As a young bird’s first step out of the nest into the open and wild air is full of trepidation, so was my first step onto the Flying Kiwi bus.

In hindsight it is clear that if that bird’s wings went by the name of Tom and Shannon he would have nothing to worry about. He would glide down past glorious beaches, stunning valleys, unique cultural sites, and epic hikes to land safely amongst a campsite and a well cooked dinner.

Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, Thelma and Louise, (the two from Natural Born Killers or w/e that movie is called). Tom and Shannon may not have gone out in a blaze of glory (and they did not, I repeat did not, drive our bus off a cliff despite multiple opportunities), but like those eternal pairings, they are a team in every sense of the word. They seamlessly switched off being each other’s support system and handled the many obstacles that inevitably come up with a large group with poise. When a grease fire broke out in a neighboring campsite, threatening to come into ours when the resident pig caught fire, Shannon quickly reminded Tom to use milk instead of water to put the poor animal out. And when a Kiwi Experience group decided to keep us up all night, it was Tom’s idea to play the escaped convict who threatened them into silence and Shannon who supported him by playing the parole officer in pursuit who made it all far too real for the drunk teenagers.

Harmless hijinks aside, Shannon and Tom made the whole experience super fun yet relaxed, exciting yet safe. They had a knack of packing in as much as possible without making the day feel too packed. They were the extremely reliable friends you’ve always wanted but don’t exist in real life. I couldn’t recommend them, and Flying Kiwi, more.

- Jack Shimon Shaked

P.S. I must say my favorite memories from the whole trip were Tom teaching me Maori sign language (who knew you could do the Haka in sign!?) and Shannon doing an interpretive dance set for the whole group to nothing but a track

Reviewed over 7 years ago

A little over a year ago, November 2015, I spent two weeks on Flying Kiwi's Grand Traverse Tour.

I was solo traveling, and for getting around New Zealand the structure, provided meals and transportation of a tour group seemed appealing, but I was worried a tour group could be *too* rail-roaded, not allowing enough time for exploration, etc. I was advised by someone who had also solo travelled in New Zealand to check out Flying Kiwi, and am very thankful for the advice.

New Zealand has a startling amount of beautiful and varied nature to see, and Flying Kiwi focuses on getting you to it (as well as seeing some big and small towns along the way). At each stop there’s usually the option to go with the group or wander off on your own (just be back to the bus on time). The group we had on the bus was such a excellent collection of fun people, that I ended up going with them most of the time. The locations were superbly chosen, more than I can list here. Some locales have optional add-on activities, like swimming with dolphins in Kaikoura, or even more adventerous like skydiving.

The tour guides Shannon and Tom were excellent - they were knowledgable, always on top of things, great cooks (very important for that meal we help them prepare!) and top of all of that, great fun to be around.

You will often being making a tent to spend the night in (tents are provided but if you have your own favorite tent you can bring that along instead). Two meals a day a covered, the third you get yourself, or eat with the group in a restaurant, in a town we stop in. Each day breakfast is almost always covered, the second covered meal either a big lunch or dinner that you will help prepare sometimes (on a rotating schedule).

I highly recommend Flying Kiwi as a great way to see New Zealand, with the benefit of not having to plan lodging, itinerary, meals, and transportation yourself, while still having enough flexibility to see what you want at your own pace at each stop.

Reviewed almost 8 years ago and experienced in November 2015

Perfect way of discovering this amazing New Zealand country.

Friendly and professional crew, amazing tour of a month: really diversified and well thought

Reviewed over 7 years ago

A little over a year ago, November 2015, I spent two weeks on Flying Kiwi's Grand Traverse Tour.

I was solo traveling, and for getting around New Zealand the structure, provided meals and transportation of a tour group seemed appealing, but I was worried a tour group could be *too* rail-roaded, not allowing enough time for exploration, etc. I was advised by someone who had also solo travelled in New Zealand to check out Flying Kiwi, and am very thankful for the advice.

New Zealand has a startling amount of beautiful and varied nature to see, and Flying Kiwi focuses on getting you to it (as well as seeing some big and small towns along the way). At each stop there’s usually the option to go with the group or wander off on your own (just be back to the bus on time). The group we had on the bus was such a excellent collection of fun people, that I ended up going with them most of the time. The locations were superbly chosen, more than I can list here. Some locales have optional add-on activities, like swimming with dolphins in Kaikoura, or even more adventerous like skydiving.

The tour guides Shannon and Tom were excellent - they were knowledgable, always on top of things, great cooks (very important for that meal we help them prepare!) and top of all of that, great fun to be around.

You will often being making a tent to spend the night in (tents are provided but if you have your own favorite tent you can bring that along instead). Two meals a day a covered, the third you get yourself, or eat with the group in a restaurant, in a town we stop in. Each day breakfast is almost always covered, the second covered meal either a big lunch or dinner that you will help prepare sometimes (on a rotating schedule).

I highly recommend Flying Kiwi as a great way to see New Zealand, with the benefit of not having to plan lodging, itinerary, meals, and transportation yourself, while still having enough flexibility to see what you want at your own pace at each stop.

Reviewed almost 8 years ago and experienced in November 2015

My girlfriend and I booked the 5 day tour with Flying Kiwi.

We started off in Auckland and finished in Wellington. I'd never been on a group tour before so I was concerned to say the least, not knowing what to expect and who I'll be travelling with. When we eventually got on the bus and met everyone, any concerns I had were gone. Not only were we lucky enough to be travelling with a really friendly/ fun group, Tom and Shan, the tour leaders from Flying Kiwi were fantastic. They always gave us interesting bits of information as we passed something of note. They even talked to us about the history and culture of New Zealand. The activities we had lined up were brilliant, it's just a shame that we had bad weather on the day we planned to skydive. A couple of the activities were a bit too touristy for my liking, but having said that it's something you have to experience and looking back, it was totally worth it. The food was another plus point, those guys really know how to put together a good meal. All in all it was the best holiday I've ever had, an incredible experience which I'd like to repeat very soon. In fact, I've already started planning my tour of the south island with Flying Kiwi. I'm positive that all of Flying Kiwi's guide-teams are just as amazing, but we had an awesome time with Tom and Shan, so if you're considering Flying Kiwi, try to get on one of their tours.

Reviewed almost 8 years ago

I wasn't quite sure what to expect of this tour as I am usually used to traveling alone.

But I can honestly say that this was a great experience! The campsites were all very nice, the food was great and the activities were fun! Not once was I ever bored! It didn't feel like an organized tour as we had a lot of free time to do whatever we wanted do. I would definitely recommend this tour company to anyone who is thinking of going to New Zealand and wants to see as much of the country in a short period of time!

Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in April 2016

We had a fantastic trip with Flying Kiwi up the West coast, even though we're in our 60's.

Every one was friendly. It was well organised, informative, fun, lots to see and do. Food and kit was good. Tom and Shannon were amazing.

Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016

Just back from the Northern Light Tour.

Marvelous experience - great mix activities and people, well organized!

Reviewed over 8 years ago

This was my first true international trip, and quite frankly, I am not sure if I will ever take a trip that I enjoy more than this.

I did the Grand Traverse Tour, which allowed me experience a good amount of adventures on both islands. I loved the outdoor focus of the trip. If you enjoy hiking and camping, you will love this. I actually had not done much camping in my life prior to the trip, but really loved it. Jono and Beth were awesome tour guides with lots of knowledge on the areas we visited. You also get to travel with people from many different countries, and it is really easy to make friends if you travel by yourself, because many others do the same thing. Oh, and New Zealand itself is absolutely gorgeous. I’d love to come back someday.

Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in February 2016

Flying Kiwi is a great way to local knowledge and experience New Zealand's outdoors.

The guides (I had Dennis and Kim) are excellent at helping you have a great adventure and maintain an awesome relaxed atmosphere. Flying Kiwi is the best way to get your outdoor adventure in unbelievable mountains and landscapes, but also get in some city adventures too.

Reviewed over 8 years ago

Touring New Zealand?

Want flexibility? Want to get off the tourist trail? Then book Flying Kiwi Tours. I am an " older" single traveller but my group was of mixed ages and nationalities. When booking I had lots of queiries and the staff went " over and above the call of duty" to help plan my trip. Each day there are lots of activities on offer but it's up to you. Sometimes it's good to have a lazy day !!

Everything from start to finish went smoothly.

I Would recommend this tour without hesitation.

Reviewed over 8 years ago

Good full itinerary, but not so busy that there wasn't time to relax and get to know everyone on the bus.

Plenty of options for additional activities. Relaxed and laid back vibe. The guides (Tom and Shannon) were awesome!!! They were knowledgeable, prepared, funny, friendly... It felt more like a week with my best buddies and less like a guided tour.

I only did part of the North Island and will definitely be joining Flying Kiwi when it's time to do the South. Great experience!

Reviewed over 8 years ago

Unforgettable and I'll never have a chance to do anything like it again.

Normally when you select a tour the people tend to be of similar age and background to you. You associate only with those on the tour. The tour is relatively short and you only see what the tour company wants you to see. People complain if their hotel room isn't up to their expectation. A Flying Kiwi Tour is different. All ages and nationalities and each person has their own objectives and desires for the trip. There is lots of time and opportunity to know the diverse people on your trip and meet local kiwis. The crew facilitates everything you want to do. I purchased in advance the Tamaki Cultural Evening, Milford Sound cruise, and the Kaikoura Dolphin Swim as suggested by Flying Kiwi. All were wonderful.

Every other optional experience was great and you had an opportunity to talk to the real people of New Zealand. I sunburned my scalp sand boarding and the

accountant at the local pharmacy helped apply the aloe vera - a real wide ranging conversation. I was looking for a joke book written by kiwis and the search expanded the horizon way beyond this objective - what fun and everyone had an opinion. Finally I picked up used copies of Footrot Flats and I'm still having trouble understanding your humor but am working on it.

Both Shannon and Natalie had worked a winter within 200 miles of where I live. They know how to toast marshmallows and make smores. I made the fire and Shannon said all Canadians were "pyros". I found out Dennis doesn't really stutter and isn't a dwarf. Tom said he might be traveling this year and I'd like to hear more about that if he's coming my way. The reason I won't have a chance to do anything like this again is that I'm 73 and medical travel insurance is about to get difficult. Thanks to every one at Flying Kiwi.

Reviewed over 8 years ago

Amazing experience.

The group had a good mixture of people and the tour was packed with highlights and activities. The guides were incredibly helpful and, most importantly, non-biased towards acitivites. So basically they told you exactly what was worth the money and what was not, which I found very helpful. In the end it worked out perfectly for me. I can only recommend this tour to anybody! I am 19 years old and had an incredible amount of fun. Thank you so much Flying Kiwi!

Reviewed over 8 years ago