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2 Auckland Franz Josef Taupo Rotorua Wellington Christchurch Queenstown

Kea

Start: Wellington
Finish: Auckland

The Kea Pass is perfect for those with a limited amount of time in New Zealand. On this pass, you'll get a thorough exploration of the South Island, and a glimpse of North Island highlights before ending in Auckland. Starting in Wellington, you'll ferry across the Cook Strait to the South Island and travel down the West Coast to Queenstown, and then return up the East Coast to complete the loop. Your journey will conclude in Auckland via Wellington, Taupo, and Rotorua for an unforgettable Kiwi Experience.

What's Included

  • Minimum of 14 days of travel - start Wellington, finish Auckland.
  • 2x Cook Strait ferry tickets (Return Journey) - if pass was purchased from 1 October 2023
  • Flexible, easy, stress-free travel with like-minded travellers
  • Legendary local Driver Guides

The extra bits:

  • Change travel dates as many times as you like with no fees
  • Pre-Book and pay for accommodation via the Trip Planner (by 7am 2 days before any overnight stop)
  • Pre-Book and pay for activities via the Trip Planner

To view our current bus timetables, please click here

NZ $965

Wellington to Abel Tasman

We take the Interislander ferry across to the South Island through the magnificent Marlborough Sounds. Travel through vineyards to Nelson, New Zealand’s sunniest city, then on to Kaiteriteri at the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park. Kaiteriteri is a great spot to begin an adventure (on foot, by kayak, or by water taxi) into Abel Tasman National Park, or see it all from above by jumping out of a plane!

Accommodation

  • Kaiteri Lodge (not included - book via the Trip Planner)

Experiences

  • Interislander ferry (included)
  • Kahu Kayaks (optional extra)
  • Abel Tasman skydive (optional extra)

Abel Tasman to Westport

Spend the morning kayaking out to Split Apple Rock and along the golden bays near Kaiteriteri, looking out for the local marine wildlife; or catch a water taxi to one of the bays in the Abel Tasman National Park to go for a morning stroll in the native New Zealand forest. This afternoon we stop at the iconic Nelson Lakes, so you can get your legendary wharf jumping shot before hitting surf town Westport.

Accommodation

  • Bazils Hostel and Surf School (not included - book via the Trip Planner)

Experiences

  • Nelson Lakes (free)
  • Surfing (optional extra)
  • Stand Up Paddle Boarding (optional extra)

Westport to Lake Mahinapua - Seasonal location*

*Lake Mahinapua is a seasonal location from 9th January 2024 - 10th May 2024. When out of season the bus will travel directly from Westport to Franz Josef.

Today we start our journey down spectacular State Highway 6, that stretches 435 kilometres along the rugged Tasman shoreline. The road winds through a diverse series of landscapes which never cease to amaze. Highlights today include the Cape Foulwind seal colony walk, rugged beaches, and the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Tonight you will be staying at the historic Mahinapua hotel, across the road from Lake Mahinapua and a short wander away from a rugged west coast beach. This location is unique to Kiwi Experience and gives you the chance to bond with your bus mates over a meal.

Accommodation

  • Lake Mahinapua Hotel (not included - book via the Trip Planner)

Experiences

  • Cape Foulwind Seal Colony walk (free)
  • Punakaiki Pancake Rocks (free)

Lake Mahinapua to Franz Josef

This morning it’s a short drive to Franz Josef. Franz Josef is the northern gateway to Te Wahipounamu, the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage area. The region includes Aoraki/Mount Cook, Westland Tai Poutini, Mount Aspiring, the Fiordland National Parks, and surrounding conservation lands. We factor in a free day in Franz Josef so that you can get out there and experience what Franz Josef has to offer. It’s a wicked spot and whatever you get out and do, you will be blown away by the views of the glacier and Alps.

Accommodation

  • Rainforest Retreat (not included - book via the Trip Planner)

Included Experiences

  • Franz Josef Glacier walk (free)
  • Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike (optional extra)
  • Franz Josef Wilderness Kayak tour (optional extra)
  • Franz Josef skydive (optional extra)

Franz Josef (Free Day)

Today you have a free day in Franz Josef where you have the opportunity to experience the famous Franz Josef Glacier on a Heli Hike tour, or on foot (for free) by hitting up the many walking trails in the area. Explore the Franz Josef wilderness further on a kayak tour amidst the serene waters and breathtaking scenery of Lake Mapourika.

 

Accommodation

  • Rainforest Retreat (not included - book via the Trip Planner)

Experiences

  • Franz Josef Glacier walk (free)
  • Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike (optional extra)
  • Franz Josef Wilderness Kayak tour (optional extra)
  • Franz Josef skydive (optional extra)

Franz Josef to Queenstown

We start out early in order to catch the perfect mirror reflection of Mt Cook and the Southern Alps on Lake Matheson. We then cruise down the last stretch of Highway 6, stopping at popular scenic spots along the way. Then it’s into Mount Aspiring National Park, arriving in the awe-inspiring destination of Wanaka. After a stroll around Lake Wanaka to check out the famous Wanaka Tree, we arrive in Queenstown - the adventure capital of New Zealand! Head down to the spectacular waterfront before it’s out on the town exploring Queenstown’s infamous nightlife with all the crew!

Accommodation

  • Nomads Queenstown (not included - book via the Trip Planner)

Experiences

  • That Wanaka Tree (free)
  • Lake Matheson Lake Walk (free)
  • Kiwi Crawl (optional extra)

Queenstown (Free day)

Queenstown is one of the most amazing places on Earth. No matter what time of the year it is rated as one of our passenger’s favourite spots, and you'll get at least three nights here to explore everything it has to offer! Make the most of the beautiful lake and surrounding walks, or get into a whole range of adrenalin-pumping activities. If there was one activity that you couldn’t miss it would be the day trip to Milford Sound, commonly referred to as The Eighth Wonder of the World.

Accommodation

  • Nomads Queenstown (not included - book via the Trip Planner)

Experiences

  • Milford Explorer (included in some passes)
  • Shotover Jet (optional extra)
  • Nevis Bungy (optional extra)
  • Canyon Swing (optional extra)

Queenstown to Lake Tekapo

We head out of Queenstown, through the Lindis Pass, so get your cameras ready because this is ‘Lord of the Rings’ territory. After stopping to admire Mt Cook at Lake Pukaki, we travel to Lake Tekapo with its amazing location by snow-capped alps and clear starry skies. Lake Tekapo has something for everyone - relaxing at the lakeside and taking in the untouched view, soaking in the hot springs, discovering one of the many scenic walkways or checking out the mind-boggling stars in what is the world’s largest dark sky reserve.

Accommodation

  • Lakefront Lodge Tekapo (not included - book via the Trip Planner)

Experiences

  • Lake Pukaki (free)
  • Church of the Good Shepherd (free)
  • Mount John walk (free)

Lake Tekapo to Christchurch

We have a straight run into Christchurch, our largest city in the South Island and the 3rd largest in New Zealand. Witness a city rebuilding and flourishing in the wake of the 2011 earthquakes, explore the street art, see the blooming botanical gardens, and learn about the history of a city that’s experienced so much in recent times.

Accommodation

  • Hotel Give (not included - book via the Trip Planner)

Experiences

  • Christchurch Botanic Gardens (Free)
  • Quake City
  • International Antarctic Centre

Christchurch to Kaikoura

Departing Christchurch, we arrive in Kaikoura in time for you to check out what it's most famous for – whale watching or swimming with the dolphins. Spend the evening chilling on the beach or sampling some of the best seafood New Zealand offers for your dinner. The name Kaikoura means to eat crayfish (“kai” means to eat, “koura” means crayfish).

 

Accommodation

  • Dusky Lodge (not included - book via the Trip Planner)

Experiences

  • Kaikoura Viewpoint Walk (free)
  • Seal Colony (free)
  • Swim with Dolphins (optional extra)
  • Whale Watching (optional extra)

Kaikoura to Wellington

We head north and take in the last of the dramatic Kaikoura coastline. It’s a spectacular drive and we stop for a close look at the seals that lay about on the rocks. We make our way to the Picton ferry terminal in time to catch the afternoon sailing to the North Island. Say farewell to the South Island (Te Wai Pounamu) and we’re on our way! The ferry ride takes a few hours so chill out and enjoy the view of the amazing Marlborough Sounds before arriving into the capital city in the evening. 

Accommodation

  • Nomads Backpackers (not included - book via the Trip Planner)

Experiences

  • Seal colony (free)
  • Interislander Ferry (not included)
  • Cuba Street nightlife

Wellington to Taupo

With an early start from windy Wellington, we head north through Taihape, the gumboot capital of New Zealand and the Central Plateau, home of the Tongariro National Park. Then it’s through to Taupō, driving alongside New Zealand's biggest lake. If the weather suits, it’s time to skydive.

 

Accommodation

  • Based by the Lake (not included - book via the Trip Planner)

Experiences

  • Taupō Skydive (optional extra)
  • Taupō Sailing Adventure (optional extra)

Taupo to Auckland (via Rotorua)

Today we head for Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), via Rotorua*. Rotorua is renowned for its Maori heritage and thermal activity, jump off the bus here if you haven't had a chance to explore it yet, or continue onwards through the rolling countryside to Auckland, also known as the ‘City of Sails’. 

*Please note this bus is an express service to Auckland, but you can jump off the bus in Rotorua

Accommodation

  • LyLo Auckland (not included - book via the Trip Planner)

Experiences

  • Auckland Skytower
  • Auckland nightlife
  • Walk up Mt Eden
  • Explore Mission Bay
  • Jump on a ferry to Rangitoto Island, or Waiheke Island  

Available Dates

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