Best way to get around NZ

Hey Guys,

I'm starting to plan my NZ trip (I'll be going around the end of Feb). I haven't determined exactly how long but I'm thinking between 4-6 weeks and I'd like to do both the North and the South Islands. On the trip I want to hit all the main attractions. i'm pretty into outdoorsy stuff so some sea kayaking and some trecking are a must. Specifically I want to do the Tongarrio crossing.

I was wondering what would be the best (and most affordable) way to get around the country. I'm going solo so renting my own car doesn't seem very feasible (and I hate driving). I dont mind being a passanger for long rides tho and would like to be able to take in as much of the country side as possible. Because of this, taking a bus around the country would be easiest (as long as the bus stops where I want to go). So it comes down to getting a flexipass with Intercity, or hopping on one of the tour bus companies (E.g Stray, Magic, Kiwi experience, etc). Do u guys know anything about these options? Does anyone have really great or terrible things to say about any of the tour companies? I know the tours are more expensive but are they worth it?

Any advice would be well appreciated.

Also, please feel free to tell me about any must sees while im there

Cheers,
Nyssa

I did the kiwi bus a few years ago and it was worth while doing.
I was on my own (didn't want to hire a car), wanted to see both islands in short time (3-4 weeks), and wanted to do 'stuff'!
the distances between places are quite short, so you aren't on a bus for days (like Oz etc).
I would do a tour - but I don't know what the difference between the tour companies is.

have fun!

I've used both Magic and Stray for tours around NZ and had a great time on both. They do similar routes, although Stray like to try and get off the beaten track a little bit more, for example to Stewart Island. If I had to choose one or the other I'd go with Magic as I thought they were a little bit more professional and their buses were in better condition than Stray's.