11 days tour

11 Day ’Kereru’ National Select Tour

$ 2,506 .25 USD

Total price per person

Reserve with $2,506.25

11 Day ’Kereru’ National Select Tour

This tour includes:

Transport

Private coach transportation Inter-island ferry from Wellington to Picton World famous scenic TranzAlpine Train journey from Greymouth to Christchurch

Guide

Fully experienced guide with lots of local knowledge and insider’s tips

Others

Activities included: Lake Aniwhenua Cultural Experience & Hangi Old Coach Road E-Bike adventure TranzAlpine Train Experience

Accommodation

10 nights’ accommodation in a mixture of 3-4 star hotels and lodges.

Meals

10 Breakfasts Traditional Hangi dinner and breakfast included in Lake Aniwhenua experience

Hygieneprotocol

STRAY is following the COVID-19 Protection Framework, which has been mandated by the New Zealand Government. When you take part in a tour or experience with us, you will need to show your ‘My Vaccine Pass’. This will enable us to ensure that you are fully vaccinated or to confirm that you have a medical exemption (this does not apply for children under 12). This framework allows us to help minimise the spread and harm of COVID-19 for our customers, team members and communities.

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip 11 Day ’Kereru’ National Select Tour

  • Day 1 Auckland To Rotorua
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Auckland To Rotorua

      Kia Ora (hello) and welcome to your New Zealand adventure. Our tour begins in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), the largest city in New Zealand and home to over 2 million people and around 50 volcanoes.


      We’ll head out bright and early this morning and travel down to Rotorua, the North Island’s geothermal hotspot and probably second only to Queenstown in terms of its adventure activity offerings. Fondly known as ‘Roto-vegas’ due the high volume of tourists it receives, Rotorua is a hive of activity and culture.


      We’ll stop at the Whakarewarewa Forest for a walk through the giant California Redwoods which were planted over 100 years ago before checking in at our hotel, the Distinction Rotorua. Centrally located and home to a spa, swimming pool and unlimited Wi-Fi (not the norm here in New Zealand) it’s a great base to explore from.


      Accommodation: Distinction Rotorua or similar

      Meal Options: Local eateries

      Free activities: Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest walk

  • Day 2 Rotorua
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Rotorua

      Today we have a free day in Rotorua. Have breakfast at the hotel and then head off to an activity of your choice. Go white water rafting down the Kaituna River, zipline through the trees on an eco-tour, zorb through rolling hills or just relax at a geothermal spa. If you’d like to see some geothermal activity for free, head to Kuirau Park to see boiling mud pools and steaming lakes. This evening, you’ll be taken to Te Puia for a night of dramatic geysers, bubbling mud and beautiful native bush. You’ll begin with a guided geothermal walk under the stars by torchlight before eating a traditional kanga waru (GF) pudding cooked in a natural hot spring. Sit under the night skies with a steaming cup of hot chocolate and hear the stories of the past, feeling the beauty of Pohutu in an interactive journey guided by light.


      Accommodation: Distinction Rotorua or similar

      Meal options: Local restaurants

      Meals included: Breakfast

      Included activity: Geyser by Night Experience

      Free activities: Kuirau Park

  • Day 3 Rotorua To Lake Aniwhenua
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Rotorua To Lake Aniwhenua

      After a couple of days in a major tourist destination like Rotorua, you’ll probably want some time to recharge the batteries and experience a more authentic slice of New Zealand culture. After breakfast, we’ll venture ‘off the beaten track’ to the shores of Lake Aniwhenua and the incredible Kohutapu Lodge. Owned by a local Maori family who are passionate about showcasing their Maori tribal heritage, the lodge is a pillar of the local community. 


      We’ll be taken to see sacred Maori rock carvings, play a traditional game of Mau Rakau and watch the preparation of a ground cooked ’hangi’. We’ll enjoy an afternoon tea of freshly made fried bread as we speak with the team at Kohutapu Lodge and practise our weaving and haka skills. In the evening, we’ll sit down to enjoy our lovingly prepared hangi feast - this will probably be the best meal you’ll eat in New Zealand, or dare we say, your lifetime.


      Exclusive experience includes:

      • Welcome to the tribal lands and a guided tour to waterfall and sacred Maori rock carvings
      • Introduction to the Murupara area, its people, history, and challenges
      • Afternoon tea
      • Mau Rakau (Maori stick games)
      • Weaving Lesson
      • Haka Lesson
      • 1-night accommodation at the lakeside Kohutapu Lodge
      • Full traditional hangi buffet dinner & dessert
      • Storytelling around the fire pit
      • Continental breakfast


      Accommodation: Scenic lakefront cabins

      Meals included: Breakfast, full traditional hangi dinner and dessert

      Free activities: Maori rock carvings, volleyball

  • Day 4 Lake Aniwhenua To Blue Duck Station
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Lake Aniwhenua To Blue Duck Station

      We’ll tuck into our buffet breakfast and say goodbye to our wonderful hosts at the lakeside lodge before we depart this morning to Kerosene Creek – a naturally hot river and the perfect place for a morning soak. Afterwards we’ll drive on to Taupo to see Australasia’s largest lake and the frothy Huka Falls before heading inland to Blue Duck Station for an immersive and off the grid experience. Blue Duck Station is a 7,200-acre high country farm and is the most sustainable high-country sheep and cattle station in New Zealand, the team have made it their mission to protect their native environment for its namesake, the rare blue duck. On arrival, we’ll settle in to learn a little about daily life at Blue Duck, the station’s interesting settlement history and their sustainability efforts before cooking some dinner and relaxing around the bonfire.


      Accommodation: Country station lodge

      Optional paid activities: Skydiving or bungy in Taupo

      Meals included: Continental Breakfast, Dinner

      Free activities: Huka Falls, Spa Park walk Taupo

  • Day 5 Blue Duck Station
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Blue Duck Station

      Good news - You have a full free day to explore this ruggedly charming destination. You’ll jump on a 4WD and travel through native bush to the ‘Top of the World’ where you can see the three peaks of Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe. Later, if you’d like to explore on foot, you can hike to the Kaiwhakauka waterfall and see if you can spot a rare blue duck in the flesh or simply relax around the campfire and make smores. Whatever you decide, we have no doubt this will be the start of your love affair with this lush kiwi paradise. Ah, those holiday romances.


      Accommodation: Country station lodge

      Meals included: Continental Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

      Included activities: 4WD farm eco-tour

      Free activities: Hike to Kaiwhakauka waterfall

  • Day 6 Blue Duck Station To Ohakune
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Blue Duck Station To Ohakune

      This morning we’re up nice and early to head straight to Tongariro National Park where we’ll tick off one of the most popular hikes in New Zealand, the epic Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Considered one of the world’s top one-day walks, this 19 km hike takes us across a rocky plateau with dramatic volcanic peaks, craters, and turquoise lakes that we (and our Instagram feed) will remember for a lifetime. The Crossing is open to walk year-round (alpine gear and guide are required in winter), but it is subject to the weather conditions. If the weather prevents us from doing the Crossing, there are other awesome short walks in the area. Tonight, we’ll unwind after a big day at our accommodation, the Powderhorn Chateau. Styled like a log cabin, this boutique accommodation is so cosy and even has an indoor heated pool where we can rest our weary bones after our big walk - after all, we’re on holiday aren’t we?


      Accommodation: Powderhorn Chateau or similar

      Meal options: Local restaurants

      Optional activities: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

      Meals included: Continental Breakfast

  • Day 7 Ohakune To Wellington
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Ohakune To Wellington

      This morning after breakfast we’re going for a scenic bike ride along the Old Coach Road, an easy but epic 4-hour unguided bike trail. We’ll cycle on a unique cobbled road, past historic Viaducts and limestone cliffs and there’ll be plenty of stops along the way to take photos for the ‘gram. This is a great way to spend a morning learning about New Zealand history and seeing some pretty spectacular views as we go.


      Afterwards, we’re heading down to Wellington, the ‘coolest little capital in the world’! Wellington packs a lot of character into its downtown district, with interesting restaurants and bars along Cuba Street and Courtenay Place. We’ll have an afternoon to browse through the exhibits at Te Papa National Museum, grab a craft beer at a brewery, climb to the top of Mt Victoria for panoramic views or take a stroll along the waterfront and Oriental Parade. Oh and, most importantly for those who seek 24/7 caffeination, we are happy to say that Wellington’s coffee culture and cafe scene is considered one of (if not THE) best in New Zealand.


      Accommodation: Naumi Wellington or similar

      Meal options: Local restaurants

      Meals included: Breakfast

      Included activity: Electric bike along the historic Old Coach Road

      Free activities: Walk Oriental Parade, head up Mt Victoria for fantastic views, visit Te Papa National Museum

  • Day 8 Wellington To Marahau (Abel Tasman)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Wellington To Marahau (Abel Tasman)

      We’ll catch an early Bluebridge Ferry across the Cook Strait to the South Island today. If the weather’s good, we’ll be out on the viewing deck where we’ll get some incredible views of the Marlborough Sounds before arriving in Picton and setting off through the picturesque Marlborough region. We’ll continue through to Marahau, situated right on the edge of the spectacular Abel Tasman National Park where we’ll spend our evening relaxing around the campfire and looking at the stars.


      Accommodation: The Barn or similar

      Optional paid activities: Wine tasting (usually $5-10)

      Meal options: We’ll stop at a supermarket to stock up on supplies - Self-cater or join the optional group dinner

      Meals included: Breakfast

      Free activities: Stargazing

  • Day 9 Marahau (Abel Tasman)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Marahau (Abel Tasman)

      Today is a full free day to explore New Zealand’s most popular national park. From our accommodation we can hike straight into the park (no water taxi required) and then it’s a cool 12 kms to Anchorage. The walk is absolutely beautiful with the park’s natural golden sand beaches and brilliant blue waters visible throughout. The walk is approx. 4 hours each way but there’s enough photo stops en-route to spend an entire day exploring, checking out Cleopatra’s Pools (yes there’s a natural water slide there), enjoying a picnic on the beach, relaxing in the sunshine - the world is our oyster.


      Accommodation: The Barn or similar

      Optional paid activities: Kayaking, water taxi, canyoning

      Meal options: Pack a picnic lunch and lots of snacks for your hike, Self-cater in the kitchen or use the BBQs

      Meals included: Continental Breakfast

      Free activities: Hike in the national park, relax on the golden sand beaches, see Cleopatra’s Pools

  • Day 10 Marahau (Abel Tasman) To Christchurch
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Marahau (Abel Tasman) To Christchurch

      We’re buckling up for an awesome day driving down the incredibly scenic ‘wild’ West Coast, an area known for its untamed beaches and masses of lush rainforest. Through Buller Gorge and down a stretch of road named one of the top drives in the world by Lonely Planet, there’s not much cell phone reception but we’re not going to need it. This road offers views for days and we won’t want to stop looking out the window for a second.


      We’ll stop at the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes to explore this unique part of coastline before continuing on to Greymouth where you’ll say farewell to your Guide and some of your mates and board the TranzAlpine scenic train down to Christchurch. When you arrive, make your way to the Bealey Quarter and check-in, if you like you can go for a walk through the cool laneways and explore the creative street art intended to bring cheer and colour to a city once buried in rubble.


      Accommodation: Bealey Quarter Christchurch or similar

      Meal options: Local eateries

      Meals included: Continental Breakfast

      Included activities: TranzAlpine Scenic Train experience

      Free activities: Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Hagley Park

  • Day 11 Depart Christchurch
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Depart Christchurch

      Today our adventure comes to an end, we’ll say goodbye (or see you soon) to our mates and go our separate ways for now. We hope everyone had a blast and remains Stray Mates for 4ever!


      Meals included: Breakfast

+8
Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but you’re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

You’ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Average

There are several physical activities that last from 2 to 6 hours in easy terrains, low altitude flats, or water experiences. Please ask if you’re not sure this applies to you.

Age range

Age range

Min: 12 / Max: 99

Age range allowed for this experience.

Select a country to define if the visa is required

Who talk about us:

Best cities to travel to