ADVENTURETOUR

Kahu Tour

Auckland

Queenstown

18 Days

Quality dorms

Max 23 travellers

Interested in joining us on our epic 18-day New Zealand journey from Auckland to Queenstown? Named after the kahu - our majestic native hawk with piercing eyes and soaring grace, symbolising keen vision across wild skies - this tour uncovers North and South Island treasures with insider insight. From Hot Water Beach and Hobbiton to a hāngī under the stars, Tongariro’s volcanic craters, Abel Tasman’s golden coves, Franz Josef’s glacier, Wānaka’s iconic tree and Queenstown’s adrenaline rush. 18 days, two islands, one unforgettable adventure.

From $4,348

From $242 PER DAY

Limited spots! Secure yours with a $200 deposit

One of our most loved tours, according to you!

REVIEWS

TOUR SNAPSHOT

Kick off in Auckland, the buzzing City of Sails with a group welcome, then dig steaming pools at Hot Water Beach and kayak Cathedral Cove’s sea caves. Tour Hobbiton, wander Rotorua’s redwoods and geothermal pools, before immersing in Māori culture at Lake Aniwhenua: haka lessons, games, and smoky hāngī under the stars. Soak in Kerosene Creek, chase Huka Falls, hike Tongariro’s volcanic craters. Ferry to Abel Tasman’s golden coves for water taxis and Cleopatra’s Pools slides. Marvel at Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks, trek Franz Josef’s glacier face, gaze at Mt Cook’s reflection at Lake Matheson. Snap Wānaka’s iconic tree, dive into Queenstown’s adrenaline rush - stunning hikes, Fergburgers, and nightlife buzz. Cruise Milford’s waterfalls with seals and dolphins.

North + South Island
Expert local guide
15+ activities and experiences
Quality dorms (Haka House network + The Barn Marahau + Kohutapu Lodge)
17 breakfasts + 3 dinners included
Private Stray coach + Bluebridge Ferry


BUCKET-LIST HIGHLIGHTS

Hahei (Coromandel) - Hot Water Beach & Cathedral Cove

Hahei (Coromandel) - Hot Water Beach & Cathedral Cove

Hobbiton - Lord of the Rings Movie Set

Hobbiton - Lord of the Rings Movie Set

Lake Aniwhenua - Hāngī & Māori Culture

Lake Aniwhenua - Hāngī & Māori Culture

Tongariro - Alpine Crossing

Tongariro - Alpine Crossing

Abel Tasman - Coastal Track

Abel Tasman - Coastal Track

Franz Josef - Glacier Country

Franz Josef - Glacier Country

Queenstown - Adventure Capital (2 free days)

Queenstown - Adventure Capital (2 free days)

Milford Sound - Fiordland Cruise

Milford Sound - Fiordland Cruise

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Meals

17 breakfasts and 3 dinners included. We’ve also included other meals here and there - check the itinerary for details

Private Coach Transport

Kick back, soak up the scenery and let someone else do the driving. Your private, air-conditioned Stray coach handles the rest. Plus Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry between Wellington and Picton.

Stray Expert Guide

Local knowledge, great banter and insider tips you won’t find on Google. Your guide knows every back road and hidden gem in this country.

Small Group

Max 24 travellers per coach. Most Adventure Tour travellers are aged 18-40, but there’s no upper limit - it’s all about attitude, not age!

Accommodation

17 nights dorm share accommodation included. Quality, comfy hostels (Haka House network in Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, Queenstown Lakefront) plus unique stays at Hahei Beach Resort, Kohutapu Lodge (Māori family hosted), Alpine Chalets (Tongariro), The Barn Marahau (Abel Tasman) and Rainforest Retreat (Franz Josef).

Kahu Tour Map

Kahu Tour
Get 20% off all New Zealand tours*

For departures before 30 Sept 2026.

$5,435

NZD

$4,348 NZD

Per person

$242 NZD

Per person/per day

SELECT DEPARTURE DATE

Guaranteed departures available

SELECT ROOM TYPE

Quality hostel dorm. Social and budget-friendly.

Just you. No sharing.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

$200 deposit, balance before departure

Kahu Tour Map

Kahu Tour

Full Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival Auckland | New Zealand

Kia Ora (hello) and welcome to Aotearoa (New Zealand) the land of the long white cloud. Make your way to your hostel and then go and explore the city, we recommend starting at the waterfront which is a downhill walk from your accommodation. Meet your Guide at 6pm for an introduction to your tour before heading out together for some dinner (own cost).


  • Rest:Haka House Auckland City (5 Turner St, Auckland CBD) or similar

  • Free:Walk the waterfront

Get 20% off all New Zealand tours*

For departures before 30 Sept 2026.

$5,435

NZD

$4,348 NZD

Per person

$242 NZD

Per person/per day

SELECT DEPARTURE DATE

Guaranteed departures available

SELECT ROOM TYPE

Quality hostel dorm. Social and budget-friendly.

Just you. No sharing.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

$200 deposit, balance before departure

ADVENTURES WORTH SHARING

To hike or not to hike on a glacier?...

mitevisualsMarch 7, 2026

To hike or not to hike on a glacier?...

mitevisualsMarch 7, 2026

To hike or not to hike on a glacier?...

mitevisualsMarch 7, 2026

To hike or not to hike on a glacier?...

mitevisualsMarch 7, 2026

To hike or not to hike on a glacier?...

mitevisualsMarch 7, 2026

To hike or not to hike on a glacier?...

mitevisualsMarch 7, 2026

To hike or not to hike on a glacier?...

mitevisualsMarch 7, 2026

To hike or not to hike on a glacier?...

mitevisualsMarch 7, 2026

To hike or not to hike on a glacier?...

mitevisualsMarch 7, 2026

To hike or not to hike on a glacier?...

mitevisualsMarch 7, 2026

Select Tours are designed for ’creatures of comfort,’ featuring 3-4 star twin/double ensuite hotel rooms for most nights. Adventure Tours are more backpacker-style, with accommodation mostly in quality hostels (often in dorm rooms) to keep costs low and maximise the social atmosphere

On average, we spend 3-5 hours on the move, with frequent epic ’leg-stretcher’ stops at hidden waterfalls, local cafes, and scenic lookouts to break up the drive. At Stray, we prioritise the journey, not just the destination, and the bus trip gives you the perfect amount of time to relax and just enjoy the view.


The ’shoulder seasons’ of autumn (March-May) and spring (Sept-Nov) are great times to travel through New Zealand as the sun is less intense than in the summer, there are lower prices, and fewer crowds at iconic spots like Milford Sound.

Most of our international visitors need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before arriving. But don’t stress - you can apply easily via the official app or website.


A lot of your meals and activities are already included in your tour! We generally advise to budget for $20 for breakfasts, $30 for lunches and $40 for dinners. Of course, it depends what your preferences are and how much you like to eat out or cook for yourself. 2 weeks before your tour begins, you will receive access to our app and in there you’ll be able to book any optional activities.

HOW GOOD!

TOUR REVIEWS

Don't take our word for it - hear it straight from the road

Two friends on a chairlift in New Zealand
Ruru Tour, NZ

I couldn't have wished for better

I had an incredible experience during my 19-day tour through New Zealand. In such a short amount of time, I was able to see so many amazing and different places - it was exactly what I wanted from this trip.

Johann U

Go to trip
Two friends on a chairlift in New Zealand
Ruru Tour, NZ

I couldn't have wished for better

I had an incredible experience during my 19-day tour through New Zealand. In such a short amount of time, I was able to see so many amazing and different places - it was exactly what I wanted from this trip.

Johann U

Go to trip
Two friends on a chairlift in New Zealand
Ruru Tour, NZ

I couldn't have wished for better

I had an incredible experience during my 19-day tour through New Zealand. In such a short amount of time, I was able to see so many amazing and different places - it was exactly what I wanted from this trip.

Johann U

Go to trip
Two friends on a chairlift in New Zealand
Ruru Tour, NZ

I couldn't have wished for better

I had an incredible experience during my 19-day tour through New Zealand. In such a short amount of time, I was able to see so many amazing and different places - it was exactly what I wanted from this trip.

Johann U

Go to trip
Two friends on a chairlift in New Zealand
Ruru Tour, NZ

I couldn't have wished for better

I had an incredible experience during my 19-day tour through New Zealand. In such a short amount of time, I was able to see so many amazing and different places - it was exactly what I wanted from this trip.

Johann U

Go to trip
Two friends on a chairlift in New Zealand
Ruru Tour, NZ

I couldn't have wished for better

I had an incredible experience during my 19-day tour through New Zealand. In such a short amount of time, I was able to see so many amazing and different places - it was exactly what I wanted from this trip.

Johann U

Go to trip
Two friends on a chairlift in New Zealand
Ruru Tour, NZ

I couldn't have wished for better

I had an incredible experience during my 19-day tour through New Zealand. In such a short amount of time, I was able to see so many amazing and different places - it was exactly what I wanted from this trip.

Johann U

Go to trip

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