Flexible Fully Guided New Zealand Bus Pass - Auckland To Christchurch & Milford

Itinerary

Day 1: Auckland to Hot Water Beach

Stop At: Hot Water Beach, Hot Water Beach, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato Region, North Island
Departing Auckland we head south-east to the pristine beaches of the Coromandel and the world-famous Cathedral Cove (included). Here you have the option to kayak around this stunning coastline (optional activity) as well as the opportunity to visit Hot Water Beach (included); a unique surf beach where if you catch the tide right, you can dig a hole in the sand to create your own personal spa pool.
Duration: 18 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 2: Hot Water Beach to Waitomo

Stop At: Waitomo Caves, Waitomo Caves, Waitomo District, Waikato Region, North Island
Leaving the gorgeous Coromandel behind we’ll venture into the enchanting Karangahake Gorge nestled among the Kaimai Ranges, for a hike (included) amongst the walkways and old mining tunnels. If that isn’t enough fun for one day, then never fear, next we’ll be heading over to Waitomo ('wai' meaning water, 'tomo' meaning hole) for a magical tour of the world-famous glow-worm caves. For those feeling a little more adventurous, you will have the opportunity to experience a Black Water Rafting trip.
Duration: 18 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 3: Waitomo to Rotorua

Stop At: Rotorua, Rotorua, Rotorua District, Bay of Plenty Region, North Island
We start the day with a walk through the Ruakuri Reserve and say goodbye to those glowing little critters. Next, we'll pass through The Shire of Hobbiton where you’ll have the opportunity to discover the Hobbiton Movie Set (optional activity) before rolling on through to Rotorua; a mystical land of bubbling mud pools, rocketing geysers and natural hot springs. Optional activities (which are not included) are luging down the SkyLine, White Water Rafting, Hells Gate, Mountain biking through the Redwoods, Zorb, Wai-o-tapu, Polynesian Spa or National Kiwi Hatchery.
Duration: 18 minutes

Stop At: Hobbiton Movie Set, 501 Buckland Road Matamata, Hinuera 3472 New Zealand
do the movie set tour
Duration: 2 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 4: Rotorua to Taupo

Stop At: Taupo, Taupo, Taupo District, Waikato Region, North Island
If you haven't had a chance yet to explore the geothermal reserve of Te Puia, we will check it out this morning before heading onto Great Lake Taupo, taking in a walk to the pounding Huka Falls (included). In Taupo there is lots to do, just tell us what you’re in the mood for and we’ll get you there. The lake itself (actually an extinct volcano crater) is a sight to behold from the shoreline (included), but the more adventurous might want to take the opportunity to experience optional activities such as sail across the lake on a yacht to the Māori rock carvings, or even get a birds-eye view by skydiving above it.
Duration: 18 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 5: Taupo free day

Stop At: Taupo, Taupo, Taupo District, Waikato Region, North Island
Taupo’s central location means it’s a hop, skip and a jump away from other world-class activities which we give you the option to experience on this free day. Head up the Sky Waka (extra activity) to experience Mount Ruapehu or hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (extra activity); a dramatic landscape of stunning contrasts created by extinguished lava flows and emerald lakes. It’s no surprise Tongariro is often described as one of New Zealand’s best one-day hikes.
Duration: 1 day

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 6: Taupo to River Valley

Stop At: Taihape, Taihape, Rangitikei District, Manawatu-Wanganui Region, North Island
We head south around the “great lake” towards the Tongariro National Park for a picnic lunch and a two-hour walk through native bush and waterfalls. In the afternoon we travel through to the ultimate adventure lodge - River Valley, situated amongst towering cliffs and bush-clad hills. The lodge offers grade five rafting on the Rangitikei River, scenic horse riding and an amazing dinner with homegrown produce. Spend the evening enjoying the delicious roast dinner and relaxing by the open fire.
Duration: 1 day

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 7: River Valley to Wellington

Stop At: Wellington, Wellington, Greater Wellington, North Island
We head away late after a morning white water raft or horse ride and head through the rolling hills full of deer, cattle and sheep. We arrive in Wellington late in the afternoon. This city is the undisputed capital of culture, the arts, restaurants, fashion and nightlife. Here you can experience Mount Victoria (included) and then passengers have the opportunity to experience the national museum, Te Papa and get amongst the thriving craft beer scene.
Duration: 12 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 8: Wellington to Abel Tasman

Stop At: Wellington Ferry Terminal,District of Freedom#8573311~!#, 1 Aotea Quay, Pipitea, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
We take the Interislander ferry across to the South Island through the magnificent Marlborough Sounds. 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!
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Abel Tasman National Park, Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson-Tasman Region, South Island
We take the Interislander ferry across to the South Island through the magnificent Marlborough Sounds. 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!
Duration: 18 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 9: Abel Tasman to Westport

Stop At: Nelson Lakes National Park, New Zealand
check out the lakes
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Westport, Westport, West Coast Region, South Island
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.
Duration: 18 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 10: Westport to Lake Mahinapua

Stop At: Punakaiki, Punakaiki, West Coast Region, South Island
check out the pancake rocks
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Greymouth, Greymouth, West Coast Region, South Island
check out this small town
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Lake Mahinapua, Hokitika New Zealand
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. Tonight's unique accommodation is a chance to enjoy a delicious group meal and bond with your bus mates.
Duration: 18 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 11: Lake Mahinapua to Franz Josef

Stop At: Franz Josef, Franz Josef, Westland National Park (Te Wahipounamu), West Coast Region, South Island
After breakfast at Lake Mahinapua, we 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.
Duration: 18 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 12: Franz Josef free day

Stop At: Franz Josef, Franz Josef, Westland National Park (Te Wahipounamu), West Coast Region, South Island
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. For those wanting something a little more special to take home with them; passengers can carve their own greenstone necklaces (pounamu).
Duration: 1 day

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 13: Franz Josef to Wanaka

Stop At: Wanaka, Wanaka, Otago Region, South Island
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 in the afternoon.
Duration: 18 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 14: Wanaka to Queenstown

Stop At: Queenstown, Queenstown, Otago Region, South Island
Before we leave Wanaka get your brain working at Puzzling World and then its on 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!
Duration: 18 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 15: Milford Sound day trip

Stop At: Milford Sound, Milford Sound, Southland Region, South Island
Visiting Milford Sound is a must when visiting the South Island. The Milford Explorer departs Queenstown early and the first stop for breakfast, coffee or just a snack is at the picturesque town of Te Anau. Before getting to the Homer Tunnel, we make plenty of photo stops at places like Mirror Lakes and the Chasm. Once at Milford, you will go on an unforgettable scenic boat cruise through the sound exploring soaring peaks and towering waterfalls. Seeing New Zealand’s scenery and nature at its best. Then it’s back on the bus for your journey back to the adventure capital.
Duration: 12 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 16: Queenstown to Lake Tekapo

Stop At: Lake Tekapo, Lake Tekapo, Mackenzie District, Canterbury Region, South Island
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.
Duration: 18 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 17: Lake Tekapo to Christchurch

Stop At: Christchurch, Christchurch, Canterbury Region, South Island
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.
Duration: 18 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.