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 9 days. Take in all the spectacular South along the east coast before cruising through rugged North Island terrain, rolling farmlands and ancient volcanoes.
This pass is perfect to jump off if you want to spend 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 on an evening cruise on Lake Taupo. Hop off in Taupo if you want to climb the epic Tongariro Crossing. Your Driver Guide will book this in for you.
Experience the highlights of the North and South Islands 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 Sale between 1 January 2023 - 30 October 2023
- 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 two days prior to arrival)
- 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 $510
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
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 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
