plan my trip

Budget, packing and the bits you always ask.

Travellers' Choice Award 2026

How a Stray trip works

You pick a trip, we sort the route, the transport, the beds and a local guide, and you jump on with a crew of like-minded travellers.

1.
pick Your Destination

New Zealand or Southeast Asia? Choose where your adventure begins and we'll handle the details.

2.
choose a travel style

Adventure or Select? Adventure means more shared experiences. Select adds a few extra comforts.

3.
Secure
Your Spot

Lock in your place with a deposit, then choose to pay in instalments or in full before you travel.

4.
Get
Ready to Go

From packing tips to trip details, we'll help you feel ready before
day one.

1.
pick Your Destination

New Zealand or Southeast Asia? Choose where your adventure begins and we'll handle the details.

2.
choose a travel style

Adventure or Select? Adventure means more shared experiences. Select adds a few extra comforts.

3.
Secure
Your Spot

Lock in your place with a deposit, then choose to pay in instalments or in full before you travel.

4.
Get
Ready to Go

From packing tips to trip details, we'll help you feel ready before
day one.

The number one question

What to budget for

Your Stray Tour covers a lot. Here's what's included and what to set aside spending money for, plus a rough guide to the optional extras.

INCLUDED
  • Transport between every stop
  • All your accommodation
  • Your expert Stray guide
  • The included signature experiences
  • Selected meals along the way
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  • Optional activities
  • Some meals and snacks
  • Your visa or eTA
  • Travel insurance
  • General spending money

NZ activity cost guide (nzd)

Ben Lomond Hike (Queenstown)

Ben Lomond Hike (Queenstown)

Free

Glacier Heli Flights (Franz Josef)

Glacier Heli Flights (Franz Josef)

Budget from: $400-$900

Rotorua Canopy Tours

Rotorua Canopy Tours

Budget from: $200-$299 NZD

Huka Falls

Huka Falls

Free

Wai Ariki Hot Pools

Wai Ariki Hot Pools

Budget from: $200-$299 NZD

Whale Watch Kaikoura

Whale Watch Kaikoura

Budget from: $100-$199 NZD

Spellbound Glowworm and Cave Explorer

Spellbound Glowworm and Cave Explorer

Budget from: $100-$199 NZD

Shotover Jet Experience

Shotover Jet Experience

Budget from: $100-$199 NZD

Sea Kayak Tour

Sea Kayak Tour

Budget from: $100-$199 NZD

Wine & Craft Beer Tour

Wine & Craft Beer Tour

Budget from: $200-$299 NZD

TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Horse Trek

TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Horse Trek

Budget from: $200-$299 NZD

Full Day Torrent River Canyoning (Abel Tasman)

Full Day Torrent River Canyoning (Abel Tasman)

Budget from: $300-$399 NZD

Franz Josef Névé Discoverer

Franz Josef Névé Discoverer

Budget from: $300-$399 NZD

Shotover River Whitewater Rafting

Shotover River Whitewater Rafting

Budget from: $300-$399 NZD

13,000ft Tandem Skydive (Abel Tasman)

13,000ft Tandem Skydive (Abel Tasman)

Budget from: $300-$399 NZD

Twin Glacier (Franz Josef)

Twin Glacier (Franz Josef)

Budget from: $400-$900

12,000ft Skydive (Queenstown)

12,000ft Skydive (Queenstown)

Budget from: $400-$900

Kuirau Park (Rotorua)

Kuirau Park (Rotorua)

Free

Te Ara a Waiau Walk (Franz Josef)

Te Ara a Waiau Walk (Franz Josef)

Free

ASIA activity cost guide (usd)

Hanoi: Clothes Tailoring

Hanoi: Clothes Tailoring

Budget from: $0-$100

Bangkok: grand Palace & Temples

Bangkok: grand Palace & Temples

Budget from: $0-$100

Hoi An: Cham Island Snorkeling

Hoi An: Cham Island Snorkeling

Budget from: $0-$100

Vietnam: Bai Xep Beach

Vietnam: Bai Xep Beach

Free

Pack light. Your future self will thank you

What to pack

One main bag and a daypack are all you need

A backpack or small-to-medium suitcase you can carry yourself is ideal. Aim for around 23kg max

BRING IT
  • Clothes, with a warm jumper and trousers
  • Swimsuit and towel
  • Waterproof shell jacket
  • Walking shoes or trainers
  • Reef-safe sunblock and a hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Insect repellent
  • Water bottle and daypack
  • A phone or camera for the views
ADD IT

Add It - in Summer

  • Sandals, and light, breathable clothes
  • A light jumper or fleece for cool NZ nights
  • For Asia: light, modest clothing to cover shoulders and knees for temples (a scarf or sarong doubles up) and a packable rain layer for tropical downpours

Add It - in Winter

  • Thermals and a warm insulated jacket
  • Beanie, gloves, scarf and warm socks
  • Waterproof boots for alpine areas
  • For Asia: a light jumper and long trousers for cooler northern evenings (Nov to Mar)
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  • Sleeping bag
  • Pillow
  • Blankets or sheets
  • A big hard-shell suitcase (we recommend a soft bag or backpack)
  • An umbrella
  • Heavy travel guidebooks (your guide and your phone have it covered)
  • Valuables or anything you'd hate to lose on the road

Transport & Travel

How We Travel

A good night's sleep

Where you'll stay

Travel Requirements

Visas, Insurance & Entry Information

Always check before you go

Rules and entry requirements can change, so before you travel make sure you double-check the official source for the most up-to-date info.

Visas & Entry

New Zealand

  • Passport valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date
  • Most visitors will need an NZeTA before arriving
  • The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) may also apply
  • Check the latest requirements at immigration.govt.nz →

Southeast Asia

  • Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality and the countries you're visiting
  • Some visas can be arranged on arrival, while others need to be organised in advance
  • See our Asia visa guide for the latest information →

Travel Insurance

New Zealand

  • Travel insurance is compulsory on every Stray toury tourr
  • Make sure your policy covers medical expenses, cancellations, lost luggage and adventure activities you plan to do

Southeast Asia

  • Travel insurance is compulsory and we'll need your policy details before your tour begins
  • Check that you're covered for medical treatment, trip disruptions and any activities on your itinerary

Allianz is a good place to start, but any provider is fine as long as you have the right level of cover.

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE

Flexi start date

Change your start date as many times as you like before departure, with no fees.

Swap your trip

Plans change - we get it. That’s why you can swap to any Stray tour in New Zealand or Southeast Asia.

Book now, pay later

Secure your spot with a $200 deposit and pay the rest in up to 
4 instalments before you go!

No booking fees

We don’t charge any booking fees when you book direct with Stray - like ever.

Frequently asked questions

Not sure about something? Start here.