Queen Bee

START: QUEENSTOWN

FINISH: AUCKLAND

Buzz through New Zealand with the Queen Bee Pass, a fast, scenic journey from Queenstown to Auckland in just six days. Take in alpine views through Lindis Pass, snap photos at Lake Pukaki, and stargaze in Tekapo’s dark sky reserve. Explore Christchurch’s street art and botanical gardens, then spot whales or swim with dolphins in Kaikoura. Cruise the Cook Strait to Wellington, with time to explore the capital’s culture and nightlife. Zip north via Taupō and Rotorua for one last look at the geothermal wonders. It’s flexible, easy travel with legendary guides and unforgettable stops from South to North.

What Is Included

  • Start in Queenstown & Finish in Auckland 
  • Minimum of 5 days of travel*
  • 1x Interislander Cook Strait Ferry (one way)
  • Legendary Local Driver Guides

The Extra Bits 

  • Unlimited travel date changes with no fees 
  • Pre-book and pay for accommodation & activities online via our Trip Planner 
  • 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. (This minimum time does slightly vary based on seasonality)
  • There are limited departures available in June, July & August due to our winter schedule
  • *Your pass is valid for 12 months from the date when you first travel or until you have travelled once over all sections of your purchased travel pass, whichever comes first

To view our current bus timetables, please click here

Read more

Minimum Days

  • 5 Minimum Travel Days

Start/Finish

  • Queenstown/Auckland

Accommodation

  • 4-6 Bed Hostel Dorms - Not Included, Book Via Our Trip Planner After Purchasing Your Pass

Transport

  • Kiwi Experience Coach and a Local Kiwi Experience Driver Guide

12 Month Pass Validity

Travel on your pass for 12 months* 

PRICE $689Book Now to Save 10%
FROMNZ

$620

*

Offer valid for new bookings only, excludes Bay & Cape and Milford Day Trips. Travel from 15 Aug 2025 to 30 Jun 2026. Sale ends 1 Sep 2025 (NZT). Subject to availability. NZD prices. T&Cs apply.

MAP

ITINERARY

Queenstown to Lake Tekapo

Lakefront Lodge Tekapo (or similar) - Not Included - Book Via The Trip Planner

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.

Lake Tekapo to Christchurch (May - October)

Hotel Give (or similar) - Not Included - Book Via The Trip Planner

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: 

09th August 2025 

13th, 20th, 27th September 2025 

04th, 07th 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. 

Christchurch to Kaikoura

Dusky Lodge (or similar) - Not Included - Book Via The Trip Planner

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).

Kaikoura to Wellington

Haka House or Nomads Backpackers (or similar) - Not Included - Book Via The Trip Planner

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. 

Wellington to Taupo (express bus)

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. 

Please note: This is an express service to Auckland, but you can choose your adventure and hop off in Taupō to explore further! Accommodation in Taupo is at your own arrangement, and cannot be booked with Kiwi Experience. 

Taupo to Rotorua (express bus)

Let's continue north! We'll depart from Taupo, leaving the Central Plateau behind as we head to the geothermal wonders and rich cultural centre of Rotorua. 

Calling all relaxation lovers! Our last stop stop en route to Auckland is Rotorua, hop-off the bus and soak in the beauty of this city rich in culture. 

Please note: This is an express service to Auckland, but you can choose your adventure and hop off in Rotorua to explore further! Accommodation in Rotorua is at your own arrangement, and cannot be booked with Kiwi Experience. 

Rotorua to Auckland (express bus)

Let's make our final journey north! We'll depart from Rotorua, leaving the geothermal wonders behind as we head towards Auckland, the City of Sails. This will be our last stop, the bus will not continue further.

Please note: This is an express service to Auckland and the bus will only stop to drop off and pick up guests.