Everywhere New Zealand Bus Pass

Today the bus departs Paihia early and you head to New Zealand’s very northern tip – Cape Reinga. Try some Dune Surfing and check out the fantastic 90 Mile Beach. You cannot hop off the bus this day. 

ACCOMODATION

Hostel near the beach in Paihia. 

SIGHTS

Dune Surfing, 90 Mile Beach, Cape Reinga.

Enjoy a sleep-in today, or explore the beachside town of Paihia. The bus takes off in the afternoon and you head back to the Big Smoke (aka – Auckland). 

ACCOMODATION

Central Auckland hostel.

SIGHTS

Head out for a swim, relax on the beach in Paihia, cruise around the bay (extra).

We depart Auckland and head south, travelling to the Coromandel Peninsula via the old colonial town of Thames.  The Coromandel Peninsula, which is renowned for its natural beauty and pristine swimming beaches, is the perfect place to kick back and relax for a couple days. We’ll get settled into our beachside accommodation in Hahei before heading over to Hot Water Beach (tidal dependent). This is an absolute ‘must do’ experience where you can dig your own natural spa bath in the sand and soak up the Coromandel surrounds.  Tonight you have the option to join a group dinner for a classic Kiwi BBQ.

ACCOMODATION

Accommodation on the waterfront. 

SIGHTS

Optional Paid: Canyoning in Sleeping God Canyon* (hop-off in Thames).

Free: Visit Hot Water Beach for a natural beach spa (tide & weather dependent), walk to Cathedral Cove, explore old cultural sites or simply relax on the beach.

Today you have a full free day to embrace the laid back lifestyle that makes this area such a popular NZ holiday destination. Make the most of this special place by taking a scenic walk or kayak to the nearby Cathedral Cove, a paradise-like beach that you might recognize from one of the Narnia films. If you prefer water sports, the coast off Hahei is part of the protected Te-Whanganui-a-Hei Marine Reserve, which is a prime place to go scuba diving, snorkelling or take a glass bottom boat tour.

ACCOMODATION

Accommodation by the waterfront.

SIGHTS

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.

We leave Hahei early to travel to the mighty Waikato region. First up is a little adventure into Bridal Veil Falls, where a short walk through beautiful native bush leads to an impressive cascading waterfall. Our destination today is at the world-renowned surf town of Raglan. There’s no better place to learn to surf; but if you don’t fancy a splash in the waves, the afternoon is free to watch the surfers from the beach or enjoy a bush walk. Chill out or go hard in this arty surf town.

ACCOMODATION

An eco-lodge, near the beach set in native bush.

SIGHTS

Optional Paid Activities: Learn to surf, sunset cruise, dine on fresh fish and chips for dinner.

Free Activities: Walk to the waterfall, bush walk around Mt Karioi, beach walk, glow-worm spotting in the bush, West Coast sunset, Inspiration Point.

Departing early, our first stop on route to Rotorua is at Waitomo, a small rural town where it’s main attraction is in fact underground. Don’t miss out on the opportunity for a seriously cool caving adventure that will have you wading, climbing, abseiling and tubing through Waitomo’s magnificent cave network. From here we continue on to Rotorua where you have the opportunity to make this a 10/10 day with a visit the world famous Hobbiton Movie Set. Explore the hills, gardens and houses that were home to Frodo and Bilbo in Peter Jackson’s epic trilogies. Those not interested in Hobbiton, will continue on to Rotorua and will be joined by the Hobbiton goers early evening.

ACCOMODATION

Comfortable central city hostel.

SIGHTS

Free Activities: Walk around Ruakuri Reserve, Waitomo Valley Caves walk

Paid Activities: Waitomo ‘must-do’ caving options or a glow-worm tour, Hobbiton, Tamaki Village

We depart from Rotorua to start our journey into the remote East Cape region. We will head east towards the lush Bay of Plenty, navigating our way through the beautiful lakes in the Rotorua region. Our destination is a remote coastal settlement of Te Kaha where we’ll be overnighting in a local homestay set overlooking the sea. Feel truly welcomed by our local hosts with a warm traditional Maori greeting. You will have a free afternoon to ease into the coastal setting with opportunities to go fishing, snorkelling or simply unwind in a seaside spa pool. We recommend signing up for the freshest seafood meal you’ll ever eat prepared by our hosts.    

ACCOMODATION

Seaside homestay lodge

SIGHTS

Snorkelling, waterfront walk, spa bath overlooking the ocean.

We set out early to make our way around the eastern point of the Cape, exploring the pristine beaches and settlements along the way.  We’ll later stop by Tolaga Bay Wharf, the longest pier in New Zealand where you can enjoy an dip before arriving at our overnight accommodation on the outskirts of Gisborne. Nestled on a private beach you can enjoy sundowners on a deck or build a beach bonfire and feel the outside world drift away.

ACCOMODATION

Tranquil hostel with an unbeatable sea views.

SIGHTS

East Cape Lighthouse walk, swimming, beach bonfire.

Today you’ll have a free morning in Tatapouri to enjoy some activities in the area. Hone your surfing skills or join a local guide for a “must do experience” feeding wild stingrays in the bay (tide permitting). In the afternoon we’ll take a cruisy drive back to Rotorua driving through the spectacular Waioeka Gorge Scenic Reserve stopping to enjoy some of the sights along the way. Before arriving back in Rotorua (late afternoon) we will make one last stop for a stretch and a refreshing dip in the crystal clear waters of Lake Rotoma.

ACCOMODATION

Central Rotorua hostel.

SIGHTS

Free activities: Swimming, walks, explore Gisborne township.

Paid activities: Surfing, Stingray Feeding (tide permitting), White Island Volcanic Tour

At 12.30pm we do hostel pickups in Rotorua, moving onto Rainbow Mountain to meet our local Maori guide, we then head deep into the Kaingaroa Forest to the foothills of the Te Urewera National Park to experience stories, history and culture not yet touched by commercialism, dating back to the first known person to discover NZ (Kupe).

ACCOMODATION

Note: Lake Aniwhenua night is $75 including accommodation, bed and linen, dinner and breakfast.

We depart at 7.00am and head to Taupo, see Huka Falls and have time to experience skydiving if you’re brave! Our destination is Blue Duck Station, a 7,200 acre high country station that is both a working farm and an environmental conservation leader.  

ACCOMODATION

Country station lodge.

SIGHTS

Free Activities: Huka Falls, walk around the stunning Whakahoro Station.

Paid Activities: Bungy Jump in Taupo, Skydive, jet boat ride. 

Today is yours to explore and discover this remote unique NZ destination! 

ACCOMODATION

Country station lodge. 

SIGHTS

Free Activities: Explore the amazing farm, go for a hike, relax. This place is EPIC!

Paid Activities: Horse riding, jet boating, 4WD touring.

Today we head back to the Tongariro National Park to give you the chance to hike the Tongariro Crossing; rated as New Zealand’s best one-day walk. Alternatively other options include shorter walks around this volcanic region or visiting the Volcanic Centre Museum. Accommodation tonight is at the Alpine Lodge. Includes breakfast and dinner.

ACCOMODATION

Alpine lodge

SIGHTS

Tongariro Alpine Crossing and transfers, or Taranaki Falls walk and Tawhai Falls (Gollum's Pool)

After breakfast we head around the mountains via the rural towns of Ohakune, Taihape and Bulls and then onto New Zealand’s capital city Wellington. This is mostly an express day to get to Wellington, and the afternoon is yours to explore the sites of the capital. We recommend checking out Te Papa national museum – it’s fantastic! From here you can head across the the South Island and join a South Island tour or start another bus pass.

ACCOMODATION

Not included on this day. 

SIGHTS

Mostly an express day to Wellington, with sights along the way. Visiting Te Papa in Wellington is a must!

Today it’s across the Cook Strait to the South Island. On arrival we cruise through the famous Marlborough vineyard area and depending on the group will stop for a bit of wine tasting, before heading to the coastal town of Nelson. Tonight we stay in Marahau, right on the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park. 

ACCOMODATION

Unique accommodation on the edge of the national park. 

SIGHTS

Free Activities: Walk in the national park or just relax on one of the golden sand beaches!

Paid Activities: Skydiving, guided kayaking, canyoning. 

You have a whole day to experience this incredible area. Walk the coastal track famous for some of New Zealand’s best beaches or choose any of the optional activities on offer, including sailing or sea kayaking (own expense). Tonight we provide you with BBQ facilities for you to self cater. Accommodation is back at our exclusive campsite adjacent to the National Park. Includes breakfast.

ACCOMODATION

Beach accommodation in the national park

SIGHTS

Walk in the national park, relax on one of the golden sand beaches or jump on the Aqua Taxi (price included) and get dropped along the track and walk back.

This morning you get the chance to get involved and give something back by participating in our Tree Planting Project. Become an eco-warrior, get soil under your finger nails and plant a tree with the Otuwhero Wetland Trust. This is a fantastic opportunity to create life-long memories of your time in New Zealand, and you can come back and visit your tree in years to come!

Today we head south towards the ‘wild’ West Coast passing through Buller Gorge and down a stretch of road that was recently rated one of the top ten drives in the world by Lonely Planet. We stop at Cape Foulwind to visit the seal colony and then head for the historic coal mining town, Westport. The sunset from our accommodation tonight is a must if the weather is clear!

ACCOMODATION

Charming character villa in the centre of town

SIGHTS

Free Activities: Westport seal colony, West Coast sunset, Truman Track walk.

Paid Activities: Surfing, horse riding, jet boating, caving. 

An early start takes us down the rugged West Coast to the spectacular Punakaiki limestone pancake rocks and blowholes. We’ll stop to take a short walk and grab refreshments at the café before we head for the historic gold mining town, Greymouth. We do pick-ups in Greymouth and make stops in Hokitika, before heading to the quaint little town of Franz Josef – home to the mighty Franz Josef Glacier. 

ACCOMODATION

Lodge in the middle of the rainforest

SIGHTS

Optional Activities: Bone carving and jade carving

Free Activities: Punakaiki pancake rocks and the mighty blowholes; walk along the beach.

Today is yours to explore Franz Josef. Most choose to go on a guided trip of the EPIC Franz Josef Glacier. 

ACCOMODATION

Lodge surrounded by the rainforest. 

SIGHTS

Free Activities: Explore the village, go for a hike.

Paid Activities: Franz Josef Glacier Hike, quad biking, scenic flights. 

We depart in the morning stopping for hostel pick-ups at Fox Glacier before heading for the amazing mirror Lake Matheson. Today we cross the mountainous Haast Pass and Makarora towards Wanaka. We’ll pass by the beautiful Lake Hawea and arrive in Wanaka late-afternoon in time to enjoy this picturesque lakeside town.  

ACCOMODATION

Central hostel.

SIGHTS

Free Activities: Stunning views on the way to Wanaka, Blue Pools walk, Thundercreek Falls walk, explore Wanaka.

We depart around mid-morning, giving you time to check out amazing views of the lake either by skydiving or taking a walk up Mt Iron! Then we’re off to Queenstown – the Adventure Capital of the World. 

ACCOMODATION

Central Hostel. 

SIGHTS

Free Activities: Watch people bungy jump, go for a hike.

Paid Activities: Bungy jump, skydiving, jet boat tour. 

Today is yours to explore. Queenstown is a great place to spend some extra time no matter what your past-time of choice is. Options include: zipline tours, canyoning, Shotover river jet boating, skiing, sky diving and local walks, or just enjoy the stunning scenery and do nothing.

ACCOMODATION

Central hostel.

SIGHTS

Free activities: Sleep in, great walks; take in beautiful views from this cool resort town.

Paid activities: Any adventure activity such as bungy, swing, jet boating, skydiving, mountain biking, zipline, horse riding, or take a Milford Sound cruise.

It’s an early start as we head towards breathtaking Milford Sound. This morning there is time to do the Milford Sound cruise, before we head for our unique overnight stop, Gunn’s Camp. Located in the solitude of Hollyford Valley (and one of our top rated overnight stops), enjoy an evening under the stars, spot glow-worms and listen out for Kiwi bird calls. 

ACCOMODATION

Historic camp on the edge of the Hollyford Track in the heart of Fiordland National Park. 

SIGHTS

Free Activities: Humbolt Falls walk, visit the historic museum.

Paid Activities: Milford Sound Cruise. 

We start the morning with a short riverside stroll through beech forest on the Viewing Gantry walk. This afternoon we travel further South to Invercargill, next stop Stewart Island! Stewart Island has an abundance of activities such as fishing, kayaking, diving, bird watching and tramping tracks. There are also options for those not going to Stewart Island to stay in Invercargill. 

ACCOMODATION

Central hostel.

SIGHTS

Free Activities: Walks, enjoy Gunn’s Camp.

Paid Activities: Ata Whenua – Shadowland, incredible movie of Fiordland National Park, Te Anau Wildlife Centre.

The morning is yours to explore the island, meet the locals, go fishing or enjoy some of the walks. We catch an afternoon ferry back to the mainland. For those who chose not to venture onto Stewart Island your bus departs mid-morning to head out to Waipapa Point, Curio Bay and Porpoise Bay for some sea-lion, penguin and dolphin spotting. 

ACCOMODATION

Central Hostel. 

SIGHTS

Free Activities: Explore the Island for amazing birdlife, relax and enjoy Island life.

Paid Activities: Hire a scooter, Ulva Island for heaps of native birds, cod fishing. 

Today it’s off over the Lindis Pass en route for New Zealand’s highest peak. We arrive in the early afternoon with time to do a Mt. Cook 4WD and Argo Tour, check out the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine centre or do one of the many great short walks in the park. 

ACCOMODATION

Stunning alpine lodge inside the National Park. 

SIGHTS

Free Activities: Take photos of stunning scenery.

Paid Activities: Cruise on a lake filled with iceburgs. Scenic flights. 

Leaving Mt Cook we make our way through a landscape made famous in the 'Lord of the Rings' films. We make a stop at turquoise Lake Tekapo before heading on to Geraldine, where we will drop off   the thrill seekers wanting to raft the top notch Grade 5 white water on the Rangitata River. Those not rafting will continue on to Christchurch for a mid-afternoon arrival, giving you time to explore parts of the South Island’s largest city. 

ACCOMODATION

Purpose built backpackers near the city centre

SIGHTS

Free activities: Take photos of stunning scenery, go for a walk around central Christchurch

Paid activities: Rangitata River rafting (late September – late March only).

We stop briefly to do pick-ups and drop-offs at the Christchurch International Airport as we depart early this morning for a stunning drive to Kaikoura. Leaving the Canterbury plains, you’ll soon be beside the mighty Pacific Ocean – potentially passing seals just on the rocks beside the road and with dolphins playing in the sea. You have the afternoon to explore Kaikoura or head out on a Whale Watching Tour (recommended!). 

Alternative Itinerary:

We are returning to an overnight stop in Kaikoura from 2nd January 2018. However, on the dates listed below, we will overnight in Picton instead of Kaikoura.

• January: 7, 28, 29, 30
• February: 5, 6, 7
• March: 2, 4, 5

On these dates, we will travel via Kaikoura, stopping for lunch, and then continue up the coast to Picton. Passengers who are able to secure their own accommodation in Kaikoura on these dates are welcome to hop off and join the next available bus.

ACCOMODATION

Warm modern hostel. 

SIGHTS

Free Activities: Walk around the peninsula and up to the lookout.

Paid Activities: Whale watching, swim with dolphins (pre-booking is advised in summer for dolphin swimming). Go fishing and eat your spoils or try the amazing fresh fish and chips!

Leaving Kaikoura in the morning we wind our way up the rugged coastal roads, with stops for photos and a seal colony en-route. You can choose to spend the night in Picton, or head across the Cook Strait to Wellington. 

ACCOMODATION

Central hostel. 

SIGHTS

Free Activities: Seal colony.

We depart in the early morning. This is an express day via the National Park heading back to New Zealand’s largest city Auckland. You can hop off anywhere along the way. 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, 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 adventure!

ACCOMODATION

Central Auckland hostel.