Kea
Start: Christchurch
Finish: Auckland
The Kea pass heads up the coastline from Christchurch instead of cutting straight over to the West Coast. This way, you can see Nelson, the Abel Tasman National Park and its famous golden beaches.
This New Zealand travel pass also allows you to travel from Christchurch to Kaikoura twice, which is pretty lucky because Kaikoura is one of our Driver Guides' favourite spots, and there’s plenty to do there. After catching a ferry or flight across the Cook Straight, you’ll take in North Islands' best highlights before finishing in Auckland.
- Start Christchurch, finish Auckland.
- Minimum of 17 days of travel
- Unlimited travel*
- Valid for Sale between 1 January 2023 and 30 April 2024
- Change travel dates as many times as you like with no fees
- Pre-Book and pay for accommodation via the Online TRIP PLANNER (by 7am 2 days before any overnight stop)
- Pre-Book and pay for activities via the Online TRIP PLANNER
- Flexible, easy, stress-free travel with like-minded travellers
- Legendary local Driver Guides
*T&C's apply
To view our current bus timetables, please click here
NZ $849
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).
*Christchurch departure times may vary, impacting some tour options.
Accommodation
- Dusky Lodge (not included book via the Online Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Kaikoura Viewpoint Walk (free)
- Seal Colony (free)
- Swim with Dolphins
- Whale Watching
Kaikoura to Abel Tasman
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. 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 Online Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Abel Tasman Skydive (Book via the Online Trip Planner)
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 Online Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Nelson Lakes (free)
- Surfing
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding
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. We then hit the road on our way 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 Online Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Cape Foulwind Seal Colony walk (free)
- Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
- Franz Josef Glacier walk (free)
- Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike
Franz Josef (Extra Day)
Today we have a free day in Franz Josef where you have the opportunity to experience a Heli-Hike to New Zealand’s most famous Franz Josef Glacier or you can explore this lush corner of New Zealand (for free) on foot; hitting up the many walking trails in the area.
Accommodation
- Rainforest Retreat (not included book via the Online Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Franz Josef Glacier walk (free)
- Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike
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 round Lake Wanaka and some lunch, we head to the world’s first commercial bungy site - the Kawarau Bridge. Only the brave will sign themselves up for this iconic New Zealand activity. On arrival in Queenstown, we will head down to the spectacular waterfront before it’s out on the town exploring Queenstown’s infamous nightlife with all the crew!
Reserved Accommodation
- Nomads Queenstown (not included)
Experiences
- That Wanaka Tree (free)
- Lake Matheson Lake Walk (free)
- Mount Iron walk (free)
- Roys Peak (free)
- Kawarau Bridge Bungy
Queenstown (Extra 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. Take the time to spend a few days here as it is one of the most picturesque places in the world. 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 Online Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Milford Explorer
- Shotover Jet
- Nevis Bungy
- Canyon Swing
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 Online Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Lake Pukaki (free)
- Church of the Good Shepherd (free)
- Mount John walk (free)
- Dark Sky Project star gazing
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, and 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 Online Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Quake City
- International Antarctic Centre
- Hagley Park
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!
Accommodation
- Base Backpackers (not included book via the Online Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Seal colony (free)
- Interislander Ferry
- 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 Taupo*, driving alongside New Zealand's biggest lake. If the weather suits, it’s time to skydive.
*This bus is an express service to Auckland, via Rotorua you can jump off the bus in Taupo.
Accommodation
- Urban Retreat (not included book via the Online Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Taupo Skydive
Taupo to Auckland (via Rotorua)
Heading to Rotorua, renowned for its Maori heritage and thermal activity, jump off the bus in Rotorua* or continue onwards through the rolling countryside to Auckland, 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 Online Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Auckland Skytower
- Auckland nightlife
- Walk up Mt Eden
- Explore Mission Bay
- Jump on a ferry to Rangitoto Island, or Waiheke Island
