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Frequently asked questions about Kiwi Experience

How does the Kiwi Experience work?
Your Kiwi Experience travel pass states where your journey must start and end. All of our passes are valid for six months so they offer you the freedom and flexibility to hop on and off our fleet of buses anywhere along the way and spend as much time as you like in each place.

Who travels with Kiwi Experience?
We carry a variety of nationalities who are predominantly adventure-seeking travellers in their 20s and 30s. It is about your attitude not your age, as quite a few 40-plus backpackers have experienced our trips and had a ball!

What are the buses like?
We use the best vehicles for the job, from eight-seater vans to 4WD all-terrain vehicles and touring coaches. Most of our buses are 49-seaters with air-conditioning, great stereos, videos and large see-through windows.

Tell us about the staff on-board the buses...
Our awesome driver guides make the difference between a regular tour and a true experience! Our driver guides come from all walks of life; they are our most valuable assets and are passionate about showing off their country.

Along with full commentary, they will give you advice on activity options, reserve beds for you at hostels, make regular supermarket stops and lead the way for those keen to socialise

What about accommodation?
Accommodation is not included in the passes. You pay for accommodation as you go. We believe this is the best way because we will make accommodation bookings for you for free and then drop you off and pick you up at the door of your chosen hostel / motel / bed and breakfast. That way you are independent and can choose to stay with a group or head off by yourself for a night.

Are activities included in the cost?
There are a number of free inclusions, such as...

- A tour around the Bay of Islands
- Sand-boarding down the massive dunes at Cape Reinga
- Karangahake gorge and tunnel walk
- Trekking in Tongariro National Park
- Wine tasting in the Nelson Region
- Kayaking on Lake Mahinapua
- Unique barbecue at Lake Mahinapua, including ‘mountain oysters’ (goats testicles) and bambi sausage...
- Hiking to the top of Mount Maunganui

Other optional activities you pay for as you go along, allowing you to build your own experience according to your taste and budget.

Our top 10 paid activities are...

- Bungy jumping
- Franz Josef Glacier hike
- Black water rafting, Waitomo Caves
- Skydiving
- Canyon swing, Queenstown
- Swimming with dolphins
- Sea kayaking
- White water rafting, River Valley
- Maori hangi and concert, Rotorua
- Tongariro Crossing