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).
Last Updated on April 20, 2008 by Dave
Planning a trip? Go Backpacking uses and recommends:
- G Adventures for small group tours
- Skyscanner for researching flights
- Hostelworld for booking hostels
- Airbnb for renting rooms and homes
- Rail Europe for train passes
- World Nomads for travel insurance
Great photos!
By my count, four bus photos count towards dare.
Great photos!
By my count, four bus photos count towards dare.
Awesome stuff! I love bus trips, except when the bus is in horrible shape, with it appears yours is not. Great swimming pic, I laughed my but off at that expression on your face.
Keep it coming!
Yeah, that water was COLD, however how often do you get to jump in like that. :)
Awesome stuff! I love bus trips, except when the bus is in horrible shape, with it appears yours is not. Great swimming pic, I laughed my but off at that expression on your face.
Keep it coming!
Yeah, that water was COLD, however how often do you get to jump in like that. :)
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!!!
Initially I wanted to go to Milford Sound, however I don’t think I’m going to have time for it. :(
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!!!
Initially I wanted to go to Milford Sound, however I don’t think I’m going to have time for it. :(
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!
Yep, there’s been a few hiccups, however all in all, I feel as though they’re doing a good job.
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!
Yep, there’s been a few hiccups, however all in all, I feel as though they’re doing a good job.
Amazing pictures! thanks for sharing. That’s certainly a nice bus, considering the ones you can end up in sometimes :-)
Enjoy New Zealand.
Amazing pictures! thanks for sharing. That’s certainly a nice bus, considering the ones you can end up in sometimes :-)
Enjoy New Zealand.