Queen Bee
Start: Queenstown
Finish: Auckland
Make a bee-line for the city of sails on this quick South to-North pass. The Queen Bee starts in the stunning Queenstown and takes you right up to Auckland on a minimum travel time of just 6 days. Take in all the spectacular South along the East Coast before heading to Christchurch, Wellington and finishing with an express service to Auckland.
What's included
- Start Queenstown, Finish Auckland
- Minimum of 6 days travel*
- 1x Cook Strait ferry ticket
- 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 online via the Trip Planner (by 7am 2 days before any overnight stop)
- Pre-Book and pay for activities online via the Trip Planner
- Limited departures available in June, July & August (winter schedule)
- *The minimum time is the shortest amount of time you can complete this pass by travelling our standard itinerary and not hopping off the bus. Please note this minimum time can change slightly depending on the season.
To view our current bus timetables, please click here
NZ $665
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 (May - October)
Please note, on selected Saturdays from 3rd May to October 7th 2025 this route will be an express service from Lake Tekapo to Kaikoura and will only pass through Christchurch to drop off and pick up guests. If you choose to hop off the bus in Christchurch, the amount of days to wait for the next bus will be extended.
The selected Saturdays are as follows:
03rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st May 2025
07th, 14th, 21st, 28th June 2025
05th, 12th, 19th, 26th July 2025
02nd, 09th, 16th, 23rd, 30th August 2025
06th, 13th, 20th, 27th September 2025
04th October 2025
We have a straight run into Christchurch, our largest city in the South Island and the 3rd largest in New Zealand before we continue on to Kaikoura where our day comes to an end. Hopping off the bus in Christchurch? 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. Otherwise, stay on and lets head to Kaikoura.
Accommodation
- Hotel Give (not included - book via the Trip Planner)
Included 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
- Cuba Street nightlife
Wellington to Auckland Express Service via Taupo and Rotorua
Please note: This is an express service to Auckland, but you can choose your own adventure and hop off in Taupō or Rotorua to explore further! The bus will stop for pick-ups and drop-offs only.
Let's head north! We'll depart from Wellington, leaving the wind behind as we head towards the gumboot capital, Taihape. Next, we'll traverse the Central Plateau, home to the awe-inspiring Tongariro National Park.
Calling all lake lovers! Our first stop en route to Auckland is Taupō, hop-off the bus and soak in the beauty of New Zealand's largest freshwater lake. The bus will then continue to Rotorua hop off the bus and explore the geothermal wonders and rich Māori culture in Rotorua. Or keep rolling with us through the scenic countryside towards Auckland, the vibrant "City of Sails."
Please note: This is an express service to Auckland, but you can choose your adventure and hop off in Taupō or Rotorua to explore further!
Accommodation in Taupo and Rotorua is at your own arrangement, and can not be booked with Kiwi Experience
Accommodation
Auckland
- Lylo Auckland (Not Included book via the Trip Planner)
