35 Years of Kiwi Experience
The year it all started: 1989
October 2024 marks 35 years of Kiwi Experience, and we couldn’t be more proud (not to mention excited) to celebrate this incredible journey with you!
To kick off our celebratory festivities, we’re launching a series of anniversary blogs across this special year, where we’ll have a yarn with some of the crew that work behind the scenes and keep the wheels of our green buses turning, spotlight our legendary driver guides (who, let’s face it, have the best job in the world!), and hear from you - our incredible customers who’ve travelled with us and helped shape Kiwi Experience into what it is today.
But first, let’s kick things off with a bit of a history session…
The Beginning: Meet the Legends Behind Kiwi Experience
Let’s rewind the clock to October 1989, when Kiwi Experience first launched as the brainchild of three adventurous young Kiwis: Mike Warren, Neil Geddes, and Duncan McWhanell. With a bold vision to showcase New Zealand in a way no one had before, they set out to create something truly legendary.
Inspired by their travels in Europe - where Neil worked at the Walkabout Pub and Mike drove for Contiki tours - their experiences in the tourism industry sparked a groundbreaking idea: to merge New Zealand’s Intercity bus service with Europe’s popular ‘Hop-On-Hop-Off’ travel style.
When the pair returned to New Zealand, they were buzzing to bring their vision to life. However, being the smooth sales and marketing guys they were, they knew they needed someone who could roll up their sleeves and make things happen. Neil immediately thought of the perfect guy from his Waikato University days - Duncan McWhannell.
Mike later asked, “So, what did this guy study, Neil? Anthropology? Philosophy? Engineering?” Neil just laughed and replied, “Nah, mate - he was the gardener!” And that’s how Duncan ‘Donk’ McWhannell, the legendary gardener, joined the crew, along with his dog Giro (aptly named after the dole cheque).
The three hit the ground running, and Giro quickly became a Kiwi Experience mascot, appearing on ads, the sides of buses, and even T-shirts.
The inaugural trip
Kiwi Experience’s first trip kicked off with a four-day adventure down to Wellington, stopping overnight in Waitomo, Rotorua, and Ohakune, before looping back to Auckland.
The trio planned to hit the road in one of Leon’s buses (Neil’s dad) from Gordonton, cheekily nicknamed “Helga” - the best ride in town. There was just one hitch: no one had booked a seat!
But the following day, everything changed. The phone started ringing, and soon enough, three passengers were waiting at the Railway Station, with a few more scattered around local hostels.
Donk and his dog Giro jumped in the HQ Holden to help out while Neil cruised over in his trusty VW Beetle. After gathering up all eight passengers, the first-ever Kiwi Experience crew headed to Gordonton to pick up Helga.
When they arrived in Gordontown, Neil’s mum had made a roast for lunch for the whole gang—passengers, Giro, and all! With full bellies and high spirits, they all set off to Waitomo, the adventure officially underway.
On their way to Rotorua the next day, Helga ran out of diesel - something that doesn’t happen with today’s smooth operations. But back then, it was all part of the adventure. Donk, being the 'can-do' guy, wandered off and returned with a 12-litre container of diesel.
In late 2000, Tourism Holdings Limited (thl), New Zealand’s leading tourism operator, purchased Kiwi Experience from founders Mike, Duncan, and Neil. To this day, Kiwi Experience is known for providing independent travellers with unforgettable journeys. Its flexible itineraries allow guests to tailor their New Zealand adventure to their preferences, budget, and timeframe.
At Kiwi Experience, we aim to strike the perfect balance between freedom and the security of a guided group adventure. Our trips are more than just unforgettable experiences - they’re where people forge lifelong memories and friendships.
Our concept is simple: connect travellers with New Zealand’s breathtaking scenery and thrilling activities, while also venturing off the beaten path to uncover hidden gems. The result? A unique and unforgettable journey every time.
Why is 1989 such an epic year?
- Kiwi Experience launched
- The Berlin Wall came down
- The very first episode of The Simpsons aired
- Nintendo launched the Game Boy
- Taylor Swift was born
