Backpacking New Zealand on a Stray Bus

TRIPS FOR YOU! Stray is the best travel option for adventurous travellers. Our hop-on hop-off NZ backpacker bus service goes well off the beaten track for local culture and alternative activities – and unlike an ordinary New Zealand bus tour you have the option to get off and stay longer in any place.

With our experience, contacts and expert local knowledge we give you unique access to amazing attractions and activities, stunning scenery, down-to-earth culture and adventure both on and off the beaten track.

Exploring New Zealand on a Stray Backpacker Bus:

Basically you can get on and off the bus wherever you want and stay as long as you want; then just jump on the next bus as it comes back through (view the entire Stray route).

Alternatively you can use our trips as a New Zealand tour – we’ve carefully planned our route and passes with lots of activities fitted in along the way, so even if you’re short on time you’ll still have the chance to experience local culture, unique activities, expert guidance and see the best bits of New Zealand.

Great reasons to choose a Stray Backpacker New Zealand Bus Tour:

+ We provide outstanding trips from day tours to flexible passes covering all of New Zealand.

+ You'll travel with like-minded travellers from all over the world in our brand-new mini-coaches which make it easier to meet people and get off the beaten track.

+ You'll save money with more included on our trips and better value local options.

+ There's total flexibility - you can 'get-on' and 'get-off' anywhere that you want along the way (as often as you like).

+ You have up to twelve months to use the pass and with ‘unlimited travel’ you can use your pass as many times as you like - perfect for truly backpacking New Zealand.

+ We have backpacker hostel, budget hotel, lodge and camping accommodation options and we guarantee your first night’s accommodation in all of our overnight stops.

+ We have one of New Zealand’s newest and greenest (lowest exhaust emissions) backpacker bus fleet.

+ You'll experience local culture, out of the way places and alternative activities.

+ We'll get you deals on New Zealand's best adventure activities.

+ We link attractions on and off the beaten track, taking time to experience NZ and do walks and activities during the travel days.

+ We have the industry's highest rating bus driver guides with market-leading training systems.

With over 25 bus passes to choose from - we've made it simple for you to see what suits you the best.

You can't really go wrong - any of the passes are great for getting out and seeing the real local’s New Zealand - they all include culture, adventure, beautiful scenery and good times with your fellow travellers and driver/guide.

» Find the perfect Stray pass

View and print out current pass timetables - click here

NZ Activity Deals:
Great deals on NZ activities including bungy jumping, caving and sailing trips.

NZ Accommodation Deals:
Check out the latest savings and good deals on accommodation around New Zealand.

Print all latest deals

German Language Option
Das Wichtigste zu Stray - jetzt auch auf deutsch!

Dutch Language Option
Het belangrijkste van Stray – nu ook in het Nederlands!

Spanish Language Option
Lo mas importante sobre Stray!
Ahora también en Español

+ Extend your route for FREE
Book a LONG national pass now for a SHORT national pass price!
Or book a SHORT national pass and get $150 off! - save up to $305 or 28% - Read more..

+ We have an amazing new route for the Burt pass (bottom of New Zealand) with a unique combination of the deep south’s history, spectacular scenery, remote wilderness and wildlife. Read more...

+ We are now offering the chance to learn flax weaving in Raglan and make your own flax basket (kono). This class is run by local Maori and gives a down-to-earth alternative to surfing in this surf and arts town. Read more...

+ The Jackson Pass is back! Get a free eco-cruise in the Bay of Islands worth $89! Read more...

+ We continue our popular activity - free mussel tasting around the fire at our unique overnight stop by Abel Tasman National Park. Read more...

+ The Go East pass has its last departure on the 25th of April. Please note - if you have purchased a Go East trip or Stray Everywhere pass you need to complete your Go East trip by 28th of April.

+ Stray wins Australasian Innovation Award at Golden Backpacks! Read more..

+ We have worked with one of New Zealand's leading experts in staff training to create an online training module for all Stray drivers to ensure they maintain the industry's highest standards. They are tested in customer service, their knowledge of New Zealand, health and safety, driver skills, and respect and care for our environment.

+ We are continuing with our popular free activity that we had in winter - mussel tasting (with lots of different recipes) around the fire at Abel Tasman National Park. This is one of many opportunities for Stray customers to try local food and is a great way to get the group together and meet people (especially for those starting in the South Island) at our exclusive campsite right at the start of the track into the park.

+ We have added 10 new 24 seater buses over winter (after previously adding 7 new 44 seaters and 2 new 24 seaters buses over 2006 and 2007) to ensure Stray has NZ's newest and greenest backpacker bus fleet (Euro 3 and 4 emissions standards).

View more photos

amazing time with stray!

i have just finished my trip with Stray and i have to say i had an amazing time! my drivers were, cathy, lucky, ricky and apples and all of them know there stuff.
I was on Rickys bus the longest and had some wkd times! the people, the divers and this amazing place called New Zealand just made it the best time ever! if anyone is deciding how to get around NZ in my eyes there is only one way.. the Stray way!
Big thanks to everyone I have met on and off the Bus. LIVE THE DREAM!

Dave Hurley from England!


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