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2026

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2027

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2028

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Who is travelling?

Who is travelling?

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From
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The Whole Kit & Caboodle - Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass

24 days
Start and end in Auckland
4.6
62 reviews
From
US $1,129 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:
Adventure & Adrenaline
Seek thrilling adventures that keep you moving
Partially Guided
Independent travel, featuring selected guided excursions
Low Intensity
Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 1 - 55
Ages 18-35
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Auckland to Paihia

    Accommodation
    Hostel (Palm Tree Lodge )

    Optional Activities

    • Swim with dolphins
    • Cruise to the Hole in the Rock
    • Kayaking
    • Sailing
    • Fishing
    • Diving
    • Snorkelling
    • Relax on the beach
    • Visit Waitangi
    Landmarks
    Whangarei Falls
    Waitangi Treaty Grounds
    Bay of Islands
    Itinerary Image 1
  2. Day 2

    Paihia

    Accommodation
    Hostel (Palm Tree Lodge )

    Optional Activities

    • Ferry ride to Otehei Bay
    • Cruise to the Hole in the Rock
    • Dolphin spotting
    • Explore Waitangi Treaty Grounds
    • Scenic horse trek along the coastline
    • Evening Sundowner Cruise
    Landmarks
    Otehei Bay
    Hole in the Rock
    Waitangi Treaty Grounds
  3. Day 3

    Paihia to Auckland

    Accommodation
    Hostel (Lylo)

    Optional Activities

    • Complete remaining Bay of Islands activities
    • Beach relaxation
  4. Day 4

    Auckland to Hot Water Beach

    Accommodation
    Hostel (Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park)

    Optional Activities

    • Walk or kayak to Cathedral Cove
    • Swimming at Cathedral Cove
    • Sea kayaking at Cathedral Cove
    • Dolphin spotting at Cathedral Cove
    • Dig your own hot pool at Hot Water Beach (low tide)
    Landmarks
    Cathedral Cove
    Hot Water Beach
    Itinerary Image 1
  5. Day 5

    Hot Water Beach to Waitomo

    Accommodation
    Hostel (Waitomo Homestead Cabins)

    Optional Activities

    • Explore Karangahake Scenic Reserve
    • Walk through native bush gorge
    • Cross swing bridges
    • Learn about gold mining history
    • Visit Waitomo Glowworm Caves
    • Black water rafting with The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co.
    Landmarks
    Karangahake Scenic Reserve
    Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  6. Day 6

    Waitomo to Rotorua

    Accommodation
    Hostel (Rock Solid Backpackers)

    Optional Activities

    • Walk through Ruakuri Reserve
    • Breakfast at Long Black Café
    • Tour of Hobbiton Movie Set at The Shires Rest
    • Traditional Māori hangi feast at Tamaki Marae
    • Concert at Tamaki Māori Village
    Landmarks
    Ruakuri Reserve
    Hobbiton Movie Set
    Tamaki Marae
  7. Day 7

    Rotorua

    Accommodation
    Hostel (Rock Solid Backpackers)

    Optional Activities

    • Ride the rapids of the Kaituna River
    • Mountain Jade Highlights tour
    • Wai Ariki restorative journey
    • Explore geothermal attractions
    • Visit spa offerings
    • Explore lakes and forests
    • Experience Māori cultural attractions
    Landmarks
    Kaituna River
  8. Day 8

    Rotorua to Taupo

    Accommodation
    Hostel (Adventure Hostel)

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Te Puia geothermal reserve
    • See New Zealand's largest geyser
    • View live Kiwi birds
    • Visit Huka Falls
    • Skydiving
    • Bungy jumping
    • Jet boating
    • Sailing
    • Tongariro Crossing
    Landmarks
    Te Puia
    Huka Falls
  9. Day 9

    Taupo to Wellington

    Accommodation
    Hostel (Haka House Wellington)

    Included Activities

    • Two-hour walk through native bush and waterfalls in Tongariro National Park

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Mount Victoria
    • Explore craft beer scene
    • Experience Wellington nightlife
    Landmarks
    Tongariro National Park
    Mount Victoria
    Itinerary Image 1
  10. Day 10

    Wellington to Abel Tasman

    Accommodation
    Hostel (Kaiteri Lodge)

    Included Activities

    • Interislander ferry crossing through Marlborough Sounds

    Optional Activities

    • Walk through Abel Tasman National Park
    • Kayak in Abel Tasman National Park
    • Water taxi tour to Abel Tasman National Park
    • Skydiving over Abel Tasman National Park
    Landmarks
    Marlborough Sounds
    Abel Tasman National Park
    Nelson
  11. Day 11

    Abel Tasman to Westport

    Accommodation
    Hostel (Bazils Hostel & Surf School)

    Optional Activities

    • Kayak to Split Apple Rock
    • Kayak along golden bays near Kaiteriteri
    • Water taxi to Abel Tasman bays
    • Walk in native New Zealand forest
    • Whale and dolphin spotting
    • Visit Nelson Lakes
    Landmarks
    Split Apple Rock
    Nelson Lakes
  12. Day 12

    Westport to Lake Mahinapua

    Accommodation
    Hostel (Mahinapua Hotel)

    Included Activities

    • Cape Foulwind seal colony walk

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
    • Explore rugged beaches
    Landmarks
    Cape Foulwind
    Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
    Lake Mahinapua
  13. Day 13

    Lake Mahinapua to Franz Josef

    Accommodation
    Hostel (Rainforest Retreat )

    Optional Activities

    • View Franz Josef Glacier
    • Walking trails
    • Explore the Franz Josef wilderness
    • Take scenic photos of glacier and Alps
    Landmarks
    Franz Josef Glacier
    Te Wahipounamu
    Itinerary Image 1
  14. Day 14

    Franz Josef

    Accommodation
    Hostel (Rainforest Retreat )

    Optional Activities

    • Heli Hike tour of Franz Josef Glacier
    • Walking trails
    • Kayak tour on Lake Mapourika
    Landmarks
    Franz Josef Glacier
    Lake Mapourika
  15. Day 15

    Franz Josef to Wanaka

    Accommodation
    Hostel (Adventure Hostel)

    Optional Activities

    • Visit 'That Wanaka Tree'
    • Stroll the vibrant lakefront
    • Ski in winter months
    • Mountain biking
    • Mountain carting
    • Day hikes
    Landmarks
    Haast Pass
    That Wanaka Tree
  16. Day 16

    Wanaka to Queenstown

    Optional Activities

    • Roy's Peak hike
    • Adrenaline activities at Kawarau Bridge
    • Bungy jumping
    • Jet boating
    • Scenic gondola rides
    • Lakeside strolls
    Landmarks
    Roy's Peak
    Lake Hawea
    Crown Range
    Kawarau Bridge
    Itinerary Image 1
  17. Day 17

    Queenstown

    Accommodation
    Hostel (Nomads Queenstown )

    Optional Activities

    • Lake exploration
    • Surrounding walks
    • Adrenaline-pumping activities
    • Day trip to Milford Sound
    Itinerary Image 1
  18. Day 18

    Milford Sound Day Trip

    Accommodation
    Hostel (Nomads Queenstown )

    Included Activities

    • Milford Sound scenic boat cruise

    Optional Activities

    • Breakfast, coffee, or snacks in Te Anau
    • Photo stops along Milford Road
    Landmarks
    Milford Sound Piopiotahi
    Rahotu/Mitre Peak
    Homer Tunnel
    Te Anau
  19. Day 19

    Queenstown to Lake Tekapo

    Accommodation
    Hostel (Lakes Edge)

    Optional Activities

    • Stop at Lake Pukaki
    • View Mount Cook
    • Soak in hot springs
    • Scenic walkways
    • Stargazing at world's largest dark sky reserve
    Landmarks
    Lindis Pass
    Lake Pukaki
    Aoraki/Mount Cook
    Lake Tekapo
  20. Day 20

    Lake Tekapo to Christchurch

    Accommodation
    Hostel (Hotel Give )

    Optional Activities

    • Explore street art
    • Visit botanical gardens
    • Learn about earthquake recovery history
    Landmarks
    Christchurch Botanical Gardens
  21. Day 21

    Christchurch to Kaikoura

    Accommodation
    Hostel (Dusky Lodge)

    Optional Activities

    • Whale watching
    • Swimming with dolphins
    • Relax on the beach
    • Sample fresh seafood
    Landmarks
    Kaikoura
  22. Day 22

    Kaikoura to Wellington

    Accommodation
    Hostel (Haka House Wellington)

    Included Activities

    • Interislander ferry crossing to North Island

    Optional Activities

    • View seals on the rocks
    Landmarks
    Kaikoura coastline
    Marlborough Sounds
  23. Day 23

    Wellington to Taupo

    Optional Activities

    • Explore Taihape
    • Visit Tongariro National Park
    • Explore Lake Taupo
    Landmarks
    Taihape
    Tongariro National Park
    Lake Taupo
  24. Day 24

    Taupo to Auckland

    Optional Activities

    • Explore Rotorua's Māori heritage
    • Experience thermal activities in Rotorua
    Landmarks
    Rotorua

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

Expand All
  • Guide
  • Additional Services
  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Accommodation
  • Meals

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Operated by

Kiwi Experience

Gold Operator
Rating
4.6(62 reviews)
Response time
within 2 days
Response rate
100%
Cancellation policy

Reviews from other tours by Kiwi Experience

  • Susan
    March 31st, 2026
    Absolutely loved it. The drivers were great- really informative and fun. The atmosphere on the trip was wonderful...
    Show more
  • Ariana
    March 25th, 2026
    amazing it was! cool acitivities, good advices what to do/where to go and of course, many amazing people to meet! :)
  • Samantha
    February 24th, 2026
    The most amazing experience. Our guide Terrance was incredible. It was amazing the legends and history he shared...
    Show more

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Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

Select Date

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!
Ends on 1 Jul, 2026
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Sunday
    5 Jul, 2026
    To Tuesday
    28 Jul, 2026
    English
    From:
    US $1,129 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Thursday
    16 Jul, 2026
    To Saturday
    8 Aug, 2026
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    From:
    US $1,129 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Friday
    7 Aug, 2026
    To Sunday
    30 Aug, 2026
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    From:
    US $1,129 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Tuesday
    18 Aug, 2026
    To Thursday
    10 Sep, 2026
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    From:
    US $1,129 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Saturday
    29 Aug, 2026
    To Monday
    21 Sep, 2026
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    From:
    US $1,129 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Monday
    31 Aug, 2026
    To Wednesday
    23 Sep, 2026
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    From:
    US $1,129 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Thursday
    3 Sep, 2026
    To Saturday
    26 Sep, 2026
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    From:
    US $1,129 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Wednesday
    9 Sep, 2026
    To Friday
    2 Oct, 2026
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    From:
    US $1,129 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Sunday
    20 Sep, 2026
    To Tuesday
    13 Oct, 2026
    English
    From:
    US $1,129 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Tuesday
    22 Sep, 2026
    To Thursday
    15 Oct, 2026
    English
    From:
    US $1,129 per person

Want to read it later?

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
We couldn't find results
Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts
  • J

    Janine

    Asked on July 14th, 2024

    Do buses stop at accommodations other than hostels?

    Accommodation
    Transport
    • Kiwi ExperienceOperatorWritten July 2024

      Our main drop off points at each destination are outside the hostel that we recommend. If you wish to stay at an alternative accommodation provider, it would be your responsibility to make your own way to and from that accommodation to the bus. However, you are able to get dropped off at alternative selected drop off/ pick up points.

  • V

    Valerie

    Asked on April 1st, 2024

    Do you know when the dates for October 2024 will be released?

    Tour Details
  • C

    Carrie

    Asked on March 26th, 2024

    I booked a tour of New Zealand that was canceled last minute, I would love to join your tour starting on April 5th, but my return flight is from Auckland on the 29th. I'm thinking I could fly back to Auckland when we reach Wellington, if you think that might be possible?

    Tour Details
    Travel Support
    • Kiwi ExperienceOperatorWritten March 2024

      If you start in Auckland on the 5th, you'd get back to Auckland after doing the whole tour on the 28th. No need to fly from Welly.

    • C

      Carrie

      TravelerWritten March 2024

      there's still availability on the bus departing on April 5th?

    • Kiwi ExperienceOperatorWritten March 2024

      We have a bus going up to the Bay of Islands on the 5th (which is the stop most people do first), or if you want to save that for the end of your trip we have a bus heading southbound first on the 5th too. Totally up to you!

    • C
      2 more answers
Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Kiwi Experience with your enquiry, they usually respond within 2 days.
From
US $1,129 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Best price guarantee Learn More

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Good to Know

Tour ID: 116244

  • Currency
    $
    New Zealand Dollar
    New Zealand
  • Plugs & Adapters

    As a traveler from USA, Canada, England, South Africa you will need an adaptor for type I.

    Type I
    New Zealand
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before August 26th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after August 26th, 2026, a minimum payment of 10% is required to confirm your booking with Kiwi Experience. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Kiwi Experience will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Kiwi Experience" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

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Kiwi Experience | It's your time to #EmbraceTheUnexpected

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec