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