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Lifestyle, Stories · October 27, 2014

7 Reasons Why Stray New Zealand Changed My Life

Stray New Zealand: a trip of a lifetime around one of the world’s most beautiful countries.

For those who are unaware of Stray, allow me to enlighten you. This bus company provides hop-on, hop-off bus tours for backpackers who want to travel around New Zealand.

From trips that are solely in the North Island or South Island to trips that cover the whole country (and even places off the beaten path), Stray is all about taking you where you want to go. (But connecting you with like-minded people at the same time.)

I did the “Short Max” tour in October 2014 for four weeks and absolutely loved it. In fact, read on for 7 reasons why Stray New Zealand changed my life.

7 Reasons Why Stray New Zealand Changed My Life

1. I Went to the Top Touristy Places

Why Stray New Zealand is awesome 101: their bus tours take you to the most gorgeous parts of the country.

Granted, the “Short Max” wasn’t the most extensive trip I could have taken, but it covered the most touristic destinations and allowed me to see a variety of areas within my month-long adventure.

From soaking up the captivating culture of the capital city of Wellington to hiking around the majestic mountains of Queenstown, I saw and did so much in so little time.

And that’s all thanks to Stray New Zealand.

2. I Went to Incredible Non-Touristy Places

Look, there’s a reason why the Stray New Zealand website says that they’ll show you “the real New Zealand.”

Along with the typical touristy route, their bus passes take you to hidden gems that you wouldn’t know of unless you were a local or native.

Case in point: Blue Duck Station in the North Island and Rangitata in the South Island. And there’s something so extremely magical about uncovering parts of the world that are relatively untouched and not many people have seen. Am I right?

3. I Had Crazy New Experiences

In addition to seeing some unbelievable places, I also did some crazy new things in New Zealand thanks to Stray.

I’m talking about riding in a helicopter for the first time and hiking across Franz Josef Glacier, to name an example.

I mean, there’s a reason why New Zealand is known as the “adventure capital of the world.” Adrenaline junkies, rejoice!

Franz Josef Glacier

4. I Met Some Amazing Travellers

Stray New Zealand also provided me with the opportunity to mingle with people from all around the world.

As well as a mix of nationalities, there was a mix of ages present across the three Stray buses I went on during my trip. From couples who lived in France to solo backpackers from the USA, it was so enjoyable getting to know everyone and their stories.

It only added to the wonderful experience that was Stray New Zealand.

5. I Spent Time with the Locals

If you like chatting to new people, then you’ll love Stray. Not only do you make friends with fellow travellers on your bus, but there are plenty of chances to speak with the locals at each stop too.

And then there’s the bus drivers.

All given a unique nickname, like Leftie, Panda and Keys, the Stray New Zealand drivers all have marvellous personalities. They spend a lot of time with the people on their buses so they get to know everyone pretty well. And they know how to bring the party!

6. I Was Pushed Out of My Comfort Zone

As well as doing things I never thought I’d do, Stray New Zealand pushed me out of my comfort zone by building my confidence.

I’ve always been a pretty anxious person by nature so meeting different people from all around the world really helped to bring me out of my shell.

We also had to do an icebreaker on the first bus that got everybody talking to each other and forged an immediate bond between us all that became the foundation of some beautiful friendships!

Stray New Zealand

7. I’d Never Done Anything Like Stray New Zealand Before

Finally, Stray New Zealand was such a unique trip and one I’ll never forget.

It wasn’t just about the breathtaking views, wide range of activities and one-of-a-kind experiences. It was also about the people I met and the conversations we all had.

The whole journey was nothing like anything I’d ever done before (and probably will ever do again). Therefore, I’ll treasure it forever.

Stray New Zealand: Final Thoughts

I would recommend Stray to anyone as it’s a great way to meet like-minded travellers, as well as get off the beaten track!

I kind of had a feeling I’d love it.

I mean, I remember thinking at the very beginning of the tour that if the rest of the trip was as good as that first day, then I was in for the trip of a lifetime!

And in the end, it really was.

Raglan

Thanks so much for reading!

Katie Davies

Katie Davies is the Yorkshire-based freelance writer who founded Trendy Tourist. Since 2017, she has written for over 100 companies on a range of subjects, from fashion to marketing. When she’s not producing content, you can find her shopping, exploring a new place or sitting somewhere having a cup of builder’s tea.

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Courtyard strollin’… (Looking for my next cup Courtyard strollin’…
(Looking for my next cup of coffee or glass of sangria — it all depends on the time of day!) 😉☕️🍹
This cute courtyard was in the middle of Palma city. The architecture and restaurants huddled in the square with al fresco drinking and dining instantly transported me back to Italy.
It reminded me of past cruise ship holidays with my parents where we visited the likes of Naples, Capri, Rome, Florence and Pisa and we would be in awe of the charm and beauty of these places.
But this post is about Palma in Majorca. 🇪🇸
Palma itself is a delight!
There’s so much going on in the centre, so much life and hustle and bustle, which is refreshing to experience after over two years of lockdowns and travel restrictions. 😅
I enjoyed our leisurely peruse of the city, soaking up the sun and seeing historic sights such as The Cathedral of Santa Maria, which dates back to 1601.
We even spent some time getting lost amongst the cobbled backstreets, popping in and out of shops before we regained our bearings once again. 😍
Our day in Palma reminded me how much I love exploring and how much travelling makes me feel fulfilled.
You just can’t beat it, right? ❤️
I already can’t wait for my next European city break (which hasn’t even been booked yet!).
What are some of your fave European cities? 👇🏻
#palmamallorca #trendytouristuk #palmacity #europetravels #exploreeurope #spaintravel  #travelblogging #travelbloggervibes #tbloggers #tbloggersuk #travelbloggersofig #travelbloggeruk #uktravelblogger #uktravelbloggers #visitpalma #travelgram #travelsquad #visitmallorca #mallorcaisland #mallorcagram #balearicisland #balearicislands
Happiest when I’m by the seaside. 🌊 One of Happiest when I’m by the seaside. 🌊 
One of my all-time favourite travel fashion pieces is the blue denim “mom-style” shorts.
You know, the relaxed-fit and high-waisted type that go with just about anything? 😉
You can pair them with a strappy top and sandals or flip flops for those warm summer days.
Or you can take them from day to night by swapping the strappy top for a chic blouse or cropped shirt and the flat sandals or flip flops for heels.
They’re just so comfy and cute! J’adore. ❤️
These ones are from @marksandspencerfashionpr which I’ll link via the @shop.LTK app along with some similar options.
(Check out the post here: https://liketk.it/3F1wG)
I lived in mine for my most recent trip to Majorca - even throwing them on over a bikini with a kaftan for those lazy pool days. ✌🏻 
Who else is a fan of denim shorts for summer holidays? ☀️
#liketkit #LTKswim #LTKunder50 #ltkunder100 #ltkstyle #ltkfashion #ltkstyletip #ltkstyle #ltkeurope 
#swimwearfashion #bikinistyle #bikinifashion #denimshorts #denimshort #jeanshorts #holidaystyle #holidayfashion #vacationstyle #trendytouristuk #travelfashion #travelstyle #vacaystyle #poolfashion #poolstyle #beachlook #beachfashion #beachstyle #beachoutfit #momshorts
That post-holiday feeling! You know, when you lan That post-holiday feeling!
You know, when you land after a few days in the sun and you feel refreshed, recharged and ready to take on the world again. 🙌🏻
And it helps if you travel in comfy clothes.
Plane, train and bus rides can be time-consuming (and stressful when things go wrong) so comfy travel gear makes the journey that little bit more bearable. ✈️ 
I’m currently loving lounge sets to travel in, such as this “Bon Voyage” lemon number from @lornaluxe x @inthestyle . 🍋
You can still get your hands on the shorts but, unfortunately, the sweatshirt is out of stock.
Not to worry though - I’ve linked some more pretty lounge sets to travel in via my shop on the @shop.LTK app. 
Shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content by visiting: https://liketk.it/3EAx9.
#liketkit #LTKstyletip #LTKeurope #ltktravel #ltkstyle #ltkfashion #ltkunder50 #ltkunder100 #trendytourist #airportoutfit #airportstyle #airportlook #airportfashion #airportvibes #travelfashion #travelstyles #traveloutfit #traveloutfits #travelfashionista #travellook #travelclothes #travelclothing #inthestyle #travelista #ukfashionbloggers #ukfashionblogger #fbloggerstyle #fbloggeruk #fbloggersuk
One of the best feelings in the world is those nig One of the best feelings in the world is those night-before-the-airport butterflies. 🦋
You know, when the suitcase is finally packed, the plane outfit is laid out and there’s nothing left to do other than get a good night’s sleep before you head to your new destination ✨ tomorrow ✨!
(But then you’re so excited that you end up not having the best sleep! 🤦🏼‍♀️)
Are you one of those travellers who gets to the airport super early or one of those super last minute people? ✈️ 
(I’m the former!)
#travelquote #travelquotes #travelquotestoliveby #travelquoteoftheday #travelthursday #travelthoughts #travelblogging #travelbloggervibes #travelinspirations #travelpassion #lifeinspiration #lifeinspo #quoteofday #quoteoflife #quoteoftoday #trendytourist #tbloggers #tbloggersuk 
#travelsquad #travelgirlsgo #travelgirlshub #planelife #airportlife
I’m blue da ba dee da ba di. 🎶 Okay so I uni I’m blue da ba dee da ba di. 🎶
Okay so I unintentionally wore blue, white and black all weekend.
Outfit one was for a Betty’s brunch for the hubby’s birthday and exploring Thirsk. 👀
The blue denim dress and checked shacket combo felt a bit sixties inspired and sassy teamed with black tights and white boots.
Then outfit two was for a pub lunch and drinks with the family (hubby’s birthday celebrations part two).
I went for a blue floral top, comfy black jeggings, a blue denim shearling jacket and those white boots again. 👢
This felt more seventies rocker vibes so naturally I had to wear it with attitude!
Which outfit is your fave? Details below. ✌🏻
Denim dress, shacket, tights, boots: all @marksandspencerfashionpr
Bag: @coach
Floral top and boots as before: @marksandspencerfashionpr
Jeggings: @uniqlo_uk 
Jacket: @levis_uk 
Sunglasses: vintage
Bag: @nastygal 
#outfitblog #outfitblogger #outfitbloggers #outfitlook #outfitselfie #outfitshot #outfitideas4you #outfitideasforyou #outfitdiary #outfit4real #outfitsoftheday #outfitrepeater #denimdress #denimdresses #denimjackets #denimjacketstyle #fashionblogging #ootddetails #ootdbloggers #styleonabudget #highstreetfashion #highstreetstyle #trendytourist #midsizegals #midsizegirl #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #midsizeblogger
Egg-cellent Easter weekend. 🐣🪺 (And I still Egg-cellent Easter weekend. 🐣🪺
(And I still have plenty of choccy left, yay!)
Here’s a little photo dump of what the hubby and I got up to in the sunshine… ☀️
Outfit details below!
Number one:
T-shirt @uniqlo_uk 
Skirt @marksandspencerfashionpr
Jacket @glassons
Trainers @puma
Bag @coach
Number two:
Shirt @zara
Jeans @asos
Sandals @primark
Bag @michaelkors
Which one is your fave? 💕
#bankholidayfun #bankholidays #easterweekend2022 #easter2022 #fbloggersuk #fbloggers #fbloggeruk #fashionbloggeruk #ukfashionblogger #ukfashion #ukfashionblog #ukfashionbloggers #fashionblogs #fashionblogging #ootddetails #ootdbloggers #styleonabudget #highstreetfashion #highstreetstyle #travelfashion #travelfashionista #trendytourist #midiskirt #satinshirt #travelblogs #travelbloggervibes
SS22 beauty trends in a nutshell: romance, nostalg SS22 beauty trends in a nutshell: romance, nostalgia and glam. 💅🏼
Now that the Spring/Summer 2022 fashion trends have filtered their way onto the high street, the associated beauty trends will soon be adopted by the masses as temperatures continue to rise.
Fellow millennials are going to love reliving their childhood/teenage years as we see a return of nineties and noughties makeup. 💄
Think Gwen Stefani and the Spice Girls with a dash of TLC.
Whether you want to play it safe with baby braids or experiment with bold metallics following in the footsteps of the Euphoria cast, there’s something for everyone to try this season. ✨
Which one of these 5 upcoming beauty trends will you give a go?
Visit the link in bio to uncover more beauty trends in my latest blog post. 🔗
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Wow, what a wedding celebration worth waiting for! Wow, what a wedding celebration worth waiting for! 👰‍♀️🤵‍♂️
Thank you so much to all our friends and family for making our day so special. 
You know you’ve put on a good party when random guests staying at the hotel ask the staff if they can join in because it sounds like a blast. 🎉🤣
(Scroll to the end of the carousel!)
I can’t wait to see and share more pictures, but here are a few in the meantime that pretty much sum up how awesome the day was!
(Oh and can any guests who haven’t sent me their photos/videos yet please contact me on WhatsApp - thanks! 🙏🏻❤️)
#weddingdaydetails #weddingdays #weddingdayinspiration #weddingdayready #weddingbloggers #weddingblogs #britishwedding #countrywedding #countryweddings #weddingdayideas #yorkshireblogger #yorkshirebloggers #ukwedding #ukweddings #aldwarkmanor #yorkshirewedding #yorkshireweddings #weddingvenues #weddingvenuesuk
Contemplating the fact that wedding day part two i Contemplating the fact that wedding day part two is in a matter of DAYS. 🙊
After over 18 months of planning, I can’t believe it’s almost upon us. 😱
Crossing everything for dry weather (even only for a small portion of the day!).🤞
On a side note, this outfit was styled by @nicolajanexo who has summer style nailed after living in Australia for one year and then New Zealand for three years. ☀️
This look is giving us Sarah from Byron Baes vibes. 🤩
(Anyone else watched this show on Netflix? We’re obsessed. ❤️)
#holidayfashion #holidaystyle #vacationstyle #vacationstyles #vacationfashion #travelfashion #trendytourist #travelstyles #travelfashionista #travelista #ukfashionbloggers #bloggerstyle #ukfashionblogger #fbloggerstyle #fbloggeruk #fbloggersuk #byronbaes #summerstyles #summerfashions #beachfashion #beachstyles
#tenerifeisland #tenerifeviews #tbloggers #tbloggersuk #poolfashion #poolstyle
In times of trouble, always look towards the light In times of trouble, always look towards the light. ✨
The sun has set on mine and @nicolajanexo’s time in Tenerife but I will be sharing lots more photos and Reels soon!
This trip has helped me to destress a ton after a very busy six months of my life so I can go forward with a healthier and more positive mindset.
Thanks to my big sis for being my rock during a difficult time and always having my back as my number one and only. ❤️
#holidayfashion #holidayfashions #holidaystyle #holidaystyles #vacationstyle #vacationstyles #vacationfashion #travelfashion #trendytourist #sunsetpic #sunsetpics #travelstyles #travelfashionista #travelista #ukfashionbloggers #bloggerstyle #ukfashionblogger #fbloggerstyle #fbloggeruk #fbloggersuk 
#floraldresses #losgigantes #tenerifeisland #tenerifeviews #tbloggers #tbloggersuk
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