Are the rooms private and not dorm style or hostels? Are the breakfasts that are included hot buffet style or continental style only?

The room is private and not dorm style. For 2 people, we could do either a twin (2 bed) or a double (1 bed). The breakfast are mostly cooked buffet, but there may be a couple of continental only.

On the tour scheduled for January 16th 2027 do we have a night in Christchurch first and then start the tour the morning of January 17th?

For our Kaka Tour, this starts on the 16th January by leaving Christchurch in the morning at about 8AM on the Tranz Alpine Train. There is no night in Christchurch included on this one. The tour will be staying in Hokitika on the 16th night, if your flight doesn't arrive until after the train has left, you could potentially look into other ways of joining up with the tour from Hokitika if you would like?

Could you please confirm if the tour is suitable for a physically fit 73-year-old traveller? Additionally, could you provide the pricing for a twin-share room?

We do not have any maximum age restrictions for our tours and the traveller is more than welcome to join us. We would appreciate if you can let us know if there are any mobility issues or major health concerns that we should be made aware of before booking.

I'm interested in your NZ tour & I'm travelling alone. Could you please tell me how much it would be for a room for myself (not shared). I prefer my own room at the end of the day.

Unfortunately, we do not have any space for any more single room supplements for this departure date. Please let us know if you are still interested in booking for another date.

does this tour include air fares please.

Unfortunately, the cost of flights are not included in the tour price. You can view all inclusions for the Kaka tour from our website.

9 Day 'Kaka' South Island Select Tour kindly let us know more about it

Our Kaka Tour begins with a stunning scenic journey along the Tranz Alpine train across the Southern Alps, then aboard the Stray bus to take in the icy glaciers of the West Coast, reach new levels of adrenaline in Queenstown, gaze at Lake Tekapo and hike in the impressive Mount Cook National Park. We stay in 3-4 star hotel/ motel accommodation, focusing on comfort whilst also having an adventurous focus on getting outdoors. 8 Breakfasts and 2 Dinners are included. And a selection of activities included with many others available as optionals.

Is there a single supplement for this trip? How much extra?

For the Kaka Tour, travellers can choose to book just the twinshare option, in which we would then room them with another traveller of the same sex on the tour. Or, if they preferred their own room they can upgrade to a solo, for an extra NZ$1,070.00. But its not compulsory to upgrade if they don't want to.

would you be able to skip this if you had to catch a flight?

Absolutely, you could leave earlier on the 2nd of November if you needed to. The tour will get into Christchurch on the 1st of November, and you'll have accommodation included that night. But you are welcome to leave whenever you need based on fights, onwards travel plans etc!

Is the departure on 16Aug25 a confirmed tour? How many people are on this tour currently? What is the temperature range in Aug? Any recommendation on the hotel for the night before the tour? On day 1, do we board the TranzAlpine train individually and meet the tour group at Greymouth? Can additional tours such as helicopter tour at Franz Josef and stargazing tour at Aoraki be arranged at additional cost?

There is no Kaka tour running in August. There are departures on June 14th, September 13th & September 27th. Currently 4 travellers booked on June, 4 travellers on September 13th & 8 travellers on September 27th. Temperature ranges from 8°C to 13°C. We recommend Cotswold Christchurch hotel or Distinction Hotel. You will board the TranzAlpine train individually and meet the tour group at Greymouth. Optional activities can be booked with the guide and paid directly to the supplier.

What is the average age of people on this tour? Does this tour attract families, couples, singles or a mix?

On our Stray Select Tours, our average age is about late 20s-40s. However we do get people outside of this range too. Its definitely a mix of couples, friends & solos that travel on our Select Tours. Each tour seems to have a different amount of couples and solos! In particular, the 14th June departure is currently solo travellers.

From

US $2,490 per person

9-Day Kaka Select: The South Island Rail & Alpine Expedition (Christchurch Start)

9 days

•

Start and end in Christchurch

4.3

3 traveler reviews

View all
The whole trip had such a good balance of included activities and optional extras, so you could make the experience your own.
Lauren, traveled in November
5.0
View all

From

US $2,490 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

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Gold Operator: Stray Travel
Explorer: Curated to ignite your sense of adventure
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Fully Guided: An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Medium Intensity: Travelers should be comfortable with somewhat-demanding activities
Guided in English
Group Size 6 - 24
Ages 18+

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Day 1
Greymouth to Hokitika
Start point
Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand (8:15AM, Christchurch Railway Station, Addington, Christchurch. *Subject to change. Check in closes 20 minutes prior to the time, 08:15)
Accommodation
Hotel (Hokitika Beachfront Hotel)
Included Activities
- TranzAlpine Scenic Train
Optional Activities
- Dinner at Ocean View restaurant
- Evening walk to explore Hokitika
Landmarks
Arthur's Pass
Hokitika Beach
Day 2
Hokitika to Franz Josef
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Motel (Franz Josef Rainforest Motel )
Optional Activities
- Explore Franz Josef township
Landmarks
Franz Josef
Day 3
Franz Josef to Queenstown
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Motel (Franz Josef Rainforest Motel )
Included Activities
- Lake Matheson scenic walk
Optional Activities
- Late lunch in Wanaka
- Photo of the Wanaka tree
Landmarks
Lake Matheson
Aoraki/Mt Cook
Wanaka Lake
Day 4
Queenstown
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Mercure Resort Queenstown)
Optional Activities
- Bungy jumping
- Jet boating
- Skydiving
- Ziplining
- Horse riding
- Wine tasting
- Luging
- Hike Ben Lomond
- Hike Queenstown Hill
- Hike Bob's Peak
- Visit Fergburger
- Explore nightlife
- Lakefront hot chocolate with live artists
Landmarks
Ben Lomond
Queenstown Hill
Bob's Peak
Day 5
Queenstown to Te Anau
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Distinction Luxmore Te Anau )
Included Activities
- Entrance to Ata Whenua - Shadowland movie
- Water Taxi to Brod Bay (Oct-Apr only)
- Kepler Track walk - Coal Creek Bridge to Lake Te Anau
Landmarks
Fiordland National Park
Kepler Track
Lake Te Anau
Coal Creek Bridge
Brod Bay
Day 6
Te Anau
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Distinction Luxmore Te Anau )
Included Activities
- Milford Sound Day Trip scenic cruise
Optional Activities
- Glow worm caves in Te Anau
- Stroll through Te Anau town
- Walk around the lake
Landmarks
Milford Sound
Mitre Peak
Day 7
Te Anau to Mount Cook
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation
Lodge (Mount Cook Alpine Lodge)
Optional Activities
- Glacier Explorer boat tour on glacial lake
- Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre (entrance included May-Sep)
- Short walks in Mount Cook National Park
- Hooker Valley track walk (weather dependent)
- Stargazing
- Photography of scenery
Landmarks
Lindis Pass
Mackenzie Country
Lake Pukaki
Aoraki/Mount Cook
Mount Cook National Park
Hooker Valley Track
Day 8
Mount Cook to Christchurch
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Scenic Cotswold Christchurch)
Included Activities
- Lake Tekapo visit
- Church of the Good Shepherd visit
Optional Activities
- Tekapo hot pools
- Snow tubing (winter only)
- Ice skating (winter only)
- Hike to Mt John Observatory
- Canterbury Museum visit
- Christchurch Botanic Gardens visit
- Hagley Park visit
- Final group dinner in Christchurch (own cost)
Landmarks
Lake Tekapo
Church of the Good Shepherd
Mt John Observatory
Canterbury Museum
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Hagley Park
Day 9
Christchurch Departure
End point
Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand (Scenic Hotel Cotswold, 88/96 Papanui Road, Merivale, Christchurch. Check out is 10am)
Meals
Breakfast

Landmarks
Arthur's Pass
Hokitika Beach

Landmarks
Franz Josef

Landmarks
Lake Matheson
Aoraki/Mt Cook
Wanaka Lake

Landmarks
Ben Lomond
Queenstown Hill
Bob's Peak

Landmarks
Fiordland National Park
Kepler Track
Lake Te Anau
Coal Creek Bridge
Brod Bay

Landmarks
Milford Sound
Mitre Peak

Landmarks
Lindis Pass
Mackenzie Country
Lake Pukaki
Aoraki/Mount Cook
Mount Cook National Park
Hooker Valley Track

Landmarks
Lake Tekapo
Church of the Good Shepherd
Mt John Observatory
Canterbury Museum
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Hagley Park

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Hokitika Beachfront Hotel
Hotel
day 1
Franz Josef Rainforest Motel
Motel
Days 2, 3
Mercure Resort Queenstown
Hotel
day 4
Distinction Luxmore Te Anau
Hotel
Days 5, 6
Mount Cook Alpine Lodge
Lodge
day 7
Scenic Cotswold Christchurch
Hotel
day 8

Operated by

Stray Travel

Gold Operator

Rating: 4.3(446 reviews)
Response time: within 2 days
Response rate: 86%
Cancellation policy

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

4.3

Overall rating based on 3 Reviews

Itinerary
4.5
Transport
5.0
Guide
5.0
Accommodation
4.5
Food
5.0
Tour Operator
4.3

A
Annette
April 3rd, 2026
The tour was a bit of drama which we could have done without. I didn't realise but this 9 day tour was a tack on to...
The tour was a bit of drama which we could have done without. I didn't realise but this 9 day tour was a tack on to other tours so you you could be with people that were on tours that started days before we joined. We started off with a few issues before the tour started. We were told we would get our train ticket about 1 month before. Then this went to 48 hours when I called the operator wondering where tickets were. As I have booked for 2.people we didn't get the Seymour app link less than 2 days before the tour so there were some things we couldn't do. I also had to chase this up a couple of times. When we went on the tranz alpine train they booked us to sit in our tour group and while the train wasn't full we were sitting backwards missing all the scenery. We weren't able to sit forwards until Moana. I wish they would've checked with us on if we wanted to sit with the tour group. The tour guide left part way through and we got a new guide. However the issue was mostly with the group. The first day only 3 out of 18 talked to us.then the next day they proceeded to blame it on the tour guide and insisted they were a fun group while the oldest lady of the group advised us we were here first you cant sit anywhere where we sit. From here the rest of the tour with the group was awkward sitting in silence for 8 hours it felt unenjoyable. The mini bus was not comfortable. A lot of people had to 2 seats to themselves and it was not made for tall people. We felt the age range for this tour was too diverse. Thankfully some contractors were on the tour to lighten things up.for a few days.Show more
Traveled in March 2026
Reply from: Stray Travel
Hi Annette, thanks for taking the time to give us your feedback. We’re really sorry your experience didn’t meet expectations. We understand how frustrating the pre-departure communication and seating on the TranzAlpine must have been, and are reviewing this with team. Group dynamics can vary, but it’s disappointing to hear this impacted your trip, along with the guide change and comfort onboard. We appreciate you sharing this and will use it to improve in future. Warm regards, Team Stray.
Show more
L
Lauren
November 18th, 2025
I had the best time ever on the Stray Travel Kaka Tour! Our tour guide was Cam and he was amazing, he made the tour...
I had the best time ever on the Stray Travel Kaka Tour! Our tour guide was Cam and he was amazing, he made the tour so fun and always made sure the group were having a good time! The whole trip had such a good balance of included activities and optional extras, so you could make the experience your own. And if you’re thinking about adding an extra activity, you HAVE to do the stargazing/ crater experience in Lake Tekapo! All of the accommodations were also great, some even with an hot tub or swimming pool! Everything was clean, comfy, and you could tell the hotels were picked out carefully Overall it was such an unforgettable, amazing experience. If you’re thinking about exploring New Zealand South Island, this tour is literally perfect. Would recommend 100% and I’ll definitely be back to see the North!Show more
Traveled in November 2025
P
Peter
April 15th, 2025
A wonderful tour of the South Island under the guidance of the brilliant Jacob Carr. Amazing scenery with a warm and...
Show more
Traveled in April 2025

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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

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What our customers ask about this tour

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J
Janet
Asked on March 13th, 2026
Are the rooms private and not dorm style or hostels? Are the breakfasts that are included hot buffet style or continental style only?
Accommodation
Meals
- Stray TravelOperator•Written March 2026
  The room is private and not dorm style. For 2 people, we could do either a twin (2 bed) or a double (1 bed). The breakfast are mostly cooked buffet, but there may be a couple of continental only.
T
Tina
Asked on February 26th, 2026
On the tour scheduled for January 16th 2027 do we have a night in Christchurch first and then start the tour the morning of January 17th?
Accommodation
Tour Details
- Stray TravelOperator•Written February 2026
  For our Kaka Tour, this starts on the 16th January by leaving Christchurch in the morning at about 8AM on the Tranz Alpine Train. There is no night in Christchurch included on this one. The tour will be staying in Hokitika on the 16th night, if your flight doesn't arrive until after the train has left, you could potentially look into other ways of joining up with the tour from Hokitika if you would like?
A
Alexandra
Asked on February 9th, 2026
Could you please confirm if the tour is suitable for a physically fit 73-year-old traveller? Additionally, could you provide the pricing for a twin-share room?
Accommodation
Age Range
Price / Availability
- Stray TravelOperator•Written February 2026
  We do not have any maximum age restrictions for our tours and the traveller is more than welcome to join us. We would appreciate if you can let us know if there are any mobility issues or major health concerns that we should be made aware of before booking.
K
Keith
Asked on February 1st, 2026
I'm interested in your NZ tour & I'm travelling alone. Could you please tell me how much it would be for a room for myself (not shared). I prefer my own room at the end of the day.
Price / Availability
Single supplement
- Stray TravelOperator•Written February 2026
  Unfortunately, we do not have any space for any more single room supplements for this departure date. Please let us know if you are still interested in booking for another date.
R
Rachel
Asked on January 2nd, 2026
does this tour include air fares please.
Price / Availability
- Stray TravelOperator•Written January 2026
  Unfortunately, the cost of flights are not included in the tour price. You can view all inclusions for the Kaka tour from our website.
B
Brenda
Asked on November 22nd, 2025
9 Day 'Kaka' South Island Select Tour kindly let us know more about it
Tour Details
- Stray TravelOperator•Written November 2025
  Our Kaka Tour begins with a stunning scenic journey along the Tranz Alpine train across the Southern Alps, then aboard the Stray bus to take in the icy glaciers of the West Coast, reach new levels of adrenaline in Queenstown, gaze at Lake Tekapo and hike in the impressive Mount Cook National Park. We stay in 3-4 star hotel/ motel accommodation, focusing on comfort whilst also having an adventurous focus on getting outdoors. 8 Breakfasts and 2 Dinners are included. And a selection of activities included with many others available as optionals.
S
Sara
Asked on August 14th, 2025
Is there a single supplement for this trip? How much extra?
Price / Availability
Single supplement
- Stray TravelOperator•Written August 2025
  For the Kaka Tour, travellers can choose to book just the twinshare option, in which we would then room them with another traveller of the same sex on the tour. Or, if they preferred their own room they can upgrade to a solo, for an extra NZ$1,070.00. But its not compulsory to upgrade if they don't want to.
P
Patricia
Asked on August 7th, 2025
would you be able to skip this if you had to catch a flight?
Flights / Transfers
Tour Details
- Stray TravelOperator•Written August 2025
  Absolutely, you could leave earlier on the 2nd of November if you needed to. The tour will get into Christchurch on the 1st of November, and you'll have accommodation included that night. But you are welcome to leave whenever you need based on fights, onwards travel plans etc!
A
Adam
Asked on May 26th, 2025
Is the departure on 16Aug25 a confirmed tour? How many people are on this tour currently? What is the temperature range in Aug? Any recommendation on the hotel for the night before the tour? On day 1, do we board the TranzAlpine train individually and meet the tour group at Greymouth? Can additional tours such as helicopter tour at Franz Josef and stargazing tour at Aoraki be arranged at additional cost?
Accommodation
Tour Details
Transport
- Stray TravelOperator•Written May 2025
  There is no Kaka tour running in August. There are departures on June 14th, September 13th & September 27th. Currently 4 travellers booked on June, 4 travellers on September 13th & 8 travellers on September 27th. Temperature ranges from 8°C to 13°C. We recommend Cotswold Christchurch hotel or Distinction Hotel. You will board the TranzAlpine train individually and meet the tour group at Greymouth. Optional activities can be booked with the guide and paid directly to the supplier.
S
Shirley
Asked on April 10th, 2025
What is the average age of people on this tour? Does this tour attract families, couples, singles or a mix?
Age Range
- Stray TravelOperator•Written April 2025
  On our Stray Select Tours, our average age is about late 20s-40s. However we do get people outside of this range too. Its definitely a mix of couples, friends & solos that travel on our Select Tours. Each tour seems to have a different amount of couples and solos! In particular, the 14th June departure is currently solo travellers.

From

US $2,490 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

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 225365

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 June 18th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after June 18th, 2026, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Stray Travel. 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 35 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 Stray Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
- The following cards are accepted for "Stray Travel" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
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- TourRadar is an authorized Agent of Stray Travel. Please familiarize yourself with the Stray Travel payment, cancellation and refund conditions.
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9-Day Kaka Select: The South Island Rail & Alpine Expedition (Christchurch Start)

Itinerary

Greymouth to Hokitika

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Hokitika to Franz Josef

Optional Activities

Franz Josef to Queenstown

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Queenstown

Optional Activities

Queenstown to Te Anau

Included Activities

Te Anau

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Te Anau to Mount Cook

Optional Activities

Mount Cook to Christchurch

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Christchurch Departure

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What's Included

Where You'll Stay

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Availability

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What our customers ask about this tour

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9-Day Kaka Select: The South Island Rail & Alpine Expedition (Christchurch Start)

Itinerary

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Want to read it later?

What's Included

Where You'll Stay

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Availability

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