Stray Backpacker Bus Passes
Stray is one of the top backpacker bus passes in New Zealand. Unless you are considering a set tour like the Epic or Amplified Tours, then you probably want to travel round New Zealand on a Stray Pass or Kiwi Experience pass.
Kiwi Ex vs Stray
So booking a hop on hop off bus pass through New Zealand is a bit of a no-brainer in our opinion. You could say it’s a rite of passage that any backpacker travelling between the two islands. Not only are they convenient they are a lot of fun as well. There are two main options that you have for New Zealand hop on hop off bus pass companies. Kiwi experience and Stray. Which do we prefer?
Well don’t ask us, We are quite happy here sitting on the fence.
The actual answer is we like both of them but for different reasons. If you are wondering which company is right for you your best option is to actually talk to us (Use the contact form below) so we can find out what you are like and give you our top recommendation.
In a nutshell Kiwi experience are bigger, the average age of the traveller is a little bit less than stray and their buses are much bigger. Is bigger better? Depends what you want.
Kiwi experience has double axle coaches which means that a great party atmosphere and you will meet more people, but they are not going to take you off the beaten track to some of the more exciting and lesser-known places.
Stray on the other hand well, all of their buses are single axle, they are smaller which means you form tighter friendships with people on the bus and you get to see some really exciting places. Kiwi experience may be a little cheaper, again because their busses are bigger, but that does not necessarily mean better.
Stray trips travel further and see more and with smaller group sizes are of a higher quality. Essentially you will do more and see more on a Stray trip, you will meet less people, but in a country famous for wide open spaces you don’t really want other people crowding your view. Need further clarification? Contact us as we have been on the routes and have first-hand experience of stray and Kiwi.
How it works
You have up to 12 months to complete your chosen circuit, which is ideal if you enter New Zealand on a working holiday visa, however most people take about three weeks to a month to get around.
Why Stray?
- An award winning hop-on hop-off bus network
- Trained drivers and guides to help you get the most from your trip
- Unique stops and activities
- Small groups of like minded travellers
- Stray have extensive knowledge of where and what the best things in New Zealand are
- Access to national parks
- See amazing wildlife and stunning scenery
Photos
Itineraries
The individual itineraries can be seen on each pass description see below:
Accommodation
Accommodation is not generally included with Stray passes, you can however book your accommodation on the bus as you go, or if you are on a Stray pass with the Xtreme Gap Adrenaline Tour then there is some accommodation included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a full on party bus or nature bus?
How fit do I have to be?
What does the driver/guide do?
What is the average age of travellers on Stray?
What’s the average group size?
Is it ok to travel alone on Stray?
Do I need a backpack or is a suitcase ok?
What footwear do we need?
Will we be on the bus every day?
How much cash do need?
Are activities and accommodation included?
Do I need to book my own accommodation?
Price In GBP
Ready to book? Contact us for special discounts in promo rates.
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Included
- Flexible bus pass
- Knowledgeable driver guides showing you the best of New Zealand
- Detailed pre departure pack on New Zealand
- Excursions and activities as outlined in each pass itinerary
Excluded
- Flights
- Accommodation
- Travel insurance
Dates
These passes are flexible and you can start any time. You will be sent the timetable after booking.
Recommended:
Bolt on the Queenstown Adrenaline Overload to your choice of Stray Pass!
“I had a great time exploring New Zealand, hop on hop off bus passes a great way to get around without being rushed and I always felt comfortable meeting new people along the way..”Hannah Rollo-Walker
“New Zealand was amazing and Queenstown in particular was a lot of fun.”Rupert Evans