19 Day New Zealand Odyssey (Auckland to Christchurch)
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Non-refundable booking. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 30 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 19 Day New Zealand Odyssey (Auckland to Christchurch) worth booking?
19 Day New Zealand Odyssey (Auckland to Christchurch) is a 456-hour experience in Auckland, New Zealand, from $4595 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 30 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (30)
- Duration
- 456 hours
- From
- $4595 per person
Departs on Wednesdays. Calendar here: https://www.straytravel.com/tours/new-zealand/select/ruru-tour-25-26/ Curious about a 19-day New Zealand tour from Auckland to Christchurch? Named after our native enigmatic owl (th
What you get
About this experience
Departs on Wednesdays. Calendar here: https://www.straytravel.com/tours/new-zealand/select/ruru-tour-25-26/ Curious about a 19-day New Zealand tour from Auckland to Christchurch? Named after our native enigmatic owl (the Morepork, with its haunting "more-pork" call and stunning golden eyes). Start in vibrant Auckland, the City of Sails, then lace up for epic hikes like the Tongariro Crossing and Lake Tarawera trails. Feel the magic of famous fjords, lush rainforests, and breathtaking alpine vistas. Savour a traditional hangi feast, earth-cooked for its smoky flavour. Unwind in hidden thermal streams amid native bush, or dig your own spa at Hot Water Beach. Explore national parks’ secret waterfalls, glowworm caves, and wildlife. Enjoy an adrenaline rush in Queenstown. Cap it off with a starry night in Tekapo, sharing tales with local guides. All in 3-4 star hotels. Is this your ultimate Kiwi escape? Join our Ruru Select Tour, which stops top your bucket list?
What's included
Included
- 19 Nights of Accommodation
- Day Trip to the Milford Sound
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Access to 'off the beaten track' destinations and national parks
- Breakfast
- Bluebridge Ferry between North and South Island
- 4WD Eco Safari in Blue Duck Station
- Cultural Experience at Lake Aniwhenua
- Fun and knowledgeable Stray Guide
- Transport on modern, comfortable air-conditioned coaches
Not included
- Optional Activities
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Auckland
Arrive at Oaks Auckland Hotel, Auckland CBD at any time on DAY 1. Check in at the hotel is from 3pm. The group dinner is at 6pm.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
STANDARD TWINSHARE
Twin or Double Room: Solo travellers will be paired with another of the same gender, couples travelling together may also select this option
PRIVATE ROOM (Solo travellers)
Private Room: To be booked by solo travellers who would like a room alone
Before you book
- Cancellation
- If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Wed
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Stray Limited
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Insurance cover is not included in the price of a pass. We strongly recommend that you take insurance to cover you for cancellation, medical expenses, personal accident, personal baggage and public liability.
- Luggage is limited to one bag or suitcase per person (maximum weight of 15kgs), plus one day pack to carry onboard with your valuables. The carriage of any excess of oversized luggage is at Stray's discretion and must be approved prior to travel.
- This pass is subject to the Operators standard terms and conditions
- Please note this tour departs on Wednesdays
- 2026 Dates: 6 May, 3 Jun, 8 Jul, 5 Aug, 9 Sep, 7 Oct, 21 Oct, 4 Nov, 18 Nov, 2 Dec
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 30 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
30 verified traveler reviews for 19 Day New Zealand Odyssey (Auckland to Christchurch). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing North to South Ruru Tour
This was my first time on a long organised tour and am happy to say that it exceeded my expectations. The tour was extremely well organised and when the itinerary had to change due to bad weather, alternative options for activities were arranged. My highlights in the north were The Blue Duck Station, Hobbiton and Wellington. The south island literally blew me away on a daily basis, the scenery got better and better as you travelled down the West Coast, however I particularly enjoyed Abel Tasman, Queenstown and Lake Tekapo. The accomodations on the Select Tour were all of a really good standard, however in hindsight, paying the single person supplement would have been worth it. Our group (6 in the north, with 5 more joining in the south) all got along fantastically and this was greatly helped by our guide Leon who worked hard to encourage us to gel as a group early on and kept us entertained during long journeys . I found Leon to be very down to earth, funny and informative as we moved around the country. I didn't expect to learn so much about the country and it's history as i did. His extensive winery knowledge was an added bonus too. All in all, I would highly recommend this tour, and while we were unlucky with rain in the north, April turned out to be the perfect month so see the South Island and the snow capped mountains 😊
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your amazing review!
via Tripadvisor
It was bonkers!
I had an incredible experience during my 19-day tour through New Zealand. In such a short amount of time, I was able to see so many amazing and different places—it was exactly what I wanted from this trip. I really loved both the North and South Island. Each had its own unique beauty and unforgettable experiences. The landscapes were absolutely stunning, the weather was great, and the whole experience left me feeling refreshed and full of amazing memories. Although we traveled a lot, every destination was unique, and New Zealand is definitely one of the most special countries I have ever visited—probably number one on my list so far. The group was really lovely, which made the trip even more enjoyable. Everyone got along well, and it was nice to share this adventure with such great people. A special thank you to our guide, Leon, who was fantastic. He was always open to questions, very helpful, and also a lot of fun. He created a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere throughout the trip, and I really appreciated having him as our guide. Overall, I couldn’t have wished for a better experience. Everything was perfect, and I would rate this tour 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to experience the beauty of New Zealand in a short amount of time.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your review!
via Tripadvisor
Highly recommended
I was very lucky to have Whaea as my guide and driver on this amazing trip through New Zealand. She’s very friendly, funny and keeps the drives interesting with random facts her and there. She knows a lot about her country. I also want to complement the customer service at Stray as they were very helpful and kind, especially on refunds.
Response from the operator: Thanks so much for taking the time to leave us a review! So happy to hear you had a great time :)
via Tripadvisor
So much fun!
I had an absolutely fantastic experience exploring New Zealands north and South Island. Our tour guide Leon brought such a fun and positive energy to the trip he was incredibly funny and charming, always ready with a joke or a great story that kept the whole group engaged. His knowledge of New Zealand was both informative and easy to follow. He also had a real passion for wine, offering great insights and recommendations. Overall, Leon made the trip memorable in all the best ways. If you’re lucky enough to have him as your guide, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure! If you’re looking to explore what New Zealand has to offer in a short amount of time I highly recommend this tour!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your review!
via Tripadvisor
Unforgetable adventure!
It was an incredible journey with lovely people! We had the best tour guide Leon, who made every day special, showed many extra spots, told facts about New Zealand and was up for any kind of fun all the time. Thanks for these unforgetable adventure and memories staying forever!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your review!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 456 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Wed
- Price range
- $4595 to $9695
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 11
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
19 Day New Zealand Odyssey (Auckland to Christchurch): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Auckland.
How much does 19 Day New Zealand Odyssey (Auckland to Christchurch) cost?
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Prices start at $4595 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Auckland usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does 19 Day New Zealand Odyssey (Auckland to Christchurch) take?
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Plan for about 456 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Auckland is not rushed.
Is 19 Day New Zealand Odyssey (Auckland to Christchurch) worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 30 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Auckland, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 19 Day New Zealand Odyssey (Auckland to Christchurch)?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is 19 Day New Zealand Odyssey (Auckland to Christchurch) suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 456-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 19 Day New Zealand Odyssey (Auckland to Christchurch)?
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Around 11 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Auckland can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Auckland and add a light layer if any part of the 456-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 19 Day New Zealand Odyssey (Auckland to Christchurch) start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Auckland within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Auckland?
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On Outty we rank every Auckland experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch, Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel, Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour with Lunch from Auckland. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Auckland?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Auckland?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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