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The Kiwi Experience was the first tour company in New Zealand and thus is one of the largest and most well known.
They call themselves the "original adventure travel network for backpackers and independent travellers." If you're looking for a booze bus or an easy shag, then this is the tour to go on.
Tickets are valid in one direction with unlimited stops for 12 months. This means you can hop on and off at your leisure and do your
own thing. Simply contact the office when you want to book back on the bus and your sweet as. They give you "the opportunity to be
adventurous, independent, and culturally aware" travellers.
They offer numerous of free activities along with the paid activities, so you'll never be just left on the bus. For instance, go sandboarding
down the dunes in Cape Reinga and see where the two oceans meet. Dig your own hot pool in Whitianga and check out the spectacular coastal views at Cathedral Cove. In Waitomo you can
walk to New Zealand's 3rd largest waterfall or check out the Taranaki Falls in Tongariro National Park near Taupo. (It's Lord of the
Ring's territory.)
When you head down to the South Island, you can take a bushwalk along the isolated coastal sea colony or take in the
Milford Sound Cruise
and the Underwater Observatory. You can also check out Catlins Coast, Fossil Forest and Curio Bay, all without having to pay an extra cent.
Accommodation is not included in the tour prices but can be reserved ahead of time - you will be staying in the budget hostel in most cases. Make sure to book ahead as
in high season accommodation can be very hard to come by and a bit expensive. Most hostels provide self-catering facilities. If you love to
cook, there are ample stops at supermarkets. If you prefer to eat out, just ask for some suggestions on the tasty locals places.
The driver guides come from various backgrounds and are there to help make the most out of your time in New Zealand. All drivers are
put through an intensive training program and are fully qualified to drive a passenger bus. They may act a bit crazy, but they do understand
the importance of safety first!!
The small print on the brochure states the basics: tickets are transferable but not refundable; tickets are valid once for each sector they cover;
staff isn't responsible for anything you lose - physical or mental; confirmations MUST be made 48hrs in advance for onward travel; interisland ferry crossing isn't
included in any passes and will cost around NZ$40; as with everything, all activities are weather and time dependent.
Here are what we think the best Kiwi Experience tours are... (There are a bunch more available, but these cover the most for the best amount of money)
 Auckland Welcome Pack Auckland
Bay Adventure
Head up to the lovely Bay of Islands with this pass. Departing from Auckland at 715am you arrive just in time for lunch and an afternoon on the beach. The trip can be completed in one day, but its best to give yourself a couple to enjoy the Bay.
Funky Chicken
This national pass with Kiwi Experience is valid for 12 months and covers most of the North and South Islands. It takes a minimum of 23 days in the winter and 21 in the summer.
Northern Adventure Auckland
Northern Nose Rider Auckland
Northern Round Up
This Kiwi Experience short break is great for those a bit short on time. The minimum trip time is 9 days and covers Auckland, Whitianga, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington and more.
Scenic Adventure Auckland
Sheep Dog
This tour with Kiwi Experience starts in Auckland and finishes in Christchurch. It runs around NZ$600 and takes a minimum of 18 days in the winter and 16 in the summer. Highlights include the Franz Josef Glacier.
The Full Monty
Flexible national pass with Kiwi Experience allows you to start anywhere and finish back where you started. This trip takes a minimum of 38 days in the winter and 31 in the summer and runs about NZ$1500. This is probably your best bet if you have tons of time in the country and want to see as much of it as you can.
Kea
This Kiwi Experience pass starts in Christchurch and finishes in Auckland. It takes a minimum of 18 days in winter and 15 days in summer. Highlights include Christchurch, Queenstown, Franz Josef, Nelson, Wellington, Rotorua, Auckland and more.
Southern Adventure Christchurch
Southern RoundUp
Start anywhere in the South Island with this pass from Kiwi Experience and finish where you started. Highlights include Picton, Nelson, Christchurch, Queenstown, Franz Josef and more. Minimum trip time is 11 days.
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Some information from Kiwi Experience.
If you're gonna travel abroad, make sure you are prepared... take it from us, travel insurance is an absolute must!
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