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Hi Has anyone done the Kiwi Experience bus ride around NZ? I am travelling with a friend and we're both in our mid/late 20s and are worried that the bus might be a bit too 'frat party' for us oldies.
We were looking at car rental to get off the beaten track, so any advice about parking/fuel costs/road access in August, especially in the south island would be great. Cheers
I'd definitely recommend the car hire option – it gives you more freedom to do what you want when you want to. I met someone with their own car and travelled around the South Island with them... it was such a good way to see the place - and we got to stop at some really great little towns and villages that KE don't go to...
That said, I visited friends at River Valley in the North Island which is a little lodge that is on the Kiwi bus stop. Most travellers don't know it unless they are on the kiwi experience.
Hey there!
Obviously depends on what you want out of your trip, but I would def recommend car hire - I did this a few years back and rented a car from Auckland and spent a wonderful two months travlling around with tent, stove and sleeping bag. Hiring a car for two months was incredibly cheap (has this changed?) fuel was reasonable and you have the absolute flexability to go and see whatever tickles your fancy. And New Zealand being New Zealand (see the latest issue of Real Travel Mag) there is a lot that will tickle your fancy. If you are hunkering for some companionship of fellow travellers, I found that a lot of hostels offer camping in their gardens, still allowing you to have that, erm, 'frat' experience in the evenings at the various bars. Enjoy your trip.
Gareth Sear
I havent done NZ experience but have done Oz experience and in NZ we rented car.
You should go for the rented car option in NZ. The roads are very easy and quiet, you can stop as many times as you want and really get to the off beat places. You will meet lots of people if you are staying in hostels and some of them will be going the same way you are so its common to bump into the same people and form friendships.
The OZ experience is great if you are 18- 21 and love to get wasted every night, eat pasta salad and sausages all the time and get up early most days to sit on a coach for 8 hours. Fun for a short time only.
Car is a much better way to get the most out of New Zealand. Dont miss Tongarairo National park and Kaikoura!
Hi
Thanks everyone - we have decided on car option. I wasn't 100% sure about driving times but they are less than I thought. This site was really useful if anyone else is looking at car hire in NZ. Happy travels! http://www.aatravel.co.nz/main/td-calculator.php
Hi,
I would say buy a car or campervan - believe it or not it was thee cheapest option for us! Although its a risk, there is a good chance youll be able to sell it if you go through http://www.backpackerscarmarket.co.nz/. This organisation has a garage set up in Auckland and in CHristchurch, so you buy in one, drive around and sell in the other. Bit of a tip - its cheaper to buy in Christchurch and sell in Auckland, cos most people do it the other way round!
I would definately recommend this, as not only is it ace having your own vehicle, but it doesnt matter if you scratch it or anything like that!
Good luck.
PS if your looking for budget aswell, I suggest you camp - there are DOC (Dept of Conservation) campsites which are $5 a night (unmanned so its up to you to donate) - very basic amenities but great for just stopping over and seeing the scenery!
Let me know if you want any more info.
