Bottoms Up 

Christchurch to Kaikoura
Kaikoura is known as one of the best coastal wildlife regions in the world - whales, dolphins and seals!
It’s an early start, to get to Kaikoura by midday so you can go dolphin swimming, whale watching, check out the seal colonies, go fishing or just chill out at the beach or hostel.  Kaikoura means to eat Crayfish (“kai” meaning to eat, “koura” meaning crayfish), actually the full name is Te-Ahi-kai-koura-a-Tama-ki-te-rangi. These days it’s the whales, dolphins, seals and the fish and chips that Kaikoura is becoming ever more popular for. 

Kaikoura to Picton & Nelson
Travel though New Zealand’s most renowned winery region.
We head north and take in the last of the dramatic Kaikoura coastline. It’s a spectacular drive, and we may take the opportunity to stop for a close look at the seals that lay about on the rocks all day long. We make our way to Picton and then to Nelson, New Zealand’s sunniest city. It's a great place in summer to jump off the bus and explore the Abel Tasman National Park on either foot or kayak.

Nelson to Westport
Snow-capped mountains and adventure activities on the Buller River
We visit the Nelson Lakes National Park for a walk in some awesome beech forest and to view one of the more spectacular lakes in the area, surrounded by beautiful snow capped mountains.  En-route to Westport we meet the team (and Rata the dog) from Buller Adventure Tours where you can experience the best value for money jet boating, horse trekking and quad biking in New Zealand.

Westport to Lake Mahinapua
Continue down the West Coast via the world famous ‘Highway 6’ and be treated to some amazing sights.
Today we cruise down the spectacular Highway 6 that stretches along the rugged Tasman shoreline. The road winds along diverse landscapes, which never cease to amaze both locals and visitors alike. Highlights include the Cape Foulwind seal colony, rugged beach walks and the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks.  Tonight your Driver Guide will arrange a group meal for you at the Mahinapua Hotel, known as the legendary “Poo Pub”.  It’s an awesome evening of fancy dress and a good way to get to know your fellow travellers.

Lake Mahinapua to Franz Josef
Incredible views of glaciers towering over subtropical rainforests.
Our first stop this morning is the Bushman’s Centre, where you will get an insight into how people make a living on the coast with helicopter deer recovery, old timber-milling techniques and possum trapping.  We then head through to the Franz Josef Glacier Village, nestled in the Westland National Park.

Franz Josef (Extra Day)
We recommend staying an extra night in Franz Josef because there’s so much to do there. If you’re short on time, you can always skip this extra day, timetable allowing, and get to the next stop sooner.

Today is your chance to hike on the Franz Josef Glacier, rated as one of the top three activities to do in New Zealand, by Kiwi Experience passengers.  You could also take the option of a heli-hike, and be flown up the glacier, or take a more sedate approach and explore the various walks in the area.

Franz Josef to Wanaka
Take the time to chill out by Lake Wanaka.
We start out early in order to catch the perfect mirror reflection of Mt Cook and the Southern Alps on Lake Matheson. We then cruise down the last stretch of Highway 6, stopping at popular scenic spots along the way. Then it’s into Mount Aspiring National Park, arriving in the awe-inspiring destination of Wanaka in the afternoon.

Wanaka to Queenstown
Adventure capital of New Zealand…and the world!
It’s only a short drive today through to New Zealand's adventure capital, Queenstown. Highlights include Puzzling World, skydiving over Lake Wanaka and stopping at the world’s first commercial bungy site - the Kawarau Bridge. On arrival in Queenstown you can book all activities and confirm onward bus travel at Base, as well as get a group photo with all your new West Coast mates.  Then it’s out on the town exploring Queenstown’s infamous nightlife with all the crew!

Queenstown (Extra Day)
We recommend staying an extra night in Queenstown because there’s so much to do there. If you’re short on time, you can always skip this extra day, timetable allowing, and get to the next stop sooner.
Queenstown is rated as one of our passenger’s favourite spots to hang out in New Zealand.  Take the time to spend a few days here as it is one of the most picturesque places in the world. Make the most of the beautiful lake and surrounding walks, or get into a whole range of adrenalin pumping activities. If there was one activity that you couldn’t miss it would be the day trip to Milford Sound, commonly referred to as New Zealand’s most beautiful spot!

Queenstown to Dunedin (Bottom Bus Day 1)
We head towards the east coast via the massive Clyde Hydro Dam and the Central Otago fruit growing basin. We hit New Zealand’s tastiest city Dunedin, with time to do the Speights Brewery and/or the Cadbury chocolate factory tours. Dunedin is famous for its student activity, being home to 20,000 students at Otago University and is also well known for its Scottish heritage. And then there is Baldwin Street – the world’s steepest street!

Dunedin to Invercargill (Bottom Bus Day 2)
The Catlins is probably as far south as you may ever go. Travel through awesome native forest, sandy beaches and see rare wildlife. The might of the New Zealand sea-lion (New Zealand’s largest mammal) is a real highlight as are the many short walks to the Catlins natural attractions, which includes a 180 million year-old fossilised forest (where you are also likely to see Yellow-eyed penguins returning from a hard days fishing). The night is spent in Invercargill, home of the world’s fastest Indian and Henry the tuatara!

Invercargill to Te Anau (Bottom Bus Day 3)
Here you have the choice to hop over to Stewart Island – it’s definitely worth the visit, an island paradise with a kiwi (bird) population 100 times that of the kiwi (human) one. We roll out of Invercargill and follow the Southern Scenic Route via the classic fishing village of Riverton. It is then on to Te Anau - where you will find New Zealand’s second largest lake. We also pass Lake Manapouri, said by many to be New Zealand’s most beautiful lake with a lovely Maori legend attached to it.

Te Anau to Milford Sound To Queenstown (Bottom Bus Day 4)
Travel through to Milford Sound checking out the most amazing scenery in New Zealand along the way. The day includes a two hour boat cruise, a free hot buffet lunch and free entry to the underwater observatory. See the Homer Tunnel, gigantic waterfalls and amazing fiords. In summer you have the option to jump off in Milford to spend a night or two. Provided the weather and bank balance permits you have the option of flying back to Queenstown, otherwise the Kiwi Experience bus will take you back to the adventure capital.