New Zealand

This is the time of the year that I should be staying put in Arizona.  The weather is finally cooling off and I can enjoy the beautiful outdoors in Phoenix.  Since coming back in July, I've been wondering if I can squeeze in one more trip before the end of the year.  I was thinking of going to Ireland but by the time I start making up my mind, the weather in Ireland was getting colder and the days shorter.
New Zealand has been on the top of my list of places to visit and when I found a reasonable airfare, that was it.  I am leaving the US on October 25th and returning on December 2nd.  This gives me about a month of travel in New Zealand.  Since I am traveling alone, instead of renting a car and spending a lot of time finding my way around, I decided to sign up with a group called Stray Travel.  It caters mostly to those in their 20s' and 30s', which is where I belong (at least mentally).  Here is their website, if you want to read more about them:  http://www.straytravel.com
Basically, depending on the Pass that you sign up for, they take you to most of the interesting places in NZ.  You have time to enjoy each place but if you want to stay longer, you can.  You let them know and then take the next bus that comes along.  It's a hop-on hop-off bus and it gives you a lot of flexibility on where you want to spend more time.  They even book your accommodation for you.  The drivers also act as tour guides and know where all the best places to go and do.  Below is the itinerary for the Short Max Pass trip that I signed up for.
Hopefully, I will be able to update this blog as often as possible and share pictures and stories with you.  Lastly, if you have any questions or comments, please let me know.  I love to hear from you!

Itinerary:

 

Auckland to Raglan

Depart from Auckland at 7am. We head south travelling towards the mighty Waikato. Pick up your free cultural experience (kumara) to keep or have for dinner. We head on to the world-renowned Raglan surf beach, with cow spotting and a walk to the majestic Bridal Veil Falls on the way. Chill out or go hard in this funky surf and arts town.

Raglan (via Waitomo) to Maketu

Depart 8am. Head to the rural town of Waitomo, with time to explore its famous caves and glowworms. We then head across to Maketu for our unique and special cultural stopover. We have a modern ‘Hangi’ meal and learn about Maori traditions and contemporary Maori culture complete with an interactive haka and poi lesson.

Maketu (via Rotorua) to Taupo

Depart 8am and head into Rotorua for a morning free to discover its smell (geothermal areas), culture and adventure. We do hostel pickups, then head south to Taupo and its great lake (the world’s largest crater lake), via Huka Falls. This afternoon, you can take part in one of our most popular activities - skydiving.

Taupo to National Park

We depart at 6.30am (bad weather, depart 10am) and head to the active volcanoes and dual World Heritage of 'Tongariro National Park'. Today you get a chance to do what is rated as one of the world’s best one day walks - the Tongariro Alpine Crossing; or you can carve it up at NZ’s largest ski area, Mt Ruapehu. In the evening, reward yourself at the bar or just relax in the spa where we stay.

National Park to Whakahoro

We depart at 10:30am and head to the most remote part of the North Island. Our destination is Blue Duck Lodge, a 9,000 acre high country farm that is both a working station and an environmental conservation leader. Once you arrive, there are plenty of activities for you in to partake in. Spend the evening sitting around, listening to tales from this unique region.

Whakahoro to Wellington

Depart 7.30am. We head to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city via Ohakune, Taihape and Bulls. You have the afternoon to cruise or explore.

Wellington to Marahau (Abel Tasman)
 

We catch the 8am Bluebridge ferry (check in 7am) across to the South Island where we meet the Stray bus, we then cruise through the famous Marlborough vineyard area and the coastal town of Nelson, before heading onto Motueka and to our amazing night stop of Marahau, right on the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park.

Non Travel Day: Marahau (Abel Tasman)

You have the day at leisure to explore this stunning, coastal National Park.

Marahau (Abel Tasman) to Punakaiki

Depart at 8:30am. We head for the ‘wild’ West Coast passing through the Buller Gorge before stopping off at Cape Foulwind to see the seal colony. We head on to our Stray exclusive stop, nestled amongst the native bush in Paparoa National Park. The sunset is a must if the weather is clear!

Punakaiki to Franz Josef

You have the morning free for activities, then at midday we head into the heart of the West Coast - where time almost stands still. We do pick ups at Greymouth, make a stop in Hokitika then head to Franz Josef, a town squashed between the Tasman Sea and the mighty Franz Josef glacier.

Non Travel Day: Franz Josef

A free day to explore the glacier.
 

Franz Josef to Wanaka

Depart at 9am. We head to Lake Matheson for the amazing mirror lake; stop at Fox Glacier for pickups then travel through to the mountainous Haast pass and Makarora. We pass by the beautiful lake Hawea and arrive in Wanaka with an afternoon to enjoy this picturesque lakeside town.

Wanaka to Queenstown

Depart 11.30am. This morning you have the opportunity to check out amazing views of the lake either by skydiving or walking up Mt Iron! We depart at 11.30am. We cruise into Queenstown with a stop at the famous A.J. Hackett bungy site and then head to the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’! Queenstown offers an optional big (make that huge) night out with excellent restaurants, pubs and live music.
 

Non Travel Day: Queenstown
 

Today is yours to explore. Obviously you can break your journey in Queenstown for as long as you want. If you’re not doing the ‘Burt’, look at doing a one day trip to Milford Sound before you go. Speak to your driver or hostel travel desk for Dunedin connection options.

 Queenstown to Aoraki/Mt Cook

Depart 8:40am. We head over the Lindis Pass through the beautiful Mackenzie Country and Lake Pukaki, then head north to our amazing stop at the base of New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/ Mt Cook, arriving in the early afternoon. If you want to hop off the bus for a few days there are some incredible longer walks (we'd recommend leaving actually climbing Mt Cook to the mountaineers though).

Mt Cook to Rangitata

Depart 10am. We make our way to the ‘Lord of the Rings’ landscape of Rangitata. We head around the turquoise Lake Tekapo, where we stop for ice-skating or a swim at the hot springs. We arrive early afternoon in Geraldine, and then head through to spend the night at Rangitata Rafts in Peel Forest (39.1km from Rangitata).

Rangitata (via Christchurch) to Kaikoura

Depart 7.30am. It is an express haul across the Canterbury plains to Christchurch. We depart Christchurch at 9.45am and have a beautiful drive up the coast to Kaikoura. You have the afternoon free for activities.
 

Kaikoura to Picton or Wellington

Depart 8.30am. We wind our way up the rugged coastal roads with stops for photos and a seal colony. Those not heading north to Wellington on the ferry will stay in the port town of Picton for the night.

 

Wellington to Auckland

Depart 8:40am. This is an express day via National Park to Auckland. You can hop off anywhere along the way.