Great news! A Stray Journey is the best New Zealand bus pass

If you’re eager to explore the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand, we have some exciting news for you. Stray tours have just been elevated to a whole new level! In honor of our 20th anniversary, we’ve been reflecting on the thousands of happy travelers who have embarked on our tours since 2002. Now that travel is possible again, we are committed to making up for lost time by offering even more exceptional, unique, and unforgettable tours.

During the closure of the New Zealand border, we were hard at work enhancing our bus tours. And by enhancement, we mean we’ve surpassed expectations and reached the highest level. These new bus tours are truly out of this world, featuring more exciting destinations, upgraded accommodations, and even more unforgettable experiences.

While some things remain the same – such as great choices, value for money, fantastic guides, and the opportunity to create lifelong friendships while exploring the best of New Zealand.

Ready to take your adventure to the next level? Discover our new tours!

In the current landscape of travel and tourism, we are focusing on our Stray Journeys small group tours. These tours offer a safe and friendly way to travel in New Zealand, providing the opportunity to truly bond with your fellow travelers. Many of our past travelers have stayed connected with their Stray companions for years, forming lasting friendships while experiencing the best of New Zealand together.

Say goodbye to hostels and hello to cozy hotels & country lodges

It’s time to bid farewell to cramped hostels and overcrowded dorms. On all our tours, you can expect a mix of comfortable hotels, alpine lodges, and charming country cabins for your accommodation.

As always, your tour package includes a comfortable seat on our top-notch Stray coaches, daily breakfast to kickstart your adventure-filled days, as well as additional trips, activities, events, and meals in remote locations.

More than just a standard bus pass

Embarking on a Stray tour in New Zealand is the easiest way to immerse yourself in the incredible sights that Aotearoa has to offer. Imagine this – instead of spending weeks researching and planning your own trip, struggling to find accommodations and activities, and dealing with the logistics of transportation. With Stray Journeys, all of that is taken care of for you.

By booking a seat on a Stray Journeys tour, your accommodation, breakfasts, and select activities are all arranged for you. You’ll have transportation every day, receive expert recommendations on things to do in each location, and share the experience with fellow travelers on the coach. It’s a hassle-free and enjoyable way to explore New Zealand.

A Stray bus pass offers a comprehensive way to see the beauty of New Zealand, going beyond simply getting you from one point to another.

What to expect on our new tours

This year, we offer a range of tours designed to suit your schedule and budget. Whether you want to explore the North Island, South Island, or both, we have a tour for you.

Highlights include boutique hotels, beachside resorts, a Māori lakefront lodge, and an alpine chateau. You may also experience iconic attractions such as the TranzAlpine train journey, a glacier boat trip, or a cruise on the Milford Sound.

• Ruru: 18-Day tour covering the best of New Zealand, starting in Auckland and ending in Christchurch. This tour includes hiking, kayaking, traditional meals, thermal springs, national parks, and more. Check out the full itinerary of the Ruru Tour.
• Takahe: 11-Day tour focusing on the South Island, starting and ending in Christchurch with optional starting points from Wellington/Picton. Highlights include Abel Tasman National Park, West Coast glaciers, Queenstown, and Mt Cook National Park. See the tour info for the Takahe tour.
• Kereru: 11-Day tour from Auckland to Christchurch, featuring scenic train rides and epic landscapes. The TranzAlpine train journey is a standout experience on this tour. Check out the full itinerary of the Kereru Tour.
• Kaka: 9-Day tour of the South Island, starting and ending in Christchurch. This tour offers breathtaking views, hiking opportunities, scenic train journeys, and adrenaline-pumping activities in Queenstown. See the tour info for the Kaka tour.
• Pukeko: 8-Day tour of the North Island from Auckland to Wellington, showcasing geothermal wonders, Blue Duck Station, and other top North Island attractions. Check out the full itinerary of the Pukeko Tour.

Are these tours hop-on-hop-off?

Our new tours offer a fresh and improved approach compared to the traditional hop-on-hop-off tours. Change is good, and our new tours are proof of that.

While hop-on-hop-off tours are currently on hold, our new tours are ready for you. Instead of dealing with bus schedules, booking additional accommodations, and planning your own itinerary, we have carefully curated each tour to maximize your time at each location. It’s a stress-free way to make the most of your New Zealand adventure.

The ultimate way to explore New Zealand without a driver’s license

New Zealand may appear small on the map, but it offers endless opportunities for exploration. Many travelers dream of hitting the road in New Zealand, but what if you don’t have a driver’s license? The good news is, you can still travel in New Zealand without a driver’s license. And even if you do have a license but prefer not to drive on unfamiliar roads, Stray Tours has you covered!

On our new bus tours, our experienced drivers will take care of the driving while you relax, socialize, and enjoy the journey. With a Stray tour, you’ll have the chance to see more of New Zealand, including hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path locations. Plus, you’ll have the option to participate in a variety of activities, from hiking and biking to adrenaline-pumping adventures.

Creating lasting memories and friendships

When you embark on a Stray journey, it’s not just a tour – it’s an experience. Travel through undiscovered New Zealand in a private, air-conditioned coach with a group of like-minded individuals. Our knowledgeable Stray guides play a significant role in creating an unforgettable trip filled with great stories and lifelong memories.

But above all, it’s about discovery. Discovering a unique country, new experiences, and lasting friendships. For 20 years, Stray has been helping travelers uncover the best of New Zealand. Check out some of our travelers’ stories on Facebook.

Stories from previous Stray travelers

Christine, who took a Stray tour in 2003, still keeps in touch with friends from the UK and Sweden to reminisce about their adventures and the unforgettable experiences shared with their driver, Chops.

Michael fondly remembers his 2006 Stray tour with the legendary guides, Nemo and Vino. One Stray traveler even found love and got married to their guide!

So, start planning your New Zealand adventure with Stray. Explore the beauty of New Zealand with a small group of fellow travelers and create lasting memories and friendships. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends, Stray welcomes you to join us for an unforgettable journey.

Climb aboard the Stray bus and embark on a new adventure with our tours

We’ve enhanced the experience to ensure you get even more out of your next Stray tour. We can’t wait to welcome you back and have you join us for the adventure of a lifetime! Compare our new tours and secure your seat as soon as possible. There are still available seats for tours in June, July, and August 2022, so don’t miss out!