Kiwi Experience, New Zealand’s legendary green bus that’s been showing travellers Aotearoa for 36 years, is shifting gears with the launch of Classic Tours — a new travel experience created for today’s youth market.
Targeting Gen Z travellers, Classic Tours reimagines the Kiwi Experience adventure for those short on time but big on adventure.
Including transport and accommodation upfront – with the freedom to add extra experiences along the way – it’s adventure made easy for one transparent, all-in price.
Kiwi Experience fun facts
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Operating in New Zealand since 1989
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Kiwi Experience has welcomed over 500,000 youth travellers to experience New Zealand, bringing people to smaller New Zealand towns, like Westport, Mahinapua, Franz Josef, Tekapo, Kaikoura, Hot Water Beach, Waitomo and, Paihia.
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Kiwi Experience delivers 17 Stops on the Full Hop-On-Hop-Off and Classic Circuit.
Lucy Haslam, General Manager of Kiwi Experience, says: “After more than three decades on the road, we know youth travel better than anyone. We’ve listened to our guests, seen how much its changing, and adapted to their evolving travel style.”
“A decade ago, young travellers came to New Zealand on working-holiday visas, Lonely Planet in hand, staying for months — sometimes years — and truly living the country like a local.
“But that landscape has evolved. Armed now with smartphones and social media, today’s travellers plan differently.
“With fewer working-holiday visas available and rising travel costs, they’re spending less time here – but they’re making every moment count, seeking connection, convenience and memorable experiences. They want travel that’s authentic, social and shareable, yet still organised, transparent and great value. Classic Tours delivers exactly that — freedom with a plan and a set cost.”
Delivering a seamless, hassle-free way to explore New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, Classic Tours marks Kiwi Experience’s first major new product release since before COVID-19.
The tours give travellers the flexibility to shape their journey through the Kiwi Experience Trip Planner – customising itineraries with activities that match their interests (and their social feeds), from adrenaline-fuelled bungy jumps and heli-hikes to cultural highlights.
With more than 100 departure dates throughout the year, Classic Tours make it easy to explore Aotearoa knowing everything is sorted before you go. Ideal for first-time solo travellers, budget-conscious planners and time-poor adventurers alike.
“This generation still wants adventure – hand in hand with flexibility,” Haslam adds, “but they also want to know what’s included, what it costs and that it’s all organised. That means they can spend their spare money on the experiences that fill their cup – and we’re here for that.
“We like to think of it as the ‘Would-you-like-fries-with-
“The shift from long stays to shorter, experience-packed trips has driven growing – demand for tours that offer more inclusions and less admin.”
Haslam adds: “We’re seeing travellers booking their trips just a few months out, and with living costs rising, they want price certainty and value built in. Classic Tours deliver all of that — without losing the social energy and adventure Kiwi Experience is famous for.”
With more buses on the road and a nationwide circuit, Kiwi Experience offers a level of frequency, flexibility and accessibility unmatched in the youth-travel market.
Haslam concludes: “We’re running multiple departures every week — giving travellers far greater choice and access to every corner of the country, from Paihia, Rotorua and Waitomo to Westport, Tekapo and the iconic Mahinapua Pub.
“No one else in the youth-travel market can match our scale, network, value or experience. This is Kiwi Experience evolving with the needs of travellers — offering the best of both worlds: adventure and assurance.”
Bookings for Classic Tours and other Kiwi Experience travel options are available at www.kiwiexperience.com.
