Discover New Zealand from top to bottom on this immersive 24-day small-group adventure that showcases the very best of Aotearoa’s landscapes, culture and unforgettable experiences.
Starting in Auckland, you’ll journey through the Coromandel’s pristine beaches, glowworm caves in Waitomo, the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, the volcanic lakes of Taupō and the rugged beauty of the central North Island. Along the way, dive into Māori culture, unwind in natural hot springs, sail across the Cook Strait and explore the vibrant capital city of Wellington before crossing into the spectacular scenery of the South Island.
The adventure continues through the iconic coastal and alpine regions of Kaikōura, Lake Tekapo, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, Queenstown, Wānaka and Franz Josef. From breathtaking hikes, wildlife encounters and glacier landscapes to thermal pools, wine tasting, adrenaline activities and star-filled night skies, this trip blends nature, culture and adventure in perfect balance. With an expert local guide, comfortable accommodation, and a hand-picked selection of included activities, this is the ultimate New Zealand experience — designed for travellers who want more than a holiday, but a journey they’ll talk about for years.
Days
- 24 days, 23 nights
Group size
- Max 24
Start / finish
- Auckland / Christchurch
Return
- See itinerary for details
Accommodation
- 23 nights in dorm accommodation — Lylo in Auckland, Hahei Beach Resort, Waitomo Chalets, Haka House Rotorua, two at Lakefront Lodge in Taupo, River Valley Lodge, two at Haka House Wellington, Dusky Lodge at Kaikoura, Hotel Give in Christchurch, two at Lakes Edge on Lake Tekapo, three at Nomads Queenstown, one at Lake Hawea or Wanaka, two at Rainforest Retreat in Franz Josef, and two at Tussock Peak Lodge in Hanmer Springs.
Transport
- An air-conditioned mini bus with a driver guide, the Interislander ferry across Cook Strait on day 11, and the Tranzalpine train over the Southern Alps on the final day.
Meals
- A welcome evening on day 1, and a farm to table dinner cooked by the chef at River Valley Lodge on day 8.
Route
Included experiences
- Milford Sound — a day trip from Queenstown with a two hour boat cruise
- Tranzalpine train — coast to coast over the Southern Alps on the final day
- Te Pā Tū — a Māori village experience, with the National Kiwi Hatchery the same day
- Hell's Gate — a geothermal soak and mud bath in Rotorua
- Ruakuri Cave — a 90 minute walking tour of the Waitomo underground
- Cook Strait — the Interislander crossing into the South Island
- Punakaiki — the Pancake Rocks walk and Irmahuwhero on the West Coast
- Mount Cook National Park — a return day trip from Lake Tekapo
- Lake Tekapo — the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Tekapo hot springs
- Marlborough — wine tasting at a cellar door on the way to Kaikoura
- Kaikoura — the peninsula walk, and Tawanui Farm on the road to Christchurch
- Hanmer Springs — two nights, with entry to the thermal pools
- Franz Josef — a free day at the glacier, with Lake Matheson and Thunder Creek Falls
- River Valley — a night beside the Rangitikei River
- Wanaka — Roys Peak, the Mount Iron Track and #ThatWanakaTree
- Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel
- Iron Ridge Quarry Sculpture Park on the last drive into Christchurch
Pictures / Videos
Reviews
4.9
Based on 49 reviews
Verified from
Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.
AI summary of 49 reviews
Travellers consistently praise this tour as a convenient way to see both the North and South Islands without the stress of planning, navigating or driving, and many note it is especially well suited to solo travellers looking to meet others and form friendships. The driver-guides are the most frequently highlighted feature, described as knowledgeable, helpful and fun, often going out of their way to organise activities, share local history and culture, and join travellers for meals and excursions. Reviewers also appreciated the varied itinerary and range of optional activities, including hikes, adventure sports, a Māori cultural stay and scenic stops. The most common caveats concern the fast pace and frequent changes of accommodation, with some travellers finding it rushed and having only one night in certain places, along with limited flexibility in bus scheduling. Additional criticisms include the overall cost with many activities not included, the recommendation to book accommodation and excursions in advance as they fill quickly, and minor issues such as coach air conditioning and towels not being provided at hostels.
How we collect and publish reviews
Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour.
Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.
Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.
“One of the best tours!!”
Great way to see New Zealand!
I booked the kiwi experience as a 1st time solo traveller and would highly recommend. The pre-planned route made it very easy to see the best of the North and South Island without the stress of renting a car / navigating / planning. It was also a great way to meet other solo travellers and make friends along the way.
I'd like to personally thank Frosty - my bus driver through the majority of the trip. He was fantastic and went above and beyond for the travellers on the bus. Each day he would lay out our itinerary in a WhatsApp group and provide advice on excursions / activities to book. He was very approachable and able to provide a lot of advice based on his experience in tourism. He also joined us for a number of activities and became a friend to all of us.
My only criticism of the kiwi experience is the slight lack of flexibility. I was under the impression that the 'hop on hop off service' meant that there would be at least 1 bus service every day, however the buses arrived infrequently, usually with within 1 or 3-4 days. This meant that I only got to stay in certain locations for 1 night, and on occasion it felt a bit rushed.
I would also recommend booking your accommodation ahead of time, as hostels filled up very quickly, and on occasion travellers were forced to find alternative accommodation (e.g Airbnb or hotel) which was more expensive. Certain excursions also became fully booked, so if there is a particular activity you are interested in, definitely book it in advance.
Overall it was a great way to see New Zealand and I absolutely loved it.
“Highly recommend!”
The most amazing experience. Our guide Terrance was incredible. It was amazing the legends and history he shared every day during our trip. The itinerary was fast paced but well balanced with a variety of activities available. The included stay at Te Pa Tu was an experience like no other . The people, the culture the history were fantastic . Other highlights were River Valley , and the sunset cruise at Lake Taupō . The accommodations were all good although Queenstown was noisy . Terrance worked so hard planning everything and trying to juggle 20 people’s different itineraries ,activities and needs . He is an amazing person, hard worker ,good driver and a credit to your company. As a more mature couple traveling we felt incredibly lucky to have him as our guide and to be able to learn from him . We are so full of energy ourselves we fitted in with the younger group ,often leading the way with the more daring activities. We did a 20km hike on the Tongariro crossing, white water rafted ,went canyoning ,went on the Shotover jets and did the Nevis Bungy 134m !!
Thank you Kiwi experience for being an inclusive company and realising those a bit older still want adventures.
“Wow”
Such an incredible experience!! Would highly recommend. Saw spots you wouldn’t even think about. All the pressure was taken off as everything is pretty much sorted for you. So many possibilities and activities along the way also. Kelvin is such a fantastic tour guide and made us feel very welcome. Would highly recommend!!
“The Gumboot Tour”
Absolutely loved it. The drivers were great- really informative and fun. The atmosphere on the trip was wonderful - everyone mixing and having fun together…
“Southern Secrets - Small Group Tour”
amazing it was! cool acitivities, good advices what to do/where to go and of course, many amazing people to meet! :)
“Great Experience!”
I did the 24-day small group GOAT tour as a solo traveller and fell for New Zealand completely. Most of my group were younger solo travellers, which made it easy to make friends and explore so many corners of the country. But the real star of the trip was our guide, Teo - every tour should be lucky enough to have someone like him.
“Highlight of My Six-Month Trip — Thanks to Teo and the…”
I can't say enough good things about the small-group GOAT tour and our guide Teo. We had a wonderful time, largely thanks to him - his knowledge of New Zealand across both islands, his sense of humour and his easygoing charm made all the difference. He fitted in everything the group wanted despite everyone's different requests, and handled it all with a smile. I travelled solo but made lifelong friends along the way - genuinely the highlight of my six-month trip. Thanks, Teo!
“Thank you Teo !!!!”
I highly recommend the GOAT tour with Kiwi Experience - we had the best time seeing everything New Zealand offers, from natural beauty to fascinating culture and great activities. Our guide Teo had deep knowledge of history and Maori culture and kept things lighthearted and fun, accommodating around 20 people's needs with a smile. Just be aware that paid extras add up. Overall we loved the trip and can't wait to come back to New Zealand.
“Amazing 24 day GOAT tour with the best driver Teo”
I had the best time on the GOAT tour with Teo, also known as Terence - I actually upgraded from the Grand a few days in because I didn't want to miss anything. Teo went out of his way to help me find celiac-safe food, even in remote spots. He fitted in all our activities, planned and optional, so nothing felt rushed, and his knowledge of the country made the long drives fly by.
“Great way to travel for young single travellers”
I just got back from the GOAT small group tour and enjoyed it a lot - a great way for young solo travellers, with a good mix of included and optional activities. Hostel dorms were sometimes squeezed six to eight to a room, and New Zealand is pricey right now. Guide Teo (Terence) was fantastic, with deep knowledge of history, nature and Maori legends, and organised picnics, sunset dinners and barbecues for us.
“GOAT tour highly recommended, with Teo as driver”
I had a wonderful month on the 24-day GOAT small group tour - a great way to discover New Zealand whether travelling solo or with friends, since it's easy to meet new people and much is arranged for you. Teo, our driver and guide, made the trip unforgettable with his enthusiasm, which brought the whole group close together. He always went the extra mile to make our trip special. Highly recommend this tour.
“GOAT experience with Teo!!”
I had an amazing time with Kiwi Experience on the GOAT small group tour and loved every minute. Teo was the best driver and guide I could have asked for - knowledgeable, fun and great at rearranging our schedule so everyone got what they wanted. There were 13 of us and we bonded instantly. Highlights included swimming with dolphins at Kaikoura, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown and the Mount Cook skydive.
“Highly recommend”
It was definitively the best way for me to discover the north and south islands, with the Tiki pass. The only inconvenience I found was that with minimum time there's actually no option to discover Abel Tasman with taxi boat and nobody warned me about that. Special thanks to the kiwi driver Tawh, he was the best part of my trip, always knowledgeable about the land and culture and ready to go the extra mile to provide recommendations and make us enjoy the country, he's probably the company's best asset, five starts to him too!
“Just the best”
I would highly recommend the Kiwi Experience bus to anyone looking to travel New Zealand. As a solo traveller, I found it a great way to make friends and having the optional activities organised for you made everything so much easier. Our driver and guide Kelvin completely made the trip. He went above and beyond to ensure everyone on the bus was having a good time. His knowledge of New Zealand made the journeys all the more interesting and it was clear how much he enjoys his role. New Zealand has been the trip of a lifetime, and I will forever hold fond memories of my time on the Kiwi Experience.
“The G.O.A.T (Greatest Of All Tours)”
Great itinerary as the tour brings us to many places we really enjoyed but may not have travelled to otherwise such as the River Valley retreat. The tour driver guide Tina was wonderful in taking care of everyone on the tour and had looked into best outcomes when weather conditions upset some travel plans.
“Could not recommend the Kiwi experience bus more! ”
We had Dylan as our driver for the majority of our trip, he was very knowledgable, couldn’t do enough to help us and made the whole experience so fun!!
“I would love to do it all again some day.”
Great experience. All the drivers were incredibly helpful along the way.
“Wow!!”
Great experience. All the drivers were incredibly helpful along the way. I would love to do it all again some day.
“Wow!”
Well laid out plans for the routes and activities, great service! Big shout out to the friendly and helpful drivers, especially Frosty who really made an effort that everyone felt comfortable and enjoyed the experience with the fellow travelers!
“Just the best”
Just recently finished the Sheepdog tour with Kiwi Experience, and it was such a fantabulous trip! Especially as a first-time international solo traveler, Kiwi Experience made it super easy to get around NZ and learn about/accomplish some of the best things there are to do in the country, all with minimal planning on my part. Although I was a solo traveler, I definitely wasn't alone; through Kiwi Experience, I made a bunch of new friends from around the globe (the closest lives just an hour from me — small world!) and made so many memories with them. And to top it all off, we had an absolutely incredible driver and guide: Lightning! He made the hours on the road pass by with fun facts and plentiful riddles, and we always enjoyed his company off the bus when he joined us for dinner or cards. NZ is already an incredible place to be, but having Lightning as a guide made it a truly wonderful experience.
“The whole trip was so much fun and I’m now so sad to leave!”
Such an incredible experience! I’ve never felt more fulfilled leaving a place. The small New Zealand Kiwi experience was perfect. Our tour guide (Fraser) was such a lovely person and gave great tips and recommendations for everywhere.
“This tour is nice but expensive.”
A lot of activities are not Included. Also it’s a bit rush because we changed hostel everyday. I think we should have the towels for free in the hostels cause we paid a lot of money and we leave everyday. It doesn’t have time to dry. That’s very very annoying.
“Would definitely recommend travelling with Kiwi Experience. ”
The flexibility of being able to hop on and off around the north island was great, for solo travellers it is a great way to see New Zealand with a group of people. The recommended activities were fun and it was easy to book and get to them when booking through them. Our bus drivers were great. I’d definitely use them again to do the South Island!
“Get it booked!”
My first time in NZ and it wont be my last. The initial nerves were quickly put to rest by our driver, Lightning. He brought the GOAT group together and is an asset to the experience. I have already booked a trip with our members because he made us feel like a family for 24 days. The last day was emotional.
“Would recommend the kiwi bus to anyone, especially if solo trave”
Such a good way to meet people and not have to worry about too much planning. The drivers were so helpful with helping organise activities and made the experience fun - big shoutout to Tim!
“ I'd recommend this tour to anyone.”
I can't say enough great things about my experience on the tour. My friends and I had such a wonderful time, saw and did so many things, and adored our driver/guide, Cowboy. He really made our trip memorable and worked so hard to keep things running smoothly, really went above and beyond.
“Definitely recommend.”
It was an EPIC adventure of a lifetime. We got to see and experience the wonder of NZ in the North Island and South Island, as well as an immersive Māori cultural experience, a feast in the river valley, interact with the farm animals, and wine/gin tasting. Lightning, our driver guide, is exceptional! He is social, helpful, energetic, and full of humor. He went above and beyond his responsibilities to ensure everyone had a great time. Our group started in Auckland as 15 strangers, but ended in Christchurch as a family. We spent Christmas and New Year day together. Bonfire on the beach on new year eve was an amazing experience like no other.
“Amazing for solo travel. ”
The bus was a bit more cliquey than most tours I've been on but it is what you make it. Tonnes of opportunities for activities and the drivers are very knowledgeable. I had Helly for most of my trip- I loved her passion for the culture, environment, and New Zealand as a country. Wish I had more time to do the North Island as well. A piece of my heart stayed in New Zealand.
“I couldn’t recommend Kiwi Experience small group tours more.”
The Kiwi Experience 24-day Goat Tour was hands down the best trip I’ve ever done! It covered all the highlights of New Zealand, and even the longer drives were fun with stops for short hikes and photo opportunities. Our group was incredible, and a huge shoutout to our guide, Lightning, who made the trip unforgettable. He went above and beyond to create a great atmosphere, organizing games and bonding activities that brought us all together. He felt like part of the group rather than just a leader.
“Really recommend it.”
We all had an amazing time. Shaun is the best Bus driver!
“ Thank you Tina, you're the best!!”
The GOAT Tour was an amazing trip. 24 days of action packed activities and adventures, beautiful landscapes and simply amazing experiences. Our wonderful tour guide Tina Tapu made sure we had the best time.
“Great Tour!!”
Do it, it’s a good way to go around the country if you’re travelling by yourself
“Do it!”
Definitely do it! You will not regret travelling with the small group and the great guides!
“Wonderful trip!”
Amazing tour of the north island - Fraser was a great tour guide, would definitely recommend!
“KIWI EXPERIENCE.”
Fantastic Coach Journey Friendly and helpful driver beautiful North and South Island with the people of New Zealand very welcoming, only grievance air con on coach was on cold and could not be turned off Would be nice if some windows on coach were clear for filming on phone
“A big thanks to Kiwi Experience for making my first visit to New”
The New Zealand G.O.A.T tour was awesome, 24 days of touring and adventure, with opportunities to add on those extra special experiences, like sky diving, white water rafting, quad bike riding and more. It was great value for money, staying at some wonderful lodges, hostels and even at a Maori camp overnight. Our tour guide Tina was the best! Always ensuring that we all had the best time possible, keeping to the time schedule and making each and every day lively and fun.
“It was one of the best tours.”
It was a wonderful experience and really loved having Cowboy(jason) and lightning as our tour guides
Posting this a bit late, but I did the GOAT tour over December and January and it was the best trip of my life — smooth, stress-free travel around New Zealand. Driver Lightning was an amazing guide and friend, full of local knowledge and always keeping us entertained with games. Hobbiton and swimming with dusky dolphins were personal highlights, and the whole journey had great vibes to the bittersweet end.
“It really was the G.O.A.T tour”
The GOAT tour was excellent - not a single bad day across the 24 days, with a good balance of action and downtime. Guide Terence read the group well and his activity suggestions were spot on. Hobbiton, the Waitomo glow worm caves, white water rafting and skydiving were all highlights, though Christchurch and Punakaiki felt a bit thin. Overall, a great way to see New Zealand without driving yourself.
“G.O.A.T Kiwi Experience”
I recently joined the GOAT small group trip with Kiwi Experience and had a wonderful time - the ideal way to see both islands and all New Zealand offers. Our guide Teo was fantastic, always ready to help and full of knowledge about the country's history and culture.
“The best way to see Aotearoa (New Zealand)”
I did the GOAT trip, a 24-day tour of both islands, and it was absolutely incredible - from the culture and heritage in Rotorua to the stunning scenery and drives through Fiordland. My guide Teo made it unforgettable with his deep knowledge of every place we visited and his upbeat attitude toward every activity. I can't recommend Kiwi Experience enough.
What a fantastic adventure from start to finish. Tina guided us on the GOAT tour and couldn't have done a better job, making everyone feel welcome and always on hand whenever we needed help. I'd recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone wanting to see all of New Zealand.
“Kiwi goat 24 days”
Tina was an outstanding guide and driver - fun, friendly and clearly knew her stuff. There were lots of activities, both included and optional; I'd recommend the Tasman helicopter ride. I'd cut the farm and quarry stops and reduce the bathroom/supermarket breaks. West coast scenery was stunning, though some accommodation and breakfasts, especially in Queenstown, could improve. A great trip with room for a few tweaks.
“GOAT - the best way to see NZ travelling solo”
This is a stress-free, fun way to see New Zealand solo. The 24-day itinerary is well planned so you don't miss much of the North and South Islands, with great walks to soak up the scenery. Both the included and optional activities I chose were excellent. Travelling with such a great group made it special, and our driver Terence (TO) was the best - helpful, pleasant and fully devoted to the trip.
“Kiwi Experience 24 day GOAT tour”
This was my first time travelling solo and joining the 24-day GOAT tour was an incredible choice. Tina was a fantastic guide - informative, supportive and full of energy. Everyone in the group had a great time and I'd recommend this trip without hesitation.
My GOAT tour, running from 11 December through to 4 January, was the time of my life, largely thanks to our outstanding driver Lightning. Sixteen strangers quickly became close friends and family. Breakfasts, accommodation and driving were all well organised, and the extra activities made it one of my best holidays ever - I'd recommend it 100%.
“The GOAT tour - small group”
I did the GOAT tour in Nov/Dec and had an incredible time as a new solo traveller. Driver and guide Tina was phenomenal, going above and beyond throughout and adding her own expertise to the mix of nature, culture, and excitement. Staying overnight in the Rotorua Maori village was unforgettable, and activities like glacier hiking and glow-worm floating were amazing, though pricier extras are worth budgeting for. Would book again.
“GOAT tour in October 24”
I did the GOAT tour, the 24-day trip through both islands, in October 2024. Driver Tina was fantastic - one of few female drivers, she shared Maori language and stories and kept spirits high throughout. Our group of 19 shrank to just 6 once the shorter 21-day group finished, so it wasn't the big party bus I expected. Accommodation and included activities were solid overall, a good trip with realistic expectations.
I had an amazing time on the GOAT small group tour. Our driver and guide Ahu was knowledgeable and passionate about New Zealand and its culture, consistently going above and beyond to help us get the most out of the trip. The locations were beautiful and we covered a lot of ground without missing the full experience of each place, with both included and optional activities offering something for everyone.
