Wild NZ Expeditions

Ditch the tourist traps and find your tribe on the Ruru Select, a legendary 19-day flagship expedition from Auckland to Christchurch. Named after our enigmatic native owl, this journey is designed for the "flashpacker" who wants the raw heart of Aotearoa without sacrificing a good night’s sleep.

You’ll kick things off in the vibrant City of Sails before lacing up for world-class treks like the Tongariro Crossing and soaking in secret, bush-fringed thermal streams. From digging your own spa at Hot Water Beach to sharing an authentic, earth-cooked Hangi feast with locals, this is about deep-diving into Kiwi culture and the "Strademark" hidden gems that standard tour buses simply drive past.

As you head South, the landscape goes into "beast mode" with massive fjords, ancient glaciers, and alpine vistas that look like a movie set. You’ll have plenty of time to unleash your inner adrenaline junkie in Queenstown—the world’s adventure capital—with bungy jumps, jet boats, and a nightlife scene that never hits the brakes. Between the thrills, you’ll find moments of pure zen cruising Milford Sound or stargazing in the Tekapo dark sky reserve. The best part? You get the high-energy social vibe of a road trip with the luxury of retreating to 3 to 4-star hotels and boutique lodges every single night. It’s the ultimate Kiwi escape: all the grit, all the glory, and zero dorm rooms.

SAVE $200 NZD

Pricing From: $7,259 NZD PP / $380 Per Day

What’s Included:

The Vibe & Your Tribe

Join a high-energy social expedition with a multicultural crew of up to 24 travelers. Most of our explorers are aged 20–50 and value attitude over age. Your charismatic local guide shares "insider-only" secrets you won’t find on a Google search. It’s an instant community designed for the young at heart.

Elevated Comfort & Transport

Travel in a private, air-conditioned coach so you can kick back and soak up the scenery. You'll stay in hand-picked 3-4 star hotels with ensuites, plus a few nights in iconic waterfront or high-country lodges. We handle the driving and logistics while you enjoy the plush beds. It’s all the adventure of a road trip with none of the stress.

Epic Eats & Fuel

We keep you fueled for the trail with 17 breakfasts, a local lunch, and 5 hosted dinners included. A major highlight is the traditional Māori Hangi, an earth-cooked feast in an idyllic lakeside setting. For other meals, your guide will point you toward the best local night markets and cafes. You get a perfect balance of included meals and culinary freedom.

Must-Do Bucket List Adventures

This trip hits the heavy hitters: Milford Sound, the Tongariro Crossing, and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. You’ll explore the golden sands of Abel Tasman, take a 4WD safari at Blue Duck Station, and cruise the Cook Strait. From Queenstown’s adrenaline to Tekapo’s stargazing, the "Strademark" stops are all covered. Every iconic NZ moment is packed into one legendary itinerary.

Local Support

24/7 in-country assistance whenever you need it.

Travel on a high-energy loop designed for those who want the South Island’s "Greatest Hits" without the stress. Whether you kick off in Christchurch or catch the ferry from Wellington or Picton, this journey offers unparalleled flexibility for the modern traveler. You’ll trade the standard tourist trail for a curated expedition led by expert local guides who know every hidden gem from the top of the island to the deep south.

Your adventure begins with the golden sands of Abel Tasman, where you’ll hike coastal tracks and kayak through turquoise coves that look like a postcard. We’ll take you from the rugged Pancake Rocks of Punakaiki to the ancient ice of Franz Josef glacier before hitting the legendary Wānaka and Queenstown.

Whether you’re lacing up for the Kepler Track, grabbing a world-famous Fergburger, or diving into the Southern Hemisphere’s best nightlife, the "Adventure Capital" is yours to conquer with a crew of like-minded explorers.

The journey peaks with a deep dive into Fiordland, where you’ll cruise beneath the jaw-dropping waterfalls of Milford Sound and trek the iconic Hooker Valley at the base of Aoraki/Mt Cook. After days filled with adrenaline and alpine vistas, you’ll wind down by stargazing in the Tekapo dark sky reserve and soaking in glacial hot pools. It’s a 5-star landscape enjoyed from the comfort of 3 to 4-star hotels, giving you the perfect "flashpacker" balance of wild days and premium nights.

SAVE $150 NZD

Pricing From: $4545 NZD PP / $413 Per Day

What’s Included:

The Vibe & Your Tribe

Adventure is an attitude, not an age, on this social expedition for the young at heart. Join a multicultural crew of up to 24 explorers led by a charismatic guide who knows the South Island’s best-kept secrets. From legendary anecdotes to local nightlife tips, you’ll get an insider’s perspective you simply won't find on a Google search. It’s the ultimate way to find your tribe while crossing off your bucket list.

Elevated Comfort & Transport

Ditch the stress of mountain driving and kick back in our private, air-conditioned coach designed for scenic soaking. You’ll retreat to premium 3-4 star hotels with private ensuites, including a touch of luxury at the Mercure Queenstown. Experience "Strademark" stays in unique high-country lodges and waterfront cabins located right on the edge of national parks. You get all the grit of a South Island road trip with the glory of a plush bed every night.

Epic Eats & Fuel

Stay fueled for every hike and glacier trek with 10 breakfasts and 2 hosted dinners included in your journey. We provide a mix of hearty cooked and continental breakfasts every single morning to ensure you're ready for the day’s action. While we handle the key meals, you’ll have the freedom to explore the South Island’s famous food scene, from Wānaka lakeside cafes to the iconic Fergburger. It’s the perfect balance of planned fuel and culinary freedom.

Must-Do South Island Adventures

This itinerary is a "Greatest Hits" reel of the South: Milford Sound cruises, Kepler Track hikes, and the golden coves of Abel Tasman. You’ll explore the icy heights of Franz Josef Glacier, the blue waters of Wānaka, and the alpine majesty of Aoraki/Mt Cook. Whether you're watching the Ata Whenua film in Fiordland or relaxing in Marahau, every iconic moment is curated for maximum impact. We handle the logistics so you can focus on the views.

- Local Support
24/7 in-country assistance whenever you need it.

Designed for those who want to pack New Zealand’s geothermal heart and cultural soul into nine epic days. Starting in the vibrant City of Sails, you’ll trade the urban skyline for the glowing underground cathedrals of Waitomo and the bubbling mud pools of Rotorua. This isn’t just a sightseeing tour; it’s an invitation to dig your own spa at Hot Water Beach and hike the fiery Tarawera Trail with a crew of like-minded explorers.

The heartbeat of this journey is a deep dive into Māori culture at sacred Lake Aniwhenua, where you’ll experience a traditional tribal welcome, Haka lessons, and a smoky Hangi feast under the stars with a local family.

From there, the adrenaline ramps up with a rugged 4WD eco-safari at the remote Blue Duck Station—a hidden wilderness of waterfalls and native bush that most tourists never see. You’ll cap off the adventure by conquering the volcanic craters of the world-famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, widely considered the best one-day trek on the planet.

As you roll into the "coolest little capital," Wellington, you’ll trade hiking boots for city lights and a buzzing nightlife scene. Throughout the journey, you’ll skip the hostel dorms and retreat to the comfort of 3 to 4-star hotels and premium lodges, giving you the perfect "flashpacker" balance of raw adventure and luxury rest. Whether you’re abseiling into caves or spotting rare wildlife, the Pūkeko Select ensures you experience the very best of the North Island in style.

SAVE $100 NZD

Pricing From: $3795 NZD PP / $420 Per Day

What’s Included:

The Vibe & Your Tribe

Adventure is an attitude on this high-energy social road trip for up to 24 like-minded explorers. You’ll be led by a charismatic local guide who skips the "tourist fluff" to share the real New Zealand through legendary stories and hidden spots. Most of our travelers are aged 20–50, creating a vibrant, multicultural crew that feels like a group of friends from day one. It’s the ultimate way to find your tribe while exploring the North Island's volcanic heart.

Elevated Comfort & Transport

Trade the stress of driving for a private, air-conditioned coach designed for maximum relaxation and scenic views. You’ll retreat to premium 3-4 star hotels with private ensuites, alongside unique "Strademark" stays in high-country farms and lakeside lodges. Experience the rugged beauty of the wilderness by day and the luxury of a plush, comfortable bed by night. We handle all the logistics so you can focus on the adventure.

Epic Eats & Fuel

Stay fueled for the trail with 7 breakfasts, a local lunch, and 3 hosted dinners included in your journey. The standout culinary highlight is a traditional Māori Hangi—a delicious, earth-cooked feast shared with a local family at sacred Lake Aniwhenua. Between our organized meals, you’ll have the freedom to explore Rotorua’s famous food scene and Wellington’s world-class craft breweries. It’s a perfect mix of cultural immersion and culinary discovery.

Must-Do North Island Adventures

This itinerary packs in the heavy hitters: the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, and the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. You’ll take a water taxi to the hidden Hot Water Beach at Te Rata Bay and go off-grid with a 4WD Eco Safari at Blue Duck Station. From Haka lessons to volcanic crater hikes, every "Strademark" experience is curated for maximum impact. We’ve dialed in the perfect balance of adrenaline and authentic culture.

- Local Support
24/7 in-country assistance whenever you need it.