Northern Highlights
See the very best of what the North Island has to offer. The Northern Highlights will take you to the fantastic beaches in the Coromandel, out-of-this-world geysers in Rotorua, the Central Volcanic Plateau (home of Mt. Doom) and the lush farmland of the Horowhenua. Mix this with some amazing activities like black water rafting, a marae visit, and skydiving; you're in for one fantastic trip!
You’ve worked hard, saved up and you want to ensure that you have the trip of a lifetime. So why should you choose Kiwi Experience? Here's why!
Kiwi Experience is the Best Way to Travel NZ
Kiwi Experience is simply the best way to explore New Zealand - it's flexible guided bus travel ensuring you see the best of what this incredible country has to offer, and have the most fun along the way. We are the leading adventure backpacker bus in New Zealand - designed by travellers for travellers. It's convenient and EASY with driver guides taking care of bus bookings for you as you go. On board you'll travel with other like minded adventurers - and make mates and memories to last a lifetime.
Designed by Travellers for Travellers
This is no ordinary bus tour! Our Kiwi Experience driver guides are second to none. They know when to stop the bus and soak it in, and when to keep on driving and leave the tourist traps behind. Your adventure is yours - you can stay longer in a place should it take your fancy, and all activities are optional.
We Cater to All Types of Adventurers
Whether you’re an adrenalin junkie, a culture seeker, a beach bum, or simply want to feast your eyes on the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the world, Kiwi Experience is the trip of a lifetime!
We Have Over 25 Years of Experience
Over 25 years our reputation, passenger numbers, awards, and word of mouth from thrilled travellers and New Zealand backpackers has spoken for itself. As the country’s largest, leading, and legendary bus experience we’d love you to continue the story and experience New Zealand with us - the way it should be seen. Jump on board!
Bid farewell to Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) as your journey takes you southeast to the sun-kissed shores of the Coromandel Peninsula, a coastal paradise known for its pristine beaches, dramatic coastline, and laid-back charm.
Enjoy the opportunity to kayak along crystal-clear waters en route to the iconic Cathedral Cove, a natural masterpiece carved by the sea. Then, tap into nature’s geothermal magic at Hot Water Beach, where, if you time it just right, you can dig your own personal spa pool and soak in naturally heated mineral water beneath the sand. As the day winds down, rest and recharge before diving into the adventures still to come.
Included Experience: Hot Water Beach Visit
A New Zealand local holiday hot spot the stunning Hot Water Beach is a truly unique experience. Dig yourself a hole and bathe in your own spa pool in the golden sands of the beach.Also known as Te Puia, which means “hot springs” in Maori, digging two hours either side of low-tide, is when the water level is low enough to expose the area of sand with hot water underneath.The hot water comes from an underground river, which flows from the interior of the earth to surface in the Pacific Ocean at Hot Water Beach.
Included Scenic Walk: Cathedral Cove Walk
Leaving the gorgeous Coromandel behind we’ll venture into the enchanting Karangahake Gorge nestled among the Kaimai Ranges, for a hike (included) amongst the walkways and old mining tunnels. If that isn’t enough fun for one day, then never fear, next we’ll be heading over to Waitomo ('wai' meaning water, 'tomo' meaning hole) for a magical tour of the world-famous glow-worm caves. For those feeling a little more adventurous, you will have the opportunity to experience a Black Water Rafting trip.
Included Scenic Walk: Karangahake Gorge Windows Walk
To start your day off, your driver will go on a short walk with you to see the breath-taking Karangahake Gorge through an old gold mine and its tunnels. From the main carpark, it is easy to venture into the walkways and old tunnels, to discover the area's rich gold-mining history.
Included Scenic Walk: Ruakuri Bush Walk
Before leaving Waitomo, your Driver Guide will take you to the Ruakuri Reserve for a short walk on this beautiful loop track, through limestone outcrops, caves, tunnels, native forest and descends into the Ruakuri Natural Tunnel.
It's time to bid farewell to the glowing little critters. For those who wish to live out their Lord of the Rings fantasies, we will stop off at the enchanting village of Hobbiton, where the magic of the movies comes to life (optional extra). Next, we'll roll on to Rotorua, a mystical land of bubbling mud pools, rocketing geysers and natural hot springs. You won’t get bored here; plenty of optional activities keep you busy. Take your pick from exhilarating White Water Rafting, thrilling experiences like Zip Lining across the top of the canopy, or exploring the area’s unique geothermal activity and natural hot springs. You can embrace our history and culture this evening with a 3-hour experience at the Mitai Māori Village (optional extra). Witness captivating stories unfold, be enchanted by performers, and satisfy your hunger with a traditional Māori feast.
Conveniently located in the centre of the North Island, Rotorua offers some of New Zealand’s most iconic natural attractions and experiences. With geothermal wonders, refreshing spa offerings, pristine lakes, spectacular forests, fascinating Māori culture and an abundance of adventure activities. Today is the perfect day to get out and explore all of what it has to offer. Ride the rapids of the Kaituna river, take a piece of New Zealand home with you on a Mountain Jade Highlights tour or relax and unwind with the Wai Ariki restorative journey.
If you haven't had a chance yet to explore the geothermal reserve of Te Puia, we will check it out this morning before heading onto Lake Taupō, taking a walk to the pounding Huka Falls (included) first. In Taupō there is lots to do, just tell us what you’re in the mood for and we’ll get you there. The lake itself (actually an extinct volcano crater) is a sight to behold from the shoreline, but the more adventurous might want to take the opportunity to experience optional activities such as sailing across the lake on a yacht to the Māori rock carvings, or even get a birds-eye view by skydiving above it.
Included Scenic Walk: Redwoods Green Walk
Included Scenic Walk: Huka Falls Visit
The spectacular Huka Falls are New Zealand's most visited and photographed natural attraction. The thundering 11 metre high falls on the Waikato River pump a volume of 220,000 litres of water over the rock face every second. There are walking tracks and viewing platforms alongside the river, the perfect spot for a selfie.
We head south around the “great lake” towards the Tongariro National Park for a two-hour walk through native bush and waterfalls (summer time only). In the afternoon we travel to New Zealand's capital city Wellington. This city is the undisputed capital of culture, the arts, restaurants, fashion, and nightlife. Here you can experience Mount Victoria (free), or get amongst the thriving craft beer scene and Wellington nightlife.
Included Scenic Walk: Tongariro Nation Park Walk
The bus will only stop here for a walk during the New Zealand summer months.
Included Scenic Photo Stop: Taranaki Falls
Included Experience: Taihape Gumboot Throwing
There are limited departures available from May to September due to our winter schedule.
In the spirit of freedom, accommodation is not included in the price of your Hop-on Hop-off bus pass. However, we partner with selected hostels across the country and appreciate that many travellers prefer the peace of mind of all outgoings budgeted for before setting off on their trip.
When a bus pass is purchased, you will be emailed login details to our Trip Planner; here, you can pre-book and pay for your accommodation. You must pre-book your accommodation 2-3 days before you arrive at any overnight stop. Check the Trip Planner for each hostel's booking cut-off point.
All accommodation bookings are fully flexible and dates can be changed as many times as you like without any charge, provided it is before the booking cutoff. If you would like to hop off the bus and stay longer in places, you will need to contact the hostels directly to book your extra nights. Make sure you book in advance to avoid disappointment, especially in our busy Summer season.
The Trip Planner makes it simple to pre-book and pay for your accommodation while travelling on the bus. You must book your accommodation by 07:00 two days before arrival at each overnight location. Book your accommodation directly with the hostel if you're staying longer at a destination. You always have the option to book your own accommodation outside of Kiwi Experience. Please note that the Kiwi Experience bus will only pick up and drop off from the accommodation on the trip planner.
Minimum stays:
- 2 nights in Paihia, Franz Josef and Rotorua
- 3 nights in Queenstown
- 1 night everywhere else
Our accommodation partners across the Hop-on Hop-off network are:
North Island
Paihia: Palm Tree Lodge
Auckland: LyLo Auckland
Hot Water Beach: Hot Water Beach Top10 Holiday Park
Waitomo: Waitomo Homestead Cabins
Rotorua: Rock Solid Backpackers
Taupo: Adventure Hostel
Wellington: Nomads Backpackers, Haka House
South Island
Abel Tasman: Kaiteri Lodge
Westport: Bazils Hostel & Surf School
Lake Mahinapua: Mahinapua Hotel (seasonal stop)
Franz Josef: Rainforest Retreat
Wanaka: Adventure Hostel
Queenstown: Nomads Queenstown
Lake Tekapo: Lakes Edge Holiday Park
Christchurch: Hotel Give
Kaikoura: Dusky Lodge
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.
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.
Travel by ferry between the North and South Island is included.
How do I begin my travel?
When you buy your New Zealand bus pass you’re given the option of selecting a start date, or leaving the pass open dated. If you have an open date pass then you’ll need to contact us once you know what day you want to start your Kiwi Experience. The more notice you can give us the better so that we can confirm there’s a seat for you when you want it. Some passes have fixed starting points whereas others allow you to start from anywhere along the route. See the passes page for these full details and to compare pass options.
How long can I travel for?
Once you’ve purchased your New Zealand bus pass you have 12 months to begin your travel, and then once you start you have 12 months to complete it. If you’ve got the time you should definitely take it. Each section of a pass can only be travelled once although there are 2 exceptions to the rule 1) the Kea and Top Dog passes travel Christchurch to Kaikoura twice and 2) our four New Zealand - start anywhere passes now offer Unlimited Travel which means you can travel sectors more than once! See our terms and conditions for more information on Unlimited Travel.
What does minimum travel time mean?
For our Hop-On Hop-Off passes, the minimum time is the shortest amount of time you can complete this pass by travelling our standard itinerary and not hopping off the bus to spend longer in any destination. Please note this minimum time can change slightly depending on the season.
What if I’m travelling on my own?
The majority of our passengers are travelling solo. Kiwi Experience is a social experience guaranteed to leave with new friends for life from across the globe. Many past & solo travellers have made lifelong mates, and we love hearing those stories.
How do I get between the North and South Islands?
If you haven’t yet noticed, New Zealand’s two main islands are split by a mass of water known as the Cook Strait. To get between each island you can either take the Interisland Ferry or a short flight. Again, like accommodation and activities, your Driver Guide can book all this for you and even hook you up with a discount. If your Kiwi Experience Hop-On Hop-Off bus pass includes both the north island and the south island then your interislander ticket is included. If your national bus pass also includes a round trip back to where you started then x2 ferry tickets are included.
If you are only travelling on one island then no ferry ticket is included.
Tours en activiteiten
Alles voor je reis op één plek. Bekijk tours, activiteiten en buspassen om nog meer uit je avontuur te halen.
Minimale duur 6 Dagen
Start in Auckland
Eindigt in Wellington
Aantal reizigers
Vertrekdata & opties
Reisduur
Pakket
Prijzen zijn exclusief de verplichte bijdrage aan het Calamiteitenfonds (€2), RGF contributie (€5) en internationale vliegtickets. We helpen je graag met het boeken van je vluchten, maar wacht hier alsjeblieft mee totdat een van onze reisspecialisten je tour of activiteit heeft bevestigd. Je ontvangt de boekingsbevestiging zo snel mogelijk per e-mail.
Wil je deze tour toevoegen aan een groter avontuur?
Neem gewoon contact op! Onze reisspecialisten denken mee en plannen jouw trip van begin tot eind.
Waarom boek je jouw tours bij KILROY?
Met zorg geselecteerde reizen
We selecteren ervaringen van enkele van de beste aanbieders van avontuurlijke reizen ter wereld, zodat je met vertrouwen kunt boeken.
Support van reisspecialisten
Hulp nodig bij accommodatie, vervoer, verzekering of het plannen van de rest van je reis? Onze reisadviseurs staan voor je klaar.
Meer dan één tour of activiteit
Veel reizigers boeken één ervaring en ontdekken onderweg nog veel meer mogelijkheden. Wij helpen je graag om je avontuur nog groter te maken.
Persoonlijk reisadvies
Of het nu je eerste grote reis is of je tiende, wij helpen je om ervaringen te vinden die passen bij jouw plannen, budget en reisstijl.
Veelgestelde vragen
Alle details die je moet weten voordat je tours en activiteiten online boekt.
Niet altijd. We moeten eerst de beschikbaarheid bij de leverancier bevestigen. Zodra dat geregeld is, ontvang je een boekingsbevestiging van KILROY.
De meeste boekingen worden binnen enkele werkdagen bevestigd. Sommige activiteiten kunnen langer duren, afhankelijk van de leverancier en vertrekdatum.
Als de gevraagde vertrekdatum niet beschikbaar is, helpen we je met het vinden van een alternatieve datum, een vergelijkbare ervaring of we zorgen voor een terugbetaling.
Een reisspecialist van je lokale KILROY-kantoor is jouw contactpersoon en helpt je met de boeking indien nodig.
Zeker! Veel reizigers beginnen met een activiteit en voegen later andere reisplannen toe. Onze adviseurs helpen je graag om er een complete reis van te maken.
Je betaalt de activiteit of tour volledig tijdens het online afrekenen. De bijdrage van € 2 voor het Calamiteitenfonds en € 5 voor het RGF betaal je achteraf. Zodra je betaling binnen is, nemen we contact op met de leverancier en starten we de verwerking van je boeking.
Als een leverancier een activiteit annuleert, zoeken we samen naar een passend alternatief. Als dat niet lukt, heb je recht op een terugbetaling volgens onze voorwaarden.
Voor elke boeking betaal je € 2 bijdrage aan het Calamiteitenfonds en € 5 aan het RGF (Reisgarantiefonds). Hiermee ben je beschermd bij calamiteiten en financiële problemen, zoals een eventueel faillissement van de reisorganisatie. Eventuele extra kosten voor je tour of activiteit worden duidelijk vermeld op de betreffende pagina.
Bevestigde boekingen zijn definitief en kunnen niet worden geannuleerd. Heb je per ongeluk de verkeerde datum aangevraagd? Neem dan contact op met de reisspecialist die jouw boeking behandelt om de mogelijkheden te bespreken.
We raden sterk aan om een reisverzekering af te sluiten voor alle reizen en activiteiten. Sommige leveranciers kunnen specifieke dekking eisen.
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Ontdek de nieuwste reisinspiratie op de KILROY reisblog
Wij houden van reizen en verwachten dat jij dat ook doet! Lees onze reisverhalen, gidsen en topkeuzes voor inspiratie voor je volgende trip.
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