Auckland, New Zealand 
- New Zealand bus pass valid for 12 months
- Flexible, guided travel around New Zealand
- Hop on hop off where you like
- Start in Auckland and end in Auckland
- Comfortable private buses
- Stray Driver Guide - a source of local knowledge who can help with booking activities & accommodation
- Off the beaten track - authentic, local culture
What's Included
What's excluded
- Accommodation cost - you have the flexibility to choose and pay-as-you-go at exclusive Stray prices!
- Meals
- Activities - you have the flexibility to choose and pay-as-you-go!
Why do we love this
"We love Stray because they take you further off the beaten track than anyone else, to remote destinations known as their Strademark Places!"
WHAT TO EXPECT
Who are Stray?
Stray is an independently owned travel company, made up of a group of young travellers who are passionate about making sure you experience awesome adventures. They are known for their flexible travel passes that take you completely off the beaten track. Every one of their chosen locations has tonnes of things to do and see, you can choose to stay in each place for as long as you like and tailor the trip to your style - from learning to surf to climbing mountains, from helicopter rides to thermal pools, Hobbiton to Maori weaving - you can do it all in New Zealand!
The Jill Pass Itinerary
DAY 1: AUCKLAND TO HAHEI
We leave Auckland and venture south towards the Coromandel Peninsula via the colonial town of Thames. The Coromandel Peninsula is one of the most beautiful spots on New Zealand's North Island. Once we arrive in Hahei, a small beachside town, we'll get settled into our accommodation and then head over to Hot Water Beach. At Hot Water Beach you can dig your own hot tub in the sand and soak in the natural hot spring. It's got to be the most relaxing way to spend a day at the beach! That evening, join the group for a delicious Kiwi BBQ.
Where are we staying?
Hahei Holiday Resort - with exclusive to Stray waterfront accommodation.
What can we do here?
Dig your own hot tub on Hot Water Beach!
Free Activity
Explore the beautiful beach of Cathedral Cove.
DAY 2: HAHEI
Today is all about discovering why Haihei is such a popular holiday destination for New Zealanders! Go kayaking in Cathedral Cove and see if you can recognise any filming locations from the Narnia series. Or spend the day on the water and take a boat tour across the Te-Whanganui-a-Hei Marine Reserve, if you're feeling really active, get fully immersed and join a snorkelling excursion.
Where are we staying?
Hahei Holiday Resort - with exclusive to Stray waterfront accommodation.
What can we do here?
Go kayaking, hire bikes, take a boat tour or join a seafood cooking class.
Free Activity
Explore old Maori cultural sites.
DAY 3: HAHEI TO ROTORUA
We leave Hahei early travelling through to Paeroa, home of New Zealand’s oldest and largest soft drinks company – L&P, where we’ll stop for breakfast. Our drive today will take us through the Waikato region, known for its many dairy farms, rolling hills and the mighty Waikato River (the largest river in New Zealand). This afternoon you’ll have free time to explore the sights and smells of Rotorua.
Where are we staying?
Comfortable central city hostel
What can we do here?
White-water rafting, zorbing, adrenaline-fuelled adventure park (big swings, bungees and more)
Free Activity
Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest walk
DAY 4: ROTORUA
Often labelled the adventure capital of the North Island, you have a full free day in Rotorua to discover an area rich in Maori heritage, adventure activities and bubbling geothermal wonders. There are plenty of exciting local activities to get the adrenaline pumping, such as whitewater rafting, ziplining through native bush, zorbing or a truly unique guided jet boat adventure up to bath in a hot waterfall. Alternatively, you can head out on the highly regarded White Island tour* – a boat trip to New Zealand’s only active marine volcano where you can get up close to the hot volcanic streams and bubbling pits of mud. The choice is yours!
*This is a popular tour so we recommend booking several days in advance.
Where are we staying?
Comfortable hostel, centrally located.
What can we do here?
Hobbiton movie set tour, 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
We leave around midday today, so you have the morning to get involved in some of the activities on offer in Rotorua, like luging or even zorbing! That afternoon we head a little off the beaten track to Lake Aniwhenua, one of Stray's BEST overnight stops as voted by their passengers. We'll head into the Kaingoroa Forest, where we will meet our local Maori guide who will lead us to NZ's oldest Maori rock carvings. That evening we will learn more about Maori traditions, enjoy Maori games, feast on a 'Hangi" a feast that is cooked underground and finish with a sunset drink at Taniwha Bar overlooking the lake.
This is a ‘Strademark’ experience for $89 it includes:
- 1 night’s accommodation at Kohutapu Lodge
- 1 x Hangi dinner, 1x dessert and 1x continental breakfast
- Guided tour to sacred Maori rock carvings
- Introduction to the Murupara area, its people, history and challenges
- Learn traditional Maori games
- Participation in a local community program (school term only)
This ‘Strademark’ overnight experience is optional, but in our opinion, it's an absolute must do!
Where are we staying?
Kohutapu Lodge - a scenic lakefront lodge
What can we do here?
Rotorua: white water rafting, zorbing, ziplining.
Lake Aniwhenua: night eeling experience, flax weaving, Haka lesson.
DAY 6: LAKE ANIWHENUA TO BLUE DUCK STATION
That morning, after breakfast we visit a local school to deliver packed lunches to children that often go without. Next up, Taupo! We make a quick visit to the mighty Huka Falls after which you can spend the day doing a skydive. Free fall from 14,000ft over New Zealand's largest lake and look out for Mount Doom. This evening we head to another one of Stray's most popular overnight stops, located in Whakahoro, in one of the most remote parts of the North Island, Blue Duck Station. A 7,200-acre country farm, it's both a working station and environmental leader. We'll learn about life on Blue Duck and enjoy an evening around the campfire.
Where are we staying?
Blue Duck Station - a country farm lodge.
What can we do here?
Skydiving and bungy jumping in Taupo.
Free Activity
Soak yourself in Taupo's free natural hot pools.
DAY 7: BLUE DUCK STATION
Today is up to you! Spend the day exploring this incredible location, cruise around the farm roads and through native bush on a 4WD, learn about the station's settlement history and conservation work or go horseback riding, maybe even kayaking along the river? The choice is yours! It doesn't matter what you choose as long as you head outdoors and enjoy all the Blue Duck has to offer.
Where are we staying?
Blue Duck Station - a country farm lodge.
What can we do here?
An eco-warrior 4WD tour, a half day horse trek, kayaking, jet boating and so much more!
Free Activity
Walk to the Kaiwhakauka waterfall and take in the beautiful surroundings.
DAY 8: BLUE DUCK STATION TO RAETIHI
We're up at the crack of dawn today to make our way to the UNESCO Dual World Heritage Site of Tongariro National Park. Hiking the epic Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the most popular things to do in New Zealand. This 19km walk will take you across rocky terrain with a moon-like atmosphere, past craters and turquoise lakes that you have to see believe. Oh and not forgetting Mount Doom of course! Make sure you pack a backpack full of supplies and clothing for all conditions (it gets cold up there!). That evening we'll stay in the historic nurses home in Raetihi, with farm animals, pamper room, spa bath with mountain views all to enjoy.
Where are we staying?
Snowy Waters Lodge - Restored historic lodge with mountain views.
What can we do here?
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, mountain bike Old Coach Road, plus skiing and snowboarding in winter!
Free Activity
Taranaki Falls walk and visit Tawhai Falls (Gollum’s pool).
DAY 9: RAETIHI TO WELLINGTON
We're up early again to head south towards NZ's capital, Wellington. We'll make our way via the rural towns of Ohakune, Taihape and Bulls. Today is all about exploring 'the coolest little capital in the world' according to Lonely Planet; this city has more bars, cafes and restaurants per capita than New York City. Home to New Zealand's parliament buildings is sure to check out the iconic 'Beehive'. It's also jam-packed with arts, culture, craft beers and heaps of shopping! Take the afternoon to explore all the Wellington has to offer, definitely down Oriental Parade and make a trip to the fascinating Te Papa National Museum.
Where are we staying?
Nomads capital - a hostel located in the city centre.
What can we do here?
Visit the Weta Workshop (we're Lord of the Rings & Avatar was made), go for dinner & drinks at one of the many restaurants on offer!
Free Activity
Head up to the top of Mount Victoria for fantastic views of the city.
DAY 10: WELLINGTON (VIA RAETIHI) TO AUCKLAND
Another early start today, we'll head back to the ‘City of Sails’, Auckland via Raetihi. For those who may have missed out on hiking the Tongariro Crossing, you have the option to hop off in National Park and try again. With an early evening arrival, take the chance to explore the streets of Auckland, visit the Viaduct, do some souvenir shopping or hang out with new friends and share stories about your recent adventures. If you are hanging around Auckland for another day or two, don’t miss your chance to jump off the Harbour Bridge or Sky Tower, skydive, or take a wildlife cruise around the Hauraki Gulf. We hope you had a blast on your Stray adventure!
What can we do here?
Skydiving, bungee jump off Auckland Harbour Bridge, walk around or jump off the top of the Sky Tower, go on a whale and dolphin safari.
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