Switch to the app and book faster and easier!

Where?
When?
2

Where to?

Traveling when?

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

Who is travelling?

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
From
US $4,433 per person

19-Day Ruru Select: The Premier New Zealand North & South Island Journey (Auckland Start)

19 days
From Auckland to Christchurch
5.0
3 traveler reviews
From
US $4,433 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
Save and compare this adventure

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:
Explorer
Curated to ignite your sense of adventure
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

  1. Day 1

    Auckland

    Start point
    Auckland, New Zealand (As Day 1 is an Arrival Day, please make your way to Oaks Auckland Hotel 40 Beach Road, Auckland to check in from 2pm. The Welcome Meeting begins at 6pm, 15:00 - 18:00)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Oaks Auckland Hotel)

    Optional Activities

    • Lunch at the Viaduct
    • Coffee in Britomart
    • Shopping at Commercial Bay
    Landmarks
    Viaduct
    Britomart
    Commercial Bay
  2. Day 2

    Auckland to Waitomo to Rotorua

    Accommodation
    Hotel (Distinction Rotorua)

    Optional Activities

    • Glowworm cave boat tour
    • Cave abseiling and rock climbing
    Landmarks
    Waitomo Caves
  3. Day 3

    Rotorua

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Distinction Rotorua)

    Included Activities

    • Water Taxi to Hot Water Beach - Te Rata Bay

    Optional Activities

    • Tarawera Trail hike (15km, 4.5-5 hours)
    • White Water Rafting down Kaituna River
    • Eco-tour ziplining
    • Zorbing
    • Geothermal spa
    • Kuirau Park visit
    Landmarks
    Blue Lake
    Green Lake
    Lake Tarawera
    Mt Tarawera
    Hot Water Beach - Te Rata Bay
    Kuirau Park
  4. Day 4

    Rotorua to Lake Aniwhenua

    Meals
    Breakfast (Continental breakfast), Dinner (Full traditional hangi buffet dinner and dessert)
    Accommodation
    Lodge (Kohutapu Lodge)

    Included Activities

    • Welcome to tribal lands and guided tour to sacred Maori rock carvings
    • Introduction to Murupara area, its people, history, and challenges
    • Afternoon tea
    • Mau Rakau (Maori stick games)
    • Weaving lesson
    • Haka lesson
    • Traditional hangi buffet dinner and dessert
    • Storytelling around the fire pit

    Optional Activities

    • Volleyball
    Landmarks
    Lake Aniwhenua
  5. Day 5

    Lake Aniwhenua to Blue Duck Station

    Meals
    Breakfast (Buffet breakfast), Dinner (Home-cooked meal)
    Accommodation
    Lodge (Blue Duck Station Lodge)

    Included Activities

    • Visit Lake Taupo (Australasia's largest lake)
    • See Huka Falls
    • 4WD eco tour at Blue Duck Station
    • Learn about station daily life and sustainability efforts

    Optional Activities

    • Skydiving in Taupo
    • Bungy jumping in Taupo
    • Spa Park walk, Taupo
    Landmarks
    Huka Falls
    Lake Taupo
    Blue Duck Station
    Whanganui National Park
  6. Day 6

    Blue Duck Station

    Meals
    Breakfast (Continental breakfast), Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation
    Lodge (Blue Duck Station Lodge)

    Included Activities

    • 4WD farm eco-tour

    Optional Activities

    • Hike to Kaiwhakauka waterfall
    • Evening glowworm viewing
    Landmarks
    Mount Ruapehu
    Mount Tongariro
    Mount Ngauruhoe
    Kaiwhakauka waterfall
  7. Day 7

    Blue Duck Station to Tongariro National Park

    Meals
    Breakfast (Continental breakfast)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (The Park Hotel)

    Included Activities

    • Tongariro Alpine Crossing

    Optional Activities

    • Alpine guide and specialist winter gear (required in snow/ice conditions)
    Landmarks
    Tongariro National Park
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  8. Day 8

    Tongariro to Wellington

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Ibis Hotel)

    Optional Activities

    • Te Papa National Museum visit
    Landmarks
    Te Papa National Museum
    Mt Victoria
    Oriental Parade
  9. Day 9

    Wellington to Picton to Marahau

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Berth / Cabin (The Barn Cabins & Camp)

    Optional Activities

    • Wine tasting
    Landmarks
    Cook Strait
    Marlborough Sounds
    Picton
    Marlborough region
    Abel Tasman National Park
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  10. Day 10

    Abel Tasman National Park

    Meals
    Breakfast (Continental breakfast)
    Accommodation
    Berth / Cabin (The Barn Cabins & Camp)

    Optional Activities

    • Kayaking
    • Water taxi
    • Canyoning
    • Sailing
    Landmarks
    Abel Tasman National Park
    Abel Tasman Coastal Track
    Anchorage Bay
    Cleopatra's Pools
  11. Day 11

    Marahau to Hokitika

    Meals
    Breakfast (Continental breakfast)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hokitika Beachfront Hotel)
    Landmarks
    Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
    Hokitika
    Hokitika Beach
    Tambo shipwreck
    Glowworm dell
    Itinerary Image 1
  12. Day 12

    Hokitika to Franz Josef

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Motel (Franz Josef Rainforest Motel )

    Optional Activities

    • Heli Hike to Franz Josef Glacier
    • Shuttle to glacier track
    Landmarks
    Franz Josef Glacier
  13. Day 13

    Franz Josef to Wanaka to Queenstown

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Mercure Resort Queenstown)
    Landmarks
    Lake Matheson
    Wanaka
    Wanaka tree
    Itinerary Image 1
  14. Day 14

    Queenstown

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Mercure Resort Queenstown)

    Optional Activities

    • Bungy jumping
    • Jet boating
    • Skydiving
    • Ziplining
    • Horse riding
    • Wine tasting
    • Luging
    Landmarks
    Ben Lomond
    Queenstown Hill
    Bob's Peak
  15. Day 15

    Queenstown to Te Anau

    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Distinction Luxmore Te Anau )

    Included Activities

    • Entrance to Ata Whenua - Shadowland movie at Fiordland cinema
    • Water Taxi to Brod Bay
    • Walk part of the Kepler Track across Coal Creek Bridge and along shores of Lake Te Anau

    Optional Activities

    • Explore local restaurants for meal options
    Landmarks
    Fiordland National Park
    Lake Te Anau
    Kepler Track
    Coal Creek Bridge
  16. Day 16

    Te Anau to Milford Sound

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Distinction Luxmore Te Anau )

    Included Activities

    • Milford Sound Day Trip including Scenic Cruise

    Optional Activities

    • Glowworm caves in Te Anau
    Landmarks
    Milford Sound
    Mitre Peak
    Itinerary Image 1
  17. Day 17

    Te Anau to Mount Cook

    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
    Accommodation
    Lodge (Mount Cook Alpine Lodge)

    Optional Activities

    • Glacier Explorer boat tour on glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped alps
    • Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre (entrance included May-September)
    • Walk the Hooker Valley Track (weather dependent)
    • Take photographs of scenic landscapes
    • Stargazing at one of New Zealand's best stargazing spots
    Landmarks
    Lindis Pass
    Mackenzie Country
    Lake Pukaki
    Aoraki/Mount Cook
    Hooker Valley Track
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  18. Day 18

    Mount Cook to Christchurch

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Scenic Cotswold Christchurch)

    Included Activities

    • Visit Lake Tekapo
    • Visit Church of the Good Shepherd

    Optional Activities

    • Relax at Tekapo hot pools
    • Snow tubing (winter only)
    • Ice skating (winter only)
    • Hike to Mt John Observatory for views of Lake Tekapo
    • Visit Canterbury Museum
    • Explore Christchurch Botanic Gardens
    • Visit Hagley Park
    • Final group dinner celebration (own cost)
    Landmarks
    Lake Tekapo
    Church of the Good Shepherd
    Mt John Observatory
    Tekapo Hot Pools
    Canterbury Museum
    Christchurch Botanic Gardens
    Hagley Park
    Itinerary Image 1
  19. Day 19

    Christchurch

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Landmarks
    Christchurch Botanical Gardens
    Hagley Park
    Canterbury Museum
    Avon River

Want to read it later?

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

What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Insurance

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Operated by

Stray Travel

Gold Operator
Rating
4.3(446 reviews)
Response time
within 2 days
Response rate
93%
Cancellation policy

Traveler Reviews

5.0
Overall rating based on 3 Reviews
  • Itinerary
    5.0
  • Transport
    3.5
  • Guide
    5.0
  • Accommodation
    4.5
  • Food
    4.5
  • 4.3

Sort by

Most recent
Most popular
Highest first
Lowest first

Sort by

Most Recent
Most Popular
Highest First
Lowest First
  • J
    March 4th, 2026
    Slightly more adventurous tour than we were expecting but fantastic as we really enjoyed everything. A range of...
    Show more
    Traveled in February 2026
  • 19-Day Ruru Select: The Premier New Zealand North & South Island Journey (Auckland Start) reviewer 2
    March 2nd, 2026
    Enjoy every aspect of the tour, only negative was the bus lack of leg room and uncomfortable seats
    Traveled in February 2026
  • M
    February 13th, 2026
    The 19 day Ruru tour was fantastic! We had the best small group of 10 and our guide, Nat was so knowledgeable and...
    Show more
    Traveled in January 2026

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
  • From Wednesday
    20 May, 2026
    To Sunday
    7 Jun, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $4,433 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Wednesday
    3 Jun, 2026
    To Sunday
    21 Jun, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $4,433 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Wednesday
    8 Jul, 2026
    To Sunday
    26 Jul, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $4,433 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Wednesday
    5 Aug, 2026
    To Sunday
    23 Aug, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $4,433 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Wednesday
    9 Sep, 2026
    To Sunday
    27 Sep, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $4,433 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Wednesday
    23 Sep, 2026
    To Sunday
    11 Oct, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    From:
    US $4,513 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Wednesday
    7 Oct, 2026
    To Sunday
    25 Oct, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    From:
    US $4,513 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Wednesday
    21 Oct, 2026
    To Sunday
    8 Nov, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    From:
    US $4,513 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Wednesday
    4 Nov, 2026
    To Sunday
    22 Nov, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    From:
    US $4,513 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Wednesday
    18 Nov, 2026
    To Sunday
    6 Dec, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    From:
    US $4,513 per person
    Multiple Room Types

Want to read it later?

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

Why book with TourRadar?

    • Trusted and vetted operators
    • Rated excellent on
    • Best price guarantee
    • 24/7 customer support
    • Earn $50 in travel credits

    To protect your payment and ensure your booking will be processed in United States, never transfer or communicate outside of the TourRadar website or app.

More benefits

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

    Judith

    Asked on March 30th, 2026

    Is there possibility of upgraded accommodations at the Barn and Kohutapu Lodge. One with en-suite / private bath.

    Accommodation
    • Stray TravelOperatorWritten March 2026

      Unfortunately, both of these locations do not have the facilities that you have requested. The barn is a beach resort consisting mainly of single-room cabins and glamping pods. Kohutapu lodge is located on a family-run property which consists of several cabins which wouldn't have any en-suite rooms either.

    • J

      Judith

      TravelerWritten March 2026

      In these lodgings would there be 4 to a room? We will be traveling with another couple

    • Stray TravelOperatorWritten March 2026

      As you are on the Ruru tour, each room will hold a maximum of 2 people as this style of tour allows you to select twin or double room accommodation for your trip.

    • J
      2 more answers
Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Stray Travel with your enquiry, they usually respond within 2 days.
From
US $4,433 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
Save and compare this adventure

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Earn while you share

With TourRadar RISE, you can earn commission when someone books a tour through a link you share — like this one.

Good to Know

Tour ID: 311986

  • 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 15th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after June 15th, 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.
  • 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.

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