Time to greet the day and begin your adventure! Depart vibrant Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) at midday and make your way north toward picturesque Paihia. On the way, enjoy a lunch stop in Wellsford before heading to Whangārei Falls, where nature’s beauty puts on a show. By late afternoon, you'll arrive in the Bay of Islands, a subtropical gem brimming with history and natural splendour.
This breathtaking region features 144 stunning islands, pristine beaches, and a legacy woven deep into Aotearoa’s past. Be sure to visit Waitangi, the legendary site where the nation’s story began. If you are more of a water lover, the options for adventure are endless. Set off on a cruise to the iconic Hole in the Rock and uncover secret coves and island hideaways. Keep a lookout for the marine life dancing beneath the waves. Prefer a more hands-on thrill? Try your hand at sailing, fishing, diving, or parasailing. Or just kick back, dig your toes into golden sands, and soak up the serenity.
Included Scenic Walk: Whangarei Falls
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Itinerary
Northern Round Up
Auckland to Pahia
Free Day in Pahia
Thinking about soaking up the coastal charm of the Bay of Islands? There’s no shortage of options. You might begin with a serene ferry ride to Otehei Bay, with its pristine waters and secluded feel. If you're up for adventure, a cruise to the majestic Hole in the Rock could be on the cards—plus, there's always the chance of spotting dolphins. For a cultural touch, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds invite deeper exploration into Aotearoa’s past. Those seeking outdoor thrills might consider a scenic horse trek along the coastline. Tonight, an Evening Sundowner Cruise promises a stunning farewell to the day. All experiences are optional and not included.
Pahia to Auckland
Early this morning we head back to Auckland. On the way we will stop in at Waipu, a small coastal beach town good for surfing, home to cafes and local bars and restaurants. Our stop here is brief, the perfect place to grab a coffee and some food to fuel you for the adventure awaiting in Auckland. From island escapes to cultural discoveries or even just soaking in the skyline, the rest of the day is yours to play with. No pressure, just potential.
Auckland to Hot Water Beach
Bid farewell to Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) as your journey takes you southeast to the sun-kissed shores of the Coromandel Peninsula, a coastal paradise known for its pristine beaches, dramatic coastline, and laid-back charm.
Enjoy the opportunity to kayak along crystal-clear waters en route to the iconic Cathedral Cove, a natural masterpiece carved by the sea. Then, tap into nature’s geothermal magic at Hot Water Beach, where, if you time it just right, you can dig your own personal spa pool and soak in naturally heated mineral water beneath the sand. As the day winds down, rest and recharge before diving into the adventures still to come.
Included Scenic Walk: Cathedral Cove Walk
Included Experience: Hot Water Beach visit
Enjoy the opportunity to kayak along crystal-clear waters en route to the iconic Cathedral Cove, a natural masterpiece carved by the sea. Then, tap into nature’s geothermal magic at Hot Water Beach, where, if you time it just right, you can dig your own personal spa pool and soak in naturally heated mineral water beneath the sand. As the day winds down, rest and recharge before diving into the adventures still to come.
Included Scenic Walk: Cathedral Cove Walk
Included Experience: Hot Water Beach visit
Hot Water Beach to Waitamo
Leaving the gorgeous Coromandel behind we’ll venture into the enchanting Karangahake Gorge nestled among the Kaimai Ranges, for a hike amongst the walkways and old mining tunnels. Next, we’ll be heading over to Waitomo (‘wai’ meaning water, ‘tomo’ meaning hole) to visit the magical glow-worm caves. World-famous for their abundance of glow worms, extensive underground river system and stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations, a trip to the caves is a trip to another world. However, Waitomo is more than caves and glowworms; it's a cultural hub rich in Māori history, myths and legends. Some of the cave guides are descendants of Chief Tāne Tinorau, the original explorer of the caves. Upon our arrival, we'll stop for a refreshing walk through the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve where you can see the Ruakuri Natural Tunnel, native forest and small caves. For those feeling adventurous, this afternoon you will have the opportunity to experience a Black Water Rafting trip (optional extra). Brave the underground rapids as you raft in tubes, leap off waterfalls, and float beneath a dazzling sky of glow worms.
Included Scenic Walks: Karangahake Gorge Windows Walk and Ruakuri Bush Walk
Included Scenic Walks: Karangahake Gorge Windows Walk and Ruakuri Bush Walk
Waitamo to Rotorua
It's time to bid farewell to the glowing little critters. For those who wish to live out their Lord of the Rings fantasies, we will stop off at the enchanting village of Hobbiton, where the magic of the movies comes to life (optional extra). Next, we'll roll on to Rotorua, a mystical land of bubbling mud pools, rocketing geysers and natural hot springs. You won’t get bored here; plenty of optional activities keep you busy. Take your pick from exhilarating White Water Rafting, thrilling experiences like Zip Lining across the top of the canopy, or exploring the area’s unique geothermal activity and natural hot springs. You can embrace our history and culture this evening with a 3-hour experience at the Mitai Māori Village (optional extra). Witness captivating stories unfold, be enchanted by performers, and satisfy your hunger with a traditional Māori feast.
Free Day in Rotorua
Conveniently located in the centre of the North Island, Rotorua offers some of New Zealand’s most iconic natural attractions and experiences. With geothermal wonders, refreshing spa offerings, pristine lakes, spectacular forests, fascinating Māori culture and an abundance of adventure activities. Today is the perfect day to get out and explore all of what it has to offer. Ride the rapids of the Kaituna river, take a piece of New Zealand home with you on a Mountain Jade Highlights tour or relax and unwind with the Wai Ariki restorative journey.
Rotorua to Taupo
If you haven't had a chance yet to explore the geothermal reserve of Te Puia, we will check it out this morning before heading onto Lake Taupō, taking a walk to the pounding Huka Falls (included) first. In Taupō there is lots to do, just tell us what you’re in the mood for and we’ll get you there. The lake itself (actually an extinct volcano crater) is a sight to behold from the shoreline, but the more adventurous might want to take the opportunity to experience optional activities such as sailing across the lake on a yacht to the Māori rock carvings, or even get a birds-eye view by skydiving above it.
Included Scenic Walks: Redwoods Green Walk and Huka Falls Visit
Included Scenic Walks: Redwoods Green Walk and Huka Falls Visit
Taupo to Wellington
We head south around the “great lake” towards the Tongariro National Park for a two-hour walk through native bush and waterfalls (summer time only). In the afternoon we travel to New Zealand's capital city Wellington. This city is the undisputed capital of culture, the arts, restaurants, fashion, and nightlife. Here you can experience Mount Victoria (free), or get amongst the thriving craft beer scene and Wellington nightlife.
Included Scenic Walk: Tongariro Nation Park Walk
Included Scenic Photo Stop: Taranaki Falls
Included Experience: Taihape Gumboot Throwing
Included Scenic Walk: Tongariro Nation Park Walk
Included Scenic Photo Stop: Taranaki Falls
Included Experience: Taihape Gumboot Throwing
Wellington to Taupo (Express Bus)
Let's head north! We'll depart from Wellington, leaving the wind behind as we head towards the gumboot capital, Taihape. Next, we'll traverse the Central Plateau, home to the awe-inspiring Tongariro National Park.
Calling all lake lovers! Our first stop en route to Auckland is Taupō, hop-off the bus and soak in the beauty of New Zealand's largest freshwater lake.
Please note: This is an express service to Auckland, but you can choose your adventure and hop off in Taupō to explore further! Accommodation in Taupo is at your own arrangement, and cannot be booked with Kiwi Experience.
Calling all lake lovers! Our first stop en route to Auckland is Taupō, hop-off the bus and soak in the beauty of New Zealand's largest freshwater lake.
Please note: This is an express service to Auckland, but you can choose your adventure and hop off in Taupō to explore further! Accommodation in Taupo is at your own arrangement, and cannot be booked with Kiwi Experience.
Taupo to Rotorua (Express Bus)
Let's continue north! We'll depart from Taupo, leaving the Central Plateau behind as we head to the geothermal wonders and rich cultural centre of Rotorua.
Calling all relaxation lovers! Our last stop stop en route to Auckland is Rotorua, hop-off the bus and soak in the beauty of this city rich in culture.
Please note: This is an express service to Auckland, but you can choose your adventure and hop off in Rotorua to explore further! Accommodation in Rotorua is at your own arrangement, and cannot be booked with Kiwi Experience.
Calling all relaxation lovers! Our last stop stop en route to Auckland is Rotorua, hop-off the bus and soak in the beauty of this city rich in culture.
Please note: This is an express service to Auckland, but you can choose your adventure and hop off in Rotorua to explore further! Accommodation in Rotorua is at your own arrangement, and cannot be booked with Kiwi Experience.
Rotorua to Auckland (Express Bus)
Let's make our final journey north! We'll depart from Rotorua, leaving the geothermal wonders behind as we head towards Auckland, the City of Sails. This will be our last stop, the bus will not continue further.
Please note: This is an express service to Auckland and the bus will only stop to drop off and pick up guests.
Please note: This is an express service to Auckland and the bus will only stop to drop off and pick up guests.
Reduced Winter Departures
There are limited departures available from May to September due to our winter schedule.
Overzicht
What’s included?
Accommodation
Your accommodation is not included in the price, however, finding somewhere great to stay is never a problem with us and neither is booking it. After 18+ years in the game we reckon we know where all the great New Zealand backpackers and hostels are. Travel with Kiwi Experience and you’ll get to stay in some awesome places that you wouldn’t find by yourself. Here are a few examples of the kinds of places you’ll only see with us:
Hot Water Beach Holiday Park - next door to a beach that is famous for, you guessed it, hot water!
River Valley Adventure Lodge - so far off the beaten track the bus can’t even get there
Mahinapua West Coast Pub - with New Zealand’s oldest publican, Les.
In addition to the unique accommodation above, Kiwi Experience also stops at more popular (and populated) towns and cities. Here we recommend some of the best New Zealand backpackers and hostels the country has to offer. With the entire bus getting along great, all the passengers usually decide to stay together at the same place. However, you’re always more than welcome to stay somewhere else and our Driver Guides can help you with this.
Kiwi Experience has guaranteed accommodation in every overnight stop every time we go there. This means that even when the rest of the world seems to be travelling through New Zealand, we can still guarantee every backpacker and traveller who travels with us a bed. That’s pretty important since you’ll need to be well rested for tomorrow, where there’ll be heaps of great experiences ahead. When you travel with Kiwi Experience you can book accommodation yourself or sit back and relax as your Driver Guide rings ahead and does it for you.
Hot Water Beach Holiday Park - next door to a beach that is famous for, you guessed it, hot water!
River Valley Adventure Lodge - so far off the beaten track the bus can’t even get there
Mahinapua West Coast Pub - with New Zealand’s oldest publican, Les.
In addition to the unique accommodation above, Kiwi Experience also stops at more popular (and populated) towns and cities. Here we recommend some of the best New Zealand backpackers and hostels the country has to offer. With the entire bus getting along great, all the passengers usually decide to stay together at the same place. However, you’re always more than welcome to stay somewhere else and our Driver Guides can help you with this.
Kiwi Experience has guaranteed accommodation in every overnight stop every time we go there. This means that even when the rest of the world seems to be travelling through New Zealand, we can still guarantee every backpacker and traveller who travels with us a bed. That’s pretty important since you’ll need to be well rested for tomorrow, where there’ll be heaps of great experiences ahead. When you travel with Kiwi Experience you can book accommodation yourself or sit back and relax as your Driver Guide rings ahead and does it for you.
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.
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.
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?
We’ve come up with these travel times to help you plan your trip around New Zealand. If you are a little short on time, or who just want to be sure they can make their flight out at the other end, this is a good guideline to work to. Our recommended travel times include spending an extra night (so 2 nights total) in Taupo, Franz Josef and Queenstown because they’re such amazing places with lots to do. If you’re on a deadline then you can easily skip these extra nights as timetables allow. Whether you are travelling in summer or winter can make a difference too so check out our bus timetable for more information, and get in touch with our Reservations team if you have any questions - we are here to help and make your trip amazing no matter how much time you have!
What if I’m travelling on my own?
Most people who start Kiwi Experience are doing it on their own, but you wouldn’t know it by the end of the trip. You’ll meet all sorts of people from all over the world and quite a few locals too. We’ve had people start off as strangers and become lifelong friends forever. The great people you meet is one of the best things about Kiwi Experience.
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.
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?
We’ve come up with these travel times to help you plan your trip around New Zealand. If you are a little short on time, or who just want to be sure they can make their flight out at the other end, this is a good guideline to work to. Our recommended travel times include spending an extra night (so 2 nights total) in Taupo, Franz Josef and Queenstown because they’re such amazing places with lots to do. If you’re on a deadline then you can easily skip these extra nights as timetables allow. Whether you are travelling in summer or winter can make a difference too so check out our bus timetable for more information, and get in touch with our Reservations team if you have any questions - we are here to help and make your trip amazing no matter how much time you have!
What if I’m travelling on my own?
Most people who start Kiwi Experience are doing it on their own, but you wouldn’t know it by the end of the trip. You’ll meet all sorts of people from all over the world and quite a few locals too. We’ve had people start off as strangers and become lifelong friends forever. The great people you meet is one of the best things about Kiwi Experience.
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.