For the hop on and hop off experience, when it comes to our accommodations, Do we have to seek ones out within the areas we stop at along the way? Or do we need to prebook these accommodations now for this tour ahead of time? And if so, we will be provided a listing of hotels or hostels in the areas that we will be in as well? And do we have to follow the check in & check out procedures for these accommodations since we will be traveling by bus during this entire trip? As for flights, do we also have to book departure flights in the city that this tour will be ending in as well?

Accommodation can be booked in the Kiwi Experience Trip Planner app. You can get access to this app once a bus pass has been purchased. In regards to flights, yes this will need to be booked separately as they are not included in the price.

I would like to book a trip on the 26th of march to the 10th of April but I will arrive in Auckland airport on the 26 th at the morning. At what time begin the sheepdog hop-on Hop-off bus pass?

The bus will depart from Auckland Central at 9am.

I would like to know if your company also provides an invitation for visa purpose too?

We do not provide any invitations for immigration purposes however you should be able to use your booking confirmation email to obtain a visa.

Will the bus pick us up from accomodation of our own choice? If not, where will the bus go from in each location?

We only have select pick up points, this is usually the accommodation that we partner with. You can find the list of pick up points at the bottom of this page.

From

US $776 per person

Sheepdog - Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass

17 days

•

From Auckland to Christchurch

4.6 (65 reviews)

View all
View all

From

US $776 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Pay only 10% today. The rest is due 60 days before departure. Learn more

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Plan your adventure:

Gold Operator: Kiwi Experience
Adventure & Adrenaline: Seek thrilling adventures that keep you moving
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
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

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Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Intro
Introduction
Day 1
Auckland to Hot Water Beach
Auckland to Hot Water Beach
Accommodation
Hostel (Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park)
Optional Activities
- Kayaking to Cathedral Cove
- Visit Hot Water Beach and dig a personal spa pool in the sand
- Fish and chips dinner
Landmarks
Cathedral Cove
Hot Water Beach
Day 2
Hot Water Beach to Waitomo
Hot Water Beach to Waitomo
Accommodation
Hostel (Waitomo Homestead Cabins)
Included Activities
- Hike through Karangahake Gorge and old mining tunnels
- Visit Waitomo glow-worm caves
Optional Activities
- Black Water Rafting trip - raft in tubes, leap off waterfalls, and float beneath glow worms
Landmarks
Karangahake Gorge
Waitomo Caves
Kaimai Ranges
Day 3
Waitomo to Rotorua
Waitomo to Rotorua
Accommodation
Hostel (Rock Solid Backpackers)
Included Activities
- Walk through Ruakuri Reserve
Optional Activities
- Visit Hobbiton village
- White Water Rafting
- Zorbing
- Rotorua Skyline luging
- Explore geothermal activity and natural hot springs
- 3-hour Mitai Māori Village experience with traditional Māori feast
Landmarks
Ruakuri Reserve
Hobbiton Movie Set
Rotorua
Day 4
Rotorua
Rotorua
Accommodation
Hostel (Rock Solid Backpackers)
Optional Activities
- Kaituna river white water rafting
- Mountain Jade Highlights tour
- Wai Ariki restorative journey
Landmarks
Kaituna River
Day 5
Rotorua to Taupo
Rotorua to Taupo
Accommodation
Hostel (Adventure Hostel)
Included Activities
- Walk to Huka Falls
Optional Activities
- Visit Te Puia geothermal reserve
- Sailing on Lake Taupō to Māori rock carvings
- Skydiving above Lake Taupō
Landmarks
Te Puia
Huka Falls
Lake Taupō
Day 6
Taupo to Wellington
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
Landmarks
Tongariro National Park
Mount Victoria
Day 7
Wellington to Abel Tasman
Wellington to Abel Tasman
Accommodation
Hostel (Kaiteri Lodge)
Included Activities
- Interislander ferry across Cook Strait through Marlborough Sounds
Optional Activities
- Explore Abel Tasman National Park on foot
- Kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park
- Water taxi to Abel Tasman National Park bays
- Skydiving over Abel Tasman National Park
Landmarks
Marlborough Sounds
Abel Tasman National Park
Nelson
Day 8
Abel Tasman to Westport
Abel Tasman to Westport
Accommodation
Hostel (Bazils Hostel & Surf School)
Optional Activities
- Kayaking to Split Apple Rock and along golden bays
- Water taxi and forest walks in Abel Tasman National Park
Landmarks
Split Apple Rock
Nelson Lakes
Day 9
Westport to Lake Mahinapua
Westport to Lake Mahinapua
Accommodation
Hostel (Mahinapua Hotel)
Included Activities
- Cape Foulwind seal colony walk
- Visit Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
Landmarks
Cape Foulwind
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
Lake Mahinapua
Day 10
Lake Mahinapua to Franz Josef
Lake Mahinapua to Franz Josef
Accommodation
Hostel (Rainforest Retreat )
Optional Activities
- Explore Franz Josef and glacier views
- Walking trails in the area
Landmarks
Franz Josef Glacier
Aoraki/Mount Cook
Day 11
Franz Josef
Franz Josef
Accommodation
Hostel (Rainforest Retreat )
Optional Activities
- Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike tour
- Walking trails in the Franz Josef area
- Kayak tour on Lake Mapourika
Landmarks
Franz Josef Glacier
Lake Mapourika
Day 12
Franz Josef to Wanaka
Franz Josef to Wanaka
Accommodation
Hostel (Adventure Hostel)
Optional Activities
- Ski fields (winter months)
- Mountain biking (summer)
- Mountain carting (summer)
- Day hikes in the Wanaka area
Landmarks
That Wanaka Tree
Haast Pass
Lake Wanaka
Day 13
Wanaka to Queenstown
Wanaka to Queenstown
Accommodation
Hostel (Nomads Queenstown )
Optional Activities
- Roy's Peak hike
- Bungy jumping at Kawarau Bridge
- Jet boating
- Scenic gondola rides
Landmarks
Roy's Peak
Lake Hawea
Crown Range
Kawarau Bridge
Day 14
Queenstown
Queenstown
Accommodation
Hostel (Nomads Queenstown )
Optional Activities
- Lake exploration and scenic walks
- Adrenaline-pumping activities
- Day trip to Milford Sound
Landmarks
Lake Wakatipu
Day 15
Milford Sound Day Tour
Milford Sound Day Tour
Included Activities
- Scenic boat cruise through Milford Sound beneath Mitre Peak
- Viewing marine wildlife including dolphins, seals, and penguins
Landmarks
Milford Sound
Rahotu/Mitre Peak
Te Anau
Homer Tunnel
Fiordland National Park
Piopiotahi Marine Reserve
Day 16
Queenstown to Lake Tekapo
Queenstown to Lake Tekapo
Accommodation
Hostel (Lakes Edge)
Optional Activities
- Soak in hot springs at Lake Tekapo
- Explore scenic walkways
- Stargazing in world's largest dark sky reserve
Landmarks
Lindis Pass
Aoraki/Mount Cook
Lake Pukaki
Lake Tekapo
Day 17
Lake Tekapo to Christchurch
Lake Tekapo to Christchurch
Optional Activities
- Explore street art
- Visit botanical gardens
- Learn about city history and earthquake recovery
Landmarks
Christchurch Botanical Gardens

Landmarks
Cathedral Cove
Hot Water Beach

Landmarks
Karangahake Gorge
Waitomo Caves
Kaimai Ranges

Landmarks
Ruakuri Reserve
Hobbiton Movie Set
Rotorua

Landmarks
Kaituna River

Landmarks
Te Puia
Huka Falls
Lake Taupō

Landmarks
Tongariro National Park
Mount Victoria

Landmarks
Marlborough Sounds
Abel Tasman National Park
Nelson

Landmarks
Split Apple Rock
Nelson Lakes

Landmarks
Cape Foulwind
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
Lake Mahinapua

Landmarks
Franz Josef Glacier
Aoraki/Mount Cook

Landmarks
Franz Josef Glacier
Lake Mapourika

Landmarks
That Wanaka Tree
Haast Pass
Lake Wanaka

Landmarks
Roy's Peak
Lake Hawea
Crown Range
Kawarau Bridge

Landmarks
Lake Wakatipu

Landmarks
Milford Sound
Rahotu/Mitre Peak
Te Anau
Homer Tunnel
Fiordland National Park
Piopiotahi Marine Reserve

Landmarks
Lindis Pass
Aoraki/Mount Cook
Lake Pukaki
Lake Tekapo

Landmarks
Christchurch Botanical Gardens

Guide
Additional Services
Transport

What's Not Included

Accommodation
Flights
Meals

Where You'll Stay

Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park
Hostel
day 1
Waitomo Homestead Cabins
Hostel
day 2
Rock Solid Backpackers
Hostel
Days 3, 4
Adventure Hostel
Hostel
Days 5, 12
Haka House Wellington
Hostel
day 6
Kaiteri Lodge
Hostel
day 7
Bazils Hostel & Surf School
Hostel
day 8
Mahinapua Hotel
Hostel
day 9
Rainforest Retreat
Hostel
Days 10, 11
Nomads Queenstown
Hostel
Days 13, 14
Lakes Edge
Hostel
day 16

All accommodations are subject to change

Operated by

Kiwi Experience

Gold Operator

Rating: 4.6 (65 reviews)
Response time: within 1 day
Response rate: 93%
Cancellation policy: Learn more

Reviews from other tours by Kiwi Experience

Tour Operator
4.6

Peter5.0•October 2026
Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable and enriching travel experience.
Vivian5.0•October 2026
Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable and enriching travel experience.
Edward5.0•July 2026
I really enjoyed a taste of New Zealand’s South Island. The tour guide made alternative sightseeing options based on...
I really enjoyed a taste of New Zealand’s South Island. The tour guide made alternative sightseeing options based on the weather forecast so we could make the most out of the day and not be disappointed by going to a lookout area where the view would be covered by cloud or fog. He was very upfront on day 1’s briefing that some activities and sightseeing locations were heavily weather dependent and we should work with the situationShow more

Dates & Prices

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

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Ends on 11 Nov, 2026

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.

All questions

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Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts

A
Amelia
Asked on January 10th, 2026
For the hop on and hop off experience, when it comes to our accommodations, Do we have to seek ones out within the areas we stop at along the way? Or do we need to prebook these accommodations now for this tour ahead of time? And if so, we will be provided a listing of hotels or hostels in the areas that we will be in as well? And do we have to follow the check in & check out procedures for these accommodations since we will be traveling by bus during this entire trip? As for flights, do we also have to book departure flights in the city that this tour will be ending in as well?
Accommodation
Flights / Transfers
- Kiwi ExperienceOperator•Written January 2026
  Accommodation can be booked in the Kiwi Experience Trip Planner app. You can get access to this app once a bus pass has been purchased. In regards to flights, yes this will need to be booked separately as they are not included in the price.
G
Glenn
Asked on March 19th, 2025
I would like to book a trip on the 26th of march to the 10th of April but I will arrive in Auckland airport on the 26 th at the morning. At what time begin the sheepdog hop-on Hop-off bus pass?
Tour Details
Transport
- Kiwi ExperienceOperator•Written March 2025
  The bus will depart from Auckland Central at 9am.
N
Natasha
Asked on March 17th, 2025
I would like to know if your company also provides an invitation for visa purpose too?
Visa
- Kiwi ExperienceOperator•Written March 2025
  We do not provide any invitations for immigration purposes however you should be able to use your booking confirmation email to obtain a visa.
N
Nina
Asked on April 9th, 2024
Will the bus pick us up from accomodation of our own choice? If not, where will the bus go from in each location?
Accommodation
Transport
- Kiwi ExperienceOperator•Written April 2024
  We only have select pick up points, this is usually the accommodation that we partner with. You can find the list of pick up points at the bottom of this page.
- N
  Nina
  Traveler•Written April 2024
  Will the buses go even during holiday (for example 1st of january)?
- Kiwi ExperienceOperator•Written April 2024
  Yes, our buses run all throughout the year, and during the holiday season!
- N
  Nina
  Traveler•Written April 2024
  Could we skip the "free day" in Taopo?
- Kiwi ExperienceOperator•Written April 2024
  This would be subject to bus scheduling and availability, it may be possible to skip the free day in Taupo.

Good to know

Tour ID: 116256

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Pay in installments
Spread the cost in interest-free biweekly installments of $88.
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Book now with just a 10% deposit. The remaining balance is due 60 days before departure.
$ - New Zealand Dollar
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Plug type I
You’ll need an adapter for these sockets in New Zealand.

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$
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
  Used in New Zealand
Visa
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and how long you stay. We can’t process visas for you, but here’s a quick indication for this trip.
This is only an indication. Visa rules depend on your passport, trip length and purpose. Always confirm with the official embassy or consulate before you travel.
Payment information
Pay now
A 10% deposit
Balance due
60 days before departure
Installments
Interest-free, every two weeks
Currency
USD
Booking fee
None
Book now with just a 10% deposit and pay the rest later. The remaining balance is due 60 days before departure, charged automatically to your card, or you can split it into interest-free biweekly installments of $88 at checkout. Everything is charged in USD, and TourRadar never adds a booking fee. Any trip departing before January 6th, 2027 will need to be paid in full at checkout.
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From

US $776 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 departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Pay only 10% today. The rest is due 60 days before departure. Learn more

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Video from Kiwi Experience

Kiwi Experience | It's your time to #EmbraceTheUnexpected

Sheepdog - Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass

Explore our featured adventures

Itinerary

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

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What's Included

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Where You'll Stay

Reviews from other tours by Kiwi Experience

Dates & Prices

Want to read it later?

Why book with TourRadar?

What our customers ask about this tour

Pay in installments

Deposit only

$ - New Zealand Dollar

Plug type I

Currency

Plugs & adapters

Visa

Payment information

Accepted for Kiwi Experience tours

Cancellation Policy

Insurance

Best price guarantee

How it works

Your quote needs

What doesn’t count

Accessibility

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