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Budget travel new zealand.

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Perfection! Photo taken by: Derek Craddock (Flying Kiwi Traveller)

budget travel new zealand

New zealand's leading budget travel operator.

Flying Kiwi is well established as New Zealands best value, budget travel operator. The company was recently listed by National Geographic as one of the best adventure travel companies on earth and was the leading budget operator in the following categories :

• Biking/hiking
• Nature/Wildlife
• Cultural Encounters 

What makes these trips such good value?

With daily food and your accommodation costs all taken care of a Flying Kiwi tour is a great option for budget travel in New Zealand. Travelling in a group enables us to save on camp fees, food and even activities. You will be able to plan your budget so less money is wasted on over-priced accommodation and those valuable dollars can be spent on more experiences throughout New Zealand. Check out our specials page for more information on superb deals.

Whatever your budget we have a travel package to suit, from three day New Zealand jaunts to the full round trip covering both Islands from the Bay of Islands to Milford Sound.

Options for all budgets on your travels

We also offer a host of free activities on board, so if funds are getting light on your travels there will still be plenty to do - whether its body boarding or a game of soccer with your mates on one of New Zealand's stunning beaches.

We are confident that we can save you money whilst providing a great experience; so check out Flying Kiwi different tour options for budget travel in New Zealand .

If you want to explore New Zealand on a budget then its a great idea to travel with Flying Kiwi. Check out our  specials page  for more information on superb deals or  contact us  for more information.

Our Kiwi adventure tours are for travellers wanting to experience the real New Zealand, enjoy the outdoors and still have money in their pocket for other activities + travelling in a group is great fun! We have a number of great relationships with activity providers and pass those discounts straight onto you. Our guides aren't on commission so if its not for you then don't worry!

Save on your travels in New Zealand

We are always trying to come up with new treats and specials for our flying passengers so keep your eyes peeled for our latest offers.

Keep an eye on our latest  New Zealand budget travel deals .

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Detailed itineraries + travel guides

Flying Kiwi New Zealand Adventure Bus Tour – Reverse Traverse Itinerary Review

Last Updated March 18, 2024 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Companies » Flying Kiwi New Zealand Adventure Bus Tour – Reverse Traverse Itinerary Review

Flying Kiwi is as uniquely different as bus tours come and it’s just what you want for New Zealand

New Zealand is known for a lot of things but what I love the most about it are the pristine outdoors, the larger-than-life sweeping landscapes, their utter addiction to adventure, and how dynamic the travel experience is as you go from the South to the North or vice versa.  It’s almost as if the country is geared to make sure you cross off items on your bucket list.

The one way we were able to achieve epic moment after moment in New Zealand was with an adventure bus tour company called Flying Kiwi.  Hopping on from Queenstown, we embarked on an adventure of a lifetime.  We didn’t know what to expect going into it as you know we typically favour independent travel but we were blown away by what we’ve been missing out all these years.  Read more to find out my full review of our Reverse Traverse itinerary.

• New Zealand is a packed with adventure – you really need to see it all

2024 Update

I don’t believe there was an official announcement on their website but we just learned that Flying Kiwi was acquired by Stray and will be operating independently under the same brand so you could say it’s business as usual!

Save 10% off for tours departing March or April 2024.

Okay first you need to know something about New Zealand .  As small as it is geographically it is also massive at the same time.  That’s why you can’t just pop into the country and expect to see it all in a week.  You really need to dedicate at least 2 or more weeks to see a big chunk of it.

As I started doing research for my latest trip to New Zealand, I was quickly overwhelmed.  The funny thing is, I’ve been to New Zealand before too.  Since the idea of doing this trip was really last minute , I literally had 3 weeks to plan this trip with my wife.  Knowing there was no way I could figure it all out, I looked to see what other options were out there.

What I was looking for was a tour that we could jump in on that would be focused on experiences, had flexibility, and would allow us to see a big part of somewhere I hadn’t seen of New Zealand – the western coast.  That’s when I learned about Flying Kiwi  and led to us signing up for the 14 day Reverse Traverse trip that would see us go from Queenstown all the way up to the Bay of Islands.

Alright enough jibber jabber, let me jump into what you’re probably most interested in – how was Flying Kiwi as an adventure bus tour and should you book with them?

Read more about New Zealand

• How To Visit The Hobbitown in New Zealand
• Skydive New Zealand
• The Comprehensive New Zealand Travel Guide
• The Ultimate 3 Week New Zealand Itinerary

How to get the best deals in travel

• Hottest deals  – Bookmark the  travel deals page .
• Car rentals  – stop getting ripped off and  learn about car rental coupon codes .
• Hotels  – Use  corporate codes  or get  Genius 2 tier  with Booking.
• Flights  – Have you ever heard of the  “Everywhere” feature ?
• Insurance  – Make sure you’re covered and learn more about  where to buy the best travel insurance .

In This Article

Itinerary map

A day in a life , why flying kiwi over doing it yourself , how did we like flying kiwi , what sets flying kiwi aside from the competition , top tips you need to know , the reverse traverse .

Falling under Flying Kiwi’s “Full New Zealand Tours”, this is one half of the Ultimate Explorer which does the full loop of the country.  Since we couldn’t make the full 28 days fit on our schedule, we did the next best thing which is the Reverse Traverse .

A heads up that the Reverse Traverse is currently not offered by Flying Kiwi due to the pandemic but there is the Grand Traverse which does the other half of the Ultimate Explorer.

This picks up from Queenstown in the South Island and meticulously follows the western coast for 14 days .   We joined this tour near the beginning of our full 3 week trip to New Zealand .

We did so many incredible things on our Flying Kiwi bus tour and while these activities are specific to the Reverse Traverse, the availability of excursions will really vary based on the itinerary you choose.

If I had to rank the best experiences, it would:

• Skydiving Abel Tasman
• Black Water Rafting
• Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki
• Bay of Islands
• Sand Boarding

Back to the top

Over the course of our 14 days, I wanted to capture what it’s really   like to be on a Flying Kiwi adventure bus tour .  The video player provides a full look at what you can expect from waking up in the morning to calling it a night in the evening.

This was the biggest question I got from friends and fans.  It’s true that we don’t often do group tours but hear me out because Flying Kiwi makes a lot of sense even for us as a couple.

Don’t have a lot of time to plan

This is the obvious one and true in our case.  Whether you’re not a fan of complex trip planning or don’t have the time, it’s nice to have someone else do it all for you.  You sign up and off you go!

Since New Zealand is also quite spread out, it’s also not the most straight forward when it comes to planning either.  You’re constantly on the move and that means lots of driving, stops to decide on, figuring out what is a must-do, lots of accommodations to book, and food places to research.

Stress of driving taken away

While I do love my road trips like the one we did in Ireland, there’s a ton of driving to do in New Zealand.  It was really nice not to have to worry about that everyday.

That camping lifestyle

Whether you’re travelling alone or as a group, camping, campervans, RV-ing is often not a feasible option for a lot of reasons.  1) campervans and RVs can get very expensive and 2) travelling to New Zealand with camping gear is inconvenient or you might not have everything you need so that means you end up having to rent equipment.

Let’s just say I wouldn’t have thought camping to be possible if I did my own trip.   Flying Kiwi makes all of that happen because it’s their bread and butter.

Travel with like-minded travellers

Perhaps the best part about being on a Flying Kiwi tour is just how much of a travel family you become with everyone on the bus.  With the amount of time you spend with your travelling mates, doing activities together, chatting on the bus, at camp, and cook groups, you truly develop genuine bonds with everyone.

The other part that surprised me is just how diverse the travellers are.  In our group, we had the full spectrum from those just graduating high school to retirees.  The amazing thing is that we all got along and we enjoyed getting to know everyone and their story.

Excellent value

Let’s look at this breakdown.  If we were to do this trip on our own, we’d be looking at something like this over 14 days for one person:

• Accommodations (hostels) – NZ$80 per night
• Food (average restaurants) – NZ$35 per person per day –  you’d be surprised how quickly this expense grows as meals in New Zealand are not cheap
• Car rental – NZ$20 per day
• Gas – NZ$25 per day –  gas is insanely expensive
• TOTAL – NZ$2240

Compare this to the cost of the Reverse Traverse which is NZ$2545.

You’d think the “mark up” would be much more significant but it’s not.  Sure you could argue on both sides of the coin but when you factor in that you have a crew that takes care of you all the way through, logistics are completely out of your hands, and bonuses like the ferry and wine tasting are included, you’re looking at equal, if not better value .

Our trip to New Zealand was truly a dream come true.  Coming back to the country for a second time, I vowed to see it more thoroughly and go deeper than the surface.  While adventure activities was a given with Flying Kiwi, there were many other aspects to the trip that we really liked.

It was the perfect balance for us.  Not having an unlimited amount of time while wanting flexibility, this was everything we were looking for.

• Fast but also slow  – We covered a lot of ground every day which is what allows you to see so many highlights along the tour but at the same time you stop at way more places than I would’ve planned in my own trip.
• Rigid but also flexible – There’s a plan of attack everyday but when it comes to what you do at the pitstops, what you want to see after making camp, whether you want to bike or not, or what adventure excursion you want to pick is all up to you.
• Soft to hard – Labelled as an adventure bus tour doesn’t mean everything they offer is crazy adrenaline.  Yes, activities like skydiving and multi-day kayaking trips are available but if you just want to go for a stroll by the beach or explore on your own, you can do that too

One thing we unexpectedly loved more than we thought we would, was the camping life .  We thought we’d miss having a proper bed but the provided sleeping mats were so surprisingly comfortable and the tents ultra spacious.  Sure putting it up and taking them down was a bit tedious but we got a good hang of it after a couple of days.   On top of this, we were blown away by how clean and complete the facilities were at each holiday park we camped at.  There were always hot showers, large bathrooms, and kitchens available.

You’d also think that the communal group cooking would be lame but the truth is, it was a great way to get to know others in your group.  I was also continuously amazed at how the bus carried everything we needed to make the amazing meals we had each and every day.

Speaking of food, I think one of the undervalued things when you travel is being able to have nutritious and balanced meals .  I’m probably coming off as an uncool Dad right now but anyone that’s travelled a lot knows that it’s hard to always get your veggies in to make sure you “stay regular”.  It’s the bad eating that will also often lead to sore throats and colds so I really appreciated the meals we had each day.  After all, there’s only so much fish & chip and meat pie meals you can eat.

Lastly, as corny as it sounds, being able to travel with all these people from all walks of life was truly special.  It’s probably not what you expect to hear when you travel with your significant other but I quite enjoyed mixing things up by being able to chat with other people and making new friends.  We’ve all remained friends post-trip and even have our own private Facebook group.

I think it’s no secret that there are a bunch of other companies out there that are probably on your radar as you’re trying to plan your trip to New Zealand.  I can’t speak for them specifically because we didn’t travel with them but we did meet travellers at our activities from Kiwi Experience and Haka Tours.

What makes Flying Kiwi unique :

• Camping – Every other tour out there focuses on hostel accommodations.  Cut out those crummy and possibly ghetto 4-6 bed dorms and trade that in for a good night’s sleep every night in your tent (maximum of 2) and under the stars.  I’m telling you, camping is the way to go in New Zealand especially when the facilities are so good.
• Majority of meals included – Whether you’re looking at Haka Tours, Kiwi Experience, G Adventures, or Contiki, you’ll notice that barely any lunches and dinners are included.  This means that there is a significant hidden cost with other companies that doesn’t apply for Flying Kiwi.
• Affordable –  When you compare against companies like G Adventures, Flying Kiwi is significantly cheaper especially when you start comparing pound for pound what each offers in terms of highlights you see.

• Off the beaten path itinerary – I’ve noticed that with Haka Tours, the only way you can go to the Abel Tasman and that whole stretch of the north west of the South Island is if you do the full 20+ days or if you only focus on the south island.  The Reverse Traverse is a very off-the-beaten-path selection that I can’t find replicated anywhere else.
• Thorough – I’m going to take the above even further.  Flying Kiwi’s Reverse Traverse is the ONLY itinerary that is less than 15 days and covers the highlights of Queenstown, Abel Tasman, Waitomo, and Bay of Islands all in one.

Here’s what Flying Kiwi is not :

• Not a party bus – If that’s what you’re looking for, it’s the what Kiwi Experience is best known for.
• Not hop on and hop off – In theory it’s something you could do with Flying Kiwi but the whole idea is to stick with your crew throughout your trip.  Again, this is Kiwi Experience’s bread and butter so if you want ultimate flexibility, consider them but the feeling I got from talking to others is that it’s hard to get to know others and even more so if you’re not into partying.
• Not fully inclusive of all activities – Now you might think this is a bad thing but this speaks to how flexible things really are.  Unlike other companies, they don’t include let’s say the jet boat tours if you’re not interested.  You get to choose what you want to do which also helps to keep the costs lower.
• Not a get pampered type of trip – This is a kind of trip where everyone gets involved – helping cleaning up, cooking, and load things onto the bus. I thought this was actually a great thing because that’s how we got to know everyone else much faster.

Where Flying Kiwi could be improved :

As a blogger, contrary to popular belief, it’s not all about positive reviews all the time.  Here are a few things that I thought where there was room for improvement.

• More photo stops – While we did make a few photos stops while on the road, you definitely don’t have as much flexibility to make stops at will mainly because the bus needs to make it our activities or the campsite
• Icebreakers – I thought one thing that was a bit challenging was joining the group midway through another tour.  As a newcomer, you need to build your own friendships amongst the existing groups.  Additional ice breaker activities could’ve alleviated this.
• Activity guidance – I noticed that while the activity board was passed around, the guides never really talked about their thoughts and recommendations.  That’s why I was glad I did all of my research ahead of time.

I’ve let Flying Kiwi know about my feedback and as a company that takes all recommendations seriously, they’ve already made changes internally to make sure it’s a better experience for future travellers.  I love that they actually read the feedback forms we filled out and pro-actively act on them to improve the product.

If you read any of my travel itineraries , you know that I love getting into the details and providing you guys with the information you need to feel comfortable with spending your hard earned money and being prepared for your upcoming trip.

Tip #1:  What should I pack?

If you haven’t yet, make sure you check out our New Zealand packing guide .  This is a super comprehensive article about everything I brought for the trip including analysis of things that I missed and items I packed that ended up being super helpful for Flying Kiwi.

Another key thing to keep in mind is to dress for the weather.  Spring and Fall periods are quite unpredictable so always prepare for wet weather which means having as much waterproof gear as possible.

Tip #2:  Staying charged

Depending on how many devices you bring with you, it can be easy to stay fully charged or a bit of a struggle.  First of all, there are two USB outlets on the bus per 2 seats.  This means that during the day, you’ll be able to keep things like your phone topped up.  Just make sure you have the charging cables with you.

When you’re at camp, it’s a different story.  Most holiday parks and camp sites you stay at will have a lounge and kitchen facilities.  There are always electrical outlets here so you can charge in the evening after making camp.  What isn’t a guarantee is whether these facilities are exclusive for Flying Kiwi or not.  When they’re completely open, you more or less need to camp out near the outlet to make sure your devices don’t get stolen.

Your best bet is to make sure you always have a back up power bank  so you can charge things via USB in your tent overnight and keep it charged during the day on the bus.

Tip #3:  Keeping your bags organized on the bus

One of the biggest learning curves of being on a bus is that you need to have a strategy for where you keep your things.

Back of the bus – This is where you keep your suitcase and/or your backpack.  You’re not going to be able to access this from the bus and in between stops it’s expected you won’t need things in there either.

On the bus – These are your comfort items for the bus that you want to quick access to but there are a few places where this can be.  There’s your day pack which you’ll put in the overhead, loose items in the overhead, space under the seat in front, and on your seat.  You likely won’t want to take away from your leg room which leaves the limited space on your seat (on your lap or wedged somewhere on the side) or in the overhead.  Getting to the overhead isn’t always convenient when the bus is moving or if you have the window seat.

The key I learned was to have a reusable shopping bag or large stuff sack designated as the “bus bag”.  We’d throw in things in here like my chargers, power bank, snacks, camera gear, and accessories such as gloves.

What I’d then do is clip this bag with a carabiner to the handle on the seat in front of me for quick access.  This also doubles as a handy hook for in the tent as well.

In your tent – You’ll be moving your suitcase/backpack into your tent most likely along with your day pack but what I found very helpful was to have that same reusable shopping bag to quickly get organized on the bus (i.e. throw everything in) to transfer everything into your tent.

When you’re getting ready to break down camp, I always made sure I had what I needed in my “bus bag” while in the tent.  So for instance, if I knew I needed my GoPro accessories during the day, I’d make sure I pull those things out of the suitcase and into the bag.

Tip #4:  Getting online

I’ll get the first thing out of the way, there’s no free wifi on the bus.

Most travellers rely on free wifi that show up along the way in the towns that we visited through let’s say McDonalds, cafe, visitor centres, or other random access point.

At camp, a surprising number of holiday parks and campsites have their own wifi.  Some of them are paid where you have to buy a voucher code from reception, others provided a limited amount of data for free (i.e. 200MB or 500MB) before becoming paid, and there were others which were completely free with the password provided by your guide.

Cellular data is also inconsistent.  The South Island has especially large blackout zones where there is no service at all outside of the big towns.  So for those that pay for data on their phone, it’s usually a scramble to check e-mails, post on social media, send out messages, and check the news while it’s available because it can cut out at any moment while on the move.

I recommend picking up something like SkyRoam which I used on our trip.  This is essentially a wifi hotspot that uses cellular data.  What’s nice about this is that multiple people can connect to it when data is available.  This was super handy in places that didn’t have free wifi but had signal.  Check out my review of Skyroam .

Tip #5:  Keeping valuables secure

Security isn’t really a big issue in New Zealand in general but of course you have to play it smart.

The one thing that isn’t advertised is that every bus has its own safe.  This is meant to store things like passports when you need that extra layer of security.

When camping at locations for multiple nights, you have to be careful what you keep inside your tent because anyone can easily come into the campsites.  In this situation, you can move your bags back onto the bus (either front or back) but if you don’t have any valuables, a hack we learned on our trip was to use one of those TSA locks  on the main tent zipper as a deterrent.

Tip #6:  How much cash should you bring?

You have to remember that all the activities you choose to do, accommodation upgrades, and hostels in the city are all added costs.  Luckily, almost all places accept credit card which means you don’t necessarily need to bring too much cash.

Here are the exceptions:

• Sand boarding is NZ$22 and is cash only
• Laundry machines take coin only and cost in and around NZ$8
• For some accommodation upgrades, it’s more convenient to pay by cash

So the truth is you really don’t need to bring too much cash.  For our trip, we exchanged NZ$2,000 but only because we wanted to reduce the credit card exchange fees.

Tip #7:  Do a little planning ahead of time

As much as your day is well-laid out in front of you, there are still some things you want to think about every day to make sure you’re prepared and never caught off guard.

Being prepared for the day

• Camera gear – Do you need a GoPro? What mounts do you need?  How many extra batteries or memory cards?
• Extra clothing – Depending on the activity for the day, do you need extra layers?  Swim trunks?

Picking your activities

On the bus, a clip board will get passed around with information on the upcoming days’ activities and a sign up sheet.  On some days you need to put your name down and in cases like the Abel Tasman, you’ll have a few days to think about it.  It helps to know ahead of time the things you want to do so you’re not in a rush to decide.

As part of your welcome e-mail, you’ll also be notified a few of the activities that are recommended to pre-book to make sure you lock in your spot since you’re competing against the public that could potentially book out the time slot that you need.

I recommend that you look up everything ahead of time so you have a pretty good idea of what you’re going to be doing.  Also don’t be afraid to ask whether you can do multiple activities in a day.

Thinking outside the box

Something else to consider is that if you find another activity that you want to do that isn’t on the Flying Kiwi list, ask your guide and find out if it’s possible.  For instance, someone in our group really wanted to go horseback riding and she was able to do it in Paihia in the Bay of Islands even though it wasn’t a standard offering.

Tip #8:  Multiple trips are combined

This is more of a good-to-know.  Any tour you join with Flying Kiwi will be part of the Ultimate Explorer itinerary. Expect to have travel companions on your tour that may have previously been travelling together with Flying Kiwi prior to your Day 1 and travel companions may be continuing onwards with another tour after your trip concludes.

For example, we were part of the Reverse Traverse tour and this is essentially the back half of the Ultimate Explorer.  We essentially joined halfway through that group.  For us, some people ended their tour in Nelson, Picton, Wellington, and Auckland.  When we started our way up to the Bay of Islands, this was the start of a new Ultimate Explorer group.

Tip #9:  City time is short

In the bigger cities like Auckland and Wellington, there really isn’t much time to explore but if you plan things right, you can definitely squeeze a few things in.  In some instances you’ll have to wake up really early or  you’ll have to rely on grabbing a taxi/Uber.

Places that are worth considering:

• WETA Cave in Wellington
• Museum of New Zealand in Wellington
• Skytower in Auckland
• Auckland War Memorial Museum

Tip #10:  Sandflies

They’re out in full force in the South Island so make sure to pack bug repellant or pick some up once you land.  There are many natural products in New Zealand that are effective.  Even better is to just stay covered especially around camp.

Sandflies are a little different from mosquitos in that they don’t leave a welt or itchy spot right away.  They also land and latch onto your skin longer than a mosquito does.

Depending on the person, the welt comes in a few days later.  That’s when it starts to itch and usually hardens from my experience as well.  For me, my bite marks from New Zealand are still visible as they’ve stayed as dark spots.

Tip #11:  Useful apps to download

The one app that is recommended by the Flying Kiwi team and other travel companions is maps.me ( iOS / Android ).  It’s an offline map app which can be handy especially since wifi and data are sparse.

Tip #12:  Stocking up on supplies

There are a ton of opportunities to pick up snacks and other supplies (think meds or toiletries) along the way.  Flying Kiwi will often stop at a grocery store (New World or Countdown) since your guides will need to buy supplies for the meals.  This is your chance to stock up.

In regards to alcohol, these grocery stores all carry a wide variety of local and international beverages.  The bus will typically have a cooler just for drinks so you can put your purchases in there afterwards.  One thing to keep in mind of is that Kiwis are quite diligent in doing ID checks and as a foreigner, the only acceptable form of ID is a passport.

Tip #13:  Drones in New Zealand

If you’re planning on packing a drone for your trip, note that you have to be careful when it comes to National Parks and areas that are explicitly marked as no-drone-zones.  Other areas to be careful with are ones where helicopters and planes are involved but that’s a given.  That means you won’t be able to get any drone footage in Milford Sound and the glaciers.  A good example of a National Park that doesn’t allow drones is the Abel Tasman.

When I did fly the drone, I did not obtain specific licenses for New Zealand.

Tip #14:  Are accommodation upgrades worth it?

I’ll say that I was surprised how comfortable camping was especially when the weather was good.  The sleeping mats are extra plush and the sleeping bags more than warm enough.

There are a couple of situations where it makes sense to upgrade:

• You want some alone time with your significant other – Travelling as a couple, it was nice to have a couple of nights outside the tent.  Private upgrades are available almost every night.  You just need to talk to your guide ahead of time.  The prices will vary but they’re most certainly affordable and comfortable.  We especially loved our cabin upgrade at the Fox Glacier Top 10 Holiday Park .
• Travelling solo and just want to class it up – Even if you’re on your own, you can easily group up with a couple of other travellers to split the cost for an upgrade.  If you do the math, you can get a nice cabin between 3-4 of you for as little as $NZ10 in some instances.

Just remember that cabin upgrades are available most nights but not all and they based on vacancy at the property.

Tip #15:  Orders of operations

Everyone travels differently and so this may not apply to everyone but we quickly learned that you had to be smart with your time at camp if you wanted to maximize on sleep and be on time.  Here are a handful of tips that we picked up on that we learned from others and developed ourselves.

• Wake up, get dressed, and while you’re in the tent, organize all of your bags in the tent
• Have breakfast
• Take the 30 minutes before departure to load your gear onto bus and take down your tent
• This is more unpredictable since it really depends on what time you get to your campsite.
• Once you get to the campsite, if a private-ish lounge area is available, start charging right away, get laundry going before others start using it, shower before dinner (may be a bit of a challenge if you’re on cook group).

Tip #16:  Stuff, not roll your sleeping bags

You’ll be tempted to do the perfect roll to put those poofy sleeping bags back into the bag but trust me it’s much easier to just stuff it inside.  You’ll thank you me later :)

The bottom line is that Flying Kiwi is an excellent way to see New Zealand if you’re the type of traveller like us that enjoys being in the outdoors, travelling with other like-minded companions, want to see a great part of the country, and have an itch for adventure.  We enjoyed it very much and I think you will too.

If you have specific questions about the Flying Kiwi experience, feel free to leave a comment below or contact us !

What you should read next

• The Comprehensive New Zealand Travel Guide – Read Before You Go
• Chile Nativo Riverside Camp Review
• Top 10 Things To Pack For Any Camping Trip
• Ultimate Camping Must Haves Packing List

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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Stay in stunning locations beside lakes, oceans & rivers

Explore stunning landscapes

Enjoy remote campsites

Try once in a lifetime activities

Hike the Hooker Valley track at the base of Mt Cook

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Maori Culture

Hike the Tongariro Crossing one of NZ's Great Walks

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Cycling near Lake Tekapo

Flying Kiwi Ultimate Explorer - 28 day Full New Zealand Tour

This trip is the perfect way to experience the outdoor beauty and excitement of New Zealand. Enjoy the unique mix of adventure activities with optional hikes and bike rides. Accommodation is in stunning locations by lakes, mountains and oceans.

Pricing and Conditions

optional activities and optional hires

- Cancellations more than 42 days (6 weeks) prior to departure: loss of 30% of total trip fees - Cancellations between 42 and 14 days before departure: loss of 50% of total trip fees - Cancellations within 13 days of departure: full loss of trip fees excluding optional hires (sleeping bags, bikes)

Explore the most spectacular regions of New Zealand on this comprehensive adventure. From mountains & glaciers to beaches & rainforests this is the ultimate experience for those who love the outdoors. You will stay in scenic locations, hike the best one-day alpine walk in the World & try once in a lifetime activities that will stay with you forever. If you have the time, this is the one to do! TOUR INCLUSIONS: In addition to camping accommodation and 2 Queenstown hostel nights - this tour includes: 50 meals, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Wine Tasting, 2 x scenic ferry crossings, numerous free walks, use of sports gear, 7 National Parks, Te Papa Museum, Punakaiki blowholes, World Heritage sites & 2 fantastic Flying Kiwi guides.

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FLYING KIWI (Auckland) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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Wild West from Queenstown - Top rated by National Geographic

• Fully Guided

• Glacier hiking
• Introduction
• Day 1 QUEENSTOWN - LAKE HAWEA
• Day 2 LAKE HAWEA – FOX GLACIER
• Day 3 FOX GLACIER - PUNAKAIKI
• Day 4 PUNAKAIKI – ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK
• Day 5 ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK
• Day 6 ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK – PICTON

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What's Included

• Accommodation

Where You'll Stay

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Operated by Flying Kiwi

Since 1988 Flying Kiwi has been recognised as New Zealand's leading adventure tour company. These unique tours focus on getting further off the beaten track - mixing stunning, remote locations with New Zealand's must see highlights. Every trip is carefully structured to provide a range of activity options.  Choose from a combination of hiking, cycling and adventure activities everyday - no pressure to participate but plenty of choice for everyone.  Tasty, healthy meals are included and rather than hostels we stay in tents or cabins by lakes, mountains and oceans - waking up to magnificent views everyday and getting away from the tourist crowds. Flying Kiwi is the only New Zealand company listed in National Geographic's "Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth" for their oustanding trips, customer service and sustainability and the World Travel Awards for the last 6 consecutive years.

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Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 4.9
• Itinerary Excellent 4.8
• Guide Excellent 4.6
• Transport Excellent 4.7
• Accommodation Good 4.0
• Food Excellent 4.8
• Tour Operator Flying Kiwi 4.5
• Most Recent
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• Upcoming departures
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Frequently Asked Questions

Unless you are able to carry accessible medication, we would suggest looking at a tour in a more populated area. The Wild West is beautiful and (as the name suggests) is a relatively remote location. The Southern Light tour in the South Island also visits remote locations and we cannot guarantee that hospital access will be reliable. Get in contact with us and our customer support team will work on pairing you with the perfect adventure.

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Good to Know

• Currency $ New Zealand Dollar New Zealand

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• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before June 26th, 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after June 26th, 2024, a minimum payment of 30% is required to confirm your booking with Flying Kiwi. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Flying Kiwi will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Flying Kiwi" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
• TourRadar is an authorised Agent of Flying Kiwi. Please familiarise yourself with the Flying Kiwi payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Flying Kiwi Tour Review: What is it Really Like to Travel with Flying Kiwi?

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, a review of the flying kiwi adventure tours of new zealand.

Imagine a tour that combines the best of both worlds: the flexibility of a hop-on hop-off pass with the convenience of a tour. Well, we just found it with Flying Kiwi Tours . It’s the only tour in New Zealand that is both an “all-inclusive” bus tour and also a “hop-on hop-off” bus tour. We explain how Flying Kiwi works, what sets it apart and what are its drawbacks in this complete Flying Kiwi tour review.

Before we begin, bookmark Travel by Bus in New Zealand: The Ultimate Guide with even more tips.

What Makes Flying Kiwi Bus Tours Different?

Traditionally, a bus tour means sticking with the same group for a fixed itinerary and set options. Flying Kiwi , however, chooses a different approach. Every day, there is a range of activity options. You create your own combination of bike rides, hikes and adventure activities. You will enjoy your chosen adventures with other passengers before getting back with the whole group on an evening to share stories of the day with freshly cooked meals and campfires in spectacular camping locations.

Flying Kiwi’s ethos is about spending more time outdoors and disconnecting. Although you will still get plenty of chances to update your Insta-feed, more of your time will be spent exploring national parks, trying new activities and camping under the stars.

Groups sizes on these trips are typically 16-28 and you will have two guides on every tour which puts Flying Kiwi on top of the pack for their guide-to-passenger ratio. The buses have been custom-built to include bike racks and a kitchen that gives them the freedom to stay in remote locations. They are the only backpacker bus to have a Department of Conversation license which gives them (and you) the opportunity to stay in New Zealand’s campsites.

Trip options vary from 3 to 23 days in the summer and shorter tours during the winter when their focus switches to snowboarding and skiing. Pricewise, they provide decent value-for-money with most food and all accommodation included.

8 Things You Need to Know About the Flying Kiwi Bus Tours

Flying Kiwi is New Zealand’s only all-inclusive hop-on hop-off bus tour (i.e. food and accommodation are included). As well as these inclusions and flexibility, there are a few aspects that make travelling with Flying Kiwi different from other New Zealand hop-on hop-off buses .

1. Stay in Remote and Scenic Locations

Flying Kiwi has a permit with the Department of Conservation which allows them to stay in New Zealand’s national parks in camping accommodation. This means more mountains, more lakes, more beaches and being in the great outdoors.

2. Accommodation is Included + There are Cabin Upgrades Available

While you get to visit the towns where most hostels are based, they spend their time in campsite accommodation among New Zealand’s famous landscapes. Cabin upgrade options are available too. If the weather is bad they will find other accommodation.

3. 24-Month Bus Pass

The Flying Kiwi bus pass is available for 24 months so if you are on a working holiday or taking an extended backpacking trip in New Zealand, you can take as much time as you need to travel the country.

4. Meals are Included

Breakfast is included each day with the Flying Kiwi bus, while a substantial number of lunches and dinners are also included – more than most 20+ Days (3-4 Weeks) Tours of New Zealand . Some meals will be at your own cost on a few occasions when there isn’t access to a kitchen. You’ll take it in turns to help your guides cook meals in the evenings.

5. Two driver-guides

Double the support! Usually on New Zealand bus tours , there’s only one.

6. The Interislander Ferry is included

If you pick a pass that takes you between the North and South Island, then the ferry between the islands is included.

7. Some Activities are Included

Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park, the Queenstown Gondola and Marlborough wine tasting are some of the activities included with your bus pass. Hiking, biking (if you hire a bike), museums, etc. are free, while there are options to do other activities at an extra cost. Sports equipment is also available for free to enjoy some fun with your new travel mates.

8. Bike Hire is Available

Once you hire a bike, you can cycle as little or as much as you want every day with a mixture of on and off-road trails.

How to Hop-On and Hop-Off Along the Route with Flying Kiwi?

For many people, the Total Aotearoa tour with Flying Kiwi for 23 days fits well with their timing (just under a month) but if you want more time, there are options to hop off or take “extended breaks” in some destinations. Passengers have the option to hop off the bus anywhere along the route and hop back on one of the following buses at a later date.

The frequency of the buses is a whopping nine days or more often in Auckland . Admittedly, this is a little long for some travellers but those with the time can really make the most of each destination (we give advice on how in the section below).

To organise hopping on and off the bus, contact the Flying Kiwi office team who will not only give you advice on transport during your extended stay but will also organise your pick-up for when you hop back on the bus. Hopping back on the next bus is subject to the available seating on the next bus, so be sure to book your spot on the bus well in advance, especially for New Zealand summer trips.

For more about when to take your Flying Kiwi bus tour, check out  When is the Best Time to Visit New Zealand?

Top Things to Do if You Take an Extended Break from Your Flying Kiwi Tour

We know what you’re thinking: nine days is a long time. It might seem that way but with so much to do in many of New Zealand’s destinations, it will feel like you’re back on the bus in no time. Here are some of the top things to do when hopping off the Flying Kiwi bus.

Hike Around a Volcano or Canoe on the Whanganui River

Hop Off: Taupo or Turangi – Taupo and Turangi are towns on the edge of New Zealand’s largest lake and right on the edge of the Tongariro National Park and Whanganui National Park . Take on one of the multi-day hikes like the Round the Mountain Track (4-6 Days) going around the perimeter of New Zealand’s largest volcano, Mt Ruapehu. Or how about a stunning canoe journey down the Whanganui River on the New Zealand Great Walk , the Whanganui Journey (3 or 5 days)? Or if you are looking for small doses of activities, do white water rafting, jet boating, mountain biking, hiking, skydiving, bungy jumping and more. See the 16 Best Things to Do in Taupo and   12 Best Things to Do in Turangi for more ideas.

Explore Stewart Island

Hop Off: Gore – Take a holiday on your holiday in New Zealand to Stewart Island ! It will probably be the furthest south you will ever get. 80% of the island is a national park, connected with hiking trails between five to 10 days long! To get there, hop off at Gore and take a national coach to either Bluff , where you can take the ferry to the island, or Invercargill for a flight. The island is also thriving with wildlife, with sanctuaries like Ulva Island to discover. It’s also your best chance of seeing a kiwi bird in the wild.

Do a Winter Season in Queenstown

Hop Off: Queenstown – Flying Kiwi already spends a couple of days in Queenstown , but most backpackers would be stoked to spend nine days there doing some of the 10 Queenstown Must-Dos . When winter rocks around, the nearby ski fields come alive! Spend the season ripping the slopes and hop back on the bus later. Remember, the bus pass is valid for two years! Learn more about the ski season in  The Ultimate Guide to the Queenstown Ski Season .

Kayak or Do the Abel Tasman Great Walk

Hop Off: Nelson – Nelson is a great base for adventures in the Abel Tasman National Park ! Activity providers offer transport directly to the national park from Nelson where you can explore pristine golden beaches backed by native forest. Take the Abel Tasman Coast Track (3-5 Days), a New Zealand Great Walk, or kayak the bays.

Spending Extra Time at Your Start and End Destinations

It sounds simple but so many travellers often forget to make the most of the destinations at the start and end of their trips. With Flying Kiwi, trips begin and end in Auckland , Christchurch , Queenstown , Picton and Nelson . Every one of these destinations has affordable accommodation, transport and activities, so you can extend your time here! Here are a few ideas of what to do.

Auckland might be New Zealand’s largest city, but there are some nature experiences to be had that are even accessed from the city centre! Take the ferry from the Downtown ferry terminal to Rangitoto Island, a volcanic island with lava caves, bush walks and wildlife. Or head over to Tiritiri Matangi, a pest-free wildlife sanctuary island. For more inspiration, head on over to Auckland City Centre – Guide for Backpackers .

Christchurch

Christchurch is known as the “Garden City”, so its Botanic Gardens are great for a stroll. There are also lots of opportunities to learn about the 2010/11 earthquakes, or go surfing at Sumner or New Brighton Beach! Museums and street art will fulfil your culture needs. Get more ideas from our Christchurch City – Guide for Backpackers .

As the “Adrenaline Capital” you know you are spoiled for choice in Queenstown. From bungy jumping to mountain biking, jet boating to white water rafting, you’ll find your bag in Queenstown. In winter, head to the nearby ski fields to experience that Southern Hemisphere ski! The list goes on, so take a look at our Queenstown guide to make your bucket list.

Picton is not just the gateway to the South Island. It is also a mecca for mountain bikers, hikers, ocean-lovers and wine-drinkers. Hit the Queen Charlotte Track by bike or foot for a journey through the forests and mountains of the Marlborough Sounds. Take a wine-tasting tour or head out on the water by kayak or cruise! There’s more to explore, so start planning with our Picton – Guide for Backpackers .

Catch some rays in New Zealand’s sunniest city! Nelson is close to not one, not two but three national parks! Trips to the Abel Tasman National Park depart daily from Nelson or take a shuttle to Kahurangi or Nelson Lakes National Parks for their multi-day hiking adventures. What’s more, there are plenty of bike trails accessible from the city itself. Get more ideas from our Nelson guide .

More New Zealand Destinations…

With new destinations often added to the Flying Kiwi itinerary, be sure to check out the bus tours itinerary on TourRadar for more inspiration on what to do in New Zealand!

More About Flying Kiwi Bus Tours

That’s it for our complete Flying Kiwi tour review. For more about bus tours and travelling with Flying Kiwi, take a look at the following guides:

• 10 Things We Like About the Hop-on Hop-off Buses
• How Does the Hop-on Hop-off Bus Network in New Zealand Work?
• The 10 Best Backpacker Bus Tours in New Zealand

Finally, don’t miss a thing from your New Zealand bus holiday by checking out  How to Travel by Bus in New Zealand .

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
• Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and approved by Robin, who is the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. With more than 15 years of experience in the New Zealand tourism industry, Robin has co-founded three influential tourism businesses and five additional travel guides for South Pacific nations. He is an expert in New Zealand travel and has tested over 600 activities and 300+ accommodations across the country.

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With 30 years experience in showing Kiwi's and travelers from all over the world the best parts of our homeland, the team at Flying Kiwi are here help when it comes to your Custom Tour. As New Zealand tour experts we can offer destination suggestions, arrange your accommodation, tasty meals, sightseeing, tours, amazing activities, guides and even a kitchen sink! We'll do as much or as little as you wish when putting together your ultimate New Zealand Custom Tour. Our most popular custom tours make use of our bike storage capabilities where we can drop you off to cycle any of the great cycling trails locally or nationally. Throw in some great accommodation, tasty meals and you've got an adventure you won't forget. You choose how much or how little you want to spend.

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9 Day Southern Light South Island Tour

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The South Island of New Zealand is a visual paradise filled with jaw-dropping scenery this tour will show you the highlights.

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See the highlights of the South Island on our New Zealand camoing and cycling adventure tour.

This tour is a small group active camping tour. Designed for all ages that want an active tour of NZ. Camp in remote locations and get involved in cycling and hiking. The buses are specially designed to carry mountain bikes. Either bring your own or hire one on tour.

Wake up close to lakes and oceans in our perfectly designed tents, included in the tour cost is shared tent accommodation, two people per tent. You can upgrade to your own tent for the duration of the tour for a small additional cost if you choose.

From glaciers and mountains to beautiful beaches and wild coastlines. There are plenty of wildlife encounters along the way (such as whales, dolphins, seals and penguins)

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Today we’ll depart Christchurch and start heading towards the mountains and across the Canterbury plains, a flat open area of farmland. Tonight we’ll stay in Peel Forest, close to the Rangitata river.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner Bike Rides: Cycle into camp along a quite country road through fields of cows, sheep and deer with a mountainous backdrop Walks and Hikes: The Peninsula Walkway is a must if you missed it yesterday! You’ll also have plenty of time on your feet when we stop through Christchurch to check out the awesome rebuild of Christchurch city! Optional Activities: Highly recommended dolphin swim, dolphin viewing Available Upgrades: Yes Drive Distance: Approx. 3.5 hours

Wake up to mountain views and try white water rafting on the mighty Rangitata River! If rafting isn’t for you, soak it all in with a morning cycle or walk through Peel forest. We then head through more jaw dropping landscapes (they don’t stop in the South Island) to the picture postcard, Lake Tekapo. Here you will view the most spectacular turquoise waters which get their colour from the glacial flour brought down from the rivers flowing from glaciers high up in the mountains.

Relax in the nearby hot pools or enjoy star gazing at the Mt John Observatory and make the most of staying in an International Dark Sky Reserve, plus there are plenty of hike and cycle options to choose from.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch Bike Rides: If you’re not rafting in the morning hop on your bike and head to the Peel Forest walks. In the afternoon enjoy the trails at Lake Tekapo Regional Park then ride to camp Walks and Hikes: A variety of walk options today including the protected conifers of Peel Forest and then this afternoon you’ll have some time to walk along the edge an incredible glacial lake or walk to the Mt John Observatory and take in 360 degree views of Tekapo Optional Activities: White water rafting (grade 5 rapids!), horse-riding, Mt John Observatory tour Available Upgrades: Yes – limited options Drive Distance: Approx. 2 hours

Immerse yourself in the snow-capped mountain scenery that New Zealand is famous for and explore Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Hike to the base of NZ’s highest mountain following a trail up the Hooker valley where you’ll cross swing bridges and get stunning views of the mountains before finishing up at a glacial lake with views of the Hooker Valley glacier. We then travel back towards the Pacific coast for a quick stop in the historic town of Oamaru before continuing onwards to the small village of Moeraki. Walk to a great view point offering expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and try to spot a little Blue Penguin along the shore. If you have a bike it’s possible to visit a colony of extremely rare Yellow-eyed Penguins near to camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Bike Rides: During the afternoon you can ride a short section of the Alps2ocean trail followed by a ride out to Katiki Point Lighthouse where you’ll find a Yellow-eyed penguin colony Walks and Hikes: Enjoy walking into the start of Mt Cook National Park in Hooker Valley. A three hour return hike, you’ll be blown away by the mountainous landscape not to mention a glacier during the hike. Available Upgrades: Yes Drive Distance: Approx. 4 hours

If the tide is low then we can walk along the beach to the mysterious Moeraki boulders. These perfectly round spheres of rock have formed over millions of years and have found their way onto the beach near Moeraki and make for some fun photo opportunities.

Afterwards it’s onto the historic Scottish city of Dunedin, the South Island’s second-largest city. This southern city is home to the world’s steepest residential street and the coastline is home to some fantastic and rare wildlife. It’s possible to take a tour onto the Otago Peninsula to view some of this diverse wildlife which includes Albatross and Fur Seals. For the adventurous, why not try surfing at one of Dunedin’s best breaks! Our camp is a short distance from St. Kilda beach with a variety of restaurants close by to choose from.

Meals: Breakfast Bike Rides: Ride from camp into town or out to the Otago Peninsula later in the day if you’re not doing any optional activities Walks and Hikes: You’ll feel your heart pumping through your chest as you take a stroll up the world’s steepest residential street! Optional Activities: Surfing, Otago Peninsula wildlife tour Available Upgrades: Yes Drive Distance: Approx. 2.5 hours

Today is one of our longer travel days as we drive through some of New Zealand’s most dramatic natural scenery on our way to Fiordland. Large parts of the landscape have been carved out over thousands of years to leave stunning paths that weave through snow-capped mountains. We stop briefly in Te Anau, the hub and gateway town for Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound and your last chance to get supplies for those doing the Routeburn Track tomorrow. Tonight’s camp is on the lakeside in Te Anau.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner Bike Rides: Enjoy riding through the isolated and moody Fiordland National Park into Hollyford Valley where you’ll finish at our camp (literally away from all civilisation, it’s great!) Walks and Hikes: Short walks today as we’re on a mission to get to Fiordland National Park! Available Upgrades: Yes (limited options) Drive Distance: Approx. 5 hours

Travel one of the world’s most scenic routes into Milford Sound! Described as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice ages. We highly recommend taking a cruise on Milford Sound where you’ll see dramatic waterfalls, snow-capped peaks and have the chance to spot wildlife such as dolphins, penguins and seals! As it’s just the one road in and out, we head back along the same breath-taking route to our lakeside camp in Te Anau. Along the way, we drop off those doing the 3-day Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s 9 Great Walks. This 3-day hike passes through two National Parks and is a haven for native birdlife. Charge up your camera as this hike offers everything from mountainous peaks and sheer rock faces to pristine lakes, cascading waterfalls and dense, luxuriant forest.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch Bike Rides: Leisurely ride along the lakefront of Lake Te Anau and up alongside a river before looping back to camp. Go as little or as far as you please. Walks and Hikes: Explore the lakefront of Te Anau in the afternoon once we are out of Fiordland National Park. Routeburn three day hike for those who have pre-booked! Optional Activities: Milford boat cruise, Routeburn Track, Te Anau glow worm caves & boat ride Available Upgrades: Yes Drive Distance: Approx. 2.5 hours

Today we journey to Queenstown along the shores of the photogenic Lake Wakatipu. Once we arrive at the adventure capital of New Zealand you have a huge selection of activities to choose from. There is everything here, from adrenalin pumping bungy, canyon swing and skydiving to a relaxing horse trek or boat cruise – this place has it all. There are great tracks around the lake ideal for bikers and hikers and all with wonderful views of this alpine region. Camping isn’t feasible in this bustling alpine village, for the next two nights we stay in dorm-share accommodation (cost included) in a centrally located hostel. Perfect for making the most of all Queenstown has to offer.

Meals: Breakfast Bike Rides: Queenstown offers a variety of different trails, so head out on your bike once we arrive in town Walks and Hikes: Plenty of walks we can recommend once we have arrived in Queenstown. If you’re into taking on a hill for views or leisure lakefront strolling, Queenstown won’t disappoint! Optional Activities: Bungy jumping, canyon swing, skydiving, horse riding, boat cruise plus much more! There really is something for everyone in Queenstown! Available Upgrades: Yes to a private room Drive Distance: Approx. 2.5 hours

With so much to do we spend the full day in fantastic Queenstown with the opportunity to enjoy those once in a lifetime experiences (don’t forget to try the legendary and very tasty Fergburger!). Routeburn Track walkers rejoin the group here at midday with time to try some of the many exciting activities this vibrant city has to offer. Tonight, we dine out at one of Queenstown’s many delicious eateries – a great chance for your group to enjoy a true kiwi feast (own cost).

Meals: Breakfast Bike Rides: Awesome bike options if you have a free day you can choose short or longer cycling experiences that will take you past jaw dropping landscapes, vineyards, great cafes and more! Walks and Hikes: Plenty of mountains you can hike to enjoy inspirational views of Lake Wakatipu and the alpine surrounds! Optional Activities: Bungy jumping, canyon swing, skydiving, horse riding, boat cruise plus much more! There really is something for everyone in Queenstown! Available Upgrades: Yes to a private room Drive Distance: No driving today

A last chance to indulge in the Queenstown action before finishing your tour with us here and saying farewell to your fellow travellers by 2:00pm.

Meals: Breakfast Bike Rides: Road cycling around town or on one of the many Queenstown trails

• World heritage site
• NZ cycle trail
• Routeburn Track
• Milford Sound
• Abel Tasman
• White water rafting
• Glow-worm walks
• Accommodation by coasts, mountains and lakes
• Small Group Active Camping Tours – This tour is designed for all ages that want an active tour of NZ. Camp in remote locations and get involved in cycling and hiking. The buses are specially designed to carry mountain bikes. Either hire one on tour or bring your own.

This is a camping trip. We pre-book all of the tent sites around the trip, all you need to do is put your tent up when you arrive.

For some trips there are a maximum of 3 nights of accommodation at your own expense but we will help you reserve that in advance. Unless you tell us otherwise for these nights we will book you into a dorm room. Singles and doubles are available on request and subject to availability. You are free to book your own accommodation if you wish.

With a department of conservation license, we have access to beautiful sites by beaches, lakes, mountains, and forests. A spacious, shared tent is included in the tour price or upgrade and have the tent to yourself.  For a taste of rural luxury, you can also upgrade to cabins most nights.

If you decide to hire a bike on this tour you’ll find an excellent range of rides to enjoy.  From forest rides in Rotorua to wonderful coastlines stretches by the Pacific.  You will fill your lungs with the freshest air and escape the crowds.

Bike Hire: $320NZD

Bring your own Bike: $145NZD

Most meals are included, see the detailed itinerary which outlines exactly what is included on a day-to-day basis  We can also cater for a broad range of dietary requirements.

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