Carla Bragagnini (@carla.writes) recently jumped on the Big Green Bus and is now a self-proclaimed Kiwi Experience-er, so we thought we’d ask for her personal advice for travelling on the bus!

I didn't have much of a plan when I first moved to New Zealand last year on a year-long Working Holiday visa from Canada. All I knew is that my flight landed in Auckland and I wanted to travel south from there in search of work and accommodation. Why south? I'm not really sure, it just seemed that most travellers headed that way. It wasn't until I arrived in the country and met travellers who spoke so fondly of their adventures in Northland (the northernmost region of New Zealand) that my plans were swayed. And I'm so glad they were because it turns out Northland is one of Aotearoa's best kept secrets.

So after a few months of living and working in Tauranga, it was time to head back to Auckland. This time, I reached Auckland with the opposite intent in mind – to hop on a bus headed north (as far north as I could go!). And so began my first Kiwi Experience – with Auckland as gateway to Northland on the “Bay & Cape!”

Booking

Once I signed up for the trip, the anticipation began! I was sent a confirmation email with a few housekeeping items and suggestions. I read through the FAQs and made sure to join the “Kiwi Experience Travel Community” on Facebook to connect with other Kiwi Experience travellers (kia ora, whanau!). I also registered for the “Online Trip Planner” to plan accommodation and add-on activities. The portal also allows for the pre-booking of buses (at least two days beforehand is recommended). 

Packing

It's true what they say – “pack your bag and then remove half the contents” (aka less is more!). If you forget anything (other than your passport!), you can buy a replacement when you arrive – I'm speaking from experience, I had to buy soap in Auckland. Besides being more manageable on the multiple stopovers, having extra room in your bag allows for impromptu purchases and souvenirs (merino is a notable space-hogger). Luckily, the Kiwi Experience bus will drop you off at your accommodation (or at a central location), so even if you're accidentally on the heavier end of the 23kg allowance (it happens), your bag-lugging distance should be minimal. 

Besides toiletries, clothes and accessories, here are a few things you won't regret packing:

• An external battery charger – it will come in handy during long bus rides, day hikes and excursions (you will inevitably take hundreds of photos, whether you want to or not).
• A bathing suit (or togs,  as they're known in New Zealand) – even in winter, you never know when you'll wind up at hot springs or, in my case, a hostel with a hot tub.
• Flip-flops (or jandals in Kiwi-speak) – comfy to lounge around with socks in the hostel (comfort over fashion!), in the shower or for entering/exiting aforementioned hot springs or hot tubs.
• Snacks (very essential for long legs of travel) - while you do have the chance to stop in towns on the way, it's a good idea to have a snack reservoir. I got mine at a supermarket in Auckland (for fun, try getting some unique Kiwi choccies, crisps and lollies – Pineapple Lumps, Chocolate Fish, Whittaker's, to name a few).
• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water bottle – even on a cloudy day, the sun in the southern hemisphere hits different.
• Notebook – maybe it's just me, but I love writing down my impressions and interesting points from the Driver Guide's commentaries.
• Headphones – bonus points for saved podcasts to listen to on the way.
• Hiking shoes – New Zealand is hiking (aka tramping) heaven.
• Rain jacket – thank me later.
• Phone with:
• Pre-downloaded offline maps – for in-town navigation or tracking your bus journey, while             limiting data usage.
• Messaging apps – most travellers use Whatsapp and/or Messenger, so it's important to exchange contacts in case you're booked into different accommodation or activities, for sharing photos and staying in contact post-trip (I still keep in touch with my Kiwi Experience crew).
• Plenty of storage space (for the abundance of photos and videos).
• Data - Luckily, I bought a phone and data plan when I first arrived in New Zealand (hot tip: Auckland Airport has short-term, traveller-friendly options with Spark and Vodafone). Since Kiwi Experience buses don't have wifi, phone data is the way to go for on-board connectivity (although if you ask me, nothing beats watching the rolling hills outside). 

Travellers

On my Kiwi Experience, the age group varied from recent grads to a mother-daughter duo. As a solo traveller, I loved the flexibility and ease of the experience. Although I was nervous beforehand, I had new friends the moment I stepped on the bus (actually, even before that – as we were all waiting for pick up at the hostel lobby. All it took was one person asking, “Are you waiting for Kiwi Experience?” and the rest is history). There were plenty of solo travellers and some pairs. It was possible for each person or group to go their separate ways at times. For example, there was one day where some of us went on an optional boat trip, while others went skydiving. Another day I woke up early to go on a solo beach walk. Just like New Zealanders are easygoing, so is Kiwi Experience – the nature of the trip is entirely up to you. Our group opted to get together at the end of the day to cook dinner or go for a walk in town, while sharing our experiences. It felt like a big family at the end of the trip! 

Planning

I wasn't sure how much of my Kiwi Experience trip I needed to plan in advance. As mentioned, the “Online Trip Planner” is your one-stop shop for activities, accommodation and bus scheduling. The Driver Guide was available to answer questions and give suggestions for things to do at each destination. Ahead of the arrival in Paihia, for example, I asked the Driver Guide to help me weigh out my options. Afterall, they are experts in the region (ours lived in Paihia!), so take advantage of that. I'm glad I didn't plan everything because it meant I could spontaneously adventure to the neighbouring town of Russell with new friends I'd met on the bus. My advice? Lock in a few essential details, but leave a little wiggle room to welcome the excitement of the unknown.

While I do recommend you research your trip to New Zealand a little more than I did – I have to say, I'm grateful (to a certain extent) for my loose planning. If I hadn't been open to the advice of other travellers when I first arrived in the country, I might never have gotten on a Kiwi Experience Northland-bound bus in the first place. And I would have missed out on some of the best moments of my travels so far.