Stray's Pukeko Tour will take you on a North Island adventure from Auckland to Wellington, exploring all the top sights, from the geothermal "Sulphur City" - Rotorua, to their favourite place to chill, Blue Duck Station. If you’re short on time and want to see the best of the North, the Pukeko has got you covered.
Hike some of New Zealand's best tracks, dig a spa pool in the sand, taste a delicious traditional hangi meal, see bubbling mud pools in Rotorua, try to spot a rare Blue Duck at Blue Duck Station and finish the tour with a night out in Wellington.
Note: If you are travelling after October 1st 2025, please visit the Pukeko 2025/26 tour page with our new 2025/26 itinerary.
Confirm your place now with only a $200 deposit and pay the rest in flexible instalments. Find out more here.
Tour Highlights:
Scroll through to see what you'll get up to or watch the video
Whakarewarewa Forest: A tree-mendous pit stop! Marvel at the mighty redwoods that have been standing since long before any of us were born.
Strademark
Place
Lake Aniwhenua: We think you're gonna 'lake' it here... Discover history and Maori culture, enjoy a traditionally cooked Hangi dinner and relax by the waterfront.
Taupo: You'll fall for this place in no time! Take your own photo of NZ's most photographed natural attraction, the mighty Huka Falls.
Strademark
Place
Blue Duck Station: Explore the station on a 4WD tour and admire the mind blowing scenery!
Strademark
Place
Blue Duck Station: Get off the beaten track, release your inner eco-warrior and horse around at Blue Duck Station, an award-winning conservation farm!
Tongariro National Park: One does not simply walk into Mordor.... Or do they? You volcan-not miss this incredible destination filled with unbelievable scenery from Lord of the Rings.
Wellington: Soak up the culture and vibe of New Zealand's capital city. Visit museums, watch the sunset from Mt Victoria and check out the cafe scene. Words cannot espresso how good the coffee is here!
What's included:
AccommodationHigh-quality twin share rooms are included. You'll stay in comfy 3-4 star hotels for most of nights and high country farm or scenic lodges close to waterfront or national park in our unique destinations. Hotel rooms are with ensuite, while shared facilities are in Strademark places.
ActivitiesDuring your adventure, you will experience the fantastic NZ by joining activities in the North Island.
- Visit the geothermal magic, Geyser by Night, in the dark within Te Puia
- Cycle the Old Coach Road Heritage Trail for incredible scenery and NZ history
- Jump on the high country 4WD Eco Safari in remote Blue Duck Station
Lake Aniwhenua - Strademark Experience
This experience is an introduction to modern-day Maori culture. You’ll be hosted by a local Maori family, taken on a guided tour to a sacred archaeological site, be introduced to the local Maori stories and games and be treated to a delicious hangi dinner, cooked under the ground!
MealsA mixture of cooked and continental breakfasts are included for every morning of your tour. We've also included other meals here and there, be sure to check your itinerary for details.
Private Coach TransportTake the pressure off, kick back, relax, soak up the scenery and let someone else do the driving. You'll travel by private, air-conditioned bus.
Small Group ToursWe are fun and multi-cultural small group tours with a maximum of 24 passengers plus a driver guide per bus. Most travellers on our Journey Tours are aged between 20-50 although we have no maximum age because we believe age doesn't matter - it's all about attitude!
Stray GuideExpect entertaining anecdotes, great recommendations, extra support and local insider knowledge from your charismatic guide. They know every inch of this country. You can't get this from a google search!
Next Available Tour Dates:
2025
- 5 June 2025 - GUARANTEED
- 4 & 18 September 2025 - GUARANTEED
ALL DATES BELOW GUARANTEED!
2025 (NEW SEASON: NZD3,895 Twin/Double | NZD4,995 Single Upgrade)
- 01 October 2025
- 15 October 2025
- 29 October 2025
- 12 & 26 November 2025
- 03 December 2025
2026 (ALL DATES BELOW GUARANTEED!)
- 07 January 2026
- 14 & 28 January 2026
- 11 & 25 February 2026
- 11 & 25 March 2026
- 08 & 22 April 2026
- 06 & 20 May 2026
- 03 June 2026
- 08 July 2026
- 05 August 2026
- 09 September 2026
What our customers say:
"I thoroughly enjoyed the trip so much that I opted for a second round. The Morepork (now called Ruru), traverses a significant portion of New Zealand. It offered the chance to meet fantastic people and was led by the best guide on the planet. I'm so delighted with the experience that I'm even considering a third trip with Stray!"
- Hannah, April 2020 & December 2022
"I'd say the past few weeks (with Ruru Select Tour) were the best time for me in New Zealand, and probably the best time of my life as well. This trip was incredibly amazing!"
- Jasper, June 2023
"This journey (Kea Adventure Tour) was the most joyful 24 days of my 6-month stay in New Zealand. I appreciate you for bringing so much happiness to this adventure!"
- Ivy, March 2023
What we're all about...
We're locals who support locals. We're not about mass-produced tourism.
We're all about finding one-of-a-kind experiences and supporting small communities.
We spearheaded the 'off the beaten track' movement in New Zealand.
Stray are the original experts in seeking out secluded destinations, taking our travellers off the grid since 2002.
Our Stray Guides are next level and will, no doubt, play a starring role in your travel stories.
Read our reviews and you'll see what we mean!
Travel is about creating lasting connections and sharing experiences.
Stray travellers are open-minded adventurers who make the most of every moment.
We aim to leave New Zealand better than we found it, protecting our environment for future generations.
Travel with us and together we can make a positive change.
Itinerary
DOWNLOAD FULL PDF ITINERARY
Note: If you are travelling after October 1st 2025, please visit the Pukeko 2025/26 tour page with our new 2025/26 itinerary.
Auckland Departure Info
8:00am, Mayoral Drive, Auckland CBD (The bus stop opposite the Four Points by Sheraton Auckland)
*Subject to change. Please be ready at the pickup 15 minutes prior to the departure.
Accommodation
You'll stay in comfy 3-4 star hotels for most of nights and high country farm or scenic lodges close to waterfront or national park in our unique destinations. Hotel rooms are with ensuite, while shared facilities are in Strademark places. Upgrade to solo occupancy may be possible and subject to availability.
You will enjoy 2-night premium stay at 4-star Distinction Hotel in the "Sulphur City" Rotorua including daily breakfast.
The cozy twin share private room with ensuite at Distinction Hotel Rotorua
Stay overnight at Kohutapu Lodge of Lake Aniwhenua. Enjoy the amazing views and Maori family's hospitality.
Good food is central to the spirit of manaakitanga (hospitality). Traditionally, Maori people cooked in earth ovens called ‘hāngī'. You will experience and taste, or even participate to cook your own hangi food at Kohutapu Lodge.
2 nights in the "Strademark" Stray unique destination, Blue Duck Station high country farm. Stay at its comfortable eco cabins.
Enjoy the gourmet organic food at Blue Duck Cafe harvested directly from the farm.
The Hobbit Motorlodge, Ohakune: A charming, purpose-built alpine lodge and motel complex in the heart of the North Island.
The Hobbit Motorlodge, Ohakune: The accommodation has a relaxing alpine flavour and outside spa among a setting of mature native trees.
Accommodation Upgrade
You can choose to upgrade your accommodation to a solo occupied private room (subject to availability).
- Single Room: +$1110
To request an accommodation upgrade, please choose Solo Traveller - Private Room from the drop-down menu, before you click BOOK YOUR TRAVEL button. Please email us to check availability before your booking: [email protected]
Please note:
- At some destinations, such as Lake Aniwhneua or Blue Duck Station, your private rooms may not be with ensuite, but shared bathroom or kitchen facilities.
- We cannot guarantee room upgrade within 31 days of each departure. All requests will be subject to availability. If you wish to upgrade rooms after your trip starts, please ask accommodations at check in. You can be upgraded based on the availability and pay for the difference directly with the accommodations.
Pre or Post Accommodation
We recommend high quality pre or post accommodations if you need. Most of them are easy to get your Stray pickups by foot. Check out more information from the FAQs (Accommodation Tab) or contact our Reservations Team directly for a quote if you want to book with us.
