New Zealand is a country full of incredible things to see and do – from sprawling lakes and snow capped mountains to black sand beaches and world class surfing.
If you’re looking to take in the best of the North Island then the Jill Pass with Stray New Zealand is for you!
This epic hop on, hop off bus pass takes is Strays New Zealands most inclusive North Island Pass, taking in all the top spots – from backpacker favourites like Taupo and Wellington to more off the beaten track destinations like Raglan, Whakahoro and Lake Aniwhenua.
With a minimum travel time of 10 days and a maximum travel time of 12 months you can tailor it to suit your own time scale and travel plans.
Loving Rotorua? Extend your stop off!
Need more time to relax and enjoy Blue Duck Station? Easy!
Stray New Zealand also includes heap of awesome free activities en route too – such as snorkelling, dune surfing, scenic walks, kayaking and Maori blessings, so its much more than just a bus trip!
Explore new places, meet some amazing new travel buddies and soak up all the goodness that New Zealands North Island has to offer!
Additional information
| Recommended Travel Time | 2 Weeks + |
|---|---|
| Start | Auckland |
| Finish | Auckland |
Day 1
Auckland to Hahei
Accommodation: Exclusive Stray accommodation by the waterfront.
Optional paid activities: Kayaking, scuba diving, bike hire, glass bottom boat tour.
Free activities: Walk to Cathedral Cove, watch the sunrise on the beach, go snorkelling in the marine reserve, explore old cultural sites or simply relax on the beach.
Day 2
Hahei
Accommodation: Exclusive Stray accommodation by the waterfront.
Optional paid activities: Kayaking, scuba diving, bike hire, glass bottom boat tour.
Free activities: Walk to Cathedral Cove, watch the sunrise on the beach, go snorkelling in the marine reserve, explore old cultural sites or simply relax on the beach.
Day 3
Hahei to Rotorua
Accommodation: Comfortable central city hostel
Optional paid activities: White-water rafting, zorbing, adrenaline fuelled adventure park (big swings, bungees and more)
Free activities: Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest walk
Day 4
Rotorua
Accommodation: Comfortable central city hostel
Optional paid activities: Waitomo caving trip, White Island tour, river jet tour, white water rafting, zip lining, zorbing, geothermal parks, luging, Maori village & performance experience
Day 5
Rotorua to Lake Aniwhenua
Top-rated ‘Strademark’ experience includes: (Additional cost $89)
- 1 night’s accommodation at the serene lakeside Kohutapu Lodge
- 1 x traditional hangi dinner, dessert and a continental breakfast
- Guided tour to sacred Maori rock carvings
- Introduction to the Murupara area, its people, history and challenges
- Participation in a local school program designed to inspire the next generation (participation available on school days only)
NB. This ‘Strademark’ overnight experience at Lake Aniwhenua is optional, but in our opinion, it’s an absolute must do! To skip this experience, you need to catch an Intercity bus from Rotorua to Taupo and then hop back on the Stray bus the next day in Taupo. Please confirm your pickup with our Reservations team.
Accommodation: Scenic lakefront lodge
Optional paid activities: Hobbiton Movie Set tour
Day 6
Lake Aniwhenua to Blue Duck Station
Accommodation: Country station lodge
Optional paid activities: Skydiving, bungy
Free activities: Huka Falls, Spa Park walk, swim in naturally heated pools
Day 7
Blue Duck Station
Accommodation: Country station lodge
Optional paid activities: An eco-warrior 4WD tour, a half day horse trek, clay bird shooting, kayaking, jet boating, pest control
Free activities: Walk around the amazing Blue Duck property and take in the lush scenery, walk to the Kaiwhakauka waterfall, enjoy your hosts’ fantastic hospitality and stories of the local wildlife and history
Day 8
Blue Duck Station (via Tongariro) to Raetihi
Accommodation: Historic restored lodge with mountain views
Optional paid activities: The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, shuttle to Ohakune township, mountain bike Old Coach Road or Fishers Track, hop-off to go skiing/snowboarding (winter only)
Free activities: Taranaki Falls walk, visit the Volcanic Centre, Tawhai Falls (Gollum’s pool), pet the local farm animals, volunteer tree planting
Day 9
Raetihi to Wellington
Accommodation: Central city hostel
Optional paid activities: Wellington Movie Tours, check out some of the great cafes and bars.
Free activities: Walk Oriental Parade, head up Mt Victoria for fantastic views, visit Te Papa National Museum, gumboot (welly) throwing
Day 10
Wellington (via Raetihi) to Auckland
We depart in the early morning. This is an express day via Raetihi 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. We hope you had a blast on your Stray adventure!
Start: Auckland
Finish: Auckland
Minimum Days: 10
Recommended: 2+ weeks
DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS
- Stay at a wilderness lodge in the bush at Raglan – overlooking New Zealand’s premier surf beach.
- See glow-worms and do some amazing caving at Waitomo Caves.
- Overnight stay in Rotorua to experience (smell) the geothermal activity and do extreme white water rafting.
- Stay in the award-winning Lake Aniwhenua by the lakefront. Run by a local Maori family (includes accommodation, hangi (dinner), breakfast and unique cultural experience all for only $95)
- Stop in at NZ’s largest lake – Lake Taupo (great for skydiving).
- Tongariro National Park (the ‘Lord of the Rings’ volcanoes and NZ’s best one day walk the ‘Tongariro Alpine Crossing’).
- Stay at award-winning conservation stop Whakahoro for wild, wilderness activities!
- Wellington – NZ’s capital city, home to our national museum Te Papa.
All bookings must be re-confirmed at least 48 hours in advance. Please contact us on 0064 9 5262149 or support@straytravel.co.nz or visit our Stray Retail branch at 50 Fort Street, Auckland City.
STRAY’S CANCELLATION POLICY
For Stray Hop-on Hop-off travel passes, Stray Journeys and Stray Adventures.
Stray will charge the following fees in the event of booking cancellations:
8+ Days before departure (or open dated): 35% of fare
3-7 Days before departure: 50% of fare Less than 48 Hours: 100% of fare
Cancellations should be made with your original booking agent who may charge an additional fee. If you booked online please contact reservations@straytravel.co.nz
Please note our terms and conditions are subject to change so please check our website for the latest version.
Provider Details
Stray Limited
Free Phone: 1300733048 Phone: +64 95262140
P O Box 112 037 60 Walls Road Penrose Auckland 1642 New Zealand
Tour Reviews
Couldn’t have asked for a better crew or driver, Seagull was awesome! Loved Blue Duck and Lake Anewhenua.
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