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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.
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.
- Transport between every stop
- All your accommodation
- Your expert Stray guide
- The included signature experiences
- Selected meals along the way
- Optional activities
- Some meals and snacks
- Your visa or eTA
- Travel insurance
- General spending money
NZ activity cost guide (nzd)
Huka Falls
Free
Glacier heli-hike
Budget from: $450-$800 NZD
Canopy tour
Budget from: $100-$250 NZD
Wai Ariki Hot Pools
Budget from: $250-$450 NZD
Ben Lomond
Free
ASIA activity cost guide (usd)
Hanoi: Clothes Tailoring
Budget from: $0-$100
Bangkok: grand Palace & Temples
Budget from: $0-$100
Hoi An: Cham Island Snorkeling
Budget from: $0-$100
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
- 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 - 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)
- 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
NEW ZEALAND
GETTING AROUND
We do road trips properly: comfy coaches, iconic journeys and a few stretches where the scenery steals the show.
South east asia
GETTING AROUND
No one-size-fits-all transport here. From sleeper trains to tuk tuks, getting there is part of the adventure.
A good night's sleep
Where you'll stay
NEW ZEALAND
Accommodation
One night might be a comfortable hotel, the next a lodge by a national park or a farm under starry skies. That's New Zealand.
South east asia
Accommodation
Some nights are for rooftop chats and hostel pools. Others connect you with local hosts and cultures.
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 isn't compulsory, but we strongly recommend it
- 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.
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.
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