Contiki VS DIY

#4, I'd love to put petrol in my car at NZ$1.50/litre. Right now its NZ$1.63 and highly likely to go up again before long. No sight in end for the increases.

I did the Stray bus in NZ in Feb/March of this year and I'll tell you that Contiki made the Kiwi bus kids look sweet and inncocent (for everyone that thinks Kiwi is the party bus, which it is, you should realize that means that Contiki was the "hard-core" party bus compared to any of the backpacker buses). One of my Stray drivers came from Contiki and he explained a lot about it to me (as did a girl who did a trek in a group with me on the south island who was on a Contiki bus)...

A few things to keep in mind with Contiki-- they market their NZ and OZ tours almost exclusively to us north Americans, so you're not going to get many people from around the world on your bus. Do you want to go all the way to NZ to hang out with other Americans 24/7? The people travelling on it tend to be on a short "spring break" type of trip, ready to spend all of their money on everything there is to do in a short period of time-- this means, they have the money to spend to go drink tons and party every night because their entire trip is their Contiki bus tour. This is different from the people who tend to be on any of the backpacker buses (as much of "rivals" as they may all be), who are on more of a budget and trying to make it last. So I guess it depends what you're looking for-- but yes, it is a party bus so be prepared for that. They even have a second guide whose job it is is to "make sure" that the people on the bus "see a good time at night" and is required to "socialize" with the group. This person is different from the driver so that the driver is uh, sober when they drive.

From my experiences on Stray, I highly recommend checking out one of the Stray passes (if the hardcore party experience with tons of other Americans isn't what you want) as an alternative. Or even Magic or Kiwi if you're desperate (haha, I have an allegiance to Stray...). You don't have to "hop off" and they make sure to take you to the major sites during your drive as well-- it's a good way to see a lot fast without having to have your own car. And almost every bus driver was AWESOME and I met so many awesome people from all over the world. Feel free to email me if you have any questions. NDL51583@aol.com

Thanks Nicole! I'm not into the hardcore partying... or hanging out with Americans 24/7. I've got one American friend here in Oz while studying and thats good enough for me. ^_^ Lots of Europeans and Aussies and Asians instead.

I'm actually looking at convincing my boyfriend to come out and take the trip with me... He's got to talk to work but there's a good chance that may work. In which case, all will be good and I definitely won't be taking the tour, or being alone.

you might want to check out flexipass for something different. it's probably the only way you'll mix with kiwis on a day to day basis. not as flexible as a car but still gets you to all the main places and it's pretty cheap too.

If your boyfriend goes wqith you, I have 16 hours remaining on a flexi-pass for 2 people(valid til May 2008).
I have it listed in the Classifieds. It seems an awful waste for no-one to use it since it's been paid for - at this stage, I'd give someone the details of it for free. You are welcome to it if you want. PM me.

If you do decide to go on a Contiki or similar - it is what you make it - you don't have to join in the drinking. My son has done two Contiki tours (USA & Europe) he is not one to party - although the drinkers did become annoying they didn't detract from the over all trip.

You can go on a tour that's a bit quieter with Hiking new Zealand. Groups are only 12 people, but you might be limited on departure dates. From my experience, hiking New Zealand are really authentic and there's people aged from 18 - 65 on their tours.

CONTIKI is not all about drinking! It's so sad to think that this is what people think of such a great experience! Both you and your boyfriend should do the Contiki. It takes the guesswork out of everything! It really allows you to enjoy your trip a lot more than haivng to worry about where you're going in a place you're not familiar with. And the people on my tour were from all over the world! The middle east, South Africa, the U.S., the Carribean, everywhere! I had such a well-rounded experience! And the difference between the two guides isn't their sobriety level. Each has a specific purpose. The driver concentrates on driving the bus (obviously!) while the tour guide concentrates on giving you the greatest insider tips ever! Contiki tour guides are the best! they tell you things that no guidebook could ever keep up with! Stick with Contiki and you and your boyfriend will have a blast!