the Ruakuri reserve. Apart from glow-worms in caves, you will see stalactites, cave coral, fossil oysters and other crazy stuff like tubing and rafting 40 metres underground!

Waitomo to Taupo
A popular backpacker destination, with New Zealand’s biggest lake and plenty to keep you occupied!
The bus departs late today so that you have enough time to experience the caves! Other adventure activity options include quad biking or the brand new Ruakuri Cave walk, which is an engineering masterpiece.  Around midday, we leave Waitomo behind and head for Lake Taupo, which is known as the adventure capital of the North Island with skydiving, bungy jumping, jet boating and the spectacular Tongariro Crossing!

Taupo (extra day)
We recommend staying an extra night in Taupo because there’s so much to do there. If you’re short on time, you can always skip this extra day, timetable allowing, and get to the next stop sooner.
Enjoy a sleep-in (for those not doing the Tongariro Crossing) and experience one of the many activities on offer.  A walk down to Spa Park to relax in the natural hot springs by the river is a great way to spend the day (or night).  Alternatively if you have time head off on our 'East As': 4 day, 3 night unique add-on trip around the East Cape, which takes you to places few tourists get to see.

Taupo to River Valley
Visit Tongariro National Park, take and enjoy some stunning free walks before arriving at River Valley Adventure Lodge
We head south around the “great lake” towards the Tongariro National Park for a picnic lunch and a two hour walk through native bush and waterfalls. In the afternoon we travel through to the ultimate adventure lodge - River Valley, situated amongst towering cliffs and bush-clad hills. The lodge offers grade five rafting on the Rangitikei River, scenic horse riding, and a small golf course. Spend the evening enjoying the delicious roast dinner and relaxing by the open fire.

River Valley to Wellington
New Zealand’s capital city is full of culture, cafes and cable cars!
We head away late after a morning white water rafting or horse riding, and head throughthe rolling hills full of deer, cattle and sheep.  We arrive in Wellington late in the afternoon. This city is the undisputed capital of culture, the arts, restaurants, fashion and nightlife.  It’s home to the largest cultural attraction in New Zealand, Te Papa Museum, which is well worth a look (and it’s free).

Wellington to Picton to Nelson
Travel across the stunning Cook Strait to the seaside town of Picton, then on to the golden beaches of Nelson.
You can choose to take the Interislander ferry across to the South Island, through the magnificent Marlborough Sounds; or arrange a flight. Travel via the Pelorous Bridge to Nelson, New Zealand’s sunniest city. Nelson’s a great place to jump off the bus and explore the Abel Tasman National Park. There is an option to explore New Zealand’s youngest National Park by foot and camping, or by kayaking with some adventurous locals of the area.


Nelson to Westport
Snow-capped mountains and adventure activities on the Buller River
We visit the Nelson Lakes National Park for a walk in some awesome beech forest and to view one of the more spectacular lakes in the area, surrounded by beautiful snow capped mountains.  En-route to Westport we meet the team (and Rata the dog) from Buller Adventure Tours where you can experience the best value for money jet boating, horse trekking and quad biking in New Zealand.


Westport to Lake Mahinapua
Continue down the West Coast via the world famous ‘Highway 6’ and be treated to some amazing sights.
Today we cruise down the spectacular Highway 6 that stretches along the rugged Tasman shoreline. The road winds along diverse landscapes, which never cease to amaze both locals and visitors alike. Highlights include the Cape Foulwind seal colony, rugged beach walks and the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks.  Tonight your Driver Guide will arrange a group meal for you at the Mahinapua Hotel, known as the legendary “Poo Pub”.  It’s an awesome evening of fancy dress and a good way to get to know your fellow travellers.

Lake Mahinapua to Franz Josef
Incredible views of glaciers towering over subtropical rainforests.
Our first stop this morning is the Bushman’s Centre, where you will get an insight into how people make a living on the coast with helicopter deer recovery, old timber-milling techniques and possum trapping.  We then head through to the Franz Josef Glacier Village, nestled in the Westland National Park.

Franz Josef (Extra Day)
We recommend staying an extra night in Franz Josef because there’s so much to do there. If you’re short on time, you can always skip this extra day, timetable allowing, and get to the next stop sooner.

Today is your chance to hike on the Franz Josef Glacier, rated as one of the top three activities to do in New Zealand, by Kiwi Experience passengers.  You could also take the option of a heli-hike, and be flown up the glacier, or take a more sedate approach and explore the various walks in the area.

Franz Josef to Wanaka
Take the time to chill out by Lake Wanaka.
We start out early in order to catch the perfect mirror reflection of Mt Cook and the Southern Alps on Lake Matheson. We then cruise down the last stretch of Highway 6, stopping at popular scenic spots along the way. Then it’s into Mount Aspiring National Park, arriving in the awe-inspiring destination of Wanaka in the afternoon.

Wanaka to Queenstown
Adventure capital of New Zealand…and the world!
It’s only a short drive today through to New Zealand's adventure capital, Queenstown. Highlights include Puzzling World, skydiving over Lake Wanaka and stopping at the world’s first commercial bungy site - the Kawarau Bridge. On arrival in Queenstown you can book all activities and confirm onward bus travel at Base, as well as get a group photo with all your new West Coast mates.  Then it’s out on the town exploring Queenstown’s infamous nightlife with all the crew!


Queenstown (Extra Day)
We recommend staying an extra night in Queenstown because there’s so much to do there. If you’re short on time, you can always skip this extra day, timetable allowing, and get to the next stop sooner.
Queenstown is rated as one of our passenger’s favourite spots to hang out in New Zealand.  Take the time to spend a few days here as it is one of the most picturesque places in the world. Make the most of the beautiful lake and surrounding walks, or get into a whole range of adrenalin pumping activities. If there was one activity that you couldn’t miss it would be the day trip to Milford Sound, commonly referred to as New Zealand’s most beautiful spot!

Queenstown to Christchurch
Head to the ‘garden city’, with optional drop off points for Mt Cook and rafting in Rangitata
We head out of Queenstown, through the Lindis Pass, so get your cameras ready because this is ‘Lord of the Rings’ territory. After dropping people in Twizel for the connection to Mt Cook, we travel through to the amazing aqua blue Lake Pukaki, with a stunning view of Mt Cook.   We stop for lunch beside Lake Tekapo and the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd. From there we have a straight run into Christchurch arriving late afternoon.

Christchurch to Kaikoura
Kaikoura is known as one of the best coastal wildlife regions in the world - whales, dolphins and seals!
It’s an early start, to get to Kaikoura by midday so you can go dolphin swimming, whale watching, check out the seal colonies, or just chill out at the beach or hostel.  Kaikoura means to eat Crayfish (“kai” meaning to eat, “koura” meaning crayfish), actually the full name is Te-Ahi-kai-koura-a-Tama-ki-te-rangi. These days it’s the whales, dolphins, seals and the fish and chips that Kaikoura is becoming ever more popular for.

Kaikoura to Wellington (via Picton)
Check out seal colonies and drive along the amazing Kaikoura coastline
We head north and take in the last of the dramatic Kaikoura coastline. It’s a spectacular drive – voted New Zealand’s best – and we stop for a close look at the seals that lay about on the rocks all day long. We make our way to the Picton ferry terminal in time to catch the afternoon sailing to the North Island. Say farewell to the South Island (Te Wai Pounamu) and we’re on our way! The ferry ride takes a few hours so chill out and enjoy the view of the amazing Marlborough Sounds!

Wellington to Taupo
The Rangitikei region has beautiful rivers and lakes as well as Lord of the Rings landscapes!
We’ve got quite a distance to cover today, so we leave early from Wellington to beat the rush hour traffic.  We pass through Taihape, where we drop off and pick up people for River Valley Adventure lodge. Departing Taihape we head to the Central Plateau, home of the Tongariro National Park, where we can drop you off in the township of Turangi if you wish to access it.  Then it’s through to Taupo and if the weather suits, it’s time to skydive!

Taupo to Auckland (via Rotorua)
Hop-off in Rotorua, or head onwards to the ‘City of Sails’.
This morning we head north to Rotorua, renowned for its Maori heritage and thermal activity in the area. After dropping off passengers in Rotorua, who are spending a night or two here, we make our way to Matamata (aka Hobbiton).  You can jump off here if you’re a Lord of the Rings nut.  Then it’s onwards through the rolling countryside to Auckland, otherwise known as the ‘City of Sails’. We call into the Kiwi Experience office for a chance to purchase merchandise, confirm future bookings or extend your trip even further!