19 Day New Zealand Odyssey (Auckland to Christchurch)

Day 1 · Arrival Day Auckland

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   Auckland

   one day

   Kia Ora (hello) and welcome to your New Zealand adventure. Your tour begins in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), the largest city in New Zealand and home to over 2 million people and around 50 volcanoes.

   You can arrive at any time today and we encourage you to explore the city. Walk down to the viaduct for a spot of lunch, wander over to Britomart for a coffee or head to Commercial Bay if you’d like to do some shopping. You can check into your hotel from 3pm, and this evening you’ll meet your group and Stray guide at reception at 6pm for a welcome dinner (own cost) to get to know your new travel mates.

Oaks Auckland Hotel

Day 2 · Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves

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   Waitomo Glowworm Caves

   one day Admission not included

   We’ll head out this morning and travel south to Waitomo, famous for its limestone caves lit by thousands of glowworms. You have the option to glide down a cave stream in a boat as you gaze as the hundreds of glittering glowworms above you, or don a wetsuit and harness and do some abseiling and rock climbing through the famous caves - whichever option you choose it will be a magical way to begin your adventure!

   Continuing on we’ll head for Rotorua, the North Island’s geothermal hotspot and a great place to experience Maori culture. We’ll arrive in the early evening so we’ll head straight to our hotel, which is home to a spa, swimming pool and unlimited Wi-Fi (not the norm here in New Zealand)!

Distinction Rotorua or similar

Day 3 · Rotorua

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   Rotorua

   one day

   Today it’s all about the Roto (Māori for ‘Lake’). After breakfast, travel past the vibrant Blue and Green Lakes to Lake Tarawera, with mighty Mt Tarawera on the horizon. Take an aqua taxi to Te Rata Bay and its Hot Water Beach (note: not the one near Hahei), where a hot thermal spring warms the lake.

   Keen hikers can enjoy a quick soak then tackle the 15km (4.5-5hrs) Tarawera Trail for stunning views over Lakes Rotomahana and Tarawera. Prefer relaxation? Linger in the steamy waters and warm sands in geothermal bliss before returning to Rotorua after lunch.

   In the afternoon, head back to the city for options: white water rafting on the Kaituna River, ziplining on an eco-tour, or unwinding at a geothermal spa. For free geothermal sights, visit Kuirau Park’s boiling mud pools and steaming lakes.

Distinction Rotorua or similar

Day 4 · Rotorua to Lake Aniwhenua

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   Stop 1

   one day Admission included

   After Rotorua, recharge with an authentic Māori experience. After lunch, travel to Lake Aniwhenua and Kohutapu Lodge, owned by a local Māori family dedicated to their heritage and community.

   We’ll be welcomed to the tribal lands, watch ground-cooked **hangi** preparation, enjoy afternoon tea with fresh fried bread while chatting with the team, and practice weaving and haka skills. In the evening, feast on the traditional hangi – likely the best meal in NZ!

   Exclusive experience includes:

   • Welcome to tribal lands & guided tour to sacred Māori rock carvings
   • Introduction to Murupara area, its people, history & challenges
   • Afternoon tea
   • Mau Rakau (Māori stick games)
   • Weaving lesson
   • Haka lesson
   • 1-night lakeside accommodation at Kohutapu Lodge
   • Full traditional hangi buffet dinner & dessert
   • Storytelling around the fire pit
   • Continental breakfast

Kohutapu Lodge

Day 5 · Lake Aniwhenua to Blue Duck Station

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   Stop 1

   one day Admission included

   This morning after our buffet breakfast we’ll say goodbye to our wonderful hosts at the lakeside lodge before departing to Taupo to see Australasia’s largest lake and the frothy Huka Falls before heading inland to Blue Duck Station for an immersive and 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 is like entering the world of King Kong or Jurassic Park! The team at Blue Duck have made it their mission to protect their native environment for its namesake, the rare Whio (blue duck).

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

Blue Duck Station Lodge

Day 6 · Blue Duck Station

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   Stop 1

   one day Admission included

   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 history of the station, see some amazing views, and enjoy a sweet ride with the crew!

   Later you’ll have some time to explore the station on your own. Hike to the Kaiwhakauka waterfall and spot the rare blue duck in the flesh and this evening play some games at the lodge or relax around the campfire and make s’mores. Whatever you decide, we have no doubt this will be the start of your love affair with this lush kiwi paradise!

Blue Duck Station

Day 7 · Blue Duck Station to Tongariro National Park

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   Tongariro Alpine Crossing

   one day Admission included

   This morning, head early to Tongariro National Park for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, widely regarded as the world's best one-day walk. This unforgettable 19 km trek crosses volcanic peaks, vast craters, and striking turquoise alpine lakes, scenery you'll remember forever.

   The Crossing is open year-round; snow or ice (typically May-Oct, but possible anytime) requires a qualified alpine guide and specialised equipment (extra cost may apply), making the views even more spectacular. All plans are weather dependent for safety; if unsuitable, enjoy other great walks in the park.

   After an epic day, return to your accommodation and relax in the outdoor spa with mountain views, the perfect way to unwind.

The Park Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 · Tongariro National Park to Wellington

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   Wellington

   one day

   After breakfast we’ll head down to Wellington - New Zealand’s capital city! We humbly recommend a visit to the 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 (oh yes, they are very proud of their coffee scene in Wellington!).

Ibis Wellington or similar

Day 9 · Wellington to Marahau (Abel Tasman)

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   Abel Tasman National Park

   one day

   We’ll catch an early Bluebridge Ferry across the Cook Strait to the South Island today. 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.

The Barn

Day 10 · Marahau (Abel Tasman) FREE DAY

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   Marahau

   one day

   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.

The Barn or similar

Day 11 · Marahau (Abel Tasman) to Hokitika

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   Marahau

   one day

   Today we’re heading down New Zealand’s wild West Coast! A super scenic drive, this area is known for its untamed beaches and masses of lush rainforest. 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 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 and see the glittering lights above you before heading back to your accommodation for a peaceful night of rest.

Hokitika Beachfront Hotel or similar

Day 12 · Hokitika to Franz Josef Glacier

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   Franz Josef

   one day

   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 (have your phone charged for pics).

   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 in general. Get a shuttle to the beginning of the track and 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 (before that pesky climate change melts it for good) you can go for an incredible heli-hike and actually stand on the glacier!

Franz Josef Motel or similar

Day 13 · Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown

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   Queenstown

   one day

   We’ll start our day with a relaxed walk around Lake Matheson, known for its stunning views of Aoraki/Mt Cook which reflects back onto the lake on still days! Next we’ll visit charming Wanaka, 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 Wanaka 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!

Mercure Queenstown or similar

Day 14 · Queenstown FREE DAY

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   Queenstown

   one day

   Today is a free day in Queenstown. Yaaaasssss Queen(stown)! After breakfast, go and explore the beautiful mountain scenery with 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 and listening to the live artists scattered across the shore.

Mercure Queenstown or similar

Day 15 · Queenstown to Te Anau

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   Queenstown

   one day

   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 the 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.

Te Anau Distinction Luxmore Hotel or similar

Day 16 · Day Trip to Milford Sound

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   Mt. Cook Village

   one day

   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 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.

Te Anau Distinction Luxmore Hotel or similar

Day 17 · Te Anau to Mackenzie Country

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   Mt. Cook Village

   one day

   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. We’ve made this drive sound great but honestly - we reckon it’s one of the most stunning days you’ll have in the whole of NZ.

   We arrive in the early afternoon with time to do an optional experience like a boat tour on a glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped alps (sounds epic? It is). Alternatively, we can check out the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre or do one of the many great short walks in the park. We would be remiss if we didn’t recommend the Hooker Valley track (weather dependent) which in our opinion is in the top shorter walks in NZ. If it’s a clear night, head outside to experience one of the best stargazing spots in the country.

Mount Cook Alpine Lodge, Distinction Hotel Twizel or similar

Day 18 · Mackenzie Country to Christchurch

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   Christchurch

   one day

   Leaving Mackenzie Country 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 to our final overnight stop in Christchurch where we can head out for our final group dinner together (own cost) to celebrate an incredible journey around Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Scenic Cotswold or similar

Day 19 · Depart Christchurch

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   Christchurch

   one day

   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 forever!