If you’re looking for the ultimate backpacker road trip, Kiwi Experience is your ticket to explore New Zealand. This award-winning hop-on hop-off tour network has been guiding adventurous travellers around the North and South Islands since the ’90s, and it’s a legend today!
With flexible passes, epic stops, and a guaranteed good time, it’s an easy way to see Aotearoa without having to drive or plan it all yourself.
You can choose from a range of travel passes—whether you want to do the full loop from Auckland to Queenstown and back, or just focus on one island. Along the way, the iconic green bus makes stops at all the big names (Rotorua, Taupō, Franz Josef, Queenstown).
On top of that, they throw in some hidden gems like surf beaches, glowworm caves, and remote farms. Plus, you’ll get optional add-ons at every stop—from white-water rafting to Māori cultural nights.
But what really makes Kiwi Experience a backpacker favourite is the social scene. You’ll be travelling with other like-minded adventurers, and the vibe is very much “summer camp on wheels.”
The driver-guides double as storytellers and logistics wizards, sorting stays and suggesting activities at each stop. Even better, you can hop off and stay longer in places you love, then hop back on when you’re ready.
All up, Kiwi Experience is ideal for solo travellers or anyone who wants freedom with a bit of structure. These guys offer some of the most unforgettable hop-on hop-off tours out there.
Whether you’re planning a short trip or a full NZ loop, you can find a pass that fits your vibe. Kiwi Experience takes you straight to the heart of New Zealand—and lets you explore it all at your own pace with the original bus adventure crew.
Quick facts
- Location: Nationwide (passes typically start from Auckland or Christchurch)
- Cost: From NZD $185 (3-day+ tour – Bay Explorer); Hop-on hop-off and fully guided tours available
- Duration: 1 to 23+ days
- Includes: Transport, driver-guide, planning; accommodation and activities optional
- Best for: Hop-on hop-off, solo travellers, first-timers, competitive pricing, 18–30s
- What to bring: Backpack, camera, sense of adventure
