22 Days, One Unforgettable Adventure: My Experience on the Stray Kea Tour!

Bio: James Griffiths is an avid explorer and solo traveller who spent 22 days journeying through New Zealand's North and South Islands on Stray's Great Kiwi Journey. You can watch the reel James made from his trip on Instagram.

Quick Review Verdict: 5/5

Tour: Stray's Great Kiwi Journey (formerly the Kea Tour)

Duration: 22 days, a full loop of the North and South Islands from Auckland

Best For: Solo travellers, adventure seekers and anyone keen to make lifelong friends

Top Highlight: Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and taking on the Nevis Bungy and Nevis Swing in Queenstown

When I booked Stray's 22-day Kea Tour (now called Stray's Great Kiwi Journey), I knew I was signing up to see some of New Zealand's most iconic places. What I didn't expect was that I'd leave with lifelong friends, inside jokes that still make me laugh, and memories that had very little to do with the itinerary itself.

Like most people joining a group tour, I arrived in Auckland feeling equal parts excited and nervous. I was about to spend the next three weeks travelling with people I'd never met before. Thankfully, those nerves disappeared almost instantly after meeting everyone over dinner on the first evening. We weren't a huge group, but that only made it easier to get to know one another, and before long it felt like we'd all been travelling together for much longer than a single day.

North Island Highlights: Tongariro Alpine Crossing and White-Water Rafting

Of course, New Zealand itself was incredible, and the North Island set the tone early. Kayaking around Hahei, finally getting to wander through Hobbiton after seeing it in so many films and white-water rafting in Rotorua all made for a first week packed with highlights.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing was the first moment that genuinely left me speechless. We were lucky enough to have perfect blue skies, stunning views and a guide who somehow managed to keep everyone laughing even while tackling one of New Zealand's most famous hikes. Standing at the top, looking across volcanic landscapes unlike anything I'd ever seen before, was one of those moments where you stop and appreciate how fortunate you are to be there.

South Island Adventures: Queenstown Bungy Jumping and Milford Sound Cruise

Then came the South Island, and if I had to choose one place that completely stole the show, it would probably be Queenstown. Between the towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes and endless adventure activities, I was amazed everywhere I looked. Taking on both the AJ Hackett Nevis Bungy and Nevis Swing was petrifying, but it gave me my adrenaline fix for days, and they're experiences I'll never forget.

Some of my other South Island highlights included relaxing with coastal walks and swims in Marahau, cruising through the breathtaking scenery of Milford Sound from Te Anau, and spotting what felt like millions of seals in Kaikōura, followed by some seriously good fish and chips.

Card Games, Carrot Land and Friends for Life

As amazing as the scenery was, it was the people who really made the tour unforgettable, and some of my favourite memories came from the moments between destinations. Evenings often ended with card games in hostels or pubs, where Irish Snap somehow became far more competitive than a simple card game had any right to be. The German members of our group also introduced us to Lügen, a brilliantly chaotic bluffing game that kept us entertained for hours and quickly became a tour favourite.

Some of our funniest memories came from the most unexpected places. At one point, our guide Kristina made a stop at a place called 'Carrot Land', a playground with a giant carrot standing proudly out the front. I think she expected us to grab a quick photo before getting back on the bus. Instead, after a long day of travelling and an early start, we all decided the playground was funny as and ended up spending far longer there than anyone probably should have. Looking back, I think we'd all reached that perfect level of travel-induced delirium where everything seemed ten times funnier.

We also somehow developed a tradition of taking the same group photo at different stops around the country, lining up every time for a perfectly synchronised star jump that never got old. Alongside that came a collection of increasingly ridiculous touristy photos, from dad selfies to questionable poses. They probably won't be replacing postcards anytime soon, but they're some of my favourite photos from the entire trip because they perfectly capture how much fun we had together.

Kristina and the Pace of the Great Kiwi Journey

A huge part of creating that atmosphere was our Driver Guide, Kristina. She somehow managed to keep everything running smoothly while bringing endless enthusiasm, local knowledge and plenty of laughs along the way. She struck the perfect balance between making sure we saw the very best of New Zealand while also creating a relaxed environment where everyone quickly felt like part of the group.

One thing that really stood out about the tour was the pacing. Every stop felt worthwhile, but we never felt like we overstayed our welcome or were rushing through just to tick places off a list. It was the perfect way to experience both the North and South Islands in just over three weeks.

Great Kiwi Journey FAQs

What Is the Difference Between the Kea Tour and the Great Kiwi Journey?

The Great Kiwi Journey is the new name for Stray's 22-day Kea Tour. It's a newly refined version of the same full New Zealand loop, starting and finishing in Auckland and covering both the North and South Islands.

Is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing Included on the Great Kiwi Journey?

Yes, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is included on the Great Kiwi Journey. The 19 km trail is open year-round. When there's snow or ice on the route, most commonly from June to October, a qualified alpine guide and specialised equipment are required at an additional cost.

How Many People Are on the Great Kiwi Journey?

Groups are capped at 24 travellers per coach. Most Adventure tour travellers are aged 18 to 35, though there's no upper age limit, as it's all about attitude.

Where Does the Great Kiwi Journey Start and Finish?

The Great Kiwi Journey starts and finishes in Auckland. The tour loops the whole country, with Bluebridge Cook Strait ferry crossings in both directions, two free days in Queenstown and a Milford Sound cruise along the way.

Would I Do It All Again?

Looking back now, I can honestly say these 22 days were some of the best of my life. New Zealand's scenery completely lived up to the hype, the activities pushed me outside my comfort zone, and the people made every single day even better than the last.

I'd do it all again in a heartbeat, and if you're looking for a trip that combines spectacular landscapes, unforgettable adventures and the chance to make genuine friendships along the way, I can't recommend Stray's Great Kiwi Journey highly enough.