Why did you choose New Zealand?
Bree: I chose New Zealand for multiple reasons. Besides hearing from friends who had visited that it is a beautiful country, New Zealand is a location in the world that I have always desired to travel to. New Zealand is situated very near to Australia and Fiji, locations I also dreamt of visiting.
What was your first impression when you contacted your agency?
Bree: My first impression of them was that of relief. Finally, I had found a smaller business that was not focused on making money, but rather helping bring others to New Zealand to love and appreciate all aspects of the country. All enquires via email, Skype or live chat were answered quickly and with great efficiency.
You also took a 12-month bus pass, was it fun?
Bree: After realising that a bus pass might be a great idea, as I did not know anyone other than new acquaintances at the agency and the fact that I was travelling alone on the other side of the world, I was able to get a great off-season deal with Stray Bus and I am glad that I did. I enjoyed the trip on the bus, as I saw all of the highlights of New Zealand that I wanted to, from the far north of Cape Reinga and the East Cape of the North Island to as far south as Stewart Island. The drivers were all Kiwi and knew exactly what they were talking about. I did not feel that I was on a typical tour bus group, but rather with a group of international friends.