- Some drivers are professional and friendly, some drivers are sleazy and creepy towards girls.

Ive personally given Kiwi a 4/10 because:

- Suggested hostels are generally overpriced, and often you just feel like part of a big cash cow herd for Kiwi and its affiliated hostel.

- DO NOT BOOK 'Unique stays' vouchers - absolute waste of time. For my first 'Unique stay' in Kaiteriteri I was put in rented office space because there was no room in an actual building. 'Unique stays' are in fact just a way of prepaying for a bog standard dormitory room. Which is not clearly explained at all.

- Don't bother pre-booking through Kiwi for activities, as most of my pre-booked activities were cancelled whilst on the trip anyway.

But however, in general, whether you'll enjoy the kiwi experience bus is really dependent on what you're looking to achieve in New Zealand.

If you're looking for complete independence, and the ability to explore the areas of natural beauty of New Zealand on your own schedule, you should hire a campervan and do not do Kiwi Experience.

If you're looking for the opportunity to make friends, visit lots of bars, and with minimal effort travel your way around New Zealand (minimal effort because Kiwi Experience do all the planning/thinking) than the Kiwi bus is probably the best option for you.

In terms of cost, the Kiwi Bus - and corresponding hostel stops - may work out slightly more expensive than travelling by yourself, but you may be able to justify that due to the total lack of personal planning required for the bus option.

Reviewed almost 9 years ago