Our Customer Reviews

Good way to see NZ. Definitely some things I would change though. - Too many stops along the way and time spent on the bus. I think you they should set one time in the morning and if someone’s not there leave. Too much time waiting around. I also think some of the stops to get pictures is a little overkill. I’d rather just get there at some point it just becomes mountains. Also, too many stops at grocery stores (sometimes twice a day) just make one stop and tell everyone to load up for the day. - Buses are very uncomfortable. I’ve always been able to sleep well on buses, cars, planes, etc but for me the bus seats were built for shorter people. I’m 185 cm so the headrest actually falls towards my back. Had to roll up a hoodie and put it behind my head to be able to put my head back. Seats also don’t recline which seems like day 1 stuff. - the biggest disappointment was wait lists and the fact that it is marketed as hop on/hop off when in reality if you’re travelling in peak season it’s not. You’re stuck on wait lists unless you call multiple days ahead, which is tough to forecast when you’re planning something you don’t know. I think more buses need to be added during peak season so you can have more flexibility during your trip. For those on set timelines you can’t really afford to be stuck in one spot on a wait list. You also meet people and want to stick around with them but can’t. The hop on/hop off is not really the case. - I know they probably have partnerships but would be nice to stay at non dry hostels. We’re all backpackers not flush with money to spend on booze every night. They say beers are cheap but 6-8 bucks a beer adds up very quickly. Positives though: -they take you to awesome spots. I think it’s a great way to see Nz -you meet awesome people along the way. -most of the drivers are really good guys and have very infectious personalities. Shoutout Aussie rob, and stretch.

New Zealand is probably the most stunning country I've ever been to and I've enjoyed my time there a lot. Travelling with Kiwi Experience made my experience even better. I went to New Zealand by myself but I was so surprised how easy it was to meet new people on the Kiwi bus. The bus drivers are very friendly and inform you well about the surroundings, accommodation and activities. Kiwi Experience guarantees you at least the first night of accommodation, so there's not much to worry about during your trip. You can also download the Kiwi Experience app on your phone (which works without internet) so it's really convenient to look up the itineraries, accommodations, free and paid activities, and more. The ambiance in the bus is good, there's good music and there's often a few (photo) stops on the way to your next destination. I've enjoyed travelling through the south island with Kiwi Experience so much that I have already booked my second bus pass for the north island as well. I'm really looking forward to explore even more parts of this gorgeous country! :)

It was so easy to see so many beautiful places in this short time.

I am an older female traveller on my own and found this a perfect way to see NZ. Drivers were funny and helpful and office staff lovely.

We bought this trip because ir friend recommended it and it was a really easy way to travel New Zealand while being social!

I traveled the South Island and had more time than suggested so I didn't stay with one certain bus or group. It was okay most of the times but you should be sure what you get into.. Especially in summer times the busses are full, there are waitlists and the hostels crowded (especially the kitchens). I often booked another hostel which I could recommend. Fair prices and easy to book tours.

I had a really good experience. I met nice people and I saw wonderful things

I am very happy, that I did my NZ trip with Kiwi! I met a lot of cool people and I had a great time in Nz. My driver, Pickels,was a great and funny guy. There were some points I didn't like, about the route, i didn't like lake mahinapua and river valley. These are both very boring places and you just waste your money, because you have to sleep ( and in mahinapua you have to pay the food!!!) There.

Kiwi pass was great value for money. Just wish it was recommended to stay longer in places

I'm so happy I went with Kiwi experience! Best choice I did while traveling. The places we visited, the activities, the accommodations and the people were amazing! I got friends for life doing this tour. Doing tamaki getting together as a family in the bus. People that cry when others stay longer in one place. Kiwi will always be in my heart. I was on crutches the whole time but with help from people from the bus and the drivers I made it through and had an amazing time. Calling the office to rearrange my itinerary and 5 minutes late get and updated one with all the day I wanted was amazing. Even with the landslide happening kiwi just made it work. The party at Lake Mahinapua was so fun. Full of energy. Everyone gave all they got on costumes and it was amazing. One thing I find bad is the drivers. On the month I was traveling with kiwi I had: Richie, Josh, Stretch, Jacob, Harry, Ben L and Rik. What I don't find okay is the way the drivers approach women. I'll write further about this .