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You’ll be in good company! About 3/4 of the people who book this tour are travelling solo, and the entire trip is designed to help you make friends. With comfortable shared rooms throughout, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get to know your fellow travellers. 

Private accommodation can also be arranged for solo travellers if you’d prefer. If this sounds more like your style, please select the private room option at the time of booking. 

Are you looking to take in some incredible scenery, enjoy the Kiwi culture, and have a fantastic time exploring somewhere new? Then a trip with Stray Travel is the right choice!

Most people who tour with Stray Travel have varying fitness levels and are aged between 20 and 50 years old (although there is no maximum age limit; we believe a sense of adventure lives forever!). 

All walks and activities are optional, so if you’d prefer to skip a hike or bungy jumping just isn’t for you, then that’s fine! All of Stray Travel’s small group tours around New Zealand have something for everyone; this trip is no exception!

As is standard for all countries, international tourists are required to hold a valid passport (with a minimum of 6 months validity) to travel to Aotearoa New Zealand. 

For the most up-to-date visa requirements, please get in touch with your local embassy/consulate or see your travel agent.

Please note it is your sole responsibility to ensure you have the correct travel documentation for your trip. Visa requirements for entry into Aotearoa New Zealand will vary depending on your passport’s country of issue. 

Yes, travel insurance is required for all Stray Travel tours. You’ll want to make sure your insurance covers you for loss, accident, tour cancellations and medical costs. 

Your accommodation and some meal costs are covered, so the only things you really need to budget for are souvenirs, additional meals, and any optional paid activities you’d like to do.

For food, it depends on how fancy you’d like to get. Meal prices in Aotearoa New Zealand vary between $20 - $100 (NZD) depending on the restaurant and the location, so your meal costs will mainly hinge on how much you’d like to spend. 

Optional activities also vary in price, so we recommend considering how adventurous you’d like to get and then basing your budget on that. For example, a wine tasting may cost $5 - $10 (NZD) each, a museum trip may cost $25 (NZD) per person, and a skydive will be closer to $400 (NZD).

Most places in New Zealand will accept a MasterCard, a Visa debit, or a credit card, but it’s still always handy to have around $50-$100 (NZD) with you just in case. European travellers should also note that NZ shops don’t accept Maestro Cards. However, you can use these cards at ATMs to draw out some money (as long as your card is set up for worldwide usage). 

You should bring a backpack or small/medium suitcase (up to 15kg) filled with the following items:

• Your clothes with at least one warm jumper and a pair of trousers
• Swimsuit and towel
• Bug repellent
• Hat and sunscreen
• Day pack
• Water bottle
• Waterproof jacket
• Walking shoes/trainers
• Sarong/shawl

In winter (May - September) we also recommend bringing a warm hat, a jacket, and light thermals or clothes you can layer, particularly for NZ’s South Island, as it gets pretty cold down there!

You won’t need any of the following:

• Sleeping bag
• Pillow
• Blankets or sheets
   

Luggage is restricted to one backpack, bag or case per person with a maximum weight of 15 kg as our buses have limited storage space. You may also travel with a daypack to carry your camera, valuables, raincoats, and any other items you might need throughout the day.  

Altogether, we suggest travelling with no more than 23 kg of luggage. You'll only ever have to transport your luggage short distances but you need to be able to manage this yourself. If you are going to be travelling with a lot more than 23 kg, then please let us know.

This tour starts and ends at Haka House in Auckland City (5 Turner Street, Auckland CBD). At the start of your tour, you’ll check in at Haka House, preferably between 2 pm and 6 pm, and then meet your guide and the rest of your group here for a welcome meeting at 6 pm. 

For the majority of this tour, you'll stay in a comfy hostel or backpacker standard accommodation. In the more unique destinations, you’ll stay in particularly beautiful spots to match the scenery, such as high country farms or scenic lodges close to the waterfront or national park. Upgrade to solo occupancy may be possible subject to availability.