Auckland, New Zealand 
- Flexible travel around New Zealand
- Hop on hop off where you like
- Start in Auckland, finish Christchurch
- Pass valid for one year
- Best price guarantee on activities
- Accommodation guaranteed
- Knowledgeable local guide & driver
What's Included
What's excluded
- Accommodation cost
- Meals
- Activities
Why do we love this
"We love Kiwi Experience because they have over 25 years of experience in the industry - these guys know what they're doing! They're also the country’s largest, leading, most legendary bus experience and probably the best way to see New Zealand!"
WHAT TO EXPECT
This is a flexible travel pass around New Zealand. The Sheep Dog is a one-way pass starting in Auckland winding its way down the North Island, cruising down the West Coast of the South Island before making its way across to Christchurch. Being a one-way pass this route can be done in just 17 days during summer, which is great if you are short on time but want a jam-packed adventure! But this pass is valid for 12 months so you can really take your time seeing all that New Zealand has to offer. Check out the Sheepdog stops below.
DAY 1: Auckland to Hot Water Beach
Departing Auckland in the morning we head to the Coromandel Peninsula for an afternoon spent at the beautiful Cathedral Cove. Here you can go for a swim, try kayaking or just chill out on the beach (keep a look out for dolphins!). Next up is Hot Water Beach, one of the top ten beaches in the world (according to Lonely Planet), here we'll grab a spade and dig our own natural hot tubs.
DAY 2: Hot Water Beach to Waitomo
We'll hit the road bright and early, towards our first stop of the day, Karanga Hake Scenic Reserve. Explore abandoned gold mines and learn about New Zealand's gold mining history. After which it's on to Waitomo ("wai" meaning water and "tomo" meaning hole) home of the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Feeling brave? Then head underground with the adrenaline-fuelled Black Water Rafting company! Leap off waterfalls, swim through caves and discover what makes these little glowworms so special.
DAY 3: Waitomo to Rotorua
We'll start the day with a scenic walk through Ruakuri Reserve (one of the top 10 short walks in New Zealand) before heading onto Rotorua. Along the way we'll make a pit stop at the Shire so you can explore the magical Hobbiton Movie Set, not just one for the Lord of the Rings fans! That evening we will visit Tamaki Marae for a unique Maori cultural experience. We'll feast on a delicious hangi (food cooked underground) and enjoy a traditional performance from the locals at Tamaki Maori Village. Alternatively, you can visit Hells Gate and soak in the geothermal hot pools.
DAY 4: Rotorua to Taupo
Today we'll explore the geothermal reserve of Te Puia home to New Zealand's largest geyser and native Kiwi bird. On the road again, we'll make a pit stop at Taupo's mighty Huka Falls. Once at Taupo you'll discover why this stop is such a hit with backpackers, known as the adrenaline capital of the North Island, take the opportunity to go skydiving, sailing on Lake Taupo (New Zealand's largest lake) or tackle the infamous 19km Tongariro Crossing!
DAY 5: Free day in Taupo
Today would be the perfect day to take on the Tongariro Crossing. On this 8 hour hike you will be blown away by the spectacular scenery, passing the Emerald Lakes and Mount Ngauruhoe aka Mount Doom, this really is a hike not to be missed! Fancy taking things a little easier? Then spend the day at Spa Park soaking in natural hot springs.
(We add this extra day as there is just so much to do in Taupo! Short on time? You can skip this extra day, timetable allowing.)
DAY 6: Taupo to River Valley
This morning we head around Lake Taupo to the World Heritage Tongariro National Park for a picnic lunch and walk through native bush and waterfalls. In the afternoon we drive off the beaten track to the picturesque location of River Valley. Situated deep in a valley, surrounded by towering cliffs, the River Valley Lodge offers access to heaps of outdoor activities including grade 5 rafting on the Rangitikei River, scenic horse riding and many exhilarating hikes. After a jam-packed day outdoors, spend the evening relaxing by the fire and enjoy a delicious roast dinner.
DAY 7: River Valley to Wellington
We head out a little later after a morning of outdoor activities. We'll arrive into New Zealand's capital, early evening, here you can get a flavour for Wellington's buzzing bar scene by indulging in a few drinks. We reccommend jumping off the bus here and spening a couple of extra days exploring, because there is simply so much to do! Check out the Te Papa Musem, visit the Beehive (New Zealand's parliament building), climb Mt Victoria and discover the filiming secrets behind the LOTR at Sir Peter Jackson's Weta Workshop.
DAY 8: Wellington to Abel Tasman
We leave Wellington early that morning for our ferry crossing to the South Island across the Cook Strait and through the spectacular Marlborough Sounds - keep a look out for dolphins along the way! We take a scenic drive through vineyards towards New Zealand's sunniest capital, Nelson. After a pit stop for snacks and supplies, we head to the beautiful beach town of Kaiteriteri on the edge of Abel Tasman National Park. Definitely stay an extra day here if you can there are so many stunning bays to explore and water activities to do like, swimming, kayaking and sailing.
DAY 9: Abel Tasman to Westport
We head out a little later today, so that you can spend the morning enjoying more of Abel Tasman's golden beaches. Take a kayaking trip out to 'Split Apple Rock', spotting marine life along the way or catch a water taxi to one of the national park's secluded bays and take a stroll around New Zealand's native bush. That afternoon we will stop at legendary Nelson Lakes so you can get your 'insta' pic, jumping off the famous wharf! We'll then head through snow-capped mountains and past the Buller Gorge before reaching the West Coast. We'll spend the night at the surf town of Westport where you can learn to ride the waves or have a go at stand up paddle boarding.
DAY 10: Westport to Lake Mahinapua
We'll journey along the picturesque State Highway 6 along the rugged Tasman coastline. That evening we will stay the night in a traditional West Coast pub, where everyone will get their costumes ready for the infamous "Pu Party", we'll feast on a delicious dinner and party the night away!
DAY 11: Lake Mahinapua to Franz Josef
Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Lake Mahinapua before continuing south past the Southern Alps to glacier country. Franz Josef is the northern gateway to Te Wahipounamu, the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage area. This region includes Aoraki/ Mount Cook, Mount Aspiring, the Fiordland National Parks and many more. It's truly spectacular.
DAY 12: Free day in Franz Josef
Today is your chance to hike the impressive Franz Josef Glacier, rated as one of the top three activities to do in New Zealand by Kiwi passengers. If you don't fancy hiking the glacier, you have the opportunity to take a scenic helicopter flight, go horseback riding, quad biking or enjoy one of the many walks in the area. We add this extra day in because Franz Josef really is an awesome spot, so whatever you do, get out there and make the most of it!
DAY 13: Franz Josef to Wanaka
Another early start, but it's well worth it. We head out in the morning to catch the reflections of Mount Cook and the Southern Alps on Lake Matheson. We then head to the breathtaking Southern Lakes region, where we have time to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings. After which it is on to Mount Aspiring National Park arriving in the glorious town of Wanaka for the afternoon.
DAY 14: Wanaka to Queenstown
Before we leave Wanaka it's time to wake up those hungover heads at Puzzling World! After all those brain teasers, feel free to snooze on the coach before we reach the adrenaline pumping Queenstown. Our first stop is the World Home of Bungy - the 43 metre Kawarau Bridge jump! Are you brave enough to jump? Next we'll head into town and down to the beautiful lake front, afterwards, we'll venture to some of Queenstown's infamous bars and sample the town's buzzing nightlife. It really is the adventure capital of the world.
DAY 15: Free day or more in Queenstown
Queenstown is one of the coolest places in New Zealand and has been voted as one of our passengers' favourite spots - so take your time here! Explore the lake, take scenic walks, ride the gondola to the top of Bob's Peak and just soak it all in. Be sure to get involved with many of the adrenaline activities on offer such as jet boating, bungy jumping, white water rafting and skydiving - you won't regret it! But one activity that you just can't miss is a day trip to Milford Sound. Milford Sound is a spectacular fiord that is often considered the Eighth Natural Wonder of the World. You can take a 2-hour boat trip across the waters marvelling at spectacular waterfalls and you may even spot Humpback whales.
However, if you are short on time you can skip these days. Timetable permitting.
DAY 16: Queenstown to Lake Tekapo
Today we head out of Queenstown through Lindis Pass also known as 'Lord of the Rings' territory. After stopping to admire Mount Cook at Lake Pukaki, we travel on to Lake Tekapo which is surrounded by the snow-capped Alps and underneath one of the clearest skies in the world (perfect for stargazing). You have the opportunity to hop off the bus here and head up to Mount Cook with your new mates*.
*Please note this is an additional overnight's stop and would not fit in the minimum 21 day timetable.
In Lake Tekapo, you can enjoy scenic walks, relax by the lakeside, soak in natural hot springs or go stargazing at the world's largest dark sky reserve.
DAY 17: Lake Tekapo to Christchurch
Today we are heading to the largest city on the South Island and 3rd largest in New Zealand. Christchurch is a city that is rebuilding and flourishing in the wake of the 2011 earthquake, with new shops popping up every day (including the South Island's first H&M) and quirky street bars, Christchurch is full of surprises. Spend a bit of extra time here and drive north to the marine mecca of Kaikoura for the day. Kaikoura is renowned as one of the best coastal wildlife regions in the WORLD! Here you can spot whales, dolphins and seals, the name itself, Kaikoura means to eat crayfish ('kai' meaning to eat, 'koura' meaning crayfish).
Places to jump off and stay for longer (for those with heaps of extra time): Taupo, Franz Josef and Wanaka.
Add
