SELECT TOUR

Kea Tour

Auckland

Auckland

23 Days

Quality dorms

Max 24 travellers

Want the whole of Aotearoa in one epic loop? Our 23-day Kea Tour starts and finishes in Auckland, named after the kea - the cheeky, whip-smart alpine parrot found nowhere else on earth and never far from an adventure. 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, two free days in Queenstown, Milford Sound and the Dark Sky country of Lake Tekapo, before swinging up the coast to Kaikoura’s seals and looping all the way back north to Auckland. 23 days, two islands, one unforgettable round trip.

Travellers' Choice Award 2026

From $6,945

From $302 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 City of Sails, then dig your own pool at Hot Water Beach and explore Cathedral Cove. Tour Hobbiton, wander Rotorua’s geothermal pools, and immerse in Māori culture at Lake Aniwhenua with haka, stick games and a smoky hāngī. Soak in Kerosene Creek, chase Huka Falls, hike Tongariro’s craters, then discover Wellington before crossing Cook Strait. Water-taxi Abel Tasman’s golden coves, marvel at Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks, trek Franz Josef’s glacier and snap Lake Matheson’s mirror lake. Enjoy two free days in Queenstown, cruise Milford Sound, and stargaze at Lake Tekapo. Then it’s north again to Kaikoura for fur seals and a wild coastline, back across the strait to Wellington and up the island to finish where you started, Auckland.

North + South Island (full loop)
Expert local guide
18+ activities and experiences
Quality dorms (Haka House network + The Barn Marahau + Kohutapu Lodge + Dusky Lodge)
21 breakfasts included
Private Stray coach + Bluebridge Ferry (both crossings)


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

Lake Tekapo - Dark Sky Reserve

Lake Tekapo - Dark Sky Reserve

Kaikoura - Marine Wildlife & Fur Seals

Kaikoura - Marine Wildlife & Fur Seals

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Meals

21 breakfasts plus selected lunches and 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 the Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry on both the southbound and northbound crossings.

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 18-35, but no upper limit - it’s all about attitude!

Accommodation

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

Kea Tour Map

Get 20% off all New Zealand tours*

For departures before 30 Sept 2026

$0

NZD

$6,945 NZD

Per person

$302 NZD

Per person/per day

SELECT DEPARTURE DATE

Guaranteed departures available

SELECT ROOM TYPE

Shared dorm room. Social, well-located.

Just you. No sharing.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

$200 deposit, balance before departure

Kea Tour Map

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

$0

NZD

$6,945 NZD

Per person

$302 NZD

Per person/per day

SELECT DEPARTURE DATE

Guaranteed departures available

SELECT ROOM TYPE

Shared dorm room. Social, well-located.

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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