The Weka tour is all about the scenery! Each day delivers more breathtaking views, epic hiking and insane landscapes. Hop aboard a scenic train journey across the Southern Alps, then aboard the Stray bus (this feisty bird can’t fly) to take in the icy glaciers of the West Coast, reach new levels of adrenaline in Queenstown, gaze at Lake Tekapo and hike in the impressive Mount Cook National Park.
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✔️ 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
Rail Journey
TranzAlpine: Travel on the world famous TranzAlpine train through some of New Zealand's most incredible scenery. You’ll see epic vistas, traverse the Southern Alps and see pristine rivers and miles of native forest.
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: Do mountains peak your interest? Wanaka is the place for you! Hike Mount Iron or Mount Roy for some seriously epic views.
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.
Lake Tekapo: Hike up to the Mt John observatory or just stroll around the lake, either way you can 'alp' yourself to breathtaking views of snowcapped mountains.
Tekapo Hot Springs: These hot pools are sure to put a 'spring' in your step and rejuvinate you after a few weeks of adventuring!
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!
Strademark
Place
Mount Cook: Hike the Hooker Valley Track towards the glacier lake complete with floating icebergs, at the base of Mount Cook.
What's included:
Dorm Style Accommodation (4-10 beds) is included. You'll stay in comfortable backpacker hostels, cabins and lodges. All accommodation facilities have self-catering kitchen facilities.
Take 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.
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!
TranzAlpine Train
Experience the South Island's striking natural landscape as you travel on one of the world's greatest train journeys. From Christchurch to Greymouth, The TranzAlpine train is a New Zealand Must Do!
Tour Dates:
2021
- 16 & 30 October
- 13 & 27 November
- 11 December
2022
- 8, 22 & 29 January
- 5, 12, 19 & 26 February
- 5, 12, 19 & 26 March
- 2, 16 & 20 April
- 14 May, 11 June, 9 July & 6 August
- 3 & 17 September
- 1 October
What our customers say:
"I loved the trip so much that I did it twice. The tour takes you around most of New Zealand. You meet the most awesome people and has the best guide on the planet. I would even go on a third trip!"
- Christina, December 2020 & April 2021
"This trip was the happiest 24 days of my 6 months in New Zealand. Thank you for adding so much joy to this journey!"
- Monica, March 2021
"I'd say that the last few weeks were the best time for me in New Zealand and probably the best time of my life as well. This trip was incredibly awesome!"
- Jacob, June 2021
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
Christchurch to Franz Josef
Transverse the Southern Alps on the highly regarded TranzAlpine Scenic Train. You'll start the day by travelling through the stunning Arthur's Pass to the historic gold mining town of Greymouth on the West Coast. Your Stray group will meet you outside the Greymouth train station. From here we’ll make a stop in Hokitika (the best place to buy ‘Pounamu’, a native greenstone) before continuing on to the quaint township of Franz Josef, home of the famous Franz Josef Glacier and our base for the next two nights.
Franz Josef
Ice, ice baby! Get ready to experience the Franz Josef Glacier, an iconic highlight of the West Coast. Take a short drive to the beginning of the track. Hike through native bush and across glacial streams to the terminal face of the glacier for spectacular photos or just hang out at the Retreat and relax in one of NZ’s largest spa pools.
Franz Josef (via Fox Glacier) to Wanaka
It’s another scenic journey today with plenty of photo stops – your Mum isn’t gonna be the only one who thinks your travel photos are world-class! First up is the amazing mirror-like Lake Matheson for a short walk. We travel inland through the mountainous Haast Pass and alongside beautiful Lake Hawea to arrive in Wanaka late-afternoon. It’s the perfect time to get your own photo of the famous Wanaka Tree set against a sunset backdrop. Dreamy!
Wanaka to Queenstown
Kick start your day with a brisk walk up Mt Iron or have a sleep in (we know they’re necessary sometimes!). Mid-morning we’ll make our way to Queenstown, known in New Zealand as the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’ and the spiritual home of bungy jumping. We stop at Kawarau Bridge on our way into town a.k.a. the first commercial bungy jumping site in the world. If you’re feeling brave you can tick the bungy off your bucket list or if you’d prefer to just watch then you can cheer your mates on from the viewing platform!
Queenstown Free Day
Yaaaasssss Queen(stown)! You’ve got 3 full days in the adventure capital. With a buzzy night life, beautiful mountain scenery and plenty of outdoor activities, it’s easy to understand why so many backpackers refuse to leave this place.
Queenstown to Tekapo
Today we let our adrenaline levels return to normal as we head over the Lindis Pass through the Mackenzie region and past Lake Pukaki before arriving into our overnight destination: Lake Tekapo. We arrive in the early afternoon with enough time to do the Mount John Observatory walk and witness incredible views of this electric blue lake and the Southern alps. Or if you'd rather just have a ‘self-care’ afternoon, then the Tekapo Hot Springs are the perfect place to relax and soak up the scenery. Tonight, if skies are clear, head outside to experience one of the best stargazing spots in the country.
Tekapo Free Day
This morning we’ll make our way to take in the stunning views of Aoraki/Mount Cook. While you’re there you can hike the scenic Hooker Valley Track or head to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. This evening, why not head to the Tekapo Hot Springs - they're the perfect place to relax and soak up the scenery. If skies are clear tonight, be sure to head outside to experience one of the best stargazing spots in the country.
Tekapo - Christchurch (Finish)
Our final destination is Christchurch where the tour will end. We hope you had a blast travelling with us! If you have time at the end of your tour, there's plenty to explore in Christchurch. Spend your afternoon wandering the city streets and laneways to discover creative street art and hidden eateries. Take a walk down Hereford St to discover the ‘Cardboard’ Cathedral and the earthquake memorial of 185 White Chairs. If you have a bit more time, visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and see how Christchurch earned its nickname as the Garden City or visit the Canterbury Museum to learn about the past, present and future of the region.
Accommodation
You'll stay in high-quality backpacker accommodation in a variety of hostels, wilderness lodges and cabins. Standard accommodation is priced for Dorm Style (4-10 beds), upgrades may be available on request. If you purchase an upgrade, it’s for everywhere except Hahei (please note: upgrades are not offered in Hahei).
Franz Josef: Set amongst six acres of native bush in the heart of Franz Josef Township, Rainforest Retreat offers tidy hostel rooms, a spa pool and sauna, and an onsite bar and restaurant.
Queenstown: Nomads is located in the heart of Queenstown. It boasts an amazing lounge area with a fireplace and a pool table, a Cinema, Sauna, Ski storage and Wifi throughout.
Tekapo: Right on the Tekapo lakefront, this newly built YHA hostel has five star views over the lake, spacious modern shared spaces and clean, modern rooms. There's an on site burger bar too which is a must-try!
Accommodation Upgrades
You can choose to upgrade your accommodation to a single or twin/double private room (subject to availability).
- Single Room: +$725
- Double/Twin Room: +$375 per person (can only be booked if you are travelling with a companion).
To request an accommodation upgrade, please email us before you book to check availability: [email protected]
Please note: At some destinations your private room will include an ensuite bathroom and some it won't.
Health and Safety
COVID-19 Safety Measures
To minimise risk to our travellers, staff and operators we will be doing everything we can to reduce the risk of transmission and we will be playing it safe.
- Handrails and surfaces inside the bus will be wiped down daily
- Disinfectant will be used on the air conditioning filters in the bus daily
- Hand sanitizer will be available on the bus
If you would like a copy of our full WorkSafe COVID-19 Safety Plan, please email [email protected]