30 Days, Endless Adventures: Making the Most of InterCity Flexi

Dreaming of an epic road trip across New Zealand? Here’s how to make the most of your 30-day adventure with the InterCity FlexiPass.

FlexiPass is InterCity’s bus pass that gives you prepaid, flexible access to New Zealand’s largest coach network. Travel between over 600 destinations at your own pace, with no set schedule. Covering both InterCity buses and selected day tours, it’s a budget-friendly and flexible option to reach iconic destinations. But with so much to explore in New Zealand, how do you decide where to go? Here’s how you can plan your perfect month with the FlexiPass, from picking the right routes to uncovering hidden gems along the way!

With New Zealand’s relatively small size and diverse landscapes, 30 days with an InterCity FlexiPass lets you explore both the North and South Islands with ease. Offering unlimited travel, the pass gives you the freedom to craft your own adventure—be it for thrills, relaxation, or cultural exploration. The possibilities are endless!


Your Kiwi Road Trip: A Month of Magic

Before you start your journey, it’s a great idea to plan your route—especially if you're aiming to make the most of your 30-day FlexiPass. New Zealand is small but bursting with things to see and do. Here are a few things to keep in mind when mapping out your adventure:

  • Personal Interests: Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a nature lover, or a culture seeker, New Zealand has something for everyone. Consider what activities you most want to experience—whether it's hiking, visiting Māori villages, or indulging in geothermal spas.
  • Don’t-Miss Spots: New Zealand is full of iconic spots, but there are hidden gems worth checking out, too. You might want to hit up the famous destinations like Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, and Milford Sound, or explore off-the-beaten-path treasures like Abel Tasman National Park and the Catlins Coast.
  • Travel Time: Make sure to plan for travel time between destinations. Consider how long coach rides will take, the time you’ll want to spend sightseeing, and of course, some downtime to relax.

The Best Way to See New Zealand in 30 Days with FlexiPass : Your Itinerary

Week 1: North Island Adventure

  • Days 1-3: Auckland
    • Begin your adventure in New Zealand’s largest city. Enjoy the waterfront, hike Mount Eden, visit the Auckland Museum, and join a whale and dolphin safari from downtown.
    • Explore the vibrant city: Visit the Sky Tower, wander through the Viaduct Harbour, and discover the eclectic shops and cafes in Ponsonby.
    • Day trip to Waiheke Island: Relax on beautiful beaches, taste local wines, and enjoy stunning views.
  • Days 4-6: Rotorua
    • Immerse yourself in Māori culture: Visit Te Puia, a cultural centre with geothermal wonders, Māori performances, and traditional wood carving.
    • Experience adrenaline-pumping activities: Go white-water rafting, zorbing, or bungy jumping.
    • Relax in geothermal hot springs: Soak in the therapeutic waters of Polynesian Spa or Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.
  • Days 7-9: Taupo
    • Hike to the top of Mount Tauhara for panoramic views of the lake.
    • Visit Huka Falls, one of New Zealand's most iconic waterfalls.
    • Go kayaking or jet boating on Lake Taupo.

Week 2: North Island Coastal Charm

  • Days 10-12: Napier
    • Explore the Art Deco architecture and vibrant street art.
    • Visit the nearby wineries in the Hawke's Bay region.
    • Relax on the beautiful beaches of Marine Parade.
  • Days 13-15: Wellington
    • Visit Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand's national museum.
    • Take a scenic walk along the waterfront.
    • Explore the trendy suburbs of Wellington, such as Cuba Street and the waterfront.

Week 3: South Island Adventure

  • Days 16-18: Franz Josef Glacier
    • Hike on the glacier or take a helicopter flight for a bird's-eye view.
    • Visit the Glacier Hot Pools for a relaxing soak.
  • Days 19-21: Queenstown
    • Experience adrenaline-pumping activities: Bungy jumping, skydiving, jet boating, or white-water rafting.
    • Take a scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu.
    • Visit the charming town of Arrowtown.
  • Days 22-24: Milford Sound
    • Take a boat cruise through the stunning fiord, surrounded by towering mountains and cascading waterfalls.

Week 4: South Island Nature and Wildlife

  • Days 25-27: Te Anau
    • Explore the Te Anau Glowworm Caves.
    • Hike the Kepler Track or Route burn Track.
    • Visit the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary.
  • Days 28-30: Christchurch
    • Visit the Botanic Gardens.
    • Explore the city centre and admire the stunning architecture.
    • Take a day trip to Akaroa, a charming French settlement.

This flexible itinerary lets you experience the highlights of New Zealand at your own pace. With the InterCity FlexiPass, you can change your plans as you go, ensuring you never miss a moment of adventure.

Note: This is a suggested itinerary and can be adjusted based on your interests and travel pace.

Which Pass is Right for You?

Not sure which FlexiPass to pick? It’s easy to calculate how many hours you’ll need using InterCity’s sample routes or the network map. The great thing about FlexiPass is the more hours you buy on your pass, the more cost-effective your travel becomes!

For instance, you can start with a 15-hour FlexiPass for $169 or go all out with an 80-hour pass for just $641, making it ideal for extended travel.

Planning to explore both the North and South Islands? FlexiPass has you covered! Your pass also includes travel on the Interislander ferry, making it simple to cross the Cook Strait and seamlessly continue your adventure.

Ready to begin your journey? Click ‘Buy Now’ to choose your FlexiPass and start planning your unforgettable New Zealand experience!