We’ll head south to Waitomo, famous for its glowworm-lit limestone caves. Choose between a gentle boat ride under the glowworms or an adventurous abseiling and climbing experience through the caves.

In the evening, we’ll arrive in Rotorua, the geothermal capital of the North Island and a hub for Māori culture. Our hotel features a spa, pool, and unlimited Wi-Fi—a rare treat in New Zealand!

• Accommodation: Distinction Rotorua or similar
• Meal options: Local eateries
• Optional paid activities: Waitomo Cave tours

Today is all about the Roto (Māori for “lake”). After breakfast, we’ll pass the Blue and Green Lakes en route to Lake Tarawera, where we’ll take an aqua taxi to Te Rata Bay and its unique Hot Water Beach.

You can either:

• Soak and then hike the 15 km Tarawera Trail (4.5–5 hours)
• Or relax on the warm sands and enjoy the geothermal waters

In the afternoon, return to Rotorua for optional activities such as white-water rafting, ziplining, or a visit to a geothermal spa. For a free geothermal experience, check out Kuirau Park.

• Accommodation: Distinction Rotorua or similar
• Meals included: Breakfast
• Included activity: Aqua taxi to Hot Water Beach
• Free activities: Tarawera Trail, Kuirau Park
• Optional paid activities: Ziplining, rafting, Hell’s Gate spa

After lunch, we head to Lake Aniwhenua and Kohutapu Lodge, owned by a local Māori family. You’ll be welcomed onto tribal lands, learn about the region, and enjoy an authentic hangi dinner.

Exclusive experiences include:

• Guided tour of sacred Māori rock carvings
• Weaving and haka lessons
• Afternoon tea with fried bread
• Storytelling by the fire

• Accommodation: Scenic lakefront cabins
• Meals included: Breakfast, hangi dinner & dessert
• Free activities: Rock carvings, volleyball

After breakfast, we’ll stop at Kerosene Creek for a soak, then visit Lake Taupo and Huka Falls before heading to Blue Duck Station, a remote eco-lodge in Whanganui National Park.

Learn about the station’s conservation efforts and enjoy a home-cooked dinner by the campfire.

• Accommodation: Country station lodge
• Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
• Free activities: Huka Falls, Spa Park walk
• Optional paid activities: Skydiving, bungy jumping

Hop in a 4WD to the “Top of the World” for views of Ruapehu, Tongariro, and Ngauruhoe. Later, explore the station, hike to Kaiwhakauka Waterfall, or relax with s’mores by the fire.

• Accommodation: Country station lodge
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Included activity: 4WD eco-tour
• Free activities: Waterfall hike, glowworm viewing

Today we tackle the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a 19 km hike through volcanic landscapes and turquoise lakes. If the weather prevents the hike, alternative walks will be offered.

• Accommodation: The Park Hotel or similar
• Meals included: Breakfast
• Included: Transfers for the Crossing
• Optional paid activities: Winter gear rental, guided hike

After breakfast, we head to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. Visit Te Papa Museum (own cost), hike Mt. Victoria, stroll the waterfront, or enjoy the city’s famous coffee and craft beer.

• Accommodation: Ibis Wellington or similar
• Meals included: Breakfast
• Free activities: Oriental Parade, Mt. Victoria
• Optional paid activities: Te Papa Museum

Take the Bluebridge Ferry to the South Island. From Picton, we’ll travel through Marlborough to Marahau, the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park. Enjoy a relaxing evening under the stars.

• Accommodation: The Barn or similar
• Meals included: Breakfast
• Meal options: Self-cater or join group dinner
• Free activities: Stargazing
• Optional paid activities: Wine tasting

Enjoy a free day to hike the Abel Tasman Coastal Track to Anchorage Bay or relax on the golden beaches. Water taxis are available for the return trip.

• Accommodation: The Barn or similar
• Meals included: Breakfast
• Free activities: Hiking, Cleopatra’s Pools, beach time
• Optional paid activities: Kayaking, canyoning, sailing

Today, we’re heading down New Zealand’s wild West Coast! This incredibly scenic drive is known for its rugged beaches and lush rainforests. Named one of the world’s top road trips by Lonely Planet, the views are truly unforgettable.

We’ll stop at the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes to explore this unique stretch of coastline, then continue to Hokitika, a town celebrated for its arts scene and greenstone (pounamu).

Tonight’s accommodation is right on the shores of the Tasman Sea. Treat yourself to dinner at the Ocean View Restaurant, or take a walk to explore Hokitika. We highly recommend visiting Sunset Point to see the Tambo shipwreck, enjoy panoramic views of Hokitika Beach with Aoraki Mt. Cook in the distance, and watch the sun dip below the horizon. After dark, stroll to the Glowworm Dell to see the magical lights before settling in for a peaceful night.

• Accommodation: Hokitika Beachfront Hotel or similar
• Meals included: Continental breakfast
• Meal options: Local eateries
• Free activities: Hokitika Beach sunset, Glowworm Dell

Today’s short drive takes us to the charming village of Franz Josef, with scenery shifting from coastline to dramatic rainforest—another day of jaw-dropping New Zealand landscapes.

We’ll arrive around lunchtime, giving you plenty of time to explore the Franz Josef Glacier, one of the West Coast’s most iconic attractions. Take a shuttle to the trailhead, then hike through native bush and glacial streams to the glacier’s terminal face. For a closer look, opt for a heli-hike and actually stand on the glacier—an unforgettable experience!

• Accommodation: Franz Josef Motel or similar
• Meals included: Breakfast
• Meal options: Local restaurants
• Free activities: Glacier Valley hike, bush walks
• Optional paid activities: Heli-hike, shuttle to trailhead

We’ll start the day with a relaxing walk around Lake Matheson, famous for its mirror-like reflections of Aoraki Mt. Cook. Then we’ll visit Wanaka, known for its stunning lake and mountain views. Enjoy a late lunch and snap a photo of the iconic Wanaka Tree.

Next, we head to Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World.” Known as the birthplace of bungy jumping, Queenstown offers endless thrills. Our accommodation features a pool, fitness center, and sauna, perfect for unwinding after a day of excitement.

• Accommodation: Mercure Queenstown or similar
• Meals included: Breakfast
• Meal options: Local restaurants and cafés
• Free activities: Lake Matheson walk, explore Wanaka

Enjoy a full day to explore Queenstown at your own pace. After breakfast, choose from scenic hikes or adrenaline-pumping activities. In the evening, try the legendary Fergburger, enjoy the vibrant nightlife, or sip hot chocolate by the lake while listening to live music.

• Accommodation: Mercure Queenstown or similar
• Meals included: Breakfast
• Meal options: Local restaurants
• Free activities: Hike Ben Lomond, Queenstown Hill, or Bob’s Peak
• Optional paid activities: Bungy jumping, jet boating, skydiving, ziplining, horseback riding, wine tasting, luging

After breakfast, we’ll travel to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the Fiordland Cinema to watch Ata Whenua – Shadowland, a stunning short film showcasing the park’s landscapes and wildlife.

Later, we’ll take a water taxi to Brod Bay and walk part of the Kepler Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, along Lake Te Anau (available in summer). We’ll spend the night in this peaceful lakeside town.

• Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel or similar
• Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
• Included activities: Ata Whenua film, Water taxi to Brod Bay (Oct–Apr)
• Free activities: Kepler Track walk
• Meal options: Local restaurants

This morning, we’ll cruise through the breathtaking Milford Sound (technically a fjord!) to see Mitre Peak, lush rainforests, waterfalls, and wildlife like fur seals, penguins, and dolphins.

In the evening, you can visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, take a lakeside stroll, or relax at the hotel.

• Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel or similar
• Meals included: Breakfast
• Included activity: Milford Sound scenic cruise
• Meal options: Local restaurants
• Optional paid activities: Glowworm cave tour

We’ll depart early, driving over Lindis Pass and through Mackenzie Country, past the vivid blue waters of Lake Pukaki, en route to Aoraki Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s tallest mountain.

Arriving in the afternoon, you can choose to:

• Take a glacial lake boat tour
• Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
• Hike one of the park’s scenic trails, including the Hooker Valley Track (weather permitting)

If the skies are clear, don’t miss the chance to stargaze in one of the country’s best dark-sky locations.

• Accommodation: Mount Cook Alpine Lodge or similar
• Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
• Optional paid activities: Glacier Explorer boat tour, Alpine Centre (included May–Sep)
• Free activities: Hooker Valley hike, stargazing, scenic photography

We’ll journey through landscapes made famous by The Lord of the Rings, stopping at Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd for iconic photo ops.

Optional activities include:

• Tekapo Hot Pools
• Snow tubing or ice skating (winter only)
• Mt. John Observatory hike for panoramic views

After lunch, we’ll arrive in Christchurch for our final overnight stay. Celebrate your adventure with a group dinner (at your own cost).

• Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Cotswold or similar
• Meals included: Breakfast
• Free activities: Mt. John hike, Church of the Good Shepherd, Canterbury Museum, Botanic Gardens, Hagley Park

Spend your final morning exploring Christchurch. Wander through vibrant laneways filled with street art, shop in the modern retail district, grab a drink at a quirky local pub, or float down the Avon River. You can also visit the Botanic Gardens or ride the historic tram.

As our journey comes to an end, we’ll say farewell (or see you soon!) to our travel mates. We hope you had an unforgettable adventure and remain Stray Mates for life!

• Meals included: Breakfast