Stray
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Full view
About
Stray is an award-winning, guided bus tour company for adventurous travellers who want to see more, do more, and get further off the beaten track. Stray offers guided, small group tours, and flexible travel passes which allow travellers to hop-on and hop-off on Stray's extensive travel network for up to a year! Which ever option you choose, we'll make sure you have an unforgettably amazing experience in New Zealand.
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4.5
247 reviews
Excellent
207
Very good
27
Average
1
Poor
7
Terrible
5
Sheyna McGann
4 contributions
Dec 2019
I travelled for one month on the stray bus, from Auckland to Christchurch! As a solo traveler, my experience with stray was amazing. It's such a great way to meet other travellers and to see as much of NZ as possible!
Soxx was my driver for the majority of my trip, and I can't speak highly enough about him. He is always positive, cracking corny (but well-timed) jokes, and bringing the group together. Even when our bus got detoured due to weather (flooding in Franz Josef), he planned alternate activities to make sure we still had a great time. Soxx is an all around amazing person.
For the deep south part of my trip, I had Pacman as my driver. He is one of the most enthusiastic and high-energy people I have ever met. Pacman uses hilarious expressions and is always making the group laugh. Not to mention, he knows how to lead a world-class kiwi bird expedition. Pacman went above and beyond to make sure I had a memorable experience.
Stray is a perfect mix of adventure and socializing. If I were to do it again, the only thing I would change is to spend even more time in NZ! It is truly a beautiful country. Thanks stray!
Soxx was my driver for the majority of my trip, and I can't speak highly enough about him. He is always positive, cracking corny (but well-timed) jokes, and bringing the group together. Even when our bus got detoured due to weather (flooding in Franz Josef), he planned alternate activities to make sure we still had a great time. Soxx is an all around amazing person.
For the deep south part of my trip, I had Pacman as my driver. He is one of the most enthusiastic and high-energy people I have ever met. Pacman uses hilarious expressions and is always making the group laugh. Not to mention, he knows how to lead a world-class kiwi bird expedition. Pacman went above and beyond to make sure I had a memorable experience.
Stray is a perfect mix of adventure and socializing. If I were to do it again, the only thing I would change is to spend even more time in NZ! It is truly a beautiful country. Thanks stray!
Written 3 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grace
116 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Really enjoyed travelling with Stray. Went from Auckland to Christchurch over four weeks o the Short Moe. Stayed longer at Rotorua and Queenstown so had a change in drivers. Soxx was outstanding, had great energy and tried to get everyone involved in activities.
Stray doesn’t just take you from A to B. The drivers give you suggestions - but don’t sell you a product, they drive you to places they think are worth seeing - even if that’s off route, they get involved in activities like hot water beach and dinners, and they’re just such a useful tool to plan your activities with.
I chose Stray because I heard the company focused just as much as off the tourist track places like Blue Duck Station as the typical places like Queenstown. I also heard Stray was less party focused and more mature. This was true in that the bus tended to have an older group - late twenties, 30s and even a handful of 40s. Drinking was absolutely an option for those wanting it, it just wasn’t the focus of every day unlike other tours we talked to.
Highly recommend!
I didn’t always or even often stay in the Stray reccomended places just because I preferred smaller dorms and better options. This was never an issue as I made sure to still be in walking distance of the pick up point.
One note is that the buses need to be updated, USB ports, air con that works consistently, etc. similar companies in Europe are far outdoing Stray with their buses
Stray doesn’t just take you from A to B. The drivers give you suggestions - but don’t sell you a product, they drive you to places they think are worth seeing - even if that’s off route, they get involved in activities like hot water beach and dinners, and they’re just such a useful tool to plan your activities with.
I chose Stray because I heard the company focused just as much as off the tourist track places like Blue Duck Station as the typical places like Queenstown. I also heard Stray was less party focused and more mature. This was true in that the bus tended to have an older group - late twenties, 30s and even a handful of 40s. Drinking was absolutely an option for those wanting it, it just wasn’t the focus of every day unlike other tours we talked to.
Highly recommend!
I didn’t always or even often stay in the Stray reccomended places just because I preferred smaller dorms and better options. This was never an issue as I made sure to still be in walking distance of the pick up point.
One note is that the buses need to be updated, USB ports, air con that works consistently, etc. similar companies in Europe are far outdoing Stray with their buses
Written 21 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there,
Thank you for the awesome review. We are stoked to hear that you had a great time :)
We hope to you have you on the bus again one day soon!
Written 28 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RosieVictoria
11 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
I was slightly hesitant to book this trip as there are limited reviews for the 24 day Stray Journeys Cook Tour. However, I am so glad I booked it, I have done a few group tours in the past and this is honestly the best trip I have ever done! So much is included and it's a great way to travel around NZ. Our guide Husky was amazing, such a laugh and so knowledgeable, he went above and beyond to make sure everyone had a great time.
The included and add on activities are amazing, Husky was great about giving us lots of info about both the included and optional activities.
One of the included activities was the Doubtful Sound overnight cruise, this was a personal highlight for me, such beautiful scenery and you really are given 5 star treatment.
Stray Journeys is a great way to travel NZ and you really do go off the beaten track at times. Blue Duck Station a conservation farm in the middle of nowhere was such a unique, informative, and fun experience which I would never have done without this trip.
The 24 day Cook Tour, does both the North and South Islands, you get a lot of breakfasts and dinners included, as well as a lot of activities. Considering how much is included it is a great price! You also get the knowledge and guidance of your guide/driver.
Our guide Husky could not have been more helpful and when weather restrictions prevented us from doing the heli hike in Franz Joseph he arrange for us to do a scenic flight and glacier landing in Mount Cook - this time the weather was on our side! 😊 (Both activities were optional add ons.) He really went the extra mile to make the trip truly amazing, he also cooks an delicious bbq!
Can't recomend Stray Journeys enough, and thanks again to our amazing guide Husky, he made the tour epic! 🧡 Trip of a lifetime, I'm only sad its over. 10/10
The included and add on activities are amazing, Husky was great about giving us lots of info about both the included and optional activities.
One of the included activities was the Doubtful Sound overnight cruise, this was a personal highlight for me, such beautiful scenery and you really are given 5 star treatment.
Stray Journeys is a great way to travel NZ and you really do go off the beaten track at times. Blue Duck Station a conservation farm in the middle of nowhere was such a unique, informative, and fun experience which I would never have done without this trip.
The 24 day Cook Tour, does both the North and South Islands, you get a lot of breakfasts and dinners included, as well as a lot of activities. Considering how much is included it is a great price! You also get the knowledge and guidance of your guide/driver.
Our guide Husky could not have been more helpful and when weather restrictions prevented us from doing the heli hike in Franz Joseph he arrange for us to do a scenic flight and glacier landing in Mount Cook - this time the weather was on our side! 😊 (Both activities were optional add ons.) He really went the extra mile to make the trip truly amazing, he also cooks an delicious bbq!
Can't recomend Stray Journeys enough, and thanks again to our amazing guide Husky, he made the tour epic! 🧡 Trip of a lifetime, I'm only sad its over. 10/10
Written 18 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, Our National Tours offer a pretty special route so I'm glad you made memories that will last a lifetime! We'll be sure to pass on your kind comments onto Husky.
Hope to see you on the bus again one day, perhaps in Asia and Australia.
Written 19 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chloe Flood
2 contributions
Feb 2020
Just had the best 3 weeks ever with Stray journeys! I did the 24 day North and South Island tour in NZ and had two drivers Seagull and Husky!
Seagull had us for the first 3 days and was super cool! Really funny guy and had good knowledge on the places we visited and the history of NZ!
Husky took over after the first three days and could not have been better! He was a real fun guy, super knowledgeable, helpful and nothing was too much of a problem! He cooks up a mean BBQ and was a real laugh all whilst remaining super professional!
Our group was fab and I was super lucky as we all got on so well and that doesn’t always happen with tours!
Stray journeys was a really good way to see a lot of NZ in a few weeks! Loads of really cool things included too as well as optional activities all discounted! The jet boat and Doubtfull sound overnight cruise was amazing and I would recommend doing the Tongariro crossing (be prepared though). Sadly the weather caused us to have to cancel our Franz Josef heli hike, but Husky made some calls and sorted us out a scenic flight and snow landing on the Tasman Glacier instead!
Have literally had the best few weeks and really gutted it’s over. Saying goodbye to the group, bus life and Husky was genuinely so sad! 100/10...want to do it all again!
Seagull had us for the first 3 days and was super cool! Really funny guy and had good knowledge on the places we visited and the history of NZ!
Husky took over after the first three days and could not have been better! He was a real fun guy, super knowledgeable, helpful and nothing was too much of a problem! He cooks up a mean BBQ and was a real laugh all whilst remaining super professional!
Our group was fab and I was super lucky as we all got on so well and that doesn’t always happen with tours!
Stray journeys was a really good way to see a lot of NZ in a few weeks! Loads of really cool things included too as well as optional activities all discounted! The jet boat and Doubtfull sound overnight cruise was amazing and I would recommend doing the Tongariro crossing (be prepared though). Sadly the weather caused us to have to cancel our Franz Josef heli hike, but Husky made some calls and sorted us out a scenic flight and snow landing on the Tasman Glacier instead!
Have literally had the best few weeks and really gutted it’s over. Saying goodbye to the group, bus life and Husky was genuinely so sad! 100/10...want to do it all again!
Written 18 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to write an awesome review! We're so happy to hear you had a great time I hope you made memories you'll cherish for a lifetime :)
Come back and travel with us anytime. We're also in Southeast Asia if you're ever over that way. Safe and happy onward travels.
Written 19 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gary J
Kettering, UK12 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
I'll keep it short and simple, absolutely 100% would not use this service again! The amount of money I'm losing on this trip because when every other company is offering money back due to the unprecedented times and changing their rules while strays excuse is, the rules are the rules and what you signed up to, we could not forsee this coming making out like the consumer could.
I would extend that I thought drivers motors and skippy were very good and thor was up for a good time.
The app was very poor and changig anything if you need more time is more stressful than just plain paying a bit more to hire a car and doing it yourself.
Due to my trip being cancelled for both far north and from queenstown....which it was also failed to mention to me from the company I purchased a 10 days Intercity Pass for travel through to Christchurch and had the time I had been longer and not the rush to get back, there was already a feeling off of two journeys of it being a better choice.
I might be hop on hop off but as soon as you do it's forever a bus hunt for the next leaving day. You go to some decent stops in between, maybe more so on the north island but I'd highly recommend for anyone who does choose this, choose only for the north but if you have the money just do it yourself and make a stop at Lake Aniwhenua as well on the way.
I would extend that I thought drivers motors and skippy were very good and thor was up for a good time.
The app was very poor and changig anything if you need more time is more stressful than just plain paying a bit more to hire a car and doing it yourself.
Due to my trip being cancelled for both far north and from queenstown....which it was also failed to mention to me from the company I purchased a 10 days Intercity Pass for travel through to Christchurch and had the time I had been longer and not the rush to get back, there was already a feeling off of two journeys of it being a better choice.
I might be hop on hop off but as soon as you do it's forever a bus hunt for the next leaving day. You go to some decent stops in between, maybe more so on the north island but I'd highly recommend for anyone who does choose this, choose only for the north but if you have the money just do it yourself and make a stop at Lake Aniwhenua as well on the way.
Written 2 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Gary,
Thank you for leaving us your feedback.
All passes that were interrupted due to New Zealand being forced into lockdown have been extended for two years and can be used anytime until March 2022. You can also swap your pass for credit. As you travelled more than 25% of your pass, you’re eligible for pro-rata credit which can be used towards the value of any other Stray pass, in any other region in which we operate!
Thank you for feedback regarding our App, this is a new feature for us and we're working on developing it so that it makes our passengers' lives as easy as possible!
I am so glad to hear you enjoyed your time with our drivers before the pandemic struck, and I'll be sure to pass your positive words along to them.
Written 22 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ruairi J
Mount Claremont, Australia3 contributions
Dec 2019 • Solo
I did Stray ‘Dave’ pass, since renamed, which focused on the South island. Had two main drivers, Soxx and Cookie, who were both fantastic and really added colour to the trip. Also briefly had mozzie who seemed great but spent much less time with him. Was a slightly older and more mixed background crowd than the other tours which appealed, and they aren’t too pushy for activities, seem to speak very honestly! Would highly
Recommend.
Recommend.
Written 10 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi There,
Thanks for the great review! So stoked to hear you had a great time with your guides and we hope to you have travelling with us again one day :)
Written 12 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
rolee91
San Francisco, CA19 contributions
Sept 2024 • Solo
I took the 21 day North Island tour 6 years ago (phenomenal experience) and have always wanted to come back for the South Island before finally getting a chance in Sept '24 with the Stray Select Kaka Tour guided by Whaea (Nicole).
The experience lived up to expectations and more, with a good mix of adventure and hiking opportunities to really take advantage of the South Island's offerings. Spending a prolonged period of time with fellow travellers (9 days this time) helps build memories that go beyond just good photo ops.
Whaea/Nicole was an excellent guide with humor and insight, and was a real trooper in quickly working with the Stray team to find a workable detour route and a temporary replacement driver to keep within regulations when our original path from Franz Josef down to Queenstown was scuttled by a rockfall and turned a 5 hour drive into a 12 hour drive. She was also always on top of the scheduling for the extremely weather-dependent activities.
As before, I highly recommend Stray for anyone who is up for adventure but doesn't want to have to sweat the details (like accomodations, travel, food to some extent) and wants to meet some potential new lifelong friends.
The experience lived up to expectations and more, with a good mix of adventure and hiking opportunities to really take advantage of the South Island's offerings. Spending a prolonged period of time with fellow travellers (9 days this time) helps build memories that go beyond just good photo ops.
Whaea/Nicole was an excellent guide with humor and insight, and was a real trooper in quickly working with the Stray team to find a workable detour route and a temporary replacement driver to keep within regulations when our original path from Franz Josef down to Queenstown was scuttled by a rockfall and turned a 5 hour drive into a 12 hour drive. She was also always on top of the scheduling for the extremely weather-dependent activities.
As before, I highly recommend Stray for anyone who is up for adventure but doesn't want to have to sweat the details (like accomodations, travel, food to some extent) and wants to meet some potential new lifelong friends.
Written 28 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Piko
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Solo
I'v heard we can change the accommodations in city but it means we have to walk to pick up point.
Sometimes some bus driver arrenged the trip and we have to wait outside over 1 hour outside till bus arrive.
The people who traveling together are nice but the stray sarvice, app, and information are so bad.
Sometimes some bus driver arrenged the trip and we have to wait outside over 1 hour outside till bus arrive.
The people who traveling together are nice but the stray sarvice, app, and information are so bad.
Written 21 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Good Afternoon,
Thank you for your comments. If you'd like to get in touch with us regarding some specific information, questions or queries please feel free to email our Feedback department: feedback@straytravel.co.nz.
We appreciate all feedback as it helps us to continually improve our services and our passengers' experiences.
Kind regards,
Rachael
Written 22 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
YouKnowWhoIAm Y
Franz Josef, New Zealand4 contributions
Dec 2019 • Solo
I have been using Stray for 4 weeks to get around the whole North- and South Island. Since I didn't always do minimum stays, I got to experience three different Bus Drivers and about 4-5 different Groups. It's not the easiest to get in to the groups if you hop on somewhere else than the others, but if you are open minded you can make many new friends and have a lot of fun, while being able to explore the beautiful things New Zealand has to offer. I'd use it again. Thanks Soxx, Skippie & Moby
Written 10 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there,
Very happy to hear you had a great time travelling with us around New Zealand! We hope to have you on our bus again soon :)
Written 12 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rachel M
1 contribution
Dec 2019
Had so much fun on the Stray bus and met so many lovely people from all over the world. Our bus driver Mozzie was a brilliant guide, he was great fun and kept us in the festive spirit. Soxx was also our bus driver, he was very knowledgable and great fun. I thoroughly enjoyed our Stray bus experience and will definitely be recommending to friends!
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Rachel,
Thanks so much for the great review! Hope to have you travelling with us again one day soon :)
Written 12 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sounds good. Which ticket did you buy for your 5 weeks travel time frame?
Written 29 August 2018
I bought the max pass! It was perfect for my time there, I think it would be quite stressful if you’re there for a shorter time. But I would’ve loved more time aswell.
Written 10 September 2018
Hi! Any experience travelling with Stray as a family? Thanks!!!!
Written 10 April 2018
Hi Travelers! What is the age range of the folks taking Stray? Thanks!
Written 28 January 2018
Hi Julia, the majority of travellers on Stray's Hop-on Hop-off travel passes are 18-35 years old. However all age groups do travel on Stray and really enjoy it. It's a very inclusive atmosphere on board. If you are travelling on limited time (and not planning to hop-off) Stray Journeys small group adventure tours is a great option.
Hope this helps! Happy travels.
Written 28 January 2018
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