Only Stray has smaller groups to go off the beaten track
Price: NZ$970 *
Minimum Travel Days: 17
Start: Auckland
End: Christchurch
What to bring? Good walking shoes, a day pack, sunblock, bug repellant, a warm fleece (sweatshirt/jersey), a waterproof jacket and some clothes!
Is accommodation included? Your driver will book accommodation for you but the cost is not included in your pass (you’ll just need to pay as you go).
Do I need personal travel insurance? There is no travel insurance cover included in the price of a Stray pass. Stray strongly recommends that you take some out to cover for cancellation, medical expenses, personal accident, personal baggage, money and public liability. We highly recommend World Nomads travel insurance.
All of New Zealand except the bottom bit. This pass starts in Auckland and finishes in Christchurch and is a good time efficient way to see most of New Zealand if you have a few weeks.
Spend a couple of extra days in Queenstown and do more adventure activities or a day trip to Milford Sound.
Get 5 nights pre-paid accommodation at Nomads Hostels in NZ for $135!
Click here to find out more....
+ 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) includes your accommodation, hangi (dinner), breakfast and unique cultural experience all for only $75
+ 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 an award winning eco-wilderness station in Whakahoro
+ 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)
+ Nature retreat at Punakaiki, bone carving and the 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!
+ Stay at base of NZ's highest mountain Aoraki/Mt Cook
+ High country sheep station in Lord of the Rings scenery at Rangitata.
Key:
= 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!)
Depart from Auckland at 7am. We head south travelling towards the mighty Waikato. Pick up your free cultural experience (kumara) to keep or have for dinner. We head on to the world-renowned Raglan surf beach, with cow spotting and a walk to the majestic 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 for $79 (save $10, plus get second night’s accommodation free with surf lesson).
Waterfall walk, bush walk around Mt Karioi, relax on the beach, glow-worms in the bush, West Coast sunset, Inspiration Point.
Depart 8am. Head to the rural town of Waitomo, with time to explore its famous caves and glowworms. We then head across to Maketu for our unique and special cultural stopover. We have a modern ‘Hangi’ meal and learn about Maori traditions and contemporary Maori culture complete with an interactive haka and poi lesson.
We uniquely sleep in the marae (Maori meeting house).
The cultural night is an all-inclusive price of $75 including dinner, cultural show, bed and breakfast. Waitomo must-
do caving options – Haggas Honking Holes, Lost World, Tumu Tumu Toobing, or a glow-worm tour.
Walk around Ruakuri Reserve,
Waitomo Valley Caves walk, Arapuni suspension bridge.
N.B. Cultural night is $75 for everyone and in winter minimum numbers of 10 apply. If less than 10 we will stay in Rotorua with an alternative cultural option.
Depart 8am and head into 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.
A visit to Whakarewarewa historic Maori village and geothermal area, you can
get your own personally-designed Maori tattoo (Ta Moko) for a special Stray price of $84 (village entry included) - you can keep as a piece of art or take it to a tattoo artist for a permanent momento. Raft the highest commercially-rafted waterfall in the world, go zorbing (Rotorua), or skydiving (Taupo).
East Coast sunrise, walks around geothermal areas, Huka Falls, mud facial at secret spot.
We depart at 9am and head to the most remote part of the North Island. Our destination is Blue Duck Lodge, 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.
Accommodation: Country station lodge.
Optional Paid Activities: An eco-warrior 4WD tour, a one day horse trek (like a real cowboy), or a fully guided kayak tour.
Free/Included activities: Tokaanu geothermal walk, walk around the truly amazing property at Whakahoro and just take in the lush scenery, kayak around the Kaiwhakauka waterfall, enjoy your host Dan’s fantastic hospitality and stories on the local wildlife and history.
Depart 7.30am. 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. Hop off to do a Lord of the Rings tour or to visit the Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary.
Walk ‘Oriental Parade’, head up
Mt Victoria for fantastic views, and visit ‘Te Papa’ - our national museum.
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.
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!
Depart at 9am. 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, nestled amongst the native bush in Paparoa National Park. The sunset is a must if the weather is clear!
Lodge in the middle of the rainforest.
Save some coin today!
Westport seal colony, West Coast sunset, Truman Track walk, meet some of the quirky locals.
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.
Bone carving, jade carving, kayaking.
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and their mighty blowholes, walk along the beach, sleep in.
A free day to explore the glacier.
Lodge in the middle of the rainforest.
Take a guided glacier walk or a ‘helicopter hike’ to get onto the glacier, go ice climbing, relax in the local hot pools.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Depart 9.30am. 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.
Take a boat to check out the Tasman glacier, 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.
Depart 10am. We make our way to the ‘Lord of the Rings’ landscape of Rangitata. We head around the turquoise Lake Tekapo, where we stop for ice-skating 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.
Depart 7.30am. It is an express haul across the Canterbury plains to Christchurch. For those whose Stray adventure is coming to an end we arrive at 9.40am.
Adrenalin forest - Christchurch and Wellington » View Advert
High wire, High excitement,High Adrenalin
The park features an aerial obstacle course high up in the tree top, several pathways of progressive difficulty, about 3 hours to complete.
FROM $14 TO $38
Skydiving NZ » View Advert
New Zealand’s most scenic skydive
Franz Josef Glacier Guides - Save $10 » View Advert
Travel through the most spectacular and challenging glacier terrain imaginable!
Full day glacier adventure - $170 (save $10!)
Half day - $118 (save $5)
Our world renowned all day option takes you into superb scenery, most spectacular ice falls, and deep into the heart of the glacier. We guarantee the most extensive and rewarding glacier adventure available!
Half day glacier experience - This is a fantastic introduction to an enthralling world of ice, traversing spectacular tracks of only moderate difficulty. Stray price only $103!
Ice climbing - A day packed with adventure and adrenalin highs. Provided with expert tuition and all technical equipment, this is a great way to introduce you to the exhilarating sport of ice- climbing! Stray price $246
Rainforest Holiday Park » View Advert
Hike the glacier and then relax in one of New Zealand's largest spa pools!
Franz Josef Heli Hike - Save $20 per person » View Advert
Combine an awesome scenic helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier with a unique guided walk amongst the ice caves, pinnacles and seracs of this pristine alpine environment
Noahs Ark Backpackers » View Advert
Room rate from $24 for dorms and $58 for doubles. We provide warm and welcoming, quality budget hostel accommodation and campsites, only 100m from the town centre, on the wild West Coast of New Zealand.
Overnight cultural stay $75
Uniquely get the chance to stay on a Maori marae (meeting house). $75 for your dinner, breakfast, learning the haka at the interactive cultural show and staying the night ‘marae-style’.
Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures - Save up to $52 » View Advert
The best value scenic sailing in NZ! Explore the National Park coastline, golden beaches and islands. Try sailing or just sit back and chill out.
Full Day Sail Stray price $102, save $52 off standard price! Sail the coastline on your 6 hour scenic sailing trip taking in golden beaches, lagoons, islands and NZ fur seals.
Full Day Sail and Walk Combos Stray price $69, save $26! Start the day with a coastal walk and join our afternoon sailing tour. Or enjoy the tour in reverse, sail first with afternoon walk.
Sea Kayak, Walk, Seals & Sail Stray price $154, save $35! Sea kayak past islands, sea caves, and golden beaches as you paddle from Marahau to Watering Cove. Stroll over the hill and join your afternoon sailing tour checking out NZ fur seals on the way.
Skydive Abel Tasman - from only $399! » View Advert
NZ’s Highest Tandem Skydive – 16,500ft!
See both the North and South Island from 16,500ft, Mt Taranaki down to Mt Cook. Take in views of snow-capped mountains, two national parks, golden beaches and turquoise oceans... Paradise!
Skydive the Highest for only $399!
Alternatively 13,000ft for $299
Tasman Sky Adventures » View Advert
Abel Tasman Kayaks / Abel Tasman Aqua Taxi » View Advert
AJ Hackett Bungy Queenstown - Save $24 + Free t-shirt! » View Advert
Bungy in Queenstown - Home of the World's 1st commercial Bungy!
Save up to $24 with Stray and get a t-shirt for FREE when you complete your Bungy!
Serious Fun Riversurfing - Blowing Minds Since 89' » View Advert
SHOTOVER CANYON SWIING - THE WORLDS HIGHEST CLIFF JUMP » View Advert
For knitting nana’s or adrenaline junkies our numerous jumpstyles launch you from 109m high. Experience 60m freefall past vertical cliff into giant 200m swing at 150kmh.
Retail Price $199 ($20 spectator) - Special Stray Discount available if you book with your driver
Shotover Jet » View Advert
Award winning Shotover Jet, ‘The World’s Most Exciting Jet Boat Ride’ and the only company permitted to operate in the spectacular Shotover River Canyons.
Adult $119
Dart River Jet SafarisJoin us, the only operator on the Dart River, for a unique 'Safari' of exhilaration, discovery and adventure, and experience 'New Zealand’s Most Sensational Journey'. Adult $219
Base Queenstown, Discovery Lodge » View Advert
Base Queenstown sets the standard in luxury budget accommodation, with amazing alpine and lake views, high quality facilities and a central location in New Zealand's scenic adventure capital.
The truly modern Base Queenstown, is the most centrally located hostel in Queenstown. We are open 24 hours so that you can maximise your valuable time and enjoyment in one of the world's most incredible locations.
NZONE - From only $269 + FREE $15 gift! » View Advert
Tandem skydive over this amazingly scenic area with this award-winning company.
Canyoning Queenstown » View Advert
The best summer fun ever! Get ready to jump, slide, abseil/rappel and zip line through some of the most amazing natural settings New Zealand has to offer.
Stray Special
$10 off Queenstown Canyon
$20 off Routeburn Canyon
Raglan Surfing School - Save $$$ » View Advert
Karioi Lodge & Raglan Surfing School have teamed up to offer every Stray passenger a chance to experience the fun & adventure of Whale Bay, Raglan. The Lodge is set at the base of Mt. Karioi, a magical extinct volcano with great rain forest tramping access & in walking distance of the world famous Raglan surf breaks. The discounted Stray accommodation price includes many value added extras... clean and fresh bed linens, free pool table, Scandinavian sauna, wide screen TV, videos, fully equipped kitchen and BBQ & much more!
Stray passengers also receive discounts on all Raglan Surfing School lessons, surf equipment rentals and "Surf & Stay" packages. The Surf School offers exhilarating daily lessons for complete beginners. For Stray passengers hopping off the Bus with us we offer a daily town and beach transportation service so you can see all Raglan has to offer! See You at The BEACH!
Rangitata Rafts - Save $29 » View Advert
Amazing rafting opportunity too good to miss – and the best thing is that your bus stays overnight especially so you can raft one of New Zealand’s best white water rafting adventures the same afternoon you arrive. The spectacular Rangitata Gorge, South Island offers longer time on the water than most rafting trips - enjoy rafting amongst incredible LOTR scenery, jump rocks, raft surfing. The variety of grade 1 – 5 rapids means heaps of fun and excitement for the novice and experienced.
Stray Deal: Save $29!!! Normal cost $198pp – But for Stray passengers only $169pp. Exceptional rafting package. Includes lunch prior to rafting, all rafting clothing & equipment, 2.5 hrs rafting grade 1 – 5 rapids with option to walk around if preferred. Hot showers and BBQ meal await your arrival back at the lodge.
Peel Forest Horse Trekking – 10% Off » View Advert
Get into the saddle and take in some amazing scenery with peel forest horse trekking. River crossings, forest and mountains suitable for all abilities of riders.
Stray Deal: Group of six or more Stray travelers trekking at the same time will receive a 10% discount - organise a group, get dropped off on way to Rangitata Rafts or we'll pick you up from Rangitata Rafts.
Zorb - 3 rides for the price of 2 » View Advert
Agroventures - 10% off! » View Advert
Receive a 10% discount of the Triple Bypass or FOUR-tune Packages at Agroventures.
Triple Bypass - Choose any three heart stopping adrenaline activities out of Agrojet, Freefall Xtreme Teaser, Shweeb or Swoop. Normal Retail : $120 per adult/$99 per child. Stray Price Adult: $108.00
FOUR-tune - Includes all four activities out of Agrojet, Freefall Xtreme Teaser, Shweeb or Swoop. Normal Retail: $160.00 per adult/ $130.00 per child. Stray Price Adult: $144.00
Hobbiton Movie Set & Farm Tours » View Advert
Visit the real Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. Frequent daily departures. From $66.00.
Kaitiaki Adventures - Save $10 » View Advert
Experience a touch of ancient maori lore blended with adrenalin as you raft over the 7m Tutea falls or sledge on the incredible rivers surrounding Rotorua. Relax in the purpose- built base, nestled amongst the Hells gate ancient volcanic landscape.
Raft the Kaituna River for only $82 (save 10)!
Go sledging down the wild Kaituna River for only $89 (save $10)!
Or combine both do the Raft+Sledge Combo for $160 (save $8).
NZONE - From only $249! » View Advert
Tandem skydive over this amazingly scenic area with this award-winning company.
9,000ft $249
12,000ft $299
15,000ft $399
Whakarewarewa - Only $30 » View Advert
Welcome to our home, Whakarewarewa
Experience a real living Maori & Geothermal village. See how the local people still use the natural resources for daily living.
Package & Price: Whaka Snack Package. Retail price is $35.50, Stray Price is $30.00. Save $5.50
White Island Tours - Package only $245 » View Advert
Join PeeJays for a visit to NZ's most active marine volcano!. Guides take you through the remains of the old sulphur mining factory and up close and personal with the bright yellow sulphur crystals, thundering vents, huge rock formations - witness mother nature at her extreme! You will venture right up to the main crater’s edge! On our trip home you might even be lucky enough to spend some time with the dolphins ! Shuttle service from Rotoura available. $245 per person all inclusive (shuttle, boat trip, tour, lunch, safety gear, landing permits)
Hells Gate Deal – Save $20! » View Advert
Hells Gate is THE must do experience for any travelling girl in NZ! Organic Mud Baths and Minerals Spa so Pamper yourself and get SEXY!
Hells Gate Deal: $55 for Organic Mud Bath and Geothermal Mineral Spa – Save $20!
Base Rotorua, Hot Rocks » View Advert
Experience a warm Base Rotorua welcome in the geothermal wonderland that is Rotorua.
Base Rotorua, Hot Rock commands the best location in town overlooking the beautiful, historic Kuirau geothermal park and just minutes walk from the lake and Rotorua's cafè and shopping precinct. With two mineral hot pools and a large heated outdoor pool, Base Rotorua is the only place to stay!
YHA Rotorua » View Advert
Skydive Taupo - Only $250 » View Advert
Skydive Taupo: Believe the Hype !
Pay only $250 for a 12,000 ft tandem skydive or $340 for 15,000ft. Pay $439 for 12,000ft or $499 for 15,000ft and get a combo - including the jump, DVD, photos and a t-shirt!
Stray Special - get a second copy of your DVD for $1!! One to keep and one to send home!!
Taupo Urban Retreat » View Advert
Stay at a fun, funky, laid back hostel in the heart of Taupo, and only 300 metres away from Taupo's great lake!
Enjoy FREE internet with skype, our FREE dvd library, and get a FREE pass to Bodyworx fitness centre!!
Base Taupo » View Advert
Base Taupo is a brand new luxury hostel with a central location and stunning Lake Taupo and mountain views.
You are just seconds from the lakefront and have transport, cafés & shops on your doorstep. Base Taupo, has superior facilities, comfy beds and great value for money.
Offering a full range of clean comfortable rooms to suit any budget. From a private ensuite with TV, multi-share dorm or Sanctuary wing for girls only! We have a one-stop travel shop and our experienced, knowledgeable staff will help plan your perfect adventure before you travel.
YHA Taupo » View Advert
Destination Great Lake Taupo » View Advert
Catching a wild trout, swimming in a crystal clear lake, skiing on a volcano or walking in native bush – come experience the essence of Great Lake Taupo.
Waitomo Adventures - Save $58.50! » View Advert
Save on awesome cave adventures!
TumuTumu Toobing - blackwater rafting at its best for only $128.00 (normally $145).
Haggas Honking Holes - pay only $164.50 for Waitomo's most concentrated action adventure and save $70.50!.
Lost World 4 Hour - dry caving adventure with 100m abseil for only $240.00 (normally $300.00)!
Lost World All Day Epic - the ultimate river caving adventure including a 100m abseil for $348.00 (normally $435.00)!
St Benedicts Caverns - only $132.00 (normally $165.00)
Mountain View Backpackers » View Advert
We are a small, friendly backpackers, centrally located in town with a large garden to enjoy.
We have a 24hr kitchen and cosy communal lounge.
Dorms from $23
Mention stray bus and receive 50mb internet voucher free.
Skydive Lake Wanaka - $5 off merchandise at the drop zone! » View Advert
Base Wanaka » View Advert
BASE Wanaka has arrived! Following the BASE tradition this is a one stop hostel in the centre of beautiful Wanaka only minutes walk from what can only be rated as one of the most beautiful lake and mountain vista views in the world.
With two floors of accommodation, BASE Wanaka is setting a new standard in budget and luxury backpacker accommodation. You can enjoy your dinner on our second floor guest kitchen balcony while watching the sunset - which is second to none!
BASE Wanaka has an excellent, central location; just a few minutes walk to shops, cafés and local stores. Superior facilities, fun communal areas and friendly local staff make this the perfect place to stay.
Mint Bar and Café is open from 4pm offering excellent service and value priced high quality meals.
Wellington Movie Tours - save $15! » View Advert
Movie tours with 'Rings filming locations, on-location movie clips, behind-the-scenes stories and props for pictures. Hear the latest "Hobbit" news. Finish by visiting the WETA CAVE.
A couple booked on the Ultimate Movie Tour save $15.
A single booked on the Wellington Movie Tour saves $5
Te Papa Tongarewa Museum - FREE! » View Advert
Te Papa - More than a museum!
Get free entry to the National Museum and experience the stories of New Zealand - our land, people, culture and history! Come. Explore. Enjoy.
Base Wellington » View Advert
Base Wellington hostel has an inviting atmosphere, superb location and fantastic facilities, It is the one of the best places to hang out. With the city right on the doorstep, this stylish hostel is the ideal place to stay.
Centrally located in Courtenay Place, the centre of Wellington's nightlife and it is within walking distance to all you could need - cafés, transport, gig venues and local attractions including the famous Te Papa Museum. Our friendly staff will help you enjoy all that this vibrant city has to offer.
YHA Wellington » View Advert
Nomads Capital Hostel » View Advert
Stray Passenger Specials!
20% discount in the hostel bar + free luggage storage! As well as free evening meal every night + free tea and coffe and 2-4-l drink vouchers on arrival!
Room rate from $19 for dorms and $69 for doubles. 24hr internet and reception.
Downtown Backpackers » View Advert
Situated in the historic hotel Waterloo, right in the heart of the Capital City Wellington, close to all major attractions.
Ensuite bathrooms, Sky TV, Wi-Fi, Bar and Cafe with breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Share and private rooms available, 24 hr reception.
Book Now
View the Short Moe pass map
