A modern bus service is a lot like a modern mobile. When everything’s running smoothly you take for granted what it does for you, but as soon as something goes wrong it can ruin your whole experience! We realized this about buses a long time ago (before mobiles were even invented) so we made sure we used the best vehicles right from day one.
It’s also a very green New Zealand bus service. Our bright green buses are New Zealand tourism icons and turn heads wherever they go (which helps when you need to find it in a hurry). We have chosen to lease our buses from a company that is endorsed with an Enviro Silver Qualmark rating. Because they’re well maintained, they're greener for the environment.
So what does this all mean for you? Read on…
Our Driver Guides are experts at showing off New Zealand, but their first priority is the safety of their bus and their passengers. This is why we only use European designed and engineered buses with a long history and strong reputation for quality. Before they’re put behind the wheel each and every Kiwi Experience Driver Guide must also be put through a rigorous licensing and training programme to ensure the upmost safety of our passengers. We pride ourselves on using a safe and responsible New Zealand bus service.
European coaches also means travelling in unrivalled comfort. Big windows, high viewing seats, arm rests, new fittings, modern sound systems, TV’s, DVD players, air conditioning, and plenty of secure storage space for your bags are all included. Smooth suspension, comfy seats, leg room and a quiet engine are also a favourite with passengers after a hard days adventuring. You’ve got to spend a few hours sitting on the bus so we figure it should add to the experience, not ruin it. It’s cool to be on a comfy green bus and the flash exterior will also look great in those travel snaps of the legendary green machine.
Using modern vehicles also means lower emissions and they are regularly emission tested to identify any potential trouble makers. This is done through VTNZ – New Zealand’s leading vehicle testing company. It helps too that the buses we use are more full more often meaning less carbon emissions per passenger. Our Driver Guides love our country so you’ll also see them ensuring all rubbish onboard is disposed of correctly and recycled wherever possible.
The best vehicle for the job
Most of the vehicles we use are either European Scania or Volvo buses which are ideally suited to New Zealand conditions. We don’t always use the big coaches though – sometimes it makes sense to use a smaller vehicle more suitable for the journey. A 12 or 19 seater shuttle to get into those remote New Zealand places. In addition to giving you a more comfortable trip, using smaller vehicles for smaller groups is also better for the environment.
Bus service yards in both the North Island and South Island ensure that the buses are kept humming and looking good all year round. This also helps ensure a smooth journey, good interior comfort and a sexier looking machine.
And finally - between every great activity and place is a great time to be had on the bus. Your Driver Guide will give commentary at the right times, have the heater or air con pumping, a DVD playing if you want it, and like a seasoned DJ will have the music mix and sound just right. There’s always plenty going on too with laughs, games, and yarns being told. All of this contributes to a great on the bus atmosphere and adds to the amazing journey.