Stray - Flexible New Zealand Bus Tours
HOW IT WORKS
Stray is a nationwide, guided hop-on hop-off bus network. Our passes are totally flexible so you can jump on or off the bus anywhere you want along the way – to stay longer, visit friends or even work for a while.
If you are short on time you can also use the Stray bus like a tour and complete your pass in minimum days and still enjoy outstanding locations and unique attractions around New Zealand.
YOU NEED TO KNOW
+ What's included? Land transport around New Zealand, guidance and commentary from your driver/guide, accommodation and booking service, access to special deals, access to our expert local knowledge on the best things to do on and off the beaten track!
+ Where can I hop on and off? You can get on and off the Stray bus anywhere on the route, as often as you like, so long as you verify your trip changes online or with our reservations team. You can't hop off the bus on non-Stray run sectors i.e. Paihia - Cape Reinga - Paihia and Christchurch - Greymouth sector. Overnight destinations are shown as a white dot on our maps (with the name in capitals), whereas places of interest or activity stops are normally in an orange colour. You need to update your plans on our online booking system or by contacting our reservations team after any changes, to ensure that your seat is confirmed.
+ All passes are valid for 12 months and with unlimited travel can be used as many times as you like, travelling in one direction around New Zealand (see fine print for conditions).
+ We organise beds in our night stopovers and guarantee your first night’s accommodation in each place - even in peak season (which can be invaluable). We give you a choice where we can - there is always an option at backpacker hostel rates (about $25 per night), and usually twin and double options to hotel standards from about $65 per couple. NB: our cultural overnight is an exception with an all-inclusive price of $75 for bed, hangi meal, breakfast and cultural show. This is a unique opportunity to sleep in a marae (meeting house). You simply pay for your accommodation as you go.
+ Accommodation ranges from backpacker hostels (VIP, BBH, Nomads, YHA), to wilderness lodges, to cabins in amazing off the beaten track locations.
+ You don’t need a sleeping bag – you can hire bedding for the dorm rooms or get a made-up room in every overnight stop.
+ You can self cater (we make supermarket stops) but there are cheap meals (often with local specialties), available at all stops – there is always a vegetarian option.
+ Your driver gives you guidance and information about the local culture, history and wildlife of each location, and where possible will always offer a number of activities for you to choose from with free or paid options.
+ Our average group size is 30 - so you don't feel herded around; we can offer more activity and accommodation options, plus we can get you to the off the beaten track places!
+ We include free days (non-travel days) in key locations i.e. Abel Tasman National Park, Franz Josef Glacier and Queenstown so even if you’re on minimum time you’ll be able to do activities and explore each of these areas.
+ Our trips are active. If walks and wildlife aren’t your thing – don’t travel with us. If they are, bring some good walking shoes and a daypack. Don’t worry about not being fit enough, we cater to all fitness levels and all activities are optional. A few drinks at the end of a day full of adventure always taste the best!
+ You can book back on a bus online via the ‘Travellers’ Login’ located at the top of each page on this website.
