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
• Meals: Not included (local eateries)
• Optional (paid): Waitomo Cave activities

Today is all about the Roto (Māori for “lake”). We’ll cruise past the vibrant Blue and Green Lakes to Lake Tarawera, where Mt Tarawera looms on the horizon, then take an aqua taxi to Te Rata Bay’s Hot Water Beach, a thermal spring feeding straight into the lake (not the one near Hahei). Soak your legs before tackling the 15km Tarawera Trail with sweeping views over Lakes Rotomahana and Tarawera, or simply sink into the steamy waters and call it a morning.

Back in Rotorua, the afternoon is yours: white-water raft the Kaituna River, zipline through native bush, or unwind at a geothermal spa. For a free option, Kuirau Park’s boiling mud pools and steaming lakes are worth a wander.

• Accommodation: Distinction Rotorua or similar
• Meals: Breakfast included, optional local restaurants
• Included: Hot Water Beach, Tarawera water taxi
• Optional (paid): Ziplining, white water rafting, Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve and mud spa
• Free: Tarawera Trail hike, Kuirau Park

After a busy day in Rotorua, we travel to the shores of Lake Aniwhenua and to the incredible Kohutapu Lodge, owned by a local Māori family dedicated to their heritage and community.

Following a welcome to the tribal lands, we’ll watch the preparation of a ground-cooked hāngī and enjoy fresh fried bread. Spend the afternoon chatting with our hosts, learning weaving and haka, and finish the day feasting on a traditional hāngī buffet dinner.

Exclusive experiences included:

• Welcome to tribal lands & guided tour to sacred Māori rock carvings
• Introduction to the Murupara area (people, history, and challenges)
• Māori cultural activities: Mau Rākau (stick games), weaving & haka lessons
• Afternoon tea, traditional hāngī buffet dinner, dessert, and breakfast
• Storytelling around the fire pit
• 1-night stay at the lakeside Kohutapu Lodge

Important accommodation note (October 2027 – September 2028): For this specific season only, select travelers staying at Kohutapu Lodge will be accommodated in a shared arrangement across a 5-bedroom house and cabins. Unlike other destinations on this tour, this cultural stay does not feature private or twin-share hotel rooms during this window, travelers share communal living and bathroom facilities in a traditional, family-style lodge setting. This is worth flagging clearly to guests booking departures in that specific season.

• Accommodation: Scenic lakefront cabins (see accommodation note above for Oct 2027–Sep 2028 departures)
• Meals: Breakfast, full traditional hāngī dinner and dessert included
• Free: Māori rock carvings, volleyball

This morning after our buffet breakfast, we’ll say goodbye to our wonderful hosts at the lakeside lodge before departing to Taupō to see Australasia’s largest lake and the frothy Huka Falls, before heading inland to Blue Duck Station for an immersive, off-the-grid experience.

Blue Duck Station is the most sustainable high-country sheep and cattle station in New Zealand. Surrounded by the stunning Whanganui National Park, driving into the station feels like entering the world of King Kong or Jurassic Park. The team at Blue Duck has made it their mission to protect their native environment for the sake of their namesake, the rare Whio (blue duck).

On arrival, we’ll settle in to learn about daily life at the station, its settlement history, and its sustainability efforts, before eating a home-cooked meal and relaxing around the campfire.

Note: this version of the itinerary no longer includes the previous Kerosene Creek stop that appeared on your existing page. Worth confirming with your supplier whether this was an intentional drop or a seasonal/routing change.

• Accommodation: Country station lodge
• Meals: Continental breakfast & dinner included
• Free: Huka Falls, Spa Park walk Taupō
• Optional (paid): Skydiving or bungy in Taupō

This morning, you’ll jump on a 4WD and travel through native bush to the “Top of the World,” where you can see the three peaks of Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro, and Mount Ngauruhoe. You’ll learn about the station’s history, see some amazing views, and enjoy a fun ride with the crew.

Later, you’ll have time to explore the station on your own. Hike to the Kaiwhakauka waterfall and spot the rare blue duck in the flesh, then this evening play some games at the lodge or relax around the campfire and make s’mores.

• Accommodation: Country Station Lodge
• Meals: Continental breakfast, lunch & dinner included
• Included: 4WD farm eco-tour
• Free: Hike to Kaiwhakauka waterfall, evening glowworm viewing

This morning we rise early and make our way to Tongariro National Park to tackle what is widely regarded as the best one-day walk in the world, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This unforgettable 19km journey traverses an awe-inspiring landscape of volcanic peaks, vast craters, and striking turquoise alpine lakes, the kind of scenery you’ll remember long after you return home.

The Crossing can be walked year-round, and when snow or ice is present, a qualified alpine guide and specialised equipment are required at additional cost. These alpine conditions, typically from May to October but possible at any time, can make the experience even more spectacular, showcasing Tongariro in its purest form. All plans remain weather dependent for comfort and safety, and if conditions aren’t suitable, there are other excellent walks in the national park to enjoy.

After an incredible day on the trails, return to your accommodation and soak in the outdoor spa while admiring the surrounding mountain views, the perfect way to unwind.

Please note: for health and safety reasons, if weather conditions deteriorate and snow or ice is present (typically 1 April to 31 October, though adverse weather may occur year-round), additional costs will apply for professional alpine guides and required safety equipment, such as crampons and ice axes. These supplementary fees are approximately $350+ NZD under winter conditions and are payable directly to the supplier or your guide at the time of the tour.

• Accommodation: The Park Hotel or similar
• Meals: Continental breakfast included, pack a lunch and plenty of snacks and water
• Included: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

After breakfast, we’ll head down to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. We humbly recommend a visit to Te Papa National Museum first (own cost), and then you’re free to grab a craft beer at a brewery, hike to the top of Mt Victoria for panoramic views, take a stroll along the waterfront, or simply enjoy the best cup of coffee you’ll have in New Zealand.

• Accommodation: Ibis Wellington or similar
• Meals: Breakfast included, local restaurants
• Free: Walk Oriental Parade, head up Mt Victoria for fantastic views
• Optional (paid): Te Papa National Museum

We’ll catch an early Bluebridge Ferry across the Cook Strait to the South Island. If the weather’s good, head out to the viewing deck for incredible views of the Marlborough Sounds. When we arrive in Picton, the top of the South Island, we’ll set off through the picturesque Marlborough region and up to Marahau, situated right on the edge of the spectacular Abel Tasman National Park. We’ll spend our evening in this beautiful location relaxing around the campfire and looking at the stars.

• Accommodation: The Barn or similar
• Meals: Breakfast included, stock up on supplies at a supermarket, self-cater or join the optional group dinner
• Free: Stargazing
• Optional (paid): Wine tasting

Today is a free day in Abel Tasman National Park. From our accommodation, we can hike straight into the park (no water taxi required) and walk the Abel Tasman Coastal Track up to Anchorage Bay.

The park is full of lush bush, and there are plenty of opportunities to explore the golden sand beaches and swim in the brilliant blue waters throughout your journey. The walk is approximately 4 hours each way, but you can get a water taxi back if you’d like extra time to soak it all in.

• Accommodation: The Barn or similar
• Meals: Continental breakfast, pack a picnic lunch and lots of snacks for the hike, self-cater in the kitchen or use the BBQs
• Free: Hike in the national park, relax on the golden sand beaches, see Cleopatra’s Pools
• Optional (paid): Kayaking, water taxi, canyoning, sailing

Today we’re heading down New Zealand’s wild West Coast. A super scenic drive, this area is known for its untamed beaches and lush rainforests. Named one of the top drives in the world by Lonely Planet, this road offers views for days. We’ll stop at the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes to explore this unique part of the coastline, and then we’ll head into Hokitika, famous for its arts scene and greenstone (pounamu).

Our accommodation tonight is located on the shores of the Tasman Sea. Treat yourself to some dinner in their Ocean View restaurant, or go for a walk and explore Hokitika. We highly recommend a visit to Sunset Point, where you can explore the Tambo “shipwreck,” see amazing views of Hokitika beach with Aoraki Mt Cook in the distance, and watch the sun setting over the horizon. Once it’s dark, go for a walk to the glowworm dell to see the glittering lights above you, then head back to your accommodation for a peaceful night’s rest.

Accommodation: Hokitika Beachfront Hotel or similar
Meals: Continental breakfast included, local eateries (own cost)
Free: Head down to Hokitika Beach for sunset

It’s a short drive today towards the charming little village of Franz Josef. The landscape will change from coastline to dramatic, lush rainforest, so just another day of incredible NZ scenery.

We’ll get to Franz Josef around lunchtime, giving you plenty of time to experience Franz Josef Glacier, an iconic highlight of the West Coast and New Zealand. Get a shuttle to the beginning of the track, then hike through native bush and across glacial streams to the terminal face of the glacier for spectacular photos, or just relax in the township and enjoy the views. If you’d like to see the glacier up close, you can go for an incredible heli-hike and actually stand on the glacier.

• Accommodation: Franz Josef Motel or similar
• Meals: Breakfast & dinner included, local restaurants
• Free: Glacier Valley hike, bush tracks
• Optional (paid): Heli-hike to Franz Josef Glacier, shuttle to track

We’ll start our day with a relaxed walk around Lake Matheson, known for its stunning views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, which reflect back onto the lake on still days. Next we’ll visit charming Wānaka, famous for its stunning lake and breathtaking mountain scenery. We’ll enjoy a late lunch and take time to soak in the views, and perhaps even snap a picture of THAT Wānaka tree.

Afterwards, we’ll make our way to Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World.” Queenstown is the spiritual home of bungy jumping and offers unlimited adventure and entertainment. When we arrive, we’ll head straight to our accommodation, which offers a swimming pool, fitness centre, and sauna, so you have plenty of opportunities to relax after all that excitement.

• Accommodation: Mercure Queenstown or similar
• Meals: Breakfast included, local restaurants and cafes
• Free: Lake Matheson scenic walk

Today is a free day in Queenstown! After breakfast, explore the beautiful mountain scenery on one of the many free hikes, or join an activity of your choice. This evening, we recommend trying the famous Fergburger, checking out the nightlife, or enjoying a hot chocolate on the lakefront while listening to live artists scattered along the shore.

• Accommodation: Mercure Queenstown or similar
• Meals: Breakfast included, local restaurants
• Free: Hike Ben Lomond, the Queenstown Hill, or Bob’s Peak
• Optional (paid): Bungy, jet boating, skydiving, ziplining, horse riding, wine tasting, luging

After all that adventure, it’s time to depart Queenstown towards Te Anau, the gateway to the stunning Fiordland National Park. On arrival in Te Anau, we’ll make our way to the Fiordland Cinema to watch the breathtaking short film Ata Whenua – Shadowland. We’ll see incredible footage over the National Park and its wondrous landscapes and unique wildlife, before we see it for ourselves on our cruise along Milford Sound tomorrow.

In the afternoon, we’ll take a water taxi to Brod Bay, where we’ll be able to walk a part of the Kepler Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, across the Coal Creek Bridge and along the shores of Lake Te Anau back to our accommodation (summer only). We’ll spend the night at our hotel in the serene lakeside town.

• Accommodation: Te Anau Distinction Luxmore Hotel or similar
• Meals: Breakfast & dinner included, local restaurants
• Included: Entrance to Ata Whenua movie, water taxi to Brod Bay (Oct-Apr)
• Free: Kepler Track Great Walk

This morning we’ll depart Te Anau and head towards the iconic Milford Sound, where we’ll board a boat and cruise across the Sound (fun fact: it’s not actually a sound, it’s a fjord) to see towering Mitre Peak, plus lush rainforests, waterfalls, and loads of amazing wildlife like fur seals, penguins, and dolphins.

In the evening, you have the option to see the glowworm caves in Te Anau, go for a stroll through the town or around the lake, or relax at our accommodation.

• Accommodation: Te Anau Distinction Luxmore Hotel or similar
• Meals: Breakfast included, local restaurants
• Included: Milford Sound day trip including scenic cruise
• Optional (paid): Glowworm caves

We’ll depart Te Anau early to drive over the Lindis Pass and through the Mackenzie Country, past the vivid blue waters of Lake Pukaki, on the way to our amazing stop at the base of New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki Mt Cook. It’s genuinely one of the most stunning days you’ll have in the whole of NZ.

We arrive in the early afternoon with time for an optional experience, such as a scenic flight over expansive ice fields, towering glaciers, and snow-capped peaks. Alternatively, we can check out the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre or do one of the many great short walks in the park. We’d be remiss if we didn’t recommend the Hooker Valley track (weather-dependent), which is one of the best short walks in NZ. If it’s a clear night, head outside to experience one of the best stargazing spots in the country.

• Accommodation: Mount Cook Alpine Lodge or Distinction Hotel Twizel, or similar
• Meals: Breakfast & dinner included
• Free: Take photos of awe-inspiring scenery, walk the incredible Hooker Valley track (weather dependent), stargazing
• Optional (paid): Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre (entrance included May–Sept), Glacier Explorer boat tour

Leaving Mount Cook, we’ll make our way through a landscape made famous by the Lord of the Rings films. We’ll stop to check out the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd (an iconic photo stop), and if you like, you can go and relax in the Tekapo hot pools, do some snow tubing or ice skating (winter only), or hike up to the Mt John Observatory for incredible views of the lake from above. After lunch, we’ll continue on to our final overnight stop in Christchurch, where we can head out for our final group dinner together (at own cost) to celebrate an incredible journey around Aotearoa/New Zealand.

• Accommodation: Scenic Cotswold or similar
• Meals: Breakfast included
• Free: Hike to Tekapo Mt John Summit, check out the historic Church of Good Shepherd, Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Hagley Park

This morning we highly recommend exploring Christchurch. Wander the city streets and laneways to discover creative street art intended to bring cheer and colour to a city once buried in rubble, check out the incredible modern shopping district, go for a beer at one of the quirky local pubs, spend an hour punting down the Avon River, explore the stunning Botanic Gardens, or hop on the historic tourist tram and see it all. As today is our final day, our adventure is coming to an end and we can’t believe it’s over. We’ll say goodbye (or see you soon) to our mates and go our separate ways for now. We hope everyone had a blast and remains Stray Mates for life!

• Meals: Breakfast included