Kiwi Experience - North to South (Sheep Dog Bus Pass)

Auckland to Mercury Bay (Whitianga)
Spend the afternoon at the beach or kayaking!

After visiting the Kiwi Experience office and Mt Eden (one of many dormant volcanoes in Auckland) we head towards the Coromandel Peninsula and spend the afternoon at Cathedral Cove; accessible only on foot or by kayak. This beautiful coastal spot is great for swimming, sea kayaking, and spotting dolphins if you’re lucky. Provided the tides are right we may also check out Hot Water Beach and dig our own hot pools.

Mercury Bay (Whitianga) to Rotorua
Check out New Zealand’s gold mining history and rocket down a hill, on the way to the Maori culture capital of New Zealand

After an early start our first stop is the Karangahake Scenic Reserve to explore a native bush-clad gorge, swing bridges and the history of gold mining in New Zealand. On arriving into Rotorua you will have the chance to go luging or zorbing before experiencing a traditional Maori hangi (feast) and concert in the evening with Tamaki Tours - a night not to be missed!

Rotorua to Waitomo
Experience the glow-worms, underwater caves and forest walks of Waitomo.

Today we start with a visit to Te Puia - a large geothermal reserve with New Zealand’s largest geyser, and a chance to see our famous Kiwi bird. Next it’s onto Waitomo caves (wai meaning water, tomo meaning cave) which are made out of limestone (basically 40 million year old dead fish). We spend the afternoon checking out the Ruakuri reserve. Apart from glow-worms in caves, you will see stalactites, cave coral, fossil oysters and other crazy stuff like tubing and rafting 40 metres underground!

Waitomo to Taupo
A popular backpacker destination, with New Zealand’s biggest lake and plenty to keep you occupied!

The bus departs late today so that you have enough time to experience the caves! Other adventure activity options include the brand new Ruakuri Cave walk, which is an engineering masterpiece. Around midday, we leave Waitomo behind and head for Lake Taupo, which is known as the adventure capital of the North Island with skydiving, bungy jumping, jet boating and the spectacular Tongariro Crossing!

Taupo (extra day)
We recommend staying an extra night in Taupo 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.

Enjoy a sleep-in (for those not doing the Tongariro Crossing) and experience one of the many activities on offer. A walk down to Spa Park to relax in the natural hot springs by the river is a great way to spend the day (or night). Alternatively if you have time head off on our 'East As': 4 day, 3 night unique add-on trip around the East Cape, which takes you to places few tourists get to see.

Taupo to River Valley
Visit Tongariro National Park, take and enjoy some stunning free walks before arriving at River Valley Adventure Lodge

We head south around the “great lake” towards the Tongariro National Park for a picnic lunch and a two hour walk through native bush and waterfalls. In the afternoon we travel through to the ultimate adventure lodge - River Valley, situated amongst towering cliffs and bush-clad hills. The lodge offers grade five rafting on the Rangitikei River, scenic horse riding, and a small golf course. Spend the evening enjoying the delicious roast dinner and relaxing by the open fire.

River Valley to Wellington
New Zealand’s capital city is full of culture, cafes and cable cars!

We head away late after a morning white water rafting or horse riding, and head throughthe rolling hills full of deer, cattle and sheep. We arrive in Wellington late in the afternoon. This city is the undisputed capital of culture, the arts, restaurants, fashion and nightlife. It’s home to the largest cultural attraction in New Zealand, Te Papa Museum, which is well worth a look (and it’s free).

Wellington to Picton to Nelson
Travel across the stunning Cook Strait to the seaside town of Picton, then on to the golden beaches of Nelson.

You can choose to take the Interislander ferry across to the South Island, through the magnificent Marlborough Sounds; or arrange a flight. Travel via the Pelorous Bridge to Nelson, New Zealand’s sunniest city. Nelson’s a great place to jump off the bus and explore the Abel Tasman National Park. There is an option to explore New Zealand’s youngest National Park by foot and camping, or by kayaking with some adventurous locals of the area.
 

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 and horse trekking 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 Christchurch
Head to the ‘garden city’, with optional drop off points for Mt Cook and rafting in Rangitata

We head out of Queenstown, through the Lindis Pass, so get your cameras ready because this is ‘Lord of the Rings’ territory. After dropping people in Twizel for the connection to Mt Cook, we travel through to the amazing aqua blue Lake Pukaki, with a stunning view of Mt Cook. We stop for lunch beside Lake Tekapo and the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd. From there we have a straight run into Christchurch arriving late afternoon.