- Transport in comfortable private bus
- Driver and guide Far more than just a driver, Stray Driver Guides are invaluable sources of local knowledge and assist with booking activities and accommodation on your behalf.
- Reserved accommodation each night
- Pass valid for 12 months
- Flexible start date
- Pay-as-you-go for accommodation & activities
WHERE WE VISIT
- Queenstown
- Gunn's Camp
- Invercargill
- Stewart Island
- Waipapa Point
- Curio Bay
- Porpoise Bay
- Bluff Hill
What's Included
What's excluded
- Pay-as-you-go for accommodation & activities
Why do we love this
We love that this trip takes you to Stewart Island, a hidden gem in New Zealand!
WHAT TO EXPECT
Take a trip to an undiscovered part of New Zealand! The Burt Pass will transport you away from Queenstown and into the deep South. You'll visit New Zealand's third island, Stewart Island and fall in love with this hidden gem.
There is a minimum 3-days required to complete this pass. At any point, you can hop off the bus and stay longer in a destination.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Queenstown - Gunn's Camp
You're in for a treat today! It’s an early start as you make your way to Milford Sound, one of NZ’s most famous destinations. It's sometimes referred to as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ and you'll soon see why. You won’t want to nap on this leg of the journey! Watch the landscape change from farmland to mountains, glacier-carved valleys and fiords and marvel at Lake Wakatipu.
Once you arrive, there's time to do an afternoon boat cruise around Milford Sound (own expense, booked on day). Soak up this untouched world, known for its rich marine ecology, and spot some wild dolphins, seals and penguins.
Next, you'll head to your unique Stray overnight stop, Gunn’s Camp, located in the solitude of Hollyford Valley. There’s no better place to enjoy an evening under the stars, spot glow-worms in the bush and listen out for kiwi bird calls in the night.
Day 2: Gunn's Camp to Invercargill/Stewart Island
Start the morning with a short riverside stroll through beech forest on the Viewing Gantry walk. Fiordland is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site Te Wahipounamu and it's easy to see why as you marvel at the spectacular surrounding landscape.
This afternoon, travel further south via Te Anau where you will have the chance to visit Te Anau Wildlife Centre (booked on day).
Next it's onto Invercargill and Bluff Hill. Here, you can catch a ferry to Stewart Island (booked on day). NZ’s third largest island, Stewart Island, has an abundance of activities for the outdoor enthusiast, such as fishing, kayaking, diving, bird watching and tramping tracks. If you're not planning on visiting Stewart Island you'll spend the night in Invercargill.
Accommodation tonight is at either Stewart Island Backpackers on Stewart Island or Tuatara Lodge Hostel in Invercargill.
Day 3: Invercargill/Stewart Island - Queenstown
The morning is yours to explore the island! Meet the locals, go fishing or enjoy some of the walks.
You'll catch an afternoon ferry back to the mainland.
If you stayed in Invercargill, take some time to wander the town and explore. Then, departing mid-morning, you'll head out to Waipapa Point, Curio Bay and Porpoise Bay for some sea lion, penguin and dolphin spotting in the Catlins. If there's no wildlife to be spotted, you can visit the 180 million-year-old fossilized forest and grab a milkshake!
Afterwards, return to Bluff Hill to meet up with the island-goers before you express back to Queenstown.