We head out of Queenstown, through the Lindis Pass, so get your cameras ready because this is ‘Lord of the Rings’ territory. After stopping to admire Mt Cook at Lake Pukaki, we travel to Lake Tekapo with its amazing location by snow-capped alps and clear starry skies. Lake Tekapo has something for everyone - relaxing at the lakeside and taking in the untouched view, soaking in the hot springs, discovering one of the many scenic walkways or checking out the mind-boggling stars in what is the world’s largest dark sky reserve.
Included Scenic Photo Stops: Church of the Good Shepherd Visit
Situated on the shores of Lake Tekapo amongst the natural beauty of the lake and the mountains, the Church of the Good Shepherd was built to the glory of God and as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country.
Included Scenic Photo Stops: Lake Pukaki Visit
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Skippy
Queenstown to Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo to Christchurch
We have a straight run into Christchurch, our largest city in the South Island and the 3rd largest in New Zealand. Witness a city rebuilding and flourishing in the wake of the 2011 earthquakes, and explore the street art, see the blooming botanical gardens and learn about the history of a city that’s experienced so much in recent times.
Christchurch to Kaikoura
Departing Christchurch, we arrive in Kaikoura in time for you to check out what it's most famous for - whale watching or swimming with the dolphins. Spend the evening chilling on the beach or sampling some of the best seafood New Zealand offers for your dinner. The name Kaikoura means to eat crayfish (“kai” means to eat, “koura” means crayfish).
Included Scenic Walk: South Bay Walk
Kaikoura to Abel Tasman
We head north and take in the last of the dramatic Kaikoura coastline. It’s a spectacular drive and we stop for a close look at the seals that lay about on the rocks. Travel through vineyards to Nelson, New Zealand’s sunniest city, then on to Kaiteriteri at the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park. Kaiteriteri is a great spot to begin an adventure (on foot, by kayak or by water taxi) into Abel Tasman National Park, or see it all from above by jumping out of a plane!
Abel Tasman to Westport
Spend the morning kayaking out to Split Apple Rock and along the golden bays near Kaiteriteri, looking out for the local marine wildlife; or catch a water taxi to one of the bays in the Abel Tasman National Park to go for a morning stroll in the native New Zealand forest. This afternoon we stop at the iconic Nelson Lakes, so you can get your legendary wharf jumping shot before hitting surf town Westport.
Included Scenic Photo Stop: Nelson Lakes Visit
Westport to Lake Mahinapua*
*Lake Mahinapua is a seasonal location from mid- October - early May. When out of season, the bus will travel directly from Westport to Franz Josef.
Today, we start our journey down spectacular State Highway 6, which stretches 435 kilometres along the rugged Tasman shoreline. The road winds through diverse landscapes that never cease to amaze. Highlights today include the Cape Foulwind seal colony walk, rugged beaches, and the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Tonight, you will stay at the historic Mahinapua Hotel, across the road from Lake Mahinapua and a short wander away from a rugged west coast beach. This location is unique to Kiwi Experience and allows you to bond with your bus mates over a meal.
Included Experience: Lake Mahinapua Costume Party
Included Scenic Walks: Cape Foulwind Seal Colony Walk
Your Driver Guide will drop you off at one end of this walkway for a change to stretch your legs. Along the way you will pass a seal colony, a lighthouse and beautiful panoramic views of mountains and coastline until you reach the other side where your Driver Guide will be waiting for you. Hop back on the bus and continue your journey!
Included Scenic Walks: Punakaiki Pancake Rocks Walk
The Pancake Rocks are a series of stratified limestone stacks which, over many thousands of years, have been eroded to resemble giant piles of neatly stacked pancakes. Another prominent feature is the blowholes. At high tide or in heavy weather, the blowholes explode with a spectacular spray.
Included Scenic Photo Stop: Irmahuwhero
Irimahuwhero is a scenic lookout located in New Zealand's South Island. It offers views as far as the eye can see of the Irimahuwhero Bay and surrounding coastline.
Lake Mahinapua to Franz Josef
This morning it’s a short drive to Franz Josef. Franz Josef is the northern gateway to Te Wahipounamu, the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage area. The region includes Aoraki/Mount Cook, Westland Tai Poutini, Mount Aspiring, the Fiordland National Parks, and surrounding conservation lands. We factor in a free day in Franz Josef so that you can get out there and experience what Franz Josef has to offer. It’s a wicked spot and whatever you get out and do, you will be blown away by the views of the glacier and Alps.
Franz Josef Free Day
Today you have a free day in Franz Josef where you have the opportunity to experience the famous Franz Josef Glacier on a Heli Hike tour (at own cost), or on foot (for free) by hitting up the many walking trails in the area. Explore the Franz Josef wilderness further on a kayak tour amidst the serene waters and breathtaking scenery of Lake Mapourika, or simply unwind and relax in the Glacier Hot Pools.
Franz Josef to Wanaka
Trade glaciers for lakes and rugged coastlines for alpine vistas as we journey from Franz Josef to Wanaka! We'll rumble south, conquering the mighty Haast Pass. We hug the shores of lakes, where the mountains reflect in the crystal-clear waters, before rolling into the lake side town of Wanaka. Get snap-happy at the iconic 'That Wanaka Tree,' stroll the vibrant lakefront, and dive into Wanaka's buzzing atmosphere. Feel like hopping off the bus and visiting in the winter months? Jump onto the ski fields and practice your best pizza in a pair of skis or glide down the mountains on a snowboard. The summer months in Wanaka boast a range of options including mountain biking, mountain carting or there are a range of day hikes in the area sure to impress. Whatever your time in Wanaka may present, the town has your vibe. Get ready for a blast of pure Kiwi scenery.
Included Scenic Walk: Thunder Creek Falls
Included Scenic Photo Stop: Fox Glacier Lookout
Included Scenic Photo Stop: Lake Matheson Mirror Lake
We stop at the stunning Lake Matheson for some photo moments, that will make everyone back home jealous! Capture the reflection of New Zealand's highest peaks - Aoraki (Mount Cook) and Mount Tasman. Your Driver Guide may decide to take you on the full loop walk or just to the viewing platform, depending on what is in store for your day.
Wanaka to Queenstown
Wake up to Wanaka's magic and choose your own adventure! Fancy a hike but also feel like heading to Queenstown today? Wake up early and tackle Roy's Peak for those iconic views. Early bird catches the worm right? Head back to Wanaka and grab a spot on the bus before roll on to Queenstown! We'll hug the shores of Lake Hawea, then wind through the dramatic Crown Range, snapping epic mountain panoramas. Arriving into Queenstown we will stop at the famous Kawarau Bridge where you can catch adrenaline thrills in action. The adventure is just getting started, Queenstown explodes with options! Get ready for adrenaline-pumping activities, vibrant nightlife, and scenery that'll blow your mind. Queenstown's got everything from bungy jumping and jet boating to scenic gondola rides and lakeside strolls.
Important information
There are limited departures available from May to September due to our winter schedule.
What’s included?
Accommodation
In the spirit of freedom, accommodation is not included in the price of your Hop-on Hop-off bus pass. However, we partner with selected hostels across the country and appreciate that many travellers prefer the peace of mind of all outgoings budgeted for before setting off on their trip.
When a bus pass is purchased, you will be emailed login details to our Trip Planner; here, you can pre-book and pay for your accommodation. You must pre-book your accommodation 2-3 days before you arrive at any overnight stop. Check the Trip Planner for each hostel's booking cut-off point.
All accommodation bookings are fully flexible and dates can be changed as many times as you like without any charge, provided it is before the booking cutoff. If you would like to hop off the bus and stay longer in places, you will need to contact the hostels directly to book your extra nights. Make sure you book in advance to avoid disappointment, especially in our busy Summer season.
The Trip Planner makes it simple to pre-book and pay for your accommodation while travelling on the bus. You must book your accommodation by 07:00 two days before arrival at each overnight location. Book your accommodation directly with the hostel if you're staying longer at a destination. You always have the option to book your own accommodation outside of Kiwi Experience. Please note that the Kiwi Experience bus will only pick up and drop off from the accommodation on the trip planner.
Minimum stays:
- 2 nights in Paihia, Franz Josef and Rotorua
- 3 nights in Queenstown
- 1 night everywhere else
Our accommodation partners across the Hop-on Hop-off network are:
North Island
Paihia: Palm Tree Lodge
Auckland: LyLo Auckland
Hot Water Beach: Hot Water Beach Top10 Holiday Park
Waitomo: Waitomo Homestead Cabins
Rotorua: Rock Solid Backpackers
Taupo: Adventure Hostel
Wellington: Nomads Backpackers, Haka House
South Island
Abel Tasman: Kaiteri Lodge
Westport: Bazils Hostel & Surf School
Lake Mahinapua: Mahinapua Hotel (seasonal stop)
Franz Josef: Rainforest Retreat
Wanaka: Adventure Hostel
Queenstown: Nomads Queenstown
Lake Tekapo: Lakes Edge Holiday Park
Christchurch: Hotel Give
Kaikoura: Dusky Lodge
Local transport
A modern bus service is a lot like a modern mobile. When everything’s running smoothly you take for granted what it does for you, but as soon as something goes wrong it can ruin your whole experience! We realized this about buses a long time ago (before mobiles were even invented) so we made sure we used the best vehicles right from day one.
It’s also a very green New Zealand bus service. Our bright green buses are New Zealand tourism icons and turn heads wherever they go (which helps when you need to find it in a hurry). We have chosen to lease our buses from a company that is endorsed with an Enviro Silver Qualmark rating. Because they’re well maintained, they're greener for the environment.
Our Driver Guides are experts at showing off New Zealand, but their first priority is the safety of their bus and their passengers. This is why we only use European designed and engineered buses with a long history and strong reputation for quality. Before they’re put behind the wheel each and every Kiwi Experience Driver Guide must also be put through a rigorous licensing and training programme to ensure the upmost safety of our passengers. We pride ourselves on using a safe and responsible New Zealand bus service.
European coaches also means travelling in unrivalled comfort. Big windows, high viewing seats, arm rests, new fittings, modern sound systems, TV’s, DVD players, air conditioning, and plenty of secure storage space for your bags are all included. Smooth suspension, comfy seats, leg room and a quiet engine are also a favourite with passengers after a hard days adventuring. You’ve got to spend a few hours sitting on the bus so we figure it should add to the experience, not ruin it. It’s cool to be on a comfy green bus and the flash exterior will also look great in those travel snaps of the legendary green machine.
Travel by ferry between the North and South Island is included.
Additional info
How do I begin my travel?
When you buy your New Zealand bus pass you’re given the option of selecting a start date, or leaving the pass open dated. If you have an open date pass then you’ll need to contact us once you know what day you want to start your Kiwi Experience. The more notice you can give us the better so that we can confirm there’s a seat for you when you want it. Some passes have fixed starting points whereas others allow you to start from anywhere along the route. See the passes page for these full details and to compare pass options.
How long can I travel for?
Once you’ve purchased your New Zealand bus pass you have 12 months to begin your travel, and then once you start you have 12 months to complete it. If you’ve got the time you should definitely take it. Each section of a pass can only be travelled once although there are 2 exceptions to the rule 1) the Kea and Top Dog passes travel Christchurch to Kaikoura twice and 2) our four New Zealand - start anywhere passes now offer Unlimited Travel which means you can travel sectors more than once! See our terms and conditions for more information on Unlimited Travel.
What does minimum travel time mean?
For our Hop-On Hop-Off passes, the minimum time is the shortest amount of time you can complete this pass by travelling our standard itinerary and not hopping off the bus to spend longer in any destination. Please note this minimum time can change slightly depending on the season.
What if I’m travelling on my own?
The majority of our passengers are travelling solo. Kiwi Experience is a social experience guaranteed to leave with new friends for life from across the globe. Many past & solo travellers have made lifelong mates, and we love hearing those stories.
How do I get between the North and South Islands?
If you haven’t yet noticed, New Zealand’s two main islands are split by a mass of water known as the Cook Strait. To get between each island you can either take the Interisland Ferry or a short flight. Again, like accommodation and activities, your Driver Guide can book all this for you and even hook you up with a discount. If your Kiwi Experience Hop-On Hop-Off bus pass includes both the north island and the south island then your interislander ticket is included. If your national bus pass also includes a round trip back to where you started then x2 ferry tickets are included.
If you are only travelling on one island then no ferry ticket is included.