Max Pass - Best Value All New Zealand!
Stray’s most popular pass – all of New Zealand. You can start and finish in Auckland, Christchurch or any other place around the circuit. Takes at least three weeks and is an excellent way to really get to see and experience what NZ has to offer.
As always the longer you have the better - so you can get off at your favourite places for a few more days (or weeks!).
Short, sweet and packed full of goodness. This is a best value pass, packed full of culture, national parks, unique stops and fun! All for $33 per day!
Sale ends 30th April 2013
Departs: Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays from Auckland orTuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from Christchurch.
Recommended Days: 21-23 Days
Highlights:
+ Experience the Coromandel Peninsula with an overnight stop in Hahei (Summer).
+ Stay at a wilderness lodge in the bush at Raglan – overlooking New Zealand’s premier surf beach.
+ See glow-worms and do some amazing caving at Waitomo Caves.
+ Overnight stay on a Marae (Maori meeting house) in Mourea includes your accommodation, hangi (dinner), breakfast and unique cultural experience all for only $80.
+ Stop in at Rotorua to experience (smell) the geothermal activity and do extreme white water rafting.
+ Stay next to NZ’s largest lake - Lake Taupo (great for skydiving).
+ Tongariro National Park (the volcanoes, Mordor and Mt Doom , NZ’s best one day walk the ‘Tongariro Alpine Crossing’).
+ Stay at award-winning conservation stop Whakahoro for wild, wilderness activities!
+ Wellington – NZ’s capital city, home to our national museum Te Papa.
+ Unique overnight and a free day in Abel Tasman National Park (walks, sailing and kayaking options in this stunning area).
+ Overnight in the historic mining town of Blackball and experience the remote and rugged West Coast.
+ Majestic Franz Josef glacier with a free day to hike and explore it.
+ Spend a few days in Queenstown - the adventure and party capital of NZ!
+ The stunning fiord of Milford Sound and historic Gunn’s Camp.
+ Stewart Island's natural untouched beauty and wildlife or the Catlins wilderness area for sealions and remote scenery.
+ Stay at base of NZ's highest mountain Aoraki/Mt Cook.
+ High country sheep station in Lord of the Rings scenery at Rangitata.
+ Kaikoura, for the awe-inspiring whale watching and wildlife spotting.
Sale ends 31st January
Itinerary
= Stray's accommodation for that evening.
= Optional paid activities (usually choose one main activity per day).
= Free/Included activities (these options may vary depending on the group, driver, pass, length of stay, weather and time of year!)
Auckland to Raglan
Depart 7.30am. Head on to the world-renowned Raglan surf beach, with cow spotting and a walk to Bridal Veil Falls on the way. Chill out or go hard in this funky surf and arts town.
An eco-lodge surrounded by native bush near the beach.
Learn to surf and then relax on a sunset cruise in the harbour for $99 (save $39) with a $12 group meal of the freshest fish and chips.
Waterfall walk, bush walk around Mt Karioi, relax on the beach, glow-worms in the bush, West Coast sunset, Inspiration Point.
Raglan to Mourea
Depart 8am. Head to the rural town of Waitomo, with time to explore its famous caves and glowworms. We then head across to the Bay Of Plenty for our unique and special cultural overnight stay. This is an immersion into our indigenous Maori culture and much more than a show. We learn about Maori traditions and history and become fully interactive with Kapa Haka (Maori song and dance). An unforgettable, genuine and educational night!
Unique Stray stay in the Wharenui (Maori meeting house).
Waitomo must-do caving options – Haggas Honking Holes, Lost World, Tumu Tumu Toobing, or a glow-worm tour. Cultural night is an all-inclusive price of $80 including afternoon tea, dinner, interactive performance, storytelling, bed and breakfast.
Walk around Ruakuri Reserve, Waitomo Valley Caves walk.
N.B. Cultural night $80 for everyone.
Mourea (via Rotorua) to Taupo
Depart 8.30am and head to Rotorua for a morning free to discover its smell (geothermal areas), culture and adventure. We do hostel pickups, then head south to Taupo and its great lake (the world’s largest crater lake), via Huka Falls. This afternoon, you can take part in one of our most popular activities – skydiving.
Central hostel.
Further your knowledge of Maori culture by taking a guided walk through the historic Whirinaki Rainforest. Raft the highest commercially-rafted waterfall in the world, go zorbing (Rotorua), or skydiving (Taupo).
Walks around geothermal areas, Huka Falls, Mud facial at secret spot.
Taupo to Whakahoro
We depart at 8:30am and head to 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 station and an environmental conservation leader. Once you arrive, there are plenty of activities for you to partake in. Spend the evening sitting around, listening to tales from this unique region.
Country station lodge.
An eco-warrior 4WD tour, a one day horse trek (like a real cowboy), clay bird shooting.
Walk around the truly amazing property at Whakahoro and just take in the lush scenery, walk to the Kaiwhakauka waterfall, enjoy your host Dan’s fantastic hospitality and stories on the local wildlife and history.
Whakahoro to National Park
We depart at 6.00am and head to the active volcanoes and dual World Heritage 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. In the evening, reward yourself at the bar or just relax in the spa where we stay.
Beautiful Alpine Lodge.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing (there is a $115 transport, guiding and concession to do this hike, normally ), Skiing a real volcano!
Taranaki Falls walk, visit the Volcanic Centre.
National Park to Wellington
Depart 9am. We head to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city via Ohakune, Taihape and Bulls. You have the afternoon to cruise or explore.
Central hostel.
Check out some of the great cafes and bars.
Walk ‘Oriental Parade’, head up Mt Victoria for fantastic views, and visit ‘Te Papa’ - our national museum.
Wellington to Marahau (Abel Tasman)
We catch the 8am Bluebridge ferry (check in 7am) across to the South Island where we meet the Stray bus, we then cruise through the famous Marlborough vineyard area and the coastal town of Nelson, before heading onto Motueka and to our amazing night stop of Marahau, right on the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park.
Unique Stray accommodation on the edge of National Park.
Ferry $50-75, wine tasting, skydiving, pilot your own stunt plane!
Swim, walk, mussel tasting around the fire.
Non Travel Day: Marahau (Abel Tasman)
You have the day at leisure to explore this stunning, coastal National Park.
Unique Stray accommodation on the edge of National Park.
Full day sailing trip, kayaking, skydiving, water taxi, horse riding or hang gliding.
Walk in the National Park or just relax on one of the golden sand beaches!
Marahau to Blackball
Depart at 8.30am. We head for the ‘wild’ West Coast passing through the Buller Gorge before stopping off at Cape Foulwind to see the seal colony. We head on to our Stray exclusive stop in the historic mining town of Blackball.
Historic miners’ hotel.
Gold panning, black powder shooting.
Cape Foulwind seal colony, Truman Track walk, Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, meet some of the quirky locals.
Blackball to Franz Josef
You have the morning free for activities, then at midday we head into the heart of the West Coast – where time almost stands still. We do pick-ups at Greymouth, make a stop in Hokitika then head to Franz Josef, a town squashed between the Tasman Sea and the mighty Franz Josef glacier.
Lodge in the middle of the rainforest.
Helibiking, helihiking, haunted house tour.
Mining history tour of Blackball, Croesus Track, mine exploring, green stone workshop.
Non Travel Day: Franz Josef
A free day to explore the glacier.
Lodge in the middle of the rainforest.
The “Ice Explorer” trip – a short heli-hop onto the glacier followed by an educational tour (entry to hot pools included).
Many excellent bush hikes (but we recommend a guided one for safety). Warm up and relax after all this in one of NZ’s largest spa pools at your accommodation.
Franz Josef to Wanaka
Depart at 9am. We head to Lake Matheson for the amazing mirror lake; stop at Fox Glacier for pickups then travel through to the mountainous Haast pass and Makarora. We pass by the beautiful lake Hawea and arrive in Wanaka with an afternoon to enjoy this picturesque lakeside town.
Central hostel.
Puzzle World.
Mirror Lake walk, Ship Creek Walk, Blue Pools walk, Thundercreek Falls Walk, explore Wanaka.
Wanaka to Queenstown
Depart 11.30am. This morning you have the opportunity to check out amazing views of the lake either by skydiving or walking up Mt Iron! We depart at 11.30am. We cruise into Queenstown with a stop at the famous A.J. Hackett bungy site and then head to the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’! Queenstown offers an optional big (make that huge) night out with excellent restaurants, pubs and live music.
Central hostel.
Skydiving, bungy jumping.
Walk Mt Iron, watch people jumping off a bridge!
Queenstown to Gunn's Camp
Depart from 7am. Enjoy the views on a drive past Lake Wakatipu, then get ready for one of the most scenically amazing drives in the world on our way to Milford Sound. We pass through the farmland of Southland and watch it turn into mountains, glacial carved valleys and fiords. We have time to explore Milford and then in the late afternoon we head to our unique overnight stop at Gunn’s Camp.
Historic camp on the edge of the Hollyford Track in the heart of Fiordland National Park.
Milford Sound Cruise special Stray 2 for 1 deal - $45 per person (there is also a great Stray combo deal for this and the Stewart Island ferry for only $172 – save $60 off retail).
Stunning views, walks, visit the historic museum or take in the incredible surroundings of a World Heritage National Park at Gunn’s Camp.
Gunn’s Camp to Invercargill/Stewart Island
Depart 8.30am. We start the morning with a great hike up to the Key Summit Track for stunning views over Fiordland Mountains (Part of the Routeburn Track). We then head through Southland to Invercargill on the scenic route, next stop Stewart Island! There are also options for those not going to Stewart Island and staying in Invercargill.
There are also options for those not going to Stewart Island and staying in Invercargill.
Cozy hostel.
See the awesome Stewart Island ferry and Milford Sound Cruise combo deal above.
Humbolt Falls walk. National Park at Gunn’s Camp.
Invercargill/Stewart Island to Queenstown
The morning is yours to explore the island, meet the locals, go fishing or enjoy some of the walks. We catch the ferry back to the mainland at 3pm. For those who chose not to venture to Stewart Island, we depart Invercargill at 10.30am and head out to Waipapa Point for some sea lion-spotting. We return to Bluff Hill where we meet up with the island-goers before we express back to Queenstown.
Central hostel.
Fishing, hire a scooter, go to Ulva Island.
Explore the island, amazing birdlife, walks through the native parkland (Stewart Island); sea lion-spotting, Bluff Hill walk (Invercargill).
Non Travel Day: Queenstown
Today is yours to explore. Obviously you can break your journey in Queenstown for as long as you want. If you’re not doing the ‘Burt’, look at doing a one day trip to Milford Sound before you go. Speak to your driver or hostel travel desk for Dunedin connection options.
Central hostel.
Any adventure activity that we mad Kiwis can dream up (bungy, swing, jetboating, skydiving, mountain biking, zipline, horse riding...), one day trip to Milford Sound.
Sleep in, some great walks, take in the beautiful views from this cool resort town.
Queenstown to Aoraki/Mt Cook
Depart 8:40am. We head over the Lindis Pass through the beautiful Mackenzie Country and Lake Pukaki, then head north to our amazing stop at the base of New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/ Mt Cook, arriving in the early afternoon. If you want to hop off the bus for a few days there are some incredible longer walks (we'd recommend leaving actually climbing Mt Cook to the mountaineers though).
Stunning alpine lodge.
Argo tour of Alpine Region, visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.
Take photos of awe-inspiring scenery, do one of the many great short walks to the Hooker glacial lake.
Mt Cook to Rangitata
We make our way to the ‘Lord of the Rings’ landscape of Rangitata. We head past the turquoise Lake Tekapo, where we stop for ice-skating, snow tubing or a swim at the hot springs. We arrive early afternoon in Geraldine, and then head through to spend the night at Rangitata.
One of Canterbury's original sheep stations.
Ice-skating, swim at alpine hot springs, go for a mountain bike, walk or horse ride through Peel Forest.
Take photos of stunning scenery, go for a walk.
Rangitata (via Christchurch) to Kaikoura
Depart 7.30am. It is an express haul across the Canterbury plains to Christchurch. We depart Christchurch at 9.45am and have a beautiful drive up the coast to Kaikoura. You have the afternoon free for activities.
Historic seaside hotel.
Whale watching, swimming with seals, piloting your own plane or swimming with dolphins (pre-booking is advised in summer for dolphin swimming). Try the amazing fresh fish and chips!
Walk around the peninsula and up to the lookout.
Kaikoura to Picton or Wellington
Depart 8.30am. We wind our way up the rugged coastal roads with stops for photos and a seal colony. Those not heading north to Wellington on the ferry will stay in the port town of Picton for the night.
Central hostel (Wellington), Cozy villa (Picton).
Vineyard tour (Picton), Ferry ($50-75).
Seal colony; Queen Charlotte Sound View walk, mountain biking, fishing or relax in the spa where we stay (Picton); explore the city (Wellington).
Wellington to Auckland
Depart 6:40am. This is an express day via National Park to Auckland. You can hop off anywhere along the way.
Deals
Auckland
Auckland Bungy & Bridge Climb - view deal →
Explore NZ - America’s Cup Sailing - view deal →
Explore NZ - America’s Cup Match Race - view deal →
Explore NZ - Auckland - view deal →
Explore NZ - Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari - view deal →
Explore NZ - Sailing and Dining Cruise - view deal →
Stray - FREE TOUR! - view deal →
Base Auckland ACB - view deal →
Blackball
Christchurch
Marahau (Abel Tasman)
Abel Tasman Kayaks / Abel Tasman Aqua Taxi - view deal →
Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures - view deal →
Mourea
Mt Cook
National Park
Queenstown
AJ Hackett Bungy Queenstown - view deal →
Canyoning Queenstown - view deal →
Dart River Jet Safaris - view deal →
Serious Fun Riversurfing - Blowing Minds Since 89' - view deal →
Shotover Canyon Swing - The World's Highest Cliff Jump - view deal →
Wellington
Te Papa Tongarewa Museum - view deal →
Wellington Movie Tours - view deal →
Nomads Capital Hostel - view deal →
Whakahoro
Timetable
Auckland to Raglan | |||||||
| MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | SAT | SUN | |
| Auckland (Depart) | 07:30 | 07:30 | 07:30 | ||||
| Hamilton (Depart) | 10:30 | 10:30 | 10:30 | ||||
| Raglan (Arrive) | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | ||||
Raglan to Mourea | |||||||
| MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | SAT | SUN | |
| Raglan (Depart) | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | ||||
| Waitomo (Depart) | 14:30 | 14:30 | 14:30 | ||||
| Mourea (Arrive) | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | ||||
Mourea (via Rotorua) to Taupo | |||||||
| MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | SAT | SUN | |
| Mourea (Depart) | 08:00 | 08:00 | 08:00 | ||||
| Rotorua (Depart) | 12:30 | 12:30 | 12:30 | ||||
| Taupo (Arrive) | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | ||||
Taupo to Whakahoro | |||||||
| MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | SAT | SUN | |
| Taupo (Depart) | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | ||||
| Whakahoro (Arrive) | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | ||||
Whakahoro to National Park | |||||||
| MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | SAT | SUN | |
| Whakahoro (Depart) | 6:00am | 6:00am | 6:00am | ||||
| National Park (Arrive) | 08:30 | 08:30 | 08:30 | ||||
National Park to Wellington | |||||||
| MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | SAT | SUN | |
| National Park (Depart) | 09:00 | 09:00 | 09:00 | ||||
| Bulls (Depart) | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | ||||
| Wellington (Arrive) | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | ||||
Wellington to Marahau (Abel Tasman) | |||||||
| MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | SAT | SUN | |
| Wellington - Ferry Terminal (Depart) | 08:00 | 08:00 | 08:00 | 08:00 | 08:00 | 08:00 | 08:00 |
| Picton - Ferry Terminal (Depart) | 11:45 | 11:45 | 11:45 | 11:45 | |||
| Nelson (Depart) | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | |||
| Marahau - Abel Tasman National Park (Arrive) | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | |||
Non Travel Day: Marahau (Abel Tasman) | |||||||
| MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | SAT | SUN | |
| Marahau (Abel Tasman) (Non travel) | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free |
Marahau to Blackball | |||||||
| MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | SAT | SUN | |
| Marahau - Abel Tasman National Park (Depart) | 8.30 | 8.30 | 8.30 | ||||
| Westport (Depart) | 13.00 | 13.00 | 13.00 | ||||
| Blackball (Arrive) | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | ||||
Blackball to Franz Josef | |||||||
| MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | SAT | SUN | |
| Blackball (Depart) | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | ||||
| Greymouth (Depart) | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | ||||
| Franz Josef (Arrive) | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | ||||
Non Travel Day: Franz Josef | |||||||
| MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | SAT | SUN | |
| Franz Josef (Non travel) | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free |
Franz Josef to Wanaka | |||||||
| MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | SAT | SUN | |
| Franz Josef (Depart) | 09:00 | 09:00 | 09:00 | ||||
| Fox Glacier (Depart) | 09:30 | 09:30 | 09:30 | ||||
| Wanaka (Arrive) | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | ||||
Wanaka to Queenstown | |||||||
| MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | SAT | SUN | |
| Wanaka (Depart) | 11:30 | 11:30 | 11:30 | ||||
| Cromwell (Depart) | 12:15 | 12:15 | 12:15 | ||||
| Queenstown (Arrive) | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | ||||
Queenstown to Gunn's Camp | |||||||
| MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | SAT | SUN | |
| Queenstown (Depart) | 7.00 | 7.00 | |||||
| Te Anau (Arrive) | 9.30 | 9.30 | |||||
| Gunn’s Camp (Arrive) | 17.00 | 17.00 | |||||
Gunn’s Camp to Invercargill/Stewart Island | |||||||
| MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | SAT | SUN | |
| Gunn’s Camp (Depart) | 08:30 | 08:30 | |||||
| Te Anau (Depart) | 13:00 | 13:00 | |||||
| Bluff (Arrive) | 16:00 | 16:00 | |||||
| Invercargill (Arrive) | 17:00 | 17:00 | |||||
Invercargill/Stewart Island to Queenstown | |||||||
| MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | SAT | SUN | |
| Invercargill (Depart) | 10:00 | 10:00 | |||||
| Bluff (Depart) | 16:00 | 16:00 | |||||
| Queenstown (Arrive) | 19:00 | 19:00 | |||||
Non Travel Day: Queenstown | |||||||
| MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | SAT | SUN | |
| Queenstown (Non travel) | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free |
Queenstown to Aoraki/Mt Cook | |||||||
| MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | SAT | SUN | |
| Queenstown (Depart) | 08:40 | 08:40 | 08:40 | ||||
| Mt Cook (Arrive) | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | ||||
Mt Cook to Rangitata | |||||||
| MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | SAT | SUN | |
| Mt Cook (Depart) | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | ||||
| Lake Tekapo (Depart) | 11:30 | 11:30 | 11:30 | ||||
| Rangitata (Arrive) | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | ||||
Rangitata (via Christchurch) to Kaikoura | |||||||
| MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | SAT | SUN | |
| Rangitata (Depart) | 07:30 | 07:30 | 07:30 | ||||
| Christchurch (International Airport) (Arrive) | 09:30 | 09:30 | 09:30 | ||||
| Christchurch (International Airport) (Depart) | 09:45 | 09:45 | 09:45 | ||||
| Kaikoura (Arrive) | 12:30 | 12:30 | 12:30 | ||||
Kaikoura to Picton or Wellington | |||||||
| MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | SAT | SUN | |
| Kaikoura (Depart) | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | ||||
| Blenheim (Depart) | 11:30 | 11:30 | 11:30 | ||||
| Picton (Arrive) | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | ||||
| Bluebridge Ferry to NTH IS. (WLG) (Depart) | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 |
Wellington to Auckland | |||||||
| MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | SAT | SUN | |
| Wellington (Depart) | 06:40 | 06:40 | 06:40 | ||||
| National Park (Depart) | 11:30 | 11:30 | 11:30 | ||||
| Auckland (Arrive) | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | ||||
