Transport > New Zealand & Pacific Islands > New Zealand > Bus and coach travel > Backpackers coaches
Backpackers’ buses & coaches in New Zealand
Another option for backpackers is the multitude of specialised bus and coach services operated specifically for backpackers. Some of these are very useful services stopping off at hostels and also making detours to attractions that the conventional buses miss. However some of the so-called backpacker buses are tours, which is a different concept to independent travel.
Kiwi Experience, Magic Travellers Network and Stray Travel are the three biggest backpacker bus companies, which operate extensive route networks throughout the country and represent a good travel option. Generally the backpacker buses cater to younger backpackers and they have a reputation as party buses.
They all claim to cater to independent travellers and although you can get on and off the coach at any point en route, you are more limited than if you were travelling on a regular scheduled bus. The main constraint is that you are forced to follow the bus company’s set route and you have to stay overnight at the town the bus company has chosen as its overnight stop. These compulsory overnight stops limit your freedom and the set routes make it difficult to make excursions off the set itinerary. Another drawback is that the hostels these buses stop at tend to be the bigger places, as they have to be big enough to accommodate a full bus, and backpackers travelling on these buses miss out on many of New Zealand’s great little hostels. Although you are not forced to stay at any hostel, it can be difficult to go your own way when all your mates on the bus are staying at the bus company’s recommended accommodation.
There’s no doubt that travelling on a backpackers’ bus is a lot of fun and you meet some great people, however after a while you stop making an effort to meet other people since you already know most of the other travellers on the bus.
If you’re thinking about buying a pass for one of the smaller backpacker bus companies, first check whether it really caters for independent travellers, allowing you to get on and off as you please – if it doesn’t offer this sort of flexibility then it is probably just a tour.
