Description
Looking for a great escape? Grab the Bay of Islands Bay & Cape bus pass and head from Auckland to Paihia, in the ‘winterless north’. Explore the stunning Bay of Islands, home to 144 islands and amazing beaches. Dive into epic adventures like fishing, sailing, and nature walks, or just kick back and relax on some of the best beaches around. It’s the perfect spot for young travelers seeking both thrills and chill vibes!
**We will contact you for availability dates after purchase.
Departures
- Departs Anywhere
- Finishes Anywhere
- Please put in additional notes at checkout your starting date and city
How Does the bus pass work ?
- Minimum of 11 days of travel
- Cheap Az Travel will customize your travel itinerary for you
- Simply tell us your departure dates and ending dates and we will plan your adventure
- This is a jump on jump off adventure so take as long as you want over 11 days
Bay & Cape Inclusions
- Start anywhere, finish anywhere
- Minimum of 11 days of travel
- Change travel dates as many times as you like with no fees
- Pre-Book and pay for accommodation via the Online TRIP PLANNER (48hours advance booking required)
- Pre-Book and pay for activities via the Online TRIP PLANNER
- Flexible, easy, stress-free travel with like-minded travellers
- Legendary local Driver Guides
Not Included
- Accommodation
- Meals
Looking for an incredible South Island adventure? The Southern Round-Up tour offers a flexible 11-day journey through New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes. Starting anywhere and finishing anywhere, you’ll visit Kaikoura for whale watching or dolphin swimming, relax on the golden beaches of Abel Tasman National Park, and explore the rugged coastline and seal colonies.
Continue your adventure with kayaking, skydiving, or surfing in Westport, and soak up breathtaking views in places like Nelson Lakes. With legendary local guides and easy travel planning, this trip is perfect for stress-free travel.
Important info before travel
CHRISTCHURCH TO KAIKOURA
Departing Christchurch, we arrive in Kaikoura in time for you to check out what it’s most famous for – whale watching or swimming with the dolphins. Spend the evening chilling on the beach or sampling some of the best seafood New Zealand offers for your dinner. The name Kaikoura means to eat crayfish (“kai” means to eat, “koura” means crayfish).
Accommodation
- Dusky Lodge (not included – book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Kaikoura Viewpoint Walk (free)
- Seal Colony (free)
- Swim with Dolphins (optional extra)
- Whale Watching (optional extra)
KAIKOURA TO ABEL TASMAN
We head north and take in the last of the dramatic Kaikoura coastline. It’s a spectacular drive and we stop for a close look at the seals that lay about on the rocks. Travel through vineyards to Nelson, New Zealand’s sunniest city, then on to Kaiteriteri at the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park. Kaiteriteri is a great spot to begin an adventure (on foot, by kayak or by water taxi) into Abel Tasman National Park, or see it all from above by jumping out of a plane!
Accommodation
- Kaiteri Lodge (not included book via the Online Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Abel Tasman Skydive (Book via the Online Trip Planner)
ABEL TASMAN TO WESTPORT
Spend the morning kayaking out to Split Apple Rock and along the golden bays near Kaiteriteri, looking out for the local marine wildlife; or catch a water taxi to one of the bays in the Abel Tasman National Park to go for a morning stroll in the native New Zealand forest. This afternoon we stop at the iconic Nelson Lakes, so you can get your legendary wharf jumping shot before hitting surf town Westport.
Accommodation
- Bazils Hostel and Surf School (not included – book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Nelson Lakes (free)
- Surfing (optional extra)
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding (optional extra)
WESTPORT TO LAKE MAHINAPUA – SEASONAL LOCATION*
*Lake Mahinapua is a seasonal location from 10 October 2024 – 8 May 2025. When out of season, the bus will travel directly from Westport to Franz Josef.
Today, we start our journey down spectacular State Highway 6, which stretches 435 kilometres along the rugged Tasman shoreline. The road winds through diverse landscapes that never cease to amaze. Highlights today include the Cape Foulwind seal colony walk, rugged beaches, and the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Tonight, you will stay at the historic Mahinapua Hotel, across the road from Lake Mahinapua and a short wander away from a rugged west coast beach. This location is unique to Kiwi Experience and allows you to bond with your bus mates over a meal.
Accommodation
- Lake Mahinapua Hotel (not included – book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Cape Foulwind Seal Colony walk (free)
- Punakaiki Pancake Rocks (free)
LAKE MAHINAPUA TO FRANZ JOSEF
This morning it’s a short drive to Franz Josef. Franz Josef is the northern gateway to Te Wahipounamu, the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage area. The region includes Aoraki/Mount Cook, Westland Tai Poutini, Mount Aspiring, the Fiordland National Parks, and surrounding conservation lands. We factor in a free day in Franz Josef so that you can get out there and experience what Franz Josef has to offer. It’s a wicked spot and whatever you get out and do, you will be blown away by the views of the glacier and Alps.
Accommodation
- Rainforest Retreat (not included – book via the Trip Planner)
Included Experiences
- Franz Josef Glacier walk (free)
- Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike (optional extra)
- Franz Josef Wilderness Kayak tour (optional extra)
- Franz Josef skydive (optional extra)
FRANZ JOSEF (FREE DAY)
Today you have a free day in Franz Josef where you have the opportunity to experience the famous Franz Josef Glacier on a Heli Hike tour, or on foot (for free) by hitting up the many walking trails in the area. Explore the Franz Josef wilderness further on a kayak tour amidst the serene waters and breathtaking scenery of Lake Mapourika.
Accommodation
- Rainforest Retreat (not included – book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Franz Josef Glacier walk (free)
- Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike (optional extra)
- Franz Josef Wilderness Kayak tour (optional extra)
- Franz Josef skydive (optional extra)
FRANZ JOSEF TO QUEENSTOWN
We start out early in order to catch the perfect mirror reflection of Mt Cook and the Southern Alps on Lake Matheson. We then cruise down the last stretch of Highway 6, stopping at popular scenic spots along the way. Then it’s into Mount Aspiring National Park, arriving in the awe-inspiring destination of Wanaka. After a stroll around Lake Wanaka to check out the famous Wanaka Tree, we arrive in Queenstown – the adventure capital of New Zealand! Head down to the spectacular waterfront before it’s out on the town exploring Queenstown’s infamous nightlife with all the crew!
Accommodation
- Nomads Queenstown (not included – book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- That Wanaka Tree (free)
- Lake Matheson Lake Walk (free)
- Kiwi Crawl (optional extra)
QUEENSTOWN (FREE DAY)
Queenstown is one of the most amazing places on Earth. No matter what time of the year it is rated as one of our passenger’s favourite spots, and you’ll get at least three nights here to explore everything it has to offer! Make the most of the beautiful lake and surrounding walks, or get into a whole range of adrenalin-pumping activities. If there was one activity that you couldn’t miss it would be the day trip to Milford Sound, commonly referred to as The Eighth Wonder of the World.
Accommodation
- Nomads Queenstown (not included – book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Milford Explorer (included in some passes)
- Shotover Jet (optional extra)
- Nevis Bungy (optional extra)
- Canyon Swing (optional extra)
QUEENSTOWN TO LAKE TEKAPO
We head out of Queenstown, through the Lindis Pass, so get your cameras ready because this is ‘Lord of the Rings’ territory. After stopping to admire Mt Cook at Lake Pukaki, we travel to Lake Tekapo with its amazing location by snow-capped alps and clear starry skies. Lake Tekapo has something for everyone – relaxing at the lakeside and taking in the untouched view, soaking in the hot springs, discovering one of the many scenic walkways or checking out the mind-boggling stars in what is the world’s largest dark sky reserve.
Accommodation
- Lakefront Lodge Tekapo (not included – book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Lake Pukaki (free)
- Church of the Good Shepherd (free)
- Mount John walk (free)
LAKE TEKAPO TO CHRISTCHURCH
We have a straight run into Christchurch, our largest city in the South Island and the 3rd largest in New Zealand. Witness a city rebuilding and flourishing in the wake of the 2011 earthquakes, explore the street art, see the blooming botanical gardens, and learn about the history of a city that’s experienced so much in recent times.
Accommodation
- Hotel Give (not included – book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Christchurch Botanic Gardens (Free)
- Quake City
- International Antarctic Centre
To allow for ultimate flexibility, accommodation is not included in the price of your bus pass. The Trip Planner makes it simple to pre-book and pay for your accommodation while travelling on the bus. You must book your accommodation by 7am two days before arrival at each overnight location. Book your accommodation directly with the hostel if you’re staying longer at a destination than on the bus. You always have the option to book your own accommodation outside of Kiwi Experience. Please note that the Kiwi Experience bus will only pick up and drop off from the accommodation on the trip planner. Your are always guaranteed a bed spot on the first night.
You also add your bus sectors on the trip planner if Cheap Az Travel is not doing it for you.
Once you’ve decided on your itinerary and accommodation, Cheap Az Travel can add your activities for you as well at a great price.. From whale watching to bungy jumping, surfing to skydiving.
The pass is valid for 12 months so you can buy now and use later. Each pass has a min time of travel for instance the Bay u0026amp; Cape is 3 days. We suggest spreading it out and allowing you extra time to take in New Zealand.
Hop-On-Hop-Off Terms & Conditions
- Kiwi Experience travel passes (Travel Passes) are valid for travel in one direction for the route stated on the Travel Pass, repeating sections is not possible.
- Travel using the Travel Pass must commence within 12 months of the date of purchase unless otherwise stated. Travel Passes are valid for 12 months from the first date of travel, or until you have travelled once over all sections of the Travel Pass, whichever occurs first.
- Travel agent vouchers or website E-Tickets are not valid Travel Passes and must be exchanged for a valid Travel Pass (your welcome email will do) before you can travel on a Kiwi Experience service.
- Travel Passes that have expired may be extended on the following terms. A Travel Pass can expire either because you did not use it within 12 months of purchase (or such lesser period if stated in the specific terms of purchase) or you have not finished your travels within 12 months from the first date of travel. Extensions must be requested and paid for before the expiry date of the Travel Pass. A charge of NZD$50 per month (period) of extension applies to all extensions. Further, if you wish to extend your Travel Pass before your first date of travel and the current Travel Pass price is higher at the time of extension than the price you paid for your Travel Pass, the difference must also be paid. There are no refunds if the Travel Pass price at the time of extension is less than the price you paid for your Travel Pass.
- Kiwi Experience Travel Passes are non-transferable. Unlimited Travel applies only to The Whole Kit & Caboodle and the Funky Chicken pass. To qualify for unlimited travel, an entire route circuit must be completed. Backtracking isn’t permitted, and point-to-point journeys can not be repeated without completing the entire circuit. Only the first return inter-island ferry crossing is included in the pass. Any additional crossings are at the pass holders’ expense. These can be purchased via the Kiwi Experience bus planner. No limits are imposed on completing entire route circuits. All other T&Cs still apply.
- All national passes include Inter-Island ferry crossings in line with the itinerary of the pass i.e. (one-way or return). Inter-Island ferry tickets are for walk-on passengers only and do not include food and beverage, lounge access or excess luggage. These are at the expense of the traveller. Kiwi Experience reserves to right to use multiple provides on this crossing.
- Cancellation policy for Travel Passes: In the event you have purchased a Travel Pass and subsequently wish to cancel it, Kiwi Experience may refund your Travel Pass at its sole discretion, in which event you will be required to pay a cancellation fee as follows: a. where the purchase price of the Travel Pass is less than NZD$200, the cancellation fee shall be equivalent to the price paid for the Travel Pass; b. where the purchase price of the Travel Pass is greater than NZD$200, the cancellation fee is NZD$200. No Travel Pass may be cancelled following the first date of travel. The Milford Explorer and Cape Reinga add-on passes are 100% non-refundable.
- Travel reservations are recommended on Kiwi Experience services and should be made at least 14 days before departure to give you the best chance of a seat in the summer period (1 January to 30 April), and 7 days before departure to ensure a seat at other times. Changes to reservations must be made at least 24 hours prior to departure and are subject to availability. All reservations and changes must be made by contacting our reservations department:
Ph: +64 (9) 336 4286 or email: travel@kiwiex.co.nz - No Shows: Should you fail to show for any booked and confirmed departure your Travel Pass will become invalid unless and until an NZD$50 fee is paid to reinstate the Travel Pass. This does not include the Milford Explorer and Cape Reinga add-on passes, which are 100% non-refundable and require full payment to reinstate the booking if a no-show occurs.
- Kiwi Experience reserves the right to vary any fares, routes, overnight stops, pricing, inclusions, accommodation operators, departure dates, times and locations without notice. Kiwi Experience reserves the right to substitute other vehicles in place of our own. Kiwi Experience product inclusions and advertised accommodation operators are not guaranteed and will be provided where possible.
- Kiwi Experience will endeavour to adhere to stated departure and arrival times but will not be liable for any failure to meet those times or for any cancellation or delay of Kiwi Experience services.
- Kiwi Experience shall not be liable for any loss or damage of any kind, including indirect or consequential loss or damage, arising directly or indirectly out of a cancellation or abandonment of, or delay to, any trip, however caused.
- Kiwi Experience has preferred agreements with accommodation providers however we cannot always guarantee your first choice of accommodation.
- Luggage is limited to one piece at 23 kilograms. For additional luggage, charges may apply.
- Kiwi Experience reserves the right to refuse to carry any passenger, luggage or goods at its sole discretion.
- Kiwi Experience will not be liable for the sickness of, injury to, or death of, any passenger, or the loss of, or damage to, any personal effects, whether caused by Kiwi Experience’s negligence or otherwise. There is no travel insurance cover included in the price of a Travel Pass and Kiwi Experience recommends that you obtain travel insurance to cover any sickness, injury, or loss that may occur while you are travelling with Kiwi Experience.
- You agree to indemnify Kiwi Experience against any loss, damage or expense suffered or incurred by Kiwi Experience, its officers, employees, agents or related companies as a result of any claim by any third party whose claim arises from your use of your Travel Pass or your acts or omissions while travelling on any Kiwi Experience service.
- Where the services of another operator are provided as part of the Travel Pass it is agreed and understood that Kiwi Experience has no responsibility whatsoever for any default of that operator.
- Passengers must be 18 years old at the time of travel. Proof of identification and age may be requested, and failure to provide such proof may invalidate your Travel Pass.
- Kiwi Experience does not offer the Waitomo sector on routes heading North. No Kiwi Experience Travel Pass that includes the Waitomo sector can exchange the Waitomo sector going Southbound for a trip operated by the Waitomo Wanderer going Northbound.
- These terms and conditions are governed by the law of New Zealand and you and Kiwi Experience agree to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of New Zealand in any dispute. Nothing in these terms and conditions affects your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
- Kiwi Experience may, at any time and without notice, vary any of these terms and conditions.
- Kiwi Experience will not be liable for breach of, or any failure to perform its obligations under, these terms and conditions where such breach or failure is caused by anything beyond Kiwi Experience’s reasonable control including, but not limited to, war, civil commotion, hostility, act of terrorism, strike, lockout, other industrial act, weather phenomena or other act of God, or governmental regulation or direction.
- If any part of these terms and conditions is held to be invalid, unenforceable or illegal for any reason, they will be deemed to be amended by the addition or deletion of wording necessary to remove the invalid, unenforceable or illegal part, but otherwise to remain unchanged to the maximum extent permissible under applicable law.