Kiwi Experience v. Stray Hop On - Hop Off Bus Tours

Hi All,

Been doing some research into the pros and cons of each company but would appreciate any responses on here too, since people have been so helpful in the past.

I am currently in Auckland and cannot wait to get out of the city. Here alone and heard the bus tours are a good way of meeting new people / making friends. I'm 25, enjoy a night out like the next person but not EVERY night, love seeing the sights and exploring nature / doing activities. I get the impression KE is more of a 'party' bus with a younger crowd, would this perception be correct? And Stray is for a slightly older cliental who want to experience more of the culture etc of NZ?

Also, any thoughts on buying a North & South Island pass with either of them? Or are there other ways to travel around that may be cheaper / quicker / more fun? I've noticed some comments about intercity bus travel?

Thanks for your opinions guys
Bethen.

Also have a look at Naked Bus passes and see if they have anything suitable.

there's nothing the tours do you that you can't do yourself, and if you book into the smaller hostels (definitely no bar) you are likely to meet a more intelligent and interesting type of person. And it will all be cheaper.