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 off in stunning Queenstown and takes you right up to Auckland on a minimum travel time of just 9 days. Take in all the stunning South along the east coast before cruising through rugged North Island terrain, rolling farm lands and ancient volcanoes.
This pass is perfect to jump off if you want to spend a little extra time in hot locations. There is plenty to do in New Zealand’s cultural capital before your final leg to Auckland. Travel from Wellington to Taupo in time to meet our mates at Skydive Taupo, or relax with an evening cruise on Lake Taupo. Hop off in Taupo if you are keen to climb the epic Tongariro Crossing. Your Driver Guide will book this in for you.
Experience the highlights of the North and South Island of New Zealand with our brand new Queenstown to Auckland express pass.
- Start Queenstown, finish Auckland
- Minimum of 9 days travel
- Unlimited travel*
- Valid for travel between November 2022 and 30th April 2023
- Change travel dates as many times as you like with no fees
- Reserved accommodation at every overnight stop - guaranteed.
- Best Price Guarantee on activities
- 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 $459
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.
Reserved Accommodation
- Lakefront Lodge Tekapo (not included)
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.
Reserved Accommodation
- Hotel Give (not included)
Experiences
- Quake City
- International Antarctic Centre
- Hagley Park
Christchurch to Kaikoura
Departing Christchurch bright and early, we arrive in Kaikoura in time for you to check out what it's most famous for – its whale watching or swimming with the dolphins. Spend the evening chilling on the beach or sampling some of the best seafood New Zealand has to offer for your dinner. In fact, the name Kaikoura means to eat crayfish (“kai” meaning to eat, “koura” meaning crayfish).
Reserved Accommodation
- Dusky Lodge (not included)
Experiences
- Kaikoura Viewpoint Walk (free)
- Seal Colony (free)
- Swim with Dolphins
- Whale Watching
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!
Reserved Accommodation
- Base Backpackers (not included)
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!
Reserved Accommodation
- Urban Retreat (not included)
Experiences
- Taupo Skydive
Taupo to Auckland (via Rotorua)
This morning we head north to Rotorua, renowned for its Maori heritage and thermal activity. After dropping off passengers in Rotorua who are spending a night or two here, we stop at the National Kiwi Hatchery, where you can get up close and personal with our national icon – the Kiwi bird. Next, we make our way to Matamata (aka Hobbiton). You can jump off here if you’re a Lord of the Rings nut. Then it’s onwards through the rolling countryside to Auckland, otherwise known as the ‘City of Sails’.
Reserved Accommodation
- Jucy Snooze (not included)
Experiences
- The National Kiwi Hatchery Tour
- Auckland Skytower
- Auckland nightlife
