Start your trip with an early departure from Auckland to head north to the stunning Bay of Islands. On the way you’ll learn about the rich early European and Maori history of the region. After stopping to see giant kauri trees en-route, we continue on to Paihia, where you have the afternoon free to explore this charming seaside town. Accommodation: Hostel along from the beach Optional Activities: Skydiving Free Activities: Hug huge kauri trees at Parry Kauri Forest

Today you travel to the northernmost point of the country, the spiritually significant Cape Reinga. Highlights of this day trip include a visit to 90 Mile Beach, dune surfing and seeing the clashing of two oceans! Sample some of the best fish and chips available on your way back to Paihia (own expense). Accommodation: Hostel along from the beach Included Activities: Cape Reinga day trip, surf massive sand dunes Optional Activities: Sample fresh fish and chips

This morning you will do the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’ cruise and make an island stop in the bay. Keep a watchful eye out for dolphins and other marine life. We depart in the afternoon to head back to Auckland, where you have the evening free in the city. Accommodation: Central city hostel Included Activities: Hole in the Rock marine cruise

Depart Auckland in the morning and head south to the Coromandel Peninsula via the old colonial town of Thames. We’ll settle into our accommodation in Hahei before heading to Hot Water Beach, where you can dig your own natural spa pool in the sand (tidal dependent). Accommodation: Exclusive accommodation by the waterfront Included Activities: Hot Water Beach visit

Today you have a full free day to embrace the laid back Coromandel lifestyle. Get up early to catch the sunrise on the beach, then take a scenic coastal walk or opt to kayak to stunning Cathedral Cove. You can also take a glass bottom boat tour through the nearby marine reserve. Accommodation: Exclusive accommodation by the waterfront Optional Activities: Kayaking, glass bottom boat tour Free Activities: Walk to Cathedral Cove, sunrise on the beach

We leave Hahei early travelling through to Paeroa, home of New Zealand’s oldest and largest soft drinks company – L&P, where we’ll stop for breakfast. Our drive today will take us through the Waikato region, known for its many dairy farms, rolling hills and the mighty Waikato River (the largest river in New Zealand). This afternoon you’ll have free time to explore the sights and smells of Rotorua. Accommodation included: Comfortable central city hostel. Optional activities: White-water rafting, zorbing, adrenaline fuelled adventure park (big swings, bungees and more). Free activities: Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest walk.

Often labelled the adventure capital of the North Island, you have a full free day in Rotorua to discover an area rich in Maori heritage, adventure activities and bubbling geothermal wonders. There are plenty of exciting local activities to get the adrenaline pumping, such as whitewater rafting, ziplining through native bush, zorbing or a truly unique guided jet boat adventure up to bath in a hot waterfall. Alternatively you can sign up for a guided tour through the world famous Hobbiton Movie Set. Accommodation included: Comfortable central city hostel. Optional activities: Hobbiton Movie Set tour, river jet tour, zip lining, zorbing, geothermal parks, luging, Maori village & performance experience.

The morning is free to try one of the many adventure activities on offer in Rotorua, before we depart at midday to drive into the remote area of Lake Aniwhenua. A local Maori guide will lead us to the area’s sacred archaeological site. Tonight, your hosts will teach you how to prepare a traditional 'Hangi' (a feast cooked underground) and provide a demonstration on how to make Maori fried bread. Sign up to one of the cultural activities on offer or simply enjoy a sunset drink at the Taniwha Bar overlooking the lake. For those visiting during school term, you will be both touched and inspired as you learn about a local community program in which Stray passengers are participating. (D) Accommodation: Scenic lakefront lodge Included Activities: Kohutapu ‘Strademark’ Experience – guided tour of sacred Maori rock carvings, introduction to the Murupara area, Hangi and Maori bread cooking demonstration, delicious ground cooked hangi feast, dessert and continental breakfast. Optional Activities: White water rafting, Zorbing, ziplining

After breakfast we depart and head to Taupo to see Huka Falls, and for the brave we have time for skydiving! In the afternoon, we make our way to Blue Duck Station, an award-winning 7,200 acre high country farm that is both a working station and an environmental conservation leader. Settle in and spend the evening learning a little more about what makes this unique destination one of Stray’s top rated stops. (B) Accommodation: Country station lodge Optional Activities: Skydiving Free Activities: Huka Falls, enjoy your hosts’ hospitality and stories on the local wildlife and history.

Today you have a free day to explore this truly amazing and secluded location in depth. The included 4WD farm tour will give you a tantalising taste of life in remote, rural New Zealand. There are plenty of other optional farming and conservation-based activities for you to experience around the property as well. Accommodation included: Country station lodge. Activities included: Eco-Warrior 4WD farm tour. Optional activities: Horse riding, clay pigeon shooting and goat hunting. Free activities: Walk around the property, take in the lush scenery, Kaiwhakauka waterfall.

We depart early and head to the active volcanoes of the nearby dual World Heritage Site of Tongariro National Park. Today you get a chance to do what is rated as one of the world’s best one day walks: the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Be prepared for some epic scenery as you walk around the base of “Mt Doom” from the Lord of the Rings films. Accommodation: Alpine lodge Optional Activities: Tongariro Alpine Crossing Free activities: Taranaki Falls walk, visit the Volcanic Centre.

Today we head to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city, via Ohakune, Taihape and Bulls. You have the afternoon to cruise around the shops and cafes along popular Cuba Street, explore the New Zealand wonders found in Te Papa or stroll along the waterfront. Accommodation: Central city hostel Free Activities: Walk Oriental Parade, head up Mt Victoria for fantastic views, visit Te Papa National Museum.

We catch the 8am Bluebridge Ferry (check-in 7am) across to Picton on the South Island and meet the Stray bus. We will cruise through the famous Marlborough vineyard area and the coastal town of Nelson on our way to our amazing overnight stop of Marahau, right on the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park. Accommodation: Unique accommodation on the edge of the national park Included: Ferry crossing from Wellington to Picton           Optional Activities: Wine tasting, skydiving Free activities: Swim, walk, mussel tasting around the fire

You have the entire day free to explore this stunning coastal national park renowned for its golden sand beaches. Hike, sail, kayak or skydive – Abel Tasman National Park is gorgeous no matter which option you choose. Accommodation: Unique accommodation on the edge of the national park. Included Activities: Walk part of the Abel Tasman track and catch an Aqua Taxi home. Optional Activities: Full day sailing trip, kayaking, skydiving, hang gliding.

Buckle up for an awesome day driving down the incredibly scenic ‘wild’ West Coast, an area known for its untamed beaches and spectacular rainforest. We’ll pass through Buller Gorge and down a stretch of road that was labelled one of the top ten drives in the world by Lonely Planet. We’ll view the seal colony at Cape Foulwind before continuing further down the coast to the geographic wonder of Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks and blowholes. Here we’ll take a walk around these unique limestone rock formations and stop for a bite of lunch. Our next stop is the historic gold mining town of Greymouth to collect passengers connecting from Christchurch. From here we’ll continue on, via Hokitika, to the quaint township of Franz Josef, home to the mighty Franz Josef Glacier. Accommodation included: Lodge in the middle of the rainforest. Free activities: Buller Gorge, Cape Foulwind Seal Colony, Pancake Rocks and Blow holes, Hokitika greenstone store.

Enjoy a full free day to explore the glacier. Live your glacier walking dream with a guided tour through a world of ice on the glacier or hike from town to view it from below, then unwind in the relaxing spa pools afterwards. Accommodation included: Lodge in the middle of the rainforest. Optional activities: Guided Glacier Heli-hike, Glacier Valley Walk. Free Activities: Any of the good bush walks in the area.

Depart early to take a walk to the mirror-like Lake Matheson, stop at Fox Glacier for pickups, and then travel through the mountainous Haast Pass and Makarora. We pass by the beautiful Lake Hawea and arrive in Wanaka late afternoon.  Accommodation: Central hostel Free Activities: Lake Matheson walk, Ship Creek walk, Blue Pools walk, Thundercreek Falls walk, explore Wanaka.

This morning, head out on a scenic bike ride around the lake before we depart Wanaka and cruise down to the famous A.J. Hackett bungy site, where you can take the plunge - if you dare! Then, it’s on to the ‘Adventure Capital of the World!’ Queenstown offers an optional big (make that huge) night out with a variety of excellent restaurants, pubs and live music. Accommodation: Central hostel Included Activities: Scenic bike ride around the lake

With so much to see and do in and around Queenstown, you need three full days to take it all in! To get you started, a couple highlight activities are included in your package. Today, you'll take an exhilarating Shotover Jet Boat ride through the spectacular Shotover River Canyons in the morning and then have the afternoon free for more Queenstown fun.   Accommodation: Central hostel   Included Activities: Shotover Jet   Optional Activities: Any adventure activity that we mad Kiwis can dream up (bungy, swing, jetboating, skydiving, mountain biking, zipline, horse riding…)   Free Activities: Sleep in, great walks, take in the beautiful views from this cool resort town

Depart early on a day long trip to the jaw dropping Doubtful Sound in stunning Fiordland National Park, where you'll take a three hour wilderness cruise and learn more about this incredible natural wonder. You will return to Queenstown in the evening. Accommodation: Central hostel Included Activities: Doubtful Sound Day Trip

Make the most of your final free day doing any of the other incredible activities on offer or further exploring Queenstown. Accommodation: Central hostel Optional Activities: Any adventure activity that we mad Kiwis can dream up (bungy, swing, jetboating, skydiving, mountain biking, zipline, horse riding…), trip to Milford Sound   Free Activities: Sleep in, great walks, take in the beautiful views from this cool resort town

Depart Queenstown early to drive over the Lindis Pass through the beautiful Mackenzie Country and past Lake Pukaki, then head north to our amazing stop at the base of New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/Mt Cook, arriving in the early afternoon. Accommodation: Stunning alpine lodge Optional Activities: Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre Free Activities: Take photos of awe-inspiring scenery, do one of the many great short walks to the Hooker Glacial Lake.

Leaving Mt Cook, we make our way through a landscape made famous in the Lord of the Rings films. We’ll stop to admire the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd – a famous photo stop. Relax in the Tekapo hot pools, go snow tubing or ice skating or hike up to the Mt John observatory where you’ll witness stunning views of the lake from above. After lunch, we will continue to our overnight stop in Rangitata Peel Forest. Tonight, we’ll stay in one of Canterbury’s original sheep stations. Accommodation included: One of Canterbury’s original sheep stations. Optional activities: Tekapo Hot Springs, Ice skating (April-Sept), Snow tubing (June-Sept). Free activities: Visit Lake Tekapo, Mt John walk, Rangitata forest walks.

This morning, you will have the opportunity to sign up to a Lord of the Rings tour or to explore the stunning Peel Forest scenery on horseback. Tonight, we’ll stay in Christchurch where you can spend your afternoon exploring the city or getting involved in one of the activities on offer. Accommodation included: Comfortable, modern backpackers near the city centre

We depart early this morning for a beautiful drive up the coast to seaside Kaikoura. You have the afternoon free for activities to check out the amazing marine wildlife that call this area home. Go on a whale and dolphin spotting tour, search for seals sunning themselves at Goose Bay or walk to the peninsula lookout for breathtaking views. Accommodation included: Warm modern hostel. Optional activities: Whale watching by boat or by plane, swimming with dolphins, guided fishing trip. Free activities: Walk around the peninsula and up to the lookout.

Leaving Kaikoura this morning, we wind our way up the rugged coastal roads for the top of the South Island. When we get to Picton there is time to stretch your legs and grab some lunch before we board the ferry to carry us over the Cook Strait to Wellington where you can spend the evening checking out the fantastic craft breweries and restaurants of the capital city. Accommodation included: Central Wellington hostel. Included: Ferry crossing from Picton to Wellington. Free activities: Explore Wellington city

Today is a very early departure out of Wellington - this is an express day via National Park to Auckland, where your trip comes to an end when you arrive in the early evening. We hope you had a blast on your Stray Journey!