DAY 1&2 OF THE KIWI EXPERIENCE
STARTING THE KIWI EXPERIENCE
HOT WATER BEACH AND WAITOMO
As a solo traveller, there really is no other way to travel around New Zealand than the Kiwi experience tour. It’s a hop-on, hop-off bus that, depending on which pass you sign up for, can take you anywhere and everywhere across the country. For anyone starting their journey with the Kiwi Experience Auckland route, it’s an easy and social way to begin exploring.
There are several reasons why I chose it, such as meeting like-minded people and the convenience of booking transport, accommodation, and activities. You might think you would be limited in your options, but there are over 17 stops and a limitless amount of activities, some of which are only available to the Kiwi Experience, such as the award-winning Maori stay in Rotorua.
The flexibility is also a factor, allowing you to stay for an extended period of time at any of the stops and then continue your journey as and when you want.
Since Auckland, the weather hasn’t improved, the girl driving the bus (I know what you’re thinkin’, but I couldn’t fault her driving) said she hasn’t seen it this bad in 4months (which was their winter).
THE MOST BIZARRE GAME OF ‘NEVER HAVE I EVER’ I HAVE EVER BEEN INVOLVED IN
CATHEDRAL COVE
Our first stop was Cathedral Cove, a stunning beach area on the Coromandel Peninsula, worth a trip in its own right. I don’t often live with regrets, but from the chatter on the bus, the beaches north of Auckland are meant to be superb, but the few days wasted in Auckland meant I couldn’t fit it in. A few showed me their photos, and I could’ve sworn it was somewhere in the Caribbean!
HOT WATER BEACH
We are staying at Hot Water Beach tonight in chalets and camping tents. As you might expect, part of the beach is heated by underground springs and geysers. So the idea is if you dig a pool in the sand at the right place, you’ll have yourself a nice jacuzzi while the waves crash in.
Hot Water Beach, Starting the Kiwi Experience
The only thing is that it can only be done on low tide, which isn’t until 1 am! It was a good night, but by the time we finished building the pool, the tide started coming in. Also, there are certain sweet spots around the beach where the water is as close to boiling as I’ve felt! Also, keep an eye out for the glowworms at night on the way down to the beach.
DID YOU KNOW….?
- Waitomo – ‘Wai’ means water, ‘Tomo’ means hole
NEVER HAVE I EVER
There is a limit to what can be done here, but a good opportunity to socialize, so we headed back to the glamping tents, where a few of us decided to play a game of never have I ever. We were running out of ideas, so everyone just resorted to ridiculous questions. Well, one fella said Never have I ever been with a family member and didn’t the Dutch girl drink! Haha! We couldn’t believe it, and each of us was laughing, and the other girls were in complete disbelief. She said it wasn’t a blood relation, 2nd cousin or something, but gave us all a good laugh regardless
KARANGAHAKE GORGE
The following day, we headed to the Karangahake Gorge within the Kaimai Ranges for a hike, or rather a walk through the mining tunnels and walkways.
WAITOMO
After we made our way to Waitomo, a small town just south of Hamilton, we did black water rafting. This is just cave exploring along an underground river, although part of it includes sitting on an inflatable ring, so I’m guessing that’s where the “rafting” comes from. It was highly recommended by anyone I spoke to, but I would go on to learn that everything and anything was recommended.
A lot of fun, but I was expecting a lot more. At times, it was a challenge going through some of the small gaps, but that was for sure more fun than the larger caves. Don’t worry if you are claustrophobic, as there are alternate ways the navigate. I have never experienced cold water like it, a far cry from the Hot Water Beach yesterday! Everyone felt the need to huddle together, and the guides were in stitches, laughing. A tip would be not to drink the water! Good experience.
INSIDER TIPS FOR THE KIWI EXPERIENCE
- If you’re starting with Kiwi Experience in Auckland, plan a flexible schedule so you don’t feel rushed early on.
- The kiwi experience route covers a lot of ground—choose longer stays at key locations like Coromandel and Rotorua.
- Activities like Hot Water Beach and Waitomo are best experienced when timed correctly, something the Kiwi Experience bus in New Zealand helps coordinate well.
- Pack layers and quick-dry clothing, especially for stops involving caves, beaches, and overnight stays.
NEXT UP
We are doing a traditional Maori stay at Rotorua tomorrow which has apparently won every travel award going. Click to read.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
25/229
This post is part of The New Zealand and Fiji Series, click to explore.
Question Time
- How did you travel around New Zealand?
- Did you do the Kiwi Experience bus?
- Would you recommend it?
Let me know in the comments below . . .
