Incredible fun - You'll get out what you put in.
We had an incredible experience on the Kiwi bus, it took us everywhere we wanted to go and the discounts on tours such as rafting, bungee jumping and skydives etc make it almost worth the ticket alone! We also met some really awesome people on the tour, both drivers and passengers, and as a result we ended up doing a load of awesome activities that we otherwise wouldn't have done.
Our favourite drivers by far were Ben and Guy, both of these guys really know their stuff and also have got the balance right in ensuring you have everything you need to make the most of your experience but also that you're not too pestered an you can make the most of the drive, we were also more inclined to do activities on these tours as we felt more comfortable with the guides. Special shout out to Willy too and his awesome mannequin challenge.
I'd say driver Ben really made our tour; he was with us for most of the South island and we found him to be a hilarious, hardworking, knowledgeable guide with a seemingly endless amount of energy and enthusiasm who clearly enjoys what he does. Give the man a pay rise.
With regards to timing and activities, I'd really recommend Hobbiton, the Tongariro Crossing (we stayed 2 nights at the YHA in Tongariro national park and did the hike from there rather than Taupo- so glad we did), White water rafting at River Valley (go for the dinner and make some new friends over a vulgar amount of drinks the night before, and forget you signed up to do it), Skydiving anywhere (we did it at the Fox Glacier) and of course, the Nevis bungee (if you're gonna do something do it right!). The Milford sound add-on was also brilliant, you can't visit the south island and not see Milford sound. We had also booked on for the Ice Explorer at Franz Josef but unfortunately it was rained off, I heard good things about it from some friends who went a few days later though.
The one thing I didn't do that I wish i had was the Tamaki Maori cultural experience, I didn't fancy it and thought it was a bit overpriced but everyone I spoke to said it was one of the best things they did, so if you can spare the cash, don't miss out on this. Also, I wouldn't spend any longer in Rotorua than you really have to , because once you get to Lake Taupo that's when NZ really starts to become awesome (heading south).
If Kiwi are looking for constructive criticism then the only reason I haven't given 5 stars is that I would say we had mixed experiences with some of our drivers at the start of the trip, who weren't quite as easy going as some of the later drivers we had, and seemed a bit intense on the old upselling of activities, but for the most part the drivers were fun, reliable and helped to put everyone at ease.
All in all, I picked up more cuts, bruises, scars, knocks and scrapes on this tour than I've ever done anywhere else in the world, and that's saying something! To make the most of this tour, you really just have to get involved in the spirit and put yourself out there. You'll be glad you did.
Good job Kiwi, and thanks for an awesome tour!