SELECT TOUR

Kaka Tour

Chrischurch

Chrischurch

9 Days

Quality dorms

Max 24 travellers

Named after the Kākā, a treasured native parrot, this 9-day South Island loop circles New Zealand’s most iconic stops. Board the world-famous TranzAlpine train across the Southern Alps, trek Franz Josef’s glacier face, snap that Wānaka tree, hit Queenstown’s adventure capital, cruise Milford Sound, stargaze beneath Aoraki/Mt Cook and finish with Christchurch street art and punting. 3-4 star hotels every night.

Travellers' Choice Award 2026

From $4,195

From $466 PER DAY

Limited spots! Secure yours with a $200 deposit

One of our most loved tours, according to you!

REVIEWS

TOUR SNAPSHOT

Board the iconic TranzAlpine train across the Southern Alps to Greymouth, then beachfront chill in Hokitika and view Pounamu greenstone treasures. Trek Franz Josef’s glacier face, see Lake Matheson aka Mirror Lake near Aoraki/Mt Cook, snap the viral Wānaka tree, and dive into Queenstown - the adventure capital of New Zealand. In Te Anau, immerse in the Ata Whenua Fiordland film before Kepler Track strolls. Cruise Milford Sound’s thundering waterfalls amid seals and peaks. Over Lindis Pass to Mt Cook for Hooker Valley hikes and Dark Sky stargazing, then Tekapo’s turquoise shores, hot pools, and Good Shepherd Church. Wrap with Christchurch’s street art and punting.

South Island
Expert local guide
8+ activities and experiences
Quality 3-4 star hotels
8 breakfasts + 2 dinners
Private Stray coach + TranzAlpine train


BUCKET-LIST HIGHLIGHTS

Southern Alps  TranzAlpine Train

Southern Alps TranzAlpine Train

NZ’s #1 rail journey through epic mountain scenery

Franz Josef  Glacier Country

Franz Josef Glacier Country

Hike to the terminal face or heli-hike on the ice

Wanaka  THAT Wanaka Tree

Wanaka THAT Wanaka Tree

Iconic photo stop on the lakefront

Queenstown  Adventure Capital

Queenstown Adventure Capital

Free day in the home of bungy

Milford Sound  Fiordland Cruise

Milford Sound Fiordland Cruise

Mitre Peak, waterfalls, wildlife

Mt Cook  Dark Sky Reserve

Mt Cook Dark Sky Reserve

Stargazing in the world’s largest Dark Sky Reserve

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Meals

8 breakfasts and 2 dinners included. A mix of cooked and continental breakfasts to keep you fuelled. Check the itinerary for the full breakdown

Private Coach Transport + TranzAlpine

Kick back, soak up the scenery and let someone else do the driving. Your private, air-conditioned Stray coach handles the rest - plus the world-famous TranzAlpine scenic train from Christchurch to Greymouth on Day 1.

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 Select Tour adventurers are aged between 20-50, but there’s no upper limit - it’s all about attitude, not age!

Accommodation

High-quality twin share or private rooms are included. You’ll stay in comfy 3-4 star hotels or motels in twin or double rooms with ensuites.

Kaka Tour Map

Kaka Tour
Get 20% off all New Zealand tours*

For departures before 30 Sept 2026.

$0

NZD

$4,195 NZD

Per person

$466 NZD

Per person/per day

SELECT DEPARTURE DATE

Guaranteed departures available

SELECT ROOM TYPE

Twin or double? Choose at checkout.

Just you. No sharing

PAYMENT OPTIONS

$200 deposit, balance before departure

Kaka Tour Map

Kaka Tour

Full Itinerary

Day 1 - Christchurch to Hokitika | New Zealand

Kia Ora (hello) and welcome to your Stray Adventure. You’ll start the day by travelling through the stunning Arthur’s Pass to the historic gold mining town of Greymouth on the West Coast where you’ll meet your Stray group and guide outside the Greymouth train station at 1.30pm. From here we’ll make our way to Hokitika, a vibrant, artistic town and the best place to buy ’Pounamu’, a native greenstone. Our accommodation tonight is absolute beachfront, 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.

  • Rest:Hokitika Beachfront Hotel or similar

  • Eat:Local eateries

  • Included:TranzAlpine Scenic Train

  • Free:Head down to Hokitika Beach for sunset

Get 20% off all New Zealand tours*

For departures before 30 Sept 2026.

$0

NZD

$4,195 NZD

Per person

$466 NZD

Per person/per day

SELECT DEPARTURE DATE

Guaranteed departures available

SELECT ROOM TYPE

Twin or double? Choose at checkout.

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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