We love getting feedback from our passengers after they complete their Kiwi Experience. Feedback helps us tweak Kiwi Experience for other passengers or simply lets us know when we've done a great job.
Some of our passengers stay in touch for years to come. We love that!
Reviews
Rating Snapshot
Overall
El01 • 4 years ago
Amazing trip!
I did Kiwi Experience as my first trip on my own and it was perfect because it was just the right balance between independent travel and having a safety blanket of the drivers and guaranteed accommodation that you always felt safe but also had a great time! Met loads of lovely people who I am still in touch with, and had an unforgettable trip.
Ellie • 4 years ago
Efficient and straightforward!
I did the whole kit and caboodle pass which was great for being able to see everything, although a month is not long enough to do everything so make sure you have some extra time, I had to fly from Queenstown to Auckland to ensure I made my flight home. Overall the kiwi experience makes travelling New Zealand so straightforward, you don’t have to worry about getting yourself anywhere other than being picked up in the morning outside the hostel. Hostel rooms are always guaranteed as well and it makes it very easy to book activities. They also take you to nice walks that you’re unlikely to find yourself. The only negatives I found were that some of the drivers were very pushy about getting you to do the expensive activities, making it very clear that they are working on commission, the activities are expensive in general anyway so there’s no way a normal traveller could expect to do everything. The other downside is there is no option to skip certain stops. Lake Manihipua is a waste of time and a massive money maker for kiwi as you are made to spend extra to get an average dinner and breakfast at the hostel as well as having to buy fancy dress in the town and pay for watered down drinks at the hostel bar. We were told we stopped here because it’s a long drive from the previous place to Queenstown, however we only spent just over an hour the next day driving from lake manihipua to Queenstown which I think most people would be happy to do in one day. There is no way to skip this stop so you have to spend your money doing this. All in all a great experience but it would be great if there was a little more flexibility.
Emilia • 4 years ago
Amazing trip!
So glad I went witg Kiwi Experience! You get so see a lot, even if you don't have a lot of time & you meet a lot of new friends, most of em you'll travel together with for a while. Drivers are cool, play good music and can tell you everything you need to know about New Zealand, the bus or whatever!
Tiffany Daress • 4 years ago
First timer and loved it
I came to this tour alone but I've made so many new friends out of it. It was an awesome experience. This tour is good for travellers who don't know where to go and just want to follow wherever the tour guide brings them to. The tour guide was definitely very familiar with the routes and places we're going.
Annie • 4 years ago
Excellent for first time travellers or frequent ba
An excellent way to travel through new Zealand, first time traveller or not. It cuts out a huge amount of hastle of finding local bus timetables, pickups etc. Has the potential to be a very social thing if you are travelling along the most popular routes as you are likely to be on the bus with the same people each Time as well as staying in the same place. The offering of activities is also great, we only participated in one because it was something we didn't been know was available. (Swimming with dusky dolphins in Kaikoura).
Kay • 4 years ago
Great trip!
We booked this trip as we were short on time and wanted to do both islands! We spent three weeks in New Zealand and felt we had plenty of time! Our driver Dave (cuddles) was amazing! (We miss you Dave!!) Would definitely recommend, we had a great time :)
tylap • 4 years ago
Best trip I’ve ever done!
Kiwi experience is the most fun thing I could have done on my study abroad trip. The people you meet and the places you see are life changing. Would recommend to anyone on a gap year/ study abroad/ anyone looking to escape! I wish I could do it all over again.
Aline de Aquino Mendes • 4 years ago
Amazing experience
My experience was amazing. I did 17 Day Tour North & South Island, the driver was extensive knowledge about the places and culture. He shared it with us all the time. The weather was terrible in our last 3 days an we could not stay at Franz Josef, but for our safety the Kiwi Experience and the driver organized everything to us move for other place and we moved as quickly as we could. As a compensation they provided free pizza and Yoga class and Hot Springs at Maruia Hot Springs :). Things that could be better: Accommodation at Rock Solid Rotorua - room was new but no window - we feel like in a jail Taupo Urban Retreat Backpackers - has no windows - we feel like in a jail and small bed because was to small for 4 people. Nomads Queenstown Hostel - Room was to small for 6 people, i saw the room next door and was the same size but just with 4 beds. We could not sleep well because behind our room there are a street with a lot os party and we feel like the party was inside our room. The party fished at 4 AM and we used to wake up at 7am so we could not sleep well. Extraordinary: Tamaki Maori Village I have no words to describe the experience, see the Maori culture so close was incredible. Skyline Gondola & Buffet - The best food that we had and the best view. I love it. South coastal road - spectacular view Magical Glowworm Caves in Waitomo
Andreas Steffen • 4 years ago
Awesome
I was such happy, did the right decision. Great experience.
Amanda • 4 years ago
Great experience !
I travelled alone and choosed The kiwi bus to Explore The most of nz. It was Great! U get to see plenty of things, u meet a lot of People and I would make The same choice again travelling w The kiwi bus.
