Auckland

Kia Ora (hello) and welcome to your New Zealand adventure. Your tour begins in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), the largest city in New Zealand and home to over 2 million people and around 50 volcanoes. You can arrive at any time today and we encourage you to explore the city. Walk down to the viaduct for a spot of lunch, wander over to Britomart for a coffee or head to Commercial Bay if you’d like to do some shopping. You can check into your hotel from 3pm, and this evening you’ll meet your group and Stray guide at reception at 6pm for a welcome dinner (own cost) to get to know your new travel mates.

Waitomo Caves

We’ll head out this morning and travel south to Waitomo, famous for its limestone caves lit by thousands of glowworms. You have the option to glide down a cave stream in a boat as you gaze as the hundreds of glittering glowworms above you, or don a wetsuit and harness and do some abseiling and rock climbing through the famous caves - whichever option you choose it will be a magical way to begin your adventure! Continuing on we’ll head for Rotorua, the North Island’s geothermal hotspot and a great place to experience Maori culture. We’ll arrive in the early evening so we’ll head straight to our hotel, which is home to a spa, swimming pool and unlimited Wi-Fi (not the norm here in New Zealand)!

Rotorua

Today it’s all about the Roto (Māori for ‘Lake’). After breakfast, travel past the vibrant Blue and Green Lakes to Lake Tarawera, with mighty Mt Tarawera on the horizon. Take an aqua taxi to Te Rata Bay and its Hot Water Beach (note: not the one near Hahei), where a hot thermal spring warms the lake. Keen hikers can enjoy a quick soak then tackle the 15km (4.5-5hrs) Tarawera Trail for stunning views over Lakes Rotomahana and Tarawera. Prefer relaxation? Linger in the steamy waters and warm sands in geothermal bliss before returning to Rotorua after lunch. In the afternoon, head back to the city for options: white water rafting on the Kaituna River, ziplining on an eco-tour, or unwinding at a geothermal spa. For free geothermal sights, visit Kuirau Park’s boiling mud pools and steaming lakes.

After Rotorua, recharge with an authentic Māori experience. After lunch, travel to Lake Aniwhenua and Kohutapu Lodge, owned by a local Māori family dedicated to their heritage and community. We’ll be welcomed to the tribal lands, watch ground-cooked **hangi** preparation, enjoy afternoon tea with fresh fried bread while chatting with the team, and practice weaving and haka skills. In the evening, feast on the traditional hangi – likely the best meal in NZ! Exclusive experience includes: - Welcome to tribal lands & guided tour to sacred Māori rock carvings - Introduction to Murupara area, its people, history & challenges - Afternoon tea - Mau Rakau (Māori stick games) - Weaving lesson - Haka lesson - 1-night lakeside accommodation at Kohutapu Lodge - Full traditional hangi buffet dinner & dessert - Storytelling around the fire pit - Continental breakfast

This morning after our buffet breakfast we’ll say goodbye to our wonderful hosts at the lakeside lodge before departing to Taupo to see Australasia’s largest lake and the frothy Huka Falls before heading inland to Blue Duck Station for an immersive and off the grid experience. Blue Duck Station is the most sustainable high-country sheep and cattle station in New Zealand. Surrounded by the stunning Whanganui National Park, driving into the station is like entering the world of King Kong or Jurassic Park! The team at Blue Duck have made it their mission to protect their native environment for its namesake, the rare Whio (blue duck). On arrival, we’ll settle in to learn a little about daily life at the station, their interesting settlement history and their sustainability efforts before eating a home-cooked meal and relaxing around the campfire.

This morning you'll jump on a 4WD and travel through native bush to the ‘Top of the World’ where you can see the three peaks of Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe. You’ll learn about the history of the station, see some amazing views, and enjoy a sweet ride with the crew! Later you’ll have some time to explore the station on your own. Hike to the Kaiwhakauka waterfall and spot the rare blue duck in the flesh and this evening play some games at the lodge or relax around the campfire and make s’mores. Whatever you decide, we have no doubt this will be the start of your love affair with this lush kiwi paradise!

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

This morning, head early to Tongariro National Park for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, widely regarded as the world's best one-day walk. This unforgettable 19 km trek crosses volcanic peaks, vast craters, and striking turquoise alpine lakes, scenery you'll remember forever. The Crossing is open year-round; snow or ice (typically May-Oct, but possible anytime) requires a qualified alpine guide and specialised equipment (extra cost may apply), making the views even more spectacular. All plans are weather-dependent for safety; if unsuitable, enjoy other great walks in the park. After an epic day, return to your accommodation and relax in the outdoor spa with mountain views, the perfect way to unwind.

Wellington

After breakfast we’ll head down to Wellington - New Zealand’s capital city! We humbly recommend a visit to the Te Papa National Museum first (own cost), and then you’re free to grab a craft beer at a brewery, hike to the top of Mt Victoria for panoramic views, take a stroll along the waterfront or simply enjoy the best cup of coffee you’ll have in New Zealand (oh yes, they are very proud of their coffee scene in Wellington!).

Marahau

We’ll catch an early Bluebridge Ferry across the Cook Strait to the South Island today. If the weather’s good, head out to the viewing deck for incredible views of the Marlborough Sounds! When we arrive in Picton, the top of the South Island, we’ll set off through the picturesque Marlborough region and up to Marahau, situated right on the edge of the spectacular Abel Tasman National Park. We’ll spend our evening in this beautiful location relaxing around the campfire and looking at the stars.

Marahau

Today is a free day in Abel Tasman National Park. From our accommodation we can hike straight into the park (no water taxi required) and walk the Abel Tasman Coastal track up to Anchorage Bay. The park is full of lush bush and there are plenty of opportunities to explore the golden sand beaches and swim in the brilliant blue waters throughout your journey. The walk is approximately 4 hours each way but you can get a water taxi back if you’d like extra time to soak it all in.

Christchurch

We’re buckling up for an awesome day driving down the incredibly scenic ‘wild’ West Coast, an area known for its untamed beaches and masses of lush rainforest. Through Buller Gorge and down a stretch of road named one of the top drives in the world by Lonely Planet, there’s not much cell phone reception but we’re not going to need it. This road offers views for days and we won't want to stop looking out the window for a second. We’ll stop at the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes to explore this unique part of coastline.

TranzAlpine Train

In Greymouth you’ll say farewell to your Guide and some of your mates and board the TranzAlpine scenic train down to Christchurch. When you arrive, make your way to the Scenic Cotswold Christchurch and check-in, then spend your evening exploring this vibrant city.

Christchurch

This morning we highly recommend exploring Christchurch. Wander the city streets and laneways to discover creative street art intended to bring cheer and colour to a city once buried in rubble, check out the incredible modern shopping district, go for a beer at one of the quirky local pubs, spend an hour punting down the Avon River, explore the stunning Botanic Gardens or hop on the historic tourist tram and see it all! As today is our final day, our adventure is coming to an end and we can’t believe it’s over! We hope everyone had a blast and remains Stray Mates for forever!