kiwi experience small group tours reviews

What It’s Really Like to Travel New Zealand with Kiwi Experience (Review)

Posted by Francesca Brooking | New Zealand | 0

Heading to New Zealand soon? Read my honest Kiwi Experience review so you can decide if it’s the best way to travel around New Zealand for you.

New Zealand prides itself on being one of the most accessible countries for backpackers. It can be attributed to its good quality hostels and reliable ways to get around the country.

From campervans to bus tours, there isn’t a shortage of transport options at your disposal. 

I visited New Zealand as a first-time solo traveller and I decided to book the popular hop-on, hop-off bus tour operator, Kiwi Experience because I didn’t drive and I wanted an easy way to meet other travellers.

If you’re thinking about doing the same, keep reading. In this review of the Kiwi Experience, I share how it works, where it goes and what it’s like travelling around New Zealand on the Big Green Bus.

What is the Kiwi Experience? 

Kiwi Experience is a flexible hop-on, hop-off bus tour that takes its passengers around the North and South Islands of New Zealand . It’s been going for over 30 years now so it’s a well-established tour operator.

Recognisable by the big green bus, Kiwi Experience tours cover the length and breadth of the country, showing passengers all the bucket list highlights and hidden gems New Zealand has to offer. 

Passengers are given a flexible amount of time to complete a tour of their choice, with some tours allowing up to 12 months for completion, hence the ‘hop-on, hop-off’. That’s one of the biggest selling points of the tour.

You can then tailor your itinerary and accommodation along the way to suit your budget and travel style.  

Kiwi Experience’s signature green bus has gained a reputation for being a bit of a party bus among the locals as it caters predominantly towards 18-30-year-old backpackers; a little like Freshers Week on tour some say.

Nevertheless, it’s a useful and popular way to travel around New Zealand if you’re a first-time traveller, solo traveller, or simply don’t fancy the hassle of driving.  

And you don’t have to get involved with the party antics if you don’t want to. You can always hop off that particular bus and join another one.

For the record, my buses had 18-year-olds up to 60-year-olds so don’t let ’16-30′ put you off!

How the Kiwi Experience works 

Booking your Kiwi Experience bus pass is as easy as visiting the website and following the steps.

You can tailor your Kiwi Experience how you wish by choosing from a range of flexible hop-on-hop-off passes that cover New Zealand’s North and South Islands in as little or as much detail as you like. 

The tour operator also has the option to choose small group tours promising a maximum capacity of no more than 24 people at a time or private tours with just your group.

Although you have a slightly limited amount to choose from, these tours offer a quieter and more personal holiday experience. The small group tours range from 8-24 days and cost from NZ$1599 to NZ$5459.

Dedicated snowsports tours are also available in winter for those wanting to seek out the best slopes and ski resorts the country has to offer. 

A typical Kiwi Experience hop-on, hop-off bus pass can be as little as 2 to 25 days minimum, covering specific points of interest along the length and breadth of the country. 

Some passes allow you to start and finish anywhere whereas others are limited to the selected starting points.

To break it down, there are eight main types of bus passes you can do:

• Start / finish anywhere
• North Island only
• South Island only
• Start in Auckland, finish in Christchurch
• Start in Christchurch, finish in Auckland
• Start in Wellington, finish in Auckland
• Start in Auckland, finish in Queenstown
• Start in Queenstown, finish in Auckland

If you want to get your money’s worth then I recommend choosing one of the lengthier bus passes depending on how much time you have.

A) You might as well see as much of the country as you can while you’re there. 

B) Kiwi Experience is always running sales on their bus passes so you’re guaranteed to find a bargain. 

The beauty of the Kiwi Experience bus pass is that once you buy it, everything is sorted from your transport to your itinerary.

All you need to do is book your flights and have enough money saved up for your accommodation, food, drinks and activities. Easy. 

I went all in and booked the biggest Kiwi Experience bus tour for New Zealand – the Whole Kit and Caboodle.

True to its name, it left no stone unturned, covering the very tip of the North Island to the deepest south of the South Island in a minimum of 25 days.

The original price of this whopping tour was NZ$1779 but I managed to bag it for 40% off in a sale, paying NZ$1067. The original price has now gone up to NZ$1899 but keep reading to find out how to save dollars on these tours.

The Whole Kit is the most flexible bus pass on offer, allowing its passengers to start and finish anywhere with unlimited travel for up to 12 months. 

Why I did the Kiwi Experience 

I was travelling to New Zealand on my own. It was my first official long-haul solo trip so I wanted something hassle-free and easy so I could enjoy my trip without worrying about the intricacies of the itinerary.

The Kiwi Experience provided a safety net with a touch of flexibility, allowing me to strike out on my own when I wanted. 

I discovered the bus tour operator through STA Travel (it’s no more, sadly).

It appeared to be the perfect choice for first-time solo travellers who were overwhelmed by the thought of planning a trip to the other side of the world on their own. 

Review: what Kiwi Experience is really like

The Kiwi Experience may have gained a reputation for being a party bus, but the tour operator had its fair share of early mornings with scheduled departures long before 10am most days.

I would be lying if I said it wasn’t painful but after a few days of 7am starts it started to get a bit easier. I learnt very quickly that the key was to unpack as little as possible the day before. 

The bus spent a minimum of one night at each stop unless scheduled otherwise. Half the day was usually spent driving and the rest of the time was allocated to activities we had booked en route or relaxing at the hostel. 

On a few occasions, there was more driving than usual simply because there was a lot of ground to cover. I didn’t mind though as New Zealand wasn’t lacking on the scenery front.

Staring out of the window had never been so interesting! There were always regular pit stops along the way if you got peckish or fancied a stretch. Note, there are no bathrooms onboard the bus.

The drivers are an integral part of the Kiwi Experience tour. Depending on what bus pass you choose, you have several different drivers in one tour that operate on specific routes. Some of them have been doing it for decades. 

Your Kiwi Experience bus driver is more than just a driver, they’re your tour guide, entertainment manager and friend.

They’re full of stories about bygone trips, facts about each stop and jokes to make you laugh during the journey. 

Read More: 11 of the Best Responsible Tour Operators in the World

The pace of Kiwi Experience tours

Kiwi Experience can pass very quickly through its scheduled stops so it’s a good idea to hop off from time to time to give yourself a chance to rest, see more of the area and put on a much-needed clothes wash. 

If you do decide to stay a bit longer all you need to do is log into your Trip Planner (which you get access to once you book a tour), browse the bus timetable and book the bus that coincides with your dates.

If you need help, fire off a quick email or call the office and let them know the dates you plan to be getting off and what date you would like to be getting back on.

It’s vital to do this a few days in advance, particularly during the peak season (December – March) as buses tend to be full and you don’t want to get stranded –  as lovely as each stop is. 

Activities you can do with Kiwi Experience

Without giving too much of the game away, just some of the activities on offer include: 

• A cruise around Milford Sound
• Skydiving 
• Adventure sports in Queenstown
• Bungee jumping 
• White water rafting 
• The Bay of Islands and Cape Reinga
• Kayaking 
• Jet boating 
• Tamaki Maori Cultural Experience 
• Glacier walk
• Tongariro Crossing (you may need to build in some extra time for this)
• Whale watching   in Kaikoura
• Hobbiton 
• Plenty of free walks , excursions and cultural experiences

How to book your activities and accommodation with Kiwi Experience

Your bus pass doesn’t include accommodation and activities but they’re easy enough to arrange en route.

Accommodation

Kiwi Experience works with accommodation providers which are typically well-known (and well-rated hostels like Nomads and some cool independent ones like Bazil’s Hostel & Surf School.

On my bus tour, the driver passed around a clipboard for us to sign if we needed somewhere to stay at the next stop and then they called ahead to make the booking for us. It was the same deal for the activities. Then we just showed up and paid.

Now, Kiwi Experience’s Trip Planner is a lot more organised and you can book accommodation and activities at the click of a button. Simply log in and book the accommodation for the minimum number of days (usually one night with the occasional two or three nights).

Accommodation bookings are fully flexible so you can change them as many times as you want without charge in the Trip Planner. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to have accommodation booked at least 48 hours in advance to guarantee somewhere to stay.

If you’re staying somewhere for longer, your easiest option is to arrange extra nights directly with the accommodation or book somewhere different.

I did this a lot through Booking.com (it’s how I got to Genius Level 3 which gives you more savings, by the way!).

On my tour, they passed around a clipboard for activities too and we signed our names next to the ones we wanted to do.

Now you can pre-book in your Trip Planner and make changes to your bookings as much as you like without charge. If you prefer to book as you go, that’s fine too. Kiwi Experience always reserves spots so no one misses out.

Nothing is compulsory (it’s a holiday after all!) and you’re at perfect liberty to make your own activity and accommodation arrangements should you wish.

You just need to make it back to the bus in time. 

The pros and cons of travelling with Kiwi Experience 

Pros of Kiwi Experience 

1) The Kiwi Experience has a bus pass to suit most budgets so you can spend as much or as little as you want. 

2) Its hop-on-hop-off nature allows you to tailor your tour to your own pace, giving you an unhurried and flexible way to experience New Zealand. 

3) The company is passionate about its conservation efforts and works to support local businesses wherever it can. 

4) You’re with the same group almost 24/7 so it’s a great opportunity to make friends fast. 

5) While passes are an initial upfront investment, you can often get exclusive discounts on accommodation and activities.

Cons of Kiwi Experience 

1) The demographic on the Kiwi Experience is predominantly a young backpacking crowd so it might not suit everyone’s travelling style. 

2) Buses can get full and cliques can form. 

3) The bus pass’s flexibility is certainly a bonus but joining a new bus full of travellers can be a daunting prospect if they’ve already had time to form friendship groups. 

4) Bus passes for the whole country are expensive.

Cost breakdown of how much I spent

New Zealand is well-known for being an expensive country. Here’s a breakdown of the cost of one month on the Kiwi Experience (bus pass included): 

*Currency exchange rates are likely to fluctuate, so use the chart as a rough guide.

It’s worth noting that it took me nearly two months to complete my bus tour as I was keen to take my time.

This means that not every hostel and activity is accounted for here but it should be a helpful snapshot of the Kiwi Experience in full swing. 

Is the Kiwi Experience value for money?

Just like any travel experience, you want to make sure what you’re getting is value for money.

I would say if you’re a first-time traveller or solo traveller, the Kiwi Experience is worth the money because you don’t have the hassle of planning transport, activities or accommodation. You can turn up and enjoy the ride.

It’s also cheaper than renting a campervan on your own.

If you’re a more experienced traveller or travelling as a couple or with friends, you might have a better time building your own flexible itinerary with either a campervan or a bus pass like InterCity.

To get the most value for money, buy your bus passes when they’re on sale. Kiwi Experience runs plenty of sales throughout the year.

Kiwi Experience bus tours can get you discounts on selected activities and accommodation so you can save money as you’re travelling too!

Kiwi Experience sustainability initiatives

Kiwi Experience prides itself on being a low-impact form of travel.

It stands by the philosophy ‘green, not mean’, a commitment made by the tour operator to protect the communities it visits and the wildlife and nature it interacts with. 

Kiwi Experience takes part in numerous projects dedicated to preserving the flora and fauna of New Zealand.

Such projects include tree planting, regular beach cleanups in Westport which save on average 250kg of rubbish from entering the ocean each month and conservation efforts that are crucial to the survival of New Zealand’s iconic native bird, the kiwi. 

All Kiwi Experience buses have been fitted with a fuel monitoring system and every driver guide has been trained in ‘Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving’ (SAFED) to support the company’s commitment to reducing its carbon emissions by 20% in the last two years. 

Read More: 31 Best Responsible Tourism Destinations

Top tips for travelling with Kiwi Experience

• Use your Trip Planner to look ahead during your tour, book accommodation, check bus timetables and start budgeting for activities.  
• Do a Kiwi Experience tour during the shoulder or off-peak seasons (April-November) as buses are quieter which means you’re always guaranteed a place on the bus if you book it. 
• Budget. It’s easy to go a bit crazy and book up anything and everything but some of the top activities can be expensive. Make sure you set aside a budget for the activities you don’t want to miss out on. Talk to your driver if you’re unsure about the costs. 
• Don’t buy your bus pass at full price. The Kiwi Experience does regular sales so booking your tour far in advance won’t necessarily give you the best rate. 
• Invest in a freezer bag and a few Tupperware boxes when you’re in New Zealand. More often than not you will be staying in hostels and cooking your own meals, which will mean grocery shopping and leftovers!
• Pack comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting a little worn and muddy. Kiwi Experience is all about adventure and the outdoors so comfort is key. 
• If you decide to hop off the bus always make sure you have your next bus confirmed beforehand (particularly during the summer months). I heard plenty of stories of travellers getting stranded for weeks on end because there was simply no more room.
• Don’t feel obliged to take part in every single social engagement. It’s your holiday and you’re at perfect liberty to book a private room and get an early night should you wish to. 
• Don’t miss your chance to do an activity because you think you might do it later instead (I’m talking mainly about skydiving and bungee jumping here). You have no idea if the weather will be in your favour later on and you could miss your chance altogether. 
• The ferry from the North to South Island is not included with your bus pass so make sure you budget about NZ$20 each way!

Read More: Epic Day Trip From Queenstown You Need to Do

Kiwi Experience Review: My verdict

The Kiwi Experience is a fun and stress-free way to explore New Zealand. Perfect for first-time solo backpackers, it offers straightforward yet flexible tours that can give you as much or as little independence as you want.

The bus tours provide hassle-free access to some of New Zealand’s most treasured landmarks on the North and South Islands.

Its social vibe allows you to build fast friendships but catering predominantly to a younger demographic, it may not be suitable for older or more seasoned travellers.

Nevertheless, it’s a jam-packed, adventure-fuelled tour that takes you to the heart of New Zealand and beyond. 

I loved my experience and it gave me the confidence to push out on my own as a solo traveller.

To find out more about Kiwi Experience hop-on-hop-off bus passes, visit the Kiwi Experience website

Looking for more New Zealand travel tips? These articles can help!

• The Best Places to Stay in New Zealand
• 14 Incredible Hikes On the South Island of New Zealand
• The Ultimate Guide to Travelling Solo in New Zealand

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This post may contain affiliate / compensated links. As an Amazon Associate, I also earn from qualifying purchases. For full information, please see my disclaimer here .

About The Author

Francesca brooking.

Francesca Brooking is the Founder of Little Lost Travel. A travel expert with a passion for the planet, Francesca is on a mission to help you travel well. From Costa Rica to Jordan, she's travelled all over the world. When she's not off on an adventure, she's reviewing sustainable travel products and writing travel guides.

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Kiwi Experience Review: What is it Really Like to Travel with Kiwi Experience?

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, a kiwi experience review.

It’s like a bus tour that’s not a bus tour… What?! Yep, some of the Kiwi Experience reviews can be pretty confusing. That’s why we’re giving it a go ourselves to finally answer the question: what is it really like to travel on the Kiwi Experience bus? We’ll go through the experience of booking your Kiwi Experience bus pass, what a typical day is like on the bus, about hopping on and off the bus, what the vibe is like, and most importantly, is a Kiwi Experience bus pass really worth it?

Note that this is a review of Kiwi Experience’s hop-on hop-off bus tours; not their small-group tours. What’s the difference? T ake a look at What is the Difference Between the Buses in New Zealand? and   What is a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus?

Where to Book a Kiwi Experience Bus Pass

The first thing to note about Kiwi Experience is how easy it is to book your hop-on hop-off bus pass with them. You don’t need to decide on a travel date right here, right now. Your bus pass is valid to activate for up to 12 months after purchase. Only once activated (i.e. you book your first day travelling on the bus) does your 12 months of unlimited travel with Kiwi Experience start.

There are four easy ways to book your bus pass that we recommend:

• Kiwi Experience website – Perfect for those who love to have travel plans sorted early! Be sure to keep an eye out for seasonal deals.
• The Kiwi Experience shop in Auckland – Go straight to the source at Kiwi’s Experience’s HQ on Beach Road, Auckland
• TourRadar – They have regular sales and the tour website is a good place to compare routes, prices and reviews with other New Zealand bus tour companies
• Travel agents in New Zealand – We always find it cheaper to book with travel agents in New Zealand than with agents overseas. It’s likely that the first hostel you stay at will be able to book a Kiwi Experience bus pass for you.

A Typical Day With Kiwi Experience

One of the things that other Kiwi Experience reviews tend to be unclear about is what is it actually like to spend a typical day with them. One thing is for sure: every day is an adventure! There is, of course, some method to it all and you can expect the following:

Morning on the Kiwi Experience Bus

You’ll catch the bus at a prearranged time and place, usually between 7 am to 10 am outside of the accommodation that the bus passengers stayed the previous night. Your Driver Guide will tick you off the list, put your luggage on board, and on you go! Before setting off, your Driver Guide will tell everyone the plan for the day then you’ll hit the road.

Part way through the morning journey, you’ll stop for refreshments and a toilet break. By this time, you’ll already have met some new mates on the bus or reminisced on the antics from the day before.

Afternoon on the Kiwi Experience Bus

Clipboards will start making their way around the bus with some simple forms to fill out to let the driver know which accommodation you are staying at, what type of room, how many nights, and what activities you want to be booked for you at today’s end destination. You have the flexibility to either choose the hostel or lodge recommended by Kiwi Experience (which is where most passengers choose to stay) or let the driver know if you have other arrangements.

As for activities, your Driver Guide, who has tried them all countless times, lets you know what each experience is like so you know what you’re getting yourself into. But just remember, the Driver Guide is on commission to sell as many tours as possible. With that in mind, some guides can be a little pushy, saying that every skydive the bus tours come across are “the best in New Zealand”. For activities that can be done in multiple locations, like skydiving, we definitely recommend doing some prior research on NZ Pocket Guide *cheeky wink*.

Once you have chosen your accommodation and activities, all you have to do is sit back and mingle with your fellow travellers while your driver sorts out all the nitty-gritty stuff.

Throughout the afternoon, you’ll stop for lunch, be given the opportunity to stock up on supplies at a supermarket and stop at a few free attractions along the way. Mind-blowing hikes to majestic waterfalls are a regular occurrence! Or scenic coastal walks to seal colonies! Not to mention all the photo stops along the way! It’s the sort of experience you would never get if you were, for example, taking the InterCity bus .

Early Afternoon on the Kiwi Experience Bus

You’ll arrive at today’s final destination right outside of your accommodation. You will have ample time to check in, check out the hostel you are staying in (some have stunning riverside and lakeside locations), and then start one of the paid activities that your driver booked for you: white water rafting, bungy jumping, zorbing, horse trekking, sailing… New Zealand is your playground. All paid activities are optional. Your driver takes out the hassle of getting to your activity by either driving you straight there (and picking you up when you’re done) or recommending more free activities within walking distance of your accommodation.

Need more clarification on what it’s like to travel on a hop-on hop-off bus like Kiwi Experience, check out A Day in the Life of a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Passenger .

Booking the Next Trip

Following on from our typical Kiwi Experience day, the next day you can experience another day on the bus adventuring and heading toward the next destination on the route. Alternatively, you can choose to stay off the bus and “hop on” at a late date. Here’s what it’s like to book back onto the next bus:

How to Hop Back on the Bus

As soon as you know what date you want to get the next bus and continue on the route, you need to let the Kiwi Experience team know! You can only get back on the bus if there is a seat available for you, which can be a bit of a mission in the busy summer months. The best way to book your place on the bus is to give Kiwi Experience a call (+64 9 336 4286). They will tell you the next available dates to get back on the bus from your location. The booking process over the phone is super quick and simple – just make sure you have your passenger number handy!

How Often Do the Kiwi Experience Buses Run?

In the summer months ( December – February ) there’s a Kiwi Experience bus departing from each location they visit every day. There are departures around five times per week during March , October and November . In winter, the low season, buses depart once every two days.

For advice on when to visit New Zealand, check out  When is the Best Time to Visit New Zealand?

Departure times and pick-up points are super easy to look up on the Kiwi Experience website, with all their latest timetables posted!

Some Exceptions

Some days on the Kiwi Experience bus are a little different, so we thought we’d let you know some exceptions (or more like exceptional days)!

Trip to Milford Sound

It’s on everyone’s bucket list: the towering majestic mountains and glimmering waters of the breathtaking Milford Sound ! When you arrive in Queenstown with Kiwi Experience, you have the option to take a day trip to Milford Sound on the Kiwi Experience bus the next day. The day trip starts and ends in Queenstown, taking you to Milford Sound for a stunning cruise . The day still includes refreshment stops, but you’ll be on the bus a little longer than usual. A must-do!

North Island-South Island Ferry Crossing

To get between the North Island and the South Island , you’ll need to take the ferry. Kiwi Experience will book your ferry crossing, as if it were any other activity, for you. After your driver drops you off at the ferry terminal, you’ll enjoy a scenic cruise through the Wellington Harbour and Marlborough Sounds before getting into a different Kiwi Experience waiting for your group at the other end. The day will continue like any normal day on the bus.

For more details about the ferry, check out  The Ferry Between the North Island and South Island: Full Guide .

The General Vibe on the Bus

Most of us don’t necessarily want to develop memories on a bus, but Kiwi Experience makes it feel like a totally different experience than just commuting. The social vibe on the bus, as you travel with like-minded travellers, gives the bus a real “vacation” vibe as everyone is here to have fun and experience New Zealand! There are travellers from all over the world, some couples, some small groups of friends, and many travelling solo .

Is Kiwi Experience a Party Bus?

Kiwi Experience gets a reputation for being a “party bus” but that really depends on the crowd, as well as what you want to make of your experience. You can choose to join the party crowd if there is one and you want to get stuck in. Otherwise, there’s usually a few people that prefer to relax or go for evening strolls along the beach. Kiwi Experience throws one party on the route at Lake Mahinapua .

The final thing to note about the Kiwi Experience buses is that the vibe usually depends on the people and your driver. We have only had positive experiences, as well as only hearing positive experiences, but the beauty of a hop-on hop-off bus is that you can always hop off the bus if you don’t like the crowd and get on the next bus.

Is it Good Value for Money?

Most importantly, is Kiwi Experience worth it?

The best way to work that out is to work out how much your pass is worth per day. Simply divide the price of your chosen bus pass by the number of minimum travel days the bus pass allows. A good deal is when your bus pass works out to be around NZ$35 per day! This is especially considering that a normal coach trip in New Zealand, with none of the services that Kiwi Experience provides, usually costs NZ$30-$45 per day.

If you are on a shorter time, you should also check out the Kiwi Experience Small Group Tours with travel, accommodation and activities included whilst travelling with a small group. We detail their Small Group Tours more in  The 10 Best Backpacker Bus Tours in New Zealand .

Kiwi Experience often has some great deals on their bus passes, so keep an eye out on TourRadar and let the adventure begin!

How Much Does Kiwi Experience Cost?

The full price for a national hop-on hop-off pass is around NZ$1,600 but you will never pay the full retail price for a Kiwi Experience bus pass. Sales on bus passes happen year-round, usually bringing you around NZ$1,000 for a full national bus pass. Their Small Group Tours cost approximately NZ$3,600 for their most complete tour.

How to Budget for a Kiwi Experience Tour

Learn more about getting a good deal with our 5 Tips to Get a Better Deal on a Backpacker Bus Pass in New Zealand . Plus, check out how to keep the costs to a minimum on the Kiwi Experience bus by following our advice in How to Budget for a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Trip Around New Zealand .

More Kiwi Experience Reviews

That’s it for our complete review of what it is like to travel with Kiwi Experience. For more Kiwi Experience reviews, check out the following bus guides:

• What is the Difference Between Stray and Kiwi Experience ?
• 10 Things We Like About the Hop-on Hop-off Buses
• How Does the Hop-on Hop-off Bus Network in New Zealand Work ?

Finally, plan all things “bus” in New Zealand using our Travel by Bus in New Zealand: The Ultimate Guide and get more budget travel tips from  The Travel Guide to New Zealand on a Budget .

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
• Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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KIWI EXPERIENCE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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Kiwi Experience small group tours - Wanaka

Kiwi Experience Small Group Tours

85 Beach Road , Auckland Central , New Zealand .

Whatever you want to get out of your trip, the award-winning Kiwi Experience gives you what you need. Join our tribe of adventurers for instant connection and authentic cultural experiences across this mind-boggling wonderland we call New Zealand.

Pricing and Conditions

Tour Cost is inclusive of any additional activities and pre/post-accommodation. Outside 45 days: Loss of 10% of overall booking. 8 - 44 days: 50% of tour cost, Within 7 days: 100% of tour cost, Please be aware if you are booked through a third party such as a travel agent, their cancellation policy and terms and conditions may differ from our own. Be sure to check their particular terms. No refund will be given if you voluntarily leave a tour for any reason.

Our Small Group Tours are based on a fixed itinerary, where you stay with the same group of travellers as you experience New Zealand. We also offer: more activity inclusions than you’d expect and best price guaranteed on optional activities. Delivering you incredible value. Transport in a comfortable private vehicle. A passionate and experienced Kiwi Guide, not a guidebook. Accommodation included at every overnight stop as well as the night before your tour begins. Continental Breakfast (GF & Vegan options available) and foodie experiences along the way. Group sizes of no more than 16 people. Join our tribe of adventurers for instant connection and authentic cultural experiences across this mind-boggling wonderland we call Aotearoa.

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21-Day Grand Kiwi Small Group Tour

• Partially Guided

Places You’ll See

• Introduction
• Day 1 Arrival Day
• Day 2 Auckland to Coromandel
• Day 3 Coromandel to Waitomo
• Day 4 Waitomo to Rotorua
• Day 5 Rotorua (Extra Day)
• Day 6 Rotorua to Taupo
• Day 7 Taupo (Free Day)
• Day 8 Taupo to River Valley
• Day 9 River Valley to Wellington
• Day 10 Wellington (Free Day)
• Day 11 Wellington to Kaikoura
• Day 12 Kaikoura to Christchurch
• Day 13 Christchurch to Lake Tekapo
• Day 14 Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook (Return)
• Day 15 Lake Tekapo to Queenstown
• Day 16 Queenstown (Free Day)
• Day 17 Milford Sound (Day Tour)
• Day 18 Queenstown to Lake Hawea via Wanaka
• Day 19 Lake Hawea to Franz Josef
• Day 20 Franz Josef (Free Day)
• Day 21 Franz Josef to Christchurch

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What's Included

• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Your peace of mind options, cancellation policy.

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Reviews About This Operator

• Tour Operator Kiwi Experience 4.6
• Bilke · 18th April 2024 The tour itself was really nice and some of the extra activities were nice additions. However, the breakfast options... Show more
• Zoltan · 4th March 2024 I participated in all the optional activities and the tour became one of the best ever. I strongly recommend to... Show more
• Marina · 14th February 2024 Loved this trip, great sights and cultural events!

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• January 2025
• February 2025
• Monday 1 Jul, 2024 Sunday 21 Jul, 2024 English €3,172 Confirm Dates
• Wednesday 4 Sep, 2024 Tuesday 24 Sep, 2024 English €3,172 0% Interest Instalments Only Pay 10% Deposit Confirm Dates
• Wednesday 18 Sep, 2024 Tuesday 8 Oct, 2024 English €3,172 0% Interest Instalments Only Pay 10% Deposit Confirm Dates
• Wednesday 2 Oct, 2024 Tuesday 22 Oct, 2024 English €3,172 0% Interest Instalments Only Pay 10% Deposit Confirm Dates
• Wednesday 16 Oct, 2024 Tuesday 5 Nov, 2024 English €3,172 0% Interest Instalments Only Pay 10% Deposit Confirm Dates
• Wednesday 30 Oct, 2024 Tuesday 19 Nov, 2024 English €3,172 0% Interest Instalments Only Pay 10% Deposit Confirm Dates
• Wednesday 13 Nov, 2024 Tuesday 3 Dec, 2024 English €3,172 0% Interest Instalments Only Pay 10% Deposit Confirm Dates
• Wednesday 27 Nov, 2024 Tuesday 17 Dec, 2024 English €3,172 0% Interest Instalments Only Pay 10% Deposit Confirm Dates
• Wednesday 8 Jan, 2025 Tuesday 28 Jan, 2025 English €3,172 0% Interest Instalments Only Pay 10% Deposit Confirm Dates
• Wednesday 15 Jan, 2025 Tuesday 4 Feb, 2025 English €3,172 0% Interest Instalments Only Pay 10% Deposit Confirm Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

We are there for you! If you have any questions about this tour, then please don't hesitate to contact us 24/7 and we will get back to you latest within 2 hours!

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Good to Know

• Currency $ New Zealand Dollar New Zealand

As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, South Africa you will need an adaptor for type I.

• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 2nd August 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 2nd August 2024, a minimum payment of 10% is required to confirm your booking with Kiwi Experience. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Kiwi Experience will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Kiwi Experience" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
• TourRadar is an authorised Agent of Kiwi Experience. Please familiarise yourself with the Kiwi Experience payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Kiwi Experience - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

Kia ora! How can we help you today?

Contact kiwi experience, auckland head office.

83 Beach Rd, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Small Group Tours

ENDS 10 JUNE 2024

HUDDLE UP & SAVE ON WINTER SMALL GROUP TOURS!

Small Group Tour

North Island Revive

Start: auckland, finish: wellington, 11 days.

At Kiwi Experience, our commitment extends beyond the thrill of adventure – it's a promise to care for New Zealand, both today and for generations to come. The Revive tour takes you on a journey through Te Ika-a-Māui (The North Island), with a strong focus on travelling with safety, consideration, and a deep respect for our land and culture, and travelling with an open heart and mind. This 11-day guided Small Group Tour will take you to some of the most stunning and culturally rich places in New Zealand, with hotel accommodation, activities and some meals included along the way so you can sit back, relax, and experience the true essence of Aotearoa New Zealand. 

What's included:

Read more on our  Booking Guarantee   here

Tour Dates - 2024/2025

13 July - 23 July 24     Book Now   - ON SALE NOW! 10 August - 20 August  24     Book Now   - ON SALE NOW! 05 October - 15 October  24     Book Now   - ON SALE NOW! * 11 January - 21 January 25     Book Now

 * Guaranteed Departure

NZ $2639.20

Day 1 Auckland Arrival

Welcome to Auckland, the city of sails and the larget city in New Zealand, where you will begin your Revive tour. Your accommodation for this evening is included and will be staying at the Copthorne Hotel, located at 150 Anzac Avenue, Auckland Central. You'll be able to check into your accommodation from 2pm onwards.

If you have the time today we recommend walking round Auckland CBD, and visiting the iconic SkyTower, giving your 360 degree views of Viaduct Harbour, which is full of superyachts and lined with bars and cafes. If you want to venture even further then we recommend checking out Mt Eden; an extinct volcano in Auckland City with great views of the Auckland's harbour.

This evening at 7pm, get to know your fellow travellers and Kiwi Experience Small Group Tour Driver Guide during a welcome evening.

Accommodation

• Copthorne Hotel 

Experiences & Highlights

• Auckland City
• Welcome evening

Day 2 Auckland to Bay of Islands

Departing Auckland bright and early, we head North to Paihia, stopping at Whangarei Falls on our way. By midday, you’ll find yourself in the Bay of Islands, also known as the ‘Winterless North’ – a true paradise waiting to be explored. Home to 144 picturesque islands, the Bay of Islands is known for its pristine beaches and historical heritage. This afternoon you'll have a guided tour of the Waitangi treaty grounds – a place rich in cultural history and known as the ‘birthplace of the nation.’ Here you will discover the stories, people, and events that have shaped Aotearoa New Zealand’s past present, and future, and learn why Waitangi is New Zealand’s most important historic site.

• Kingsgate Hotel Paihia (twin share)
• Whangarei Falls
• Waitangi treaty grounds tour (included)

Day 3 Bay of Islands (free day)

Today you have a full day to explore the beautiful Bay of Islands. If water activities are your thing, this is the place for you! Set sail on a cruise to the renowned Hole in the Rock and discover the hidden treasures of the surrounding islands. Keep your eyes peeled for the diverse marine wildlife that calls this area home. If you prefer a more active approach, indulge in sailing, fishing, diving, or parasailing. Alternatively, simply unwind and bask in the sun-kissed glory of the beach.

• Hole in the rock cruise (optional add-on)
• Cape Reinga tour (optional add-on)
• Parasailing (optional add-on)

Day 4 Bay of Islands to Auckland

After breakfast you'll get the opportunity to paddle in a traditional Māori Waka with unique insights into our ancient customs, rituals and traditions. The Bay of Islands, originally known as Taiamai, is home to Ngapuhi, New Zealand’s largest tribal Māori group. Paddle your way to the Haruru Falls and soak in the amazing sights of Paihia and Waitangi.

Afterwards, we depart Paihia and travel back to Auckland for the night.

• The Copthorne Hotel (twin share)
• Waka experience (included)

Day 5 Auckland to Waitomo via Raglan

Departing Auckland, we head south to Raglan, well known for its pristine black-sand beach and long surf break at Manu Bay. Here, you can go surfing (lessons and surfboard hire are optional), kayaking around the stunning coastline (optional), or explore the Raglan township which is full of character, with an entertaining mix of cafes, bars, surf shops and galleries. Before leaving Raglan we’ll visit Bridal Veil Falls, and then head onto to Waitomo, one of New Zealand’s best natural attractions. In Māori, 'wai' means water, and 'tomo' means hole. Waitomo is more than caves and glowworms; it's a cultural hub rich in Māori history, myths and legends. Some of the cave guides are descendants of Chief Tane Tinorau, the original explorer of the caves. You'll get the chance to marvel at the glowworms and limestone formations and learn about the cultural significance of the caves on an included walking tour of Ruakuri Cave.

• Waitomo Chalets (twin share)
• Surf lesson in Raglan (optional add-on)
• Kayaking in Raglan (optional add-on)
• Ruakuri Cave Tour Waitomo (Included) 

Day 6 Waitomo to Rotorua

We start the day with a refreshing walk through the Ruakuri Reserve and say goodbye to those glowing little critters. Next, we'll pass through The Shire of Hobbiton where you’ll have the opportunity to discover the Hobbiton Movie Set (optional activity) before rolling on through to Rotorua; a mystical land of bubbling mud pools, rocketing geysers and natural hot springs. On arrival to Rotorua we'll head to Redwoods Tree Walk - a 700 metre long walkway that consists of a series of 28 suspension bridges traversing the gaps between 27 majestic 120-year-old Redwood trees. Enjoy breathtaking and stunning views from a birds eye perspective. This evening you have the option of visiting Secret Spot Hot Tubs, where you can soak in your own tub surrounded by ferns and overlooking the stunning Whakarewarewa Forest (optional activity).

• Copthorne Rotorua (twin share)
• Ruakuri Reserve hike
• Redwoods Treetop walk
• Hobbiton Movie Set Tour (optional add-on)
• Secret Spot Hot Tubs (optional add-on)

Day 7 Rotorua

There's so many things to see and do in Rotorua, there's something for everyone. This morning we'll go to the National Kiwi Hatchery (included) where you’ll get a behind the scenes tour, getting you close and personal with our national icon – the Kiwi bird. Every person on our tour that visits, helps us contribute to the survival of these endangered bird species. 

Afterwoods we'll explore Kuirau geothermal parks to see the crater lake, bubbling mud pools, hot springs, and a free thermal foot bath. One that we would defintely recommend is heading up the Skyline Gondola (optional add-on) for amazing panaramic views of Rotorua and if you're feeling more adventurous, head back down by luging; a part go kart, part toboggan fuelled by gravity, wind through the downhill track whilst taking in the breathtaking views.  

From late afternoon we head off to visit Te Pā Tū Maori Village where you will be immersed in the traditions and cultural values of the Māori people. Participate in a pōwhiri (welcoming ceremony), learn about the history of the marae (village) and the Rotorua-area from a local Māori guide before feasting on some top kai (food) from the hāngi pit. Afterwards, gather around a blazing bonfire where you will enjoy Māori myths and legends before retiring for the night in a traditional carved whare moe (sleeping house).

• Te Pā Tū Maori Village - a traditional carved wharemoe sleeping house (multi-share)
• Te Pā Tū Maori Village overnight stay
• National Kiwi Hatchery visit (Included)
• Kairau Geothermal Park
• Rotorua Canopy Zipline tour (optional add-on)
• Skyline Gondola and Luge (optional add-on)

Day 8 Rotorua to Taupo

Today we leave the geothermal wonderland and head to the Great Lake Taupo; New Zealand’s largest lake (actually an extinct volcano crater) where you’ll get visit and walk Huka Falls. Afterwards we'll set sail on New Zealand’s only commercial electric (zero carbon) yacht on the crystal-blue waters of Lake Taupō (included). Investigate the hidden bays and dramatic coastline that tell the story of Taupō’s volcanic past. Only accessible by boat, discover the history and cultural significance of the Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay.

• Lakefront Lodge (twin share)
• Huka Falls walk
• Sailing on Lake Taupo (included)

Day 9 Taupo

Taupo’s central location means it’s a hop, skip and a jump away from other world-class activities which we give you the option to experience on this free day. Experience Mount Ruapehu or hike  the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (extra activity); a dramatic landscape of stunning contrasts created by extinguished lava flows and emerald lakes. It’s no surprise Tongariro is often described as one of New Zealand’s best one-day hikes. 

• Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike (optional add-on)

Day 10 Taupo to River Valley

We head south today around the Tongariro National Park and travel to the ultimate adventure Eco-lodge - River Valley. Located beside the Rangitikei River in the central North Island of New Zealand, River Valley is a remote, family-run lodge where you can seek adventure or embrace the solitude and blissfully disconnect. Choose to white water raft on the Rangitikei River (optional activity), experience horse trekking and learn natural horsemanship techniques (optional activity), or explore the beautiful location by e-bike (optional activity).

Tonight we will enjoy a Farm-To-Table meal prepared freshly by the River Valley Chef (included). The team is passionate not just about food but also about where the food comes from. They strongly believe in sourcing ethical, local, and sustainable food and serving wholesome and healthy food.

• River Valley Lodge (multi-share)
• Horse Treking (optional add-on)
• White Water Rafting (optional add-on)
• Home grown farm-to-table dinner (included)

Day 11 River Valley to Wellington

This morning we head through the rolling hills full of deer, cattle and sheep, where we’ll stop off in Taihape for a friendly gumboot throwing competition. Yes, that’s right you heard correctly! You’ll get to enjoy a friendly gumboot throwing comp in the gumboot capital of the world. After all the excitement of rubber we head on to Wellington arriving early afternoon. This city is the undisputed capital of culture, the arts, restaurants, fashion, nightlife and craft beer. Here you can experience Mount Victoria and Te Papa; New Zealand's national museum. Unfortunately the tour is nearly over, but before we all hug it out and shed some tears, we’ll take a visit to Wellington’s well known “Cuba Street” for one last hurrah!

Accomodation

• Not Included
• Taihape Gumboot throwing competition
• Mount Victoria lookout 
• Te Papa museum visit

What's Included

• 9 nights accommodation - 6 hotel (twin share) and 2 lodge (multi-share)
• Plus 1 night Maori Village overnight experience (traditional multi-share room)
• 10 tasty breakfasts (vegetarian, vegan and GF options available)
• 2 locally sourced dinners (vegetarian, vegan and GF options available)
• Waitangi Treaty Grounds guided tour
• Maori Waka (boat) experience
• Whangarei Falls visit
• Ruakuri Cave Tour Take a selfie with a Glowworm 
• Redwoods Treetop Walk
• Behind-the-scenes tour of the National Kiwi Hatchery
• Lake Taupo sailing experience
• Tongariro National Park
• Te Papa Museum
• Various scenic hikes

Optional Extras

Our Small Group Tours offer a fixed itinerary, with a few bucket list items included. There are plenty of additional activities you can add on to your experience as you travel.

Hole in the Rock Cruise

Hobbiton movie set tour, kaitiaki rafting, redwoods walk, skydive taupo, skyline gondola and luge, tongariro crossing, what our passengers think, small group tour review.

Getting to know New Zealand, nature and the culture

Meeting new people from all over the world, and making great memories — Elisa (Germany)

Learn about NZ, other people and about myself

The tour is small enough to bond, but big enough to still meet loads of new people — Ruoling (Canada)

Its a lot of fun, you really get to know people and connect.

You travel a lot of ground on this tour, see lots of things and Kiwi Experience provides lots of activities to do, paid and free. — Isabella (Denmark)

I’m a solo traveller... will I meet other solo travellers?

Absolutely! The majority of our passengers are travelling solo. Kiwi Experience is a social experience guaranteed to leave with new friends from across the globe.

Am I too old/young for Kiwi Experience?

We welcome the young, and the young at heart aboard our buses, there is no upper limit! There is however a lower limit; you’ll need to be 18 at the time of travel.

How much luggage am I allowed to bring?

Passengers are allowed one 23kg suitcase/backpack and one day bag, as there are strict weight restrictions on our buses.

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KIWI EXPERIENCE (Auckland Central) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go