The big birdie Takahe is your reliable companion for the South Island. She’ll have you fanning round the South Island highlights in a loop, showing off her favourite foraging spots. From the golden sands of Abel Tasman National Park, to the West Coast's glaciers and rainforests, the party and adventure capital of Queenstown, to the "Roof of Aotearoa" Mt Cook National Park, she’s not shy of a good time!
Option to start from Wellington/Picton: Sail the Cook Strait and start your Stray South Island adventure from Wellington or Picton, then travel one way and finish in Christchurch. Select this option from the dropdown when booking.
WANDERLUST SALE!
Save a massive $599 on the Takahe Select Tour . Book your dream escape now and travel before 31 January 2026.
Use the promo code: WANDER25 to receive the discount. Hurry – offer ends 17 July 2025!
Note: If you are travelling after October 1st 2025, please visit the Takahe 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 installments. Find out more here.
Book with confidence
✔️ Money-back guarantee: full refund if the tour doesn't go ahead.
✔️ Flexibility: no fee to make changes.
Tour Highlights:
Scroll through to see what you'll get up to or watch the video
Marlborough: Oh look, it's wine 'o' clock! Sample a glass or two at a stunning Malborough vineyard - you are on holiday after all...
Strademark
Place
Punakaiki: Dreaming of pancakes stacked as high as these rocks? Grab breakfast and see the spectacular limestone Punakaiki 'Pancake Rocks' and blowholes!
Lake Matheson: Mirror mirror on the wall, what's the greatest New Zealand lake of them all? Take some time to reflect on your trip so far as you stroll around the magnificent Lake Matheson.
Wanaka Tree: A tree that's more famous than any of us will ever be... Get a selfie with #thatwanakatree and know that you've ticked off a NZ must do!
Queenstown: YAASSS QUEEN(stown), birthplace of the bungy jump. Spend a few days in the adventure capital of New Zealand that also happens to boast some pretty epic scenery too... You'll probably never want to leave!
Lake Pukaki: This lake is so blue da-ba-di-da-ba-di, you'll struggle to even believe it's real! Take advantage of this photo pit-stop on the way into Tekapo and see if you can spot Mount Cook in the background.
Stargazing: Stay in the heart of New Zealand's Dark Sky Reserve and stargaze at the milky way above. Witness galaxies and constellations as star as the eye can see!
Lake Tekapo: Hike up to the Mt John observatory or just stroll around the lakeside Good Shepherd Church, either way you can 'alp' yourself to breathtaking views of snowcapped mountains.
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 South island. You can immerse yourself in NZ 'Must Do' - Milford Sound Day Trip including scenic road trip and cruise in Fiordland National Park.
Marahau (Abel Tasman) - Strademark Experience
We stay in Marahau, right on the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park with a walking track directly into the national park! This place is the definition of paradise, where luscious native bush and walking tracks meander along a picturesque coastline. Explore the many coves by foot, kayak or sailboat.
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 TourWe 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!
Tour Dates:
2025
- 12 June 2025 - GUARANTEED
- 11 & 25 September 2025 - GUARANTEED
2025 (NEW SEASON STARTS | ALL DATES BELOW GUARANTEED!)
Depart CHC/WLG - NZD4,695 Twin/Double | Depart PIC - NZD4,635 Twin/Double; +NZD1,300 Single Upgrade)
- 09 & 23 October 2025
- 06 & 20 November 2025
- 04 & 11 December 2025
2026 (ALL DATES BELOW GUARANTEED!)
- 15 January 2026
- 22 January 2026
- 05 & 19 February 2026
- 05 & 19 March 2026
- 02, 16 & 30 April 2026
- 14 & 28 May 2026
- 11 June 2026
- 16 July 2026
- 13 August 2026
- 17 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 Takahe 2025/26 tour page with our new 2025/26 itinerary.
Christchurch InterCity Bus Departure Info
7:30am, outside Bus Interchange on Lichfield Street, near Colombo Street
*Subject to change. Please be ready at the pickup 15 minutes prior to the departure.
Please Note: Your first leg unguided public bus journey ends in Blenheim at approx. 12:40PM. You will meet your Stray Guide outside Blenheim i-SITE Information Centre (The Railway Station). In the event the pickup will significantly delay due to the ferry arrival, we will notify you by email in advance.
Wellington Departure Info
Meet your Stray Guide & Group up outside Naumi Hotel Wellington (at the Dunlop Terrace side) at 6:30am before heading to check in the Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry together.
*Subject to change. Please arrive at the Hotel 5 minutes prior to the departure time.
Picton Departure Info
11:45am - 12:15pm, The bus stop on Auckland Street outside i-SITE Information Centre (opposite to Picton Railway Station)
*Subject to change depending on ferry arrival time. 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.
With incredible views of the Abel Tasman Coast and tucked among the Marahau Valley, The Barn is your gateway into The Abel Tasman National Park.
The cabins at The Barn offer private bedrooms and shared facilities so you will get your own space whilst still socialising in our communal areas.
Just step out your cabin in a clear night of Abel Tasman National Park. The breath-taking stars and the Milky Way are over the vault.
Located right on the beach, the stunning 'Beachfront Hotel' is located in central Hokitika on New Zealand’s West Coast.
Wake up and enjoy your tasty breakfast in the restaurant of the Beachfront Hotel facing the Tasman Sea.
Nestled amongst the Southern Alps close to Franz Josef Glacier and countless scenic spots, The Rainforest Motel is the perfect base to explore the Glacier Country.
Each room at Rainforest Motel is fitted with a queen bed & a single bed, or a queen bed & a set of bunk beds. Room includes a bathroom, kitchenette, a Nespresso machine, TV, and an iPod/iPhone dock.
Our premium accommodation Mercure Queenstown Resort, is situated on a unique vantage point with breathtaking views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range.
With a warm, natural and relaxing decor, your room at Mercure Resort overlooks the garden recreational area. The room offers LED SKY TV, in-room safe, tea/coffee making, bath & shower and equipped with pay WIFI Internet access.
For an adventure packed Stray Journey, the facilities at Mercure Queenstown Resort include a seasonal swimming pool, spa pools, sauna, gymnasium and a sports storage room.
Mercure Queenstown offers a daily hearty alpine buffet breakfast. Full Continental, English, American and Asian selections. Enjoy the views and sunrise over the Remarkables mountains from the Restaurant vantage point every day.
The perfect gateway to your Mt Cook experience, the lodge blends the old with the new through stylish new rooms and mountain views.
Scenic Hotel Cotswold: Located on the edge of Christchurch’s CBD, making Scenic Cotswold an easy stroll to boutique shopping at Merivale Mall, Christchurch Casino and the beautiful Hagley Park.
Scenic Hotel Cotswold: The newly refurbished Scenic Cotswold rooms are light and spacious, and all come with a seating area and comfortable couches and chairs.
Accommodation Upgrade
You can choose to upgrade your accommodation to a solo occupied private room (subject to availability).
- Single Room: +$1260
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 Marahau (Abel Tasman National Park), 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.
