Arrive Christchurch

Make your own way to the 3* Breakfree on Cashel where you will spend 1 night in a standard room on a room only basis before you depart on your travel pass

Departure day Christchurch to Nelson

We stop briefly to do pick-ups and drop-offs at the Christchurch International Airport as we depart Christchurch this morning. Once we’re out of the city, we head north across the Southern Alps through scenic Lewis Pass and drive past Nelson Lakes National Park on our way to our next destination Nelson, the sunshine capital of New Zealand. Nelson is a cool little town that’s home to a thriving community of artists and many fine wineries and craft breweries. It’s a great spot to score some unique NZ made crafts at the weekend markets.

Accommodation: Comfortable hostel in the heart of sunny Nelson.

Stop 1 Nelson to Picton

Leaving Nelson in the morning, we drive across the famous Marlborough region to the town of Blenheim before reaching your overnight stop in the port town of Picton. We recommend checking out the Queen Charlotte Sound view walk or taking advantage of the free fishing gear and mountain bikes at the Picton accommodation.

Accommodation: Cosy villa.

Stop 2 Picton to Marahau (Abel Tasman)

Today meet your Stray group at midday before we cruise through the world famous Marlborough vineyard area and, depending on the group, may stop for a bit of wine tasting before heading to the coastal town of Nelson. We make a supermarket stop in Motueka to stock up on supplies for the next couple days and then make our way to our amazing and remote overnight stop Marahau, right on the edge of the spectacular Abel Tasman National Park.

Unique accommodation on the edge of the national park.

Stop 3 Marahau (Abel Tasman)

With a full day at your leisure, don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore this stunning, coastal national park on foot, by sea or from the air. Abel Tasman is famous for being one of the sunniest spots in New Zealand and, as home to one of NZ’s Great Walks, is a popular place to hop off for hiking enthusiasts. Even those short on time can still kayak, sail or take a water taxi to get a taste of the natural golden sand beaches and brilliant blue waters.

Unique accommodation on the edge of the national park.

Stop 4 Marahau (Abel Tasman) to Westport

Today we head south towards the ‘wild’ West Coast passing through Buller Gorge and down a stretch of road that was recently rated one of the top ten drives in the world by Lonely Planet. We stop at Cape Foulwind to visit the seal colony and then head for the historic coal mining town, Westport. The sunset from our accommodation tonight is a ‘must see’ if the weather is clear.

Accommodation: Charming character villa in the centre of town

Stop 5 Westport to Franz Josef

An early start takes us further down the rugged West Coast to the spectacular limestone Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes. We’ll stop to take a short walk before we head for the historic gold mining town, Greymouth. We do pick-ups in Greymouth and make a stop in Hokitika, before heading to the quaint little town of Franz Josef, home to the mighty Franz Josef Glacier.

Accommodation: Lodge in the middle of the rainforest.

Stop 6 Franz Josef

Enjoy a free day to get out and experience the Franz Josef Glacier, a true highlight of the West Coast. The best way to navigate the maze of ice and explore the incredible landscape on the Franz Josef Glacier is with a guided tour, which always ranks as a favourite activity amongst Stray travellers. Other options include visiting the glacial terminal face for some spectacular photos or one of the many excellent bush hikes in the region.

Accommodation: Lodge in the middle of the rainforest.

Stop 7 Franz Josef to Wanaka

It’s time to leave the West Coast behind - we stop in the morning for hostel pick-ups at Fox Glacier before heading to the amazing mirror-like Lake Matheson. We’ll travel inland through the mountainous Haast Pass and Makarora towards Wanaka. This is one of the most scenic drives you’ll ever do and we’ll stop for plenty of photo ops as we drive from rainforests to mountains, through beech forest and past great lakes. We’ll pass by the beautiful Lake Hawea and arrive in Wanaka late-afternoon in time to enjoy this picturesque lakeside town.

Accommodation: Central Wanaka hostel.

Stop 8 Wanaka to Queenstown

We depart around mid-morning, giving you time to check out amazing views of the lake either by skydiving or taking a walk up Mt Iron. Then, we cruise along to Queenstown, known in New Zealand as the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’ and the spiritual home of bungy jumping! We stop on our way into town at Kawarau Bridge, the first commercial bungy jumping site, for your chance to take the big plunge. Queenstown offers an optional big (make that huge!) night out with lots of excellent restaurants, pubs and live music to check out.

Accommodation: Central hostel close to all the action.

Stop 9 Queenstown

You need at least one free day in Queenstown to make the most of the range of activities on offer, but it’s also a great place to hop off and spend extra time no matter what you choose to do. Options include: bungy or swing, zipline tours, canyoning, jet boating, skiing, skydiving and local bush walks, or just enjoy the stunning scenery and do nothing. Speak to your driver or hostel travel desk for Dunedin connection options.

Accommodation: Central hostel close to all the action.

Stop 10 Queenstown to Gunn's Camp

It’s an early start as we head for breathtaking Fiordland National Park and NZ’s most famous destination Milford Sound, sometimes called the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’. Sit back and enjoy one of the most scenic drives on the South Island circuit as we cruise past Lake Wakatipu and watch the landscape change from farmland to mountains, glacier carved valleys and fiords. There is time to do a cruise around Milford Sound before we head for our unique Stray overnight stop, Gunn’s Camp. Located in the solitude of Hollyford Valley, there’s no better place to enjoy an evening under the stars, spot glow-worms and listen out for kiwi bird calls.

Accommodation: Historic camp in the heart of Fiordland National Park.

Stop 11 Gunn's Camp to Invercargill/Stewart Island

We start the morning with a short riverside stroll through beech forest on the Viewing Gantry walk. Fiordland is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site Te Wahipounamu (which incorporates four national parks including Mt Cook, Mt Aspiring, Westland and Fiordland) and you’ll understand why as you soak up the spectacular landscape around you. This afternoon we travel further south via Te Anau to Invercargill, next stop Stewart Island! NZ’s third-largest island, Stewart Island has an abundance of activities such as fishing, kayaking, diving, bird watching and tramping tracks. Those not going to Stewart Island will spend the night in Invercargill.

Accommodation: Island backpackers on Stewart Island or central hostel in Invercargill.

Stop 12 Invercargill/Stewart Island to Queenstown

The morning is yours to explore the island, meet the locals, go fishing or enjoy some of the walks. We catch an afternoon ferry back to the mainland. For those who chose not to venture onto Stewart Island your bus departs mid-morning to head out to Waipapa Point, Curio Bay and Porpoise Bay for some sea-lion, penguin and dolphin spotting. On the chance we can’t find any wildlife, we can visit the 180 million-year-old fossilized forest and grab a milkshake. Afterwards we return to Bluff Hill to meet up with the island-goers before we express back to Queenstown.

Accommodation: Central hostel close to all the action

Stop 13 Queenstown to Aoraki/Mt Cook

Today we head over the Lindis Pass through the beautiful Mackenzie Country and past pictureque Lake Pukaki on the way to our amazing stop at the base of New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mt Cook. We arrive in the early afternoon with time to do a 4WD & Argo Tour, check out the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre or do one of the many great short walks in the park.  If you want to hop off the bus for a few days there are some incredible longer walks you can do (we’d recommend leaving climbing Mt Cook to the experienced mountaineers though).

Accommodation: Stunning alpine lodge.

Stop 14 Mt Cook to Christchurch

Leaving Mt Cook we make our way through a landscape made famous in the 'Lord of the Rings' films. We make a stop at turquoise Lake Tekapo before heading on to Geraldine, where we will drop off   the thrill seekers wanting to raft the top notch Grade 5 white water on the Rangitata River. Those not rafting will continue on to Christchurch for a mid-afternoon arrival, giving you time to explore parts of the South Island’s largest city. The rafters will rejoin the group at the accommodation in Christchurch this evening.

Accommodation: Purpose built backpackers near the city centre.

Stop 15 Christchurch to Nelson (2nd Time)

We stop briefly to do pick-ups and drop-offs at the Christchurch International Airport as we depart Christchurch this morning. Once we’re out of the city, we head north across the Southern Alps through scenic Lewis Pass and drive past Nelson Lakes National Park on our way to our next destination Nelson, the sunshine capital of New Zealand. Nelson is a cool little town that’s home to a thriving community of artists and many fine wineries and craft breweries. It’s a great spot to score some unique NZ made crafts at the weekend markets.

Accommodation: Comfortable hostel in the heart of sunny Nelson.

Stop 16 Nelson (via Picton) to Wellington

Leaving Nelson in the morning, we drive across the famous Marlborough region to the town of Blenheim before reaching Picton. For those that choose to hop off in the port town of Picton on the South Island, check out the Queen Charlotte Sound view walk, and enjoy the free fishing gear and mountain bikes at the Picton accommodation. Those heading to Wellington will catch the afternoon Bluebridge Ferryacross the Cook Strait (from Picton to Wellington). The evening in Wellington is free so why not explore this funky town’s nightlife at any of the bars and restaurants along Cuba Street.

Accommodation: Central Wellington hostel or cosy villa in Picton.

Departure day Wellington (via Taupo) to Auckland

We depart in the early morning. This is an express day via Taupo heading back to New Zealand’s largest city Auckland. You can hop off anywhere along the way. With an early evening arrival, there’s still time to wander the streets of Auckland, visit the waterfront, do some souvenir shopping and hang out in some of Auckland’s lively cafes and bars. Make your own way to the 4* Auckland City Oaks where you will spend 1 night in a standard room on a B&B basis before your flight home

Depart Auckland

Make your own way back to the airport for your onward flight

3* Breakfree on Cashel

If you are looking for a modern hotel in the centre of Christchurch in New Zealand, South Island, you will find BreakFree on Cashel the ideal place to stay. Offering all of the facilities that you would expect in a modern hotel, BreakFree on Cashel is ideally located in the Christchurch CBD so you can walk to many of the city's sights and retreat back to your cosy hotel room after a busy day exploring the area

 

4* Auckland City Oaks

Facing the city skyline and its harbour, the apartment hotel is in the heart of Auckland, just a few minutes from the marina, shopping and entertainment districts. Art lovers can pay a visit to Auckland Art Gallery that offers a collection of rare books, 53 paintings and 12,500 art works. Facilities include a lobby with 24-hour reception, hotel safe, lift access, free Wi-Fi, a laundry service (fees apply) and a car park (fees apply).

Recommend 26 days to explore this pass. Pass departs Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Sundays*.

Price from €1910 p.p

Price Includes:

Flights

Airport Tax

Acommodation pre and post tour - B&B basis in Auckland

Flexible Travel Pass.

Stray is NOT an A to B bus service! We make stops along the way to show you amazing things, like a beautiful waterfall, short scenic walk, local food tasting or breathtaking views!

Your pass is valid for up to 12 months from your first day of travel, so hop on and off as many times as you like.

Driver Guide to provide invaluable knowledge, support and local insight and to assist with booking accommodation and activities at every destination (pay-as-you-go) - your first night's accommodation at each stop is always guaranteed.

Comfortable wifi-enabled transport on Stray's private buses.

Price excludes:

Accommodation whilst on the pass

Travel insurance

Airport transfers