Our Customer Reviews

Kiwi - fun, simple and a really effective way to cover loads of Nz in a short space of time. I only had about 20days and feel like I covered the north and South Island giving me a flavour of what it's all about .. there were some places I needed slightly longer ! Kiwi has a bad rep it seems for being a boozy shag fest - I'm at the grandma end of my 20s and granted at times I definitely felt a 10yr age gap, but for the most of it it's actually just loads of ppl together having fun and yes, drinking a lot. Drivers are efficient and informative - I especially loved Q on the Milford Sound trip as he was articulate and genuinely interesting, keeping my attention through the mother of all hangovers from a Queenstown bar crawl. Lisa was my main driver for 80% of the trip and she is also lots of fun, and passionate about Nz which was refreshing. I found my first journey a little confusing as to process, but later found out I had a new driver so not sure if I just didn't have the initiation needed. The office were always helpful and timely coming back to me as I changed my plans a few times, which was great as it made things less stressful. I didn't enjoy some of the Base accommodation - sort of a warehouse of backpackers, so my suggestion to passengers (not necessarily Kiwi) is to remember that you can still be independent, you aren't some backpacker sheep, so remember to check the alternatives and not just follow the crowd.

I bought the 'Whole Kit and Caboodle' package and feel this is best way to see a huge part of the country! Everything from top to bottom was covered! I met a super cool group of people on the bus who covered a massive age range and travelers from all over the world! The drivers are super knowledgeable and are able to give loads of advice on what not to miss in NZ! KEx is so well organised which makes traveling completely stress free! Would 100% recommend doing some research on the stops and deciding where you want to stay longer! The minimum time is no way long enough to see the country and I think that KEx needs to review the minimum time especially on the pass I bought. Several stops were 1 night only and not long enough. For example, Wellington (the capital city) we arrived at approx 6:30 and were picked up again at 7am which is no way long enough to explore! Same for the Deep South! A minimum of 2 nights needs to be considered by KEx in each place due to arrival times and pick up times! For the extra money that is paid for the Deep South, I did not feel this was value for money. Both days were huge amounts of driving rather than seeing the towns/cities that you are paying to stay and see. Also, the bus in the Deep South did not have heating for the whole two days I was on it. During winter, this is totally unacceptable. The entire bus was sat with hats, scarves and gloves on to try and keep warm!

Not what I expected, too many long stops..........

The best way to experience such a beautiful country: friendly drivers, amazing locations, and meeting like-minded, interesting people from all over the world. Awesome that it was tailored for young people, we managed to do everything we wanted plus more!

They are constantly trying to get money from you ££

I absolutely LOVED traveling with Kiwi Experience. I travelled Han Solo (by myself lol) so it was a great way for me to meet people, make new friendships, and learn more travelling tips through peers and drivers. It also made me feel super safe. All the drivers I had were friendly, easy to talk to, and knowledgeable. It was also VERY convenient having help booking and getting to and from your accommodation and excursions. I used the Whole Kit pass because I wanted to see as much of New Zealand as possible! I travelled for two months and did my best to see the whole country. Using the Kiwi Bus is great whether you are keen on planning everything ahead or taking it day by day. You can call head office and change your itinerary (which I did twice even with it mapped out originally). The only hard part about planning day by day is not having 100% secured accommodation when changing last minute. I did see a few people stuck in Auckland during peak season, on a holiday weekend, but the drivers can help you out on route to your next stop. Overall, I recommend using Kiwi Experience! I will definitely aim to travel with them again in the future if I make it back down under. I really hope I do. If not, I have some epic memories and photos to have for the rest of my life!

The kiwi bus was the perfect way to experience New Zealand. I absolutely loved it!!

I went to those lovely place and I miss the place ,will go back to Newzealand for sure

I travelled from Auckland to Christchurch (Zephyr Pass) with Kiwi Experience in February 2017 and I am so glad that I did! I had the most unforgettable experience, met so many amazing people and did so many crazy activities! I fell in love with NZ thanks to the way in which the Kiwi Experience bus allows you to see, do and enjoy all that the country has to offer. All of the drivers are so knowledgable and passionate about NZ which really adds to the experience! It is a great company that makes travelling NZ fun, exciting, easy and memorable!

Pros : meet lot of new people don't have to worry about booking hostels or activities affordable Cons: Mount cook national park should be included as one of the stops this is a bus mostly for younger people , you may feel weird if you are 35+