Kea
Start: Wellington
Finish: Auckland
The Kea Pass is perfect for those with limited time in New Zealand. On this pass, you'll thoroughly explore South Island and get a glimpse of North Island highlights before an express service to Auckland. Starting in Wellington, you'll ferry across the Cook Strait to the South Island, travel down the West Coast to Queenstown, and then return up the East Coast to complete the loop. Your journey will conclude in Auckland via Wellington, with the option to Hop-Off the bus in Taupo, and Rotorua for an unforgettable Kiwi Experience.
What's included
- Minimum of 14 days of travel - start Wellington, finish Auckland.
- 2x Cook Strait ferry tickets (Return Journey) - if pass was purchased from 1 October 2023
- Flexible, easy, stress-free travel with like-minded travellers
- Legendary local Driver Guides
The Extra Bits
- Change travel dates as many times as you like with no fees (subject to availability)
- Pre-Book and pay for accommodation via the Trip Planner (by 7am 2 days before any overnight stop)
- Pre-Book and pay for activities via the Trip Planner
- Limited departures in June, July & August (winter schedule)
To view our current bus timetables, please click here
NZ $1099
Wellington to Abel Tasman
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!
Accommodation
- Kaiteri Lodge (not included - book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Interislander ferry (included)
- Kahu Kayaks (optional extra)
- Abel Tasman skydive (optional extra)
Abel Tasman to Westport
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.
Accommodation
- Bazils Hostel and Surf School (not included - book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Nelson Lakes (free)
- Surfing (optional extra)
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding (optional extra)
Westport to Lake Mahinapua - Seasonal location*
*Lake Mahinapua is a seasonal location from 10 October 2024 - 8 May 2025. When out of season, the bus will travel directly from Westport to Franz Josef.
Today, we start our journey down spectacular State Highway 6, which stretches 435 kilometres along the rugged Tasman shoreline. The road winds through diverse landscapes that never cease to amaze. Highlights today include the Cape Foulwind seal colony walk, rugged beaches, and the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Tonight, you will stay at the historic Mahinapua Hotel, across the road from Lake Mahinapua and a short wander away from a rugged west coast beach. This location is unique to Kiwi Experience and allows you to bond with your bus mates over a meal.
Accommodation
- Lake Mahinapua Hotel (not included - book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Cape Foulwind Seal Colony walk (free)
- Punakaiki Pancake Rocks (free)
Lake Mahinapua to Franz Josef
This morning it’s a short drive 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.
Accommodation
- Rainforest Retreat (not included - book via the Trip Planner)
Included Experiences
- Franz Josef Glacier walk (free)
- Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike (optional extra)
- Franz Josef Wilderness Kayak tour (optional extra)
- Franz Josef skydive (optional extra)
Franz Josef (Free Day)
Today you have a free day in Franz Josef where you have the opportunity to experience the famous Franz Josef Glacier on a Heli Hike tour, or on foot (for free) by hitting up the many walking trails in the area. Explore the Franz Josef wilderness further on a kayak tour amidst the serene waters and breathtaking scenery of Lake Mapourika.
Accommodation
- Rainforest Retreat (not included - book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Franz Josef Glacier walk (free)
- Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike (optional extra)
- Franz Josef Wilderness Kayak tour (optional extra)
- Franz Josef skydive (optional extra)
Franz Josef to Queenstown via Wanaka
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. After a stroll around Lake Wanaka to check out the famous Wanaka Tree, we arrive in Queenstown - the adventure capital of New Zealand! Head down to the spectacular waterfront before it’s out on the town exploring Queenstown’s infamous nightlife with all the crew!
Optional Stop: Overnight in Wanaka
Accommodation
- Nomads Queenstown (not included - book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- That Wanaka Tree (free)
- Lake Matheson Lake Walk (free)
- Kiwi Crawl (optional extra)
Queenstown (Free day)
Queenstown is one of the most amazing places on Earth. No matter what time of the year it is rated as one of our passenger’s favourite spots, and you'll get at least three nights here to explore everything it has to offer! Make the most of the beautiful lake and surrounding walks, or get into a whole range of adrenalin-pumping activities. If there was one activity that you couldn’t miss it would be the day trip to Milford Sound, commonly referred to as The Eighth Wonder of the World.
Accommodation
- Nomads Queenstown (not included - book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Milford Explorer (included in some passes)
- Shotover Jet (optional extra)
- Nevis Bungy (optional extra)
- Canyon Swing (optional extra)
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 Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Lake Pukaki (free)
- Church of the Good Shepherd (free)
- Mount John walk (free)
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, 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 Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Christchurch Botanic Gardens (Free)
- Quake City
- International Antarctic Centre
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).
Accommodation
- Dusky Lodge (not included - book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Kaikoura Viewpoint Walk (free)
- Seal Colony (free)
- Swim with Dolphins (optional extra)
- Whale Watching (optional extra)
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 before arriving into the capital city in the evening.
Accommodation
- Nomads Backpackers (not included - book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Seal colony (free)
- Interislander Ferry
- Cuba Street nightlife
Wellington to Auckland Express Service via Taupo and Rotorua
Please note: This is an express service to Auckland, but you can choose your own adventure and hop off in Taupō or Rotorua to explore further! The bus will stop for pick-ups and drop-offs only.
Let's head north! We'll depart from Wellington, leaving the wind behind as we head towards the gumboot capital, Taihape. Next, we'll traverse the Central Plateau, home to the awe-inspiring Tongariro National Park.
Calling all lake lovers! Our first stop en route to Auckland is Taupō, hop-off the bus and soak in the beauty of New Zealand's largest freshwater lake. The bus will then continue to Rotorua hop off the bus and explore the geothermal wonders and rich Māori culture in Rotorua. Or keep rolling with us through the scenic countryside towards Auckland, the vibrant "City of Sails."
Please note: This is an express service to Auckland, but you can choose your adventure and hop off in Taupō or Rotorua to explore further!
Accommodation in Taupo and Rotorua is at your own arrangement, and can not be booked with Kiwi Experience
Accommodation
Auckland
- Lylo Auckland (Not Included book via the Trip Planner)
