After paying a hefty sum for a bus tour with the STRAY company (new kid on the block to The Kiwi Experience), I almost missed my first departure. Yes, myself and 2 others were waiting in the right spot outside the hostel when time slowly ticked away and after more than an hour, I called the bus company which confirmed we must've been blind or deaf to have missed it, and said we were out of luck since it had left town. Lucky for me, Demetrius from Greece was a good complainer because the bus ended up coming back for us and we joined as planned that day.
I've never really toured a country by bus, and at times I feel like a Japanese tourist (pardon the stereotype), getting on and off at preordained scenic outlooks and large sculptured kiwis for photo-ops. At the same time, I've met some really cool people the first week, and the trips are efficient if nothing else. In fact, the country goes by in a bit of a blur if you don't take more than a night in any of the towns along the way.
I'll let a few more of my photos do the talking (see everything I've uploaded so far on the Photos page).
Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 66 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.
Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:
- G Adventures for small group tours.
- World Nomads for travel insurance.
- Hostelworld for booking hostels.
- Rail Europe for train passes.
Leo
Wednesday 19th of December 2007
Amazing pictures! thanks for sharing. That's certainly a nice bus, considering the ones you can end up in sometimes :-)
Enjoy New Zealand.
Leo
Wednesday 19th of December 2007
Amazing pictures! thanks for sharing. That's certainly a nice bus, considering the ones you can end up in sometimes :-)
Enjoy New Zealand.
Kirsty
Tuesday 18th of December 2007
Hey Dave! I'm enjoying reading about your adventures finally after all the run up! It's reminding me of my trip to NZ... the bits without the fruit picking.
Stray has been round for years I think. They were in Europe for a while and closed up shop in 2003-ish leaving all their staff scattered around Europe without pay. I think their customers got discounts on Busabout passes but lost whatever they paid to Stray. Kinda shitty, especially since they seem to be doing fine in NZ.
Looks like you're having a great time with them though and that's all that matters!
Dave
Thursday 20th of December 2007
Yep, there's been a few hiccups, however all in all, I feel as though they're doing a good job.
Kirsty
Tuesday 18th of December 2007
Hey Dave! I'm enjoying reading about your adventures finally after all the run up! It's reminding me of my trip to NZ... the bits without the fruit picking.
Stray has been round for years I think. They were in Europe for a while and closed up shop in 2003-ish leaving all their staff scattered around Europe without pay. I think their customers got discounts on Busabout passes but lost whatever they paid to Stray. Kinda shitty, especially since they seem to be doing fine in NZ.
Looks like you're having a great time with them though and that's all that matters!
Dave
Thursday 20th of December 2007
Yep, there's been a few hiccups, however all in all, I feel as though they're doing a good job.
Jeff
Monday 17th of December 2007
ah the Kiwi Experience bring back memories, if your in the south island make sure you stop off at milford sound, such an amazing place!!!
Dave
Thursday 20th of December 2007
Initially I wanted to go to Milford Sound, however I don't think I'm going to have time for it. :(