Like many people I have travelled extensively overseas but am ashamed to say not much in my own country, not the South Island so much anyways, sad but true. I wanted to travel New Zealand on a backpacker bus as it's a great way to enjoy the country through fresh eyes as I would be with people from all over the globe who were experiencing NZ for the first time! I also wanted to try a different form of travelling as I had not travelled on a backpacker bus before and thought it would allow me to relax and soak it all in as I don't have to worry about driving myself and all my activities and accommodation would be arranged for me, easy as! After a bit of research I found out about Stray, a hop on hop off backpacker bus that goes 'off the beaten' track and with their travellers predominantly in their mid twenties it was perfect for me.

Being a born and bred city girl you get caught up in the metropolitan way of life, cappuccinos, suits, media and small talk. In order to get a sense of real Kiwiana you have to take yourself to where the real Kiwiana is, not only in your big cities but in your small towns, remote beaches and even what you may hear Stray drivers call hick towns so Stray's 'off the beaten track' goal was just what I was after.

I hopped on one of Stray's bright orange buses filled with people from all around the world to complete what is known as the Peter pass, one of a variety of passes offered by Stray and covers a good majority of the North Island.

Not only was it neat to have a range of activities to choose from and participate in but it was also neat to meet the people who run them, the guides. I must say, I'm glad people who Stray get the chance to meet such awesome down to earth Kiwis, because they make your experiences all that more memorable.

Like what most travellers say, it's not so much what you see but who you see it with and who you meet along the way. I formed really close bonds with those whom I travelled with. Only after a few days I was sad to say goodbye to those who were staying behind in places for the next bus.

I can truly say my Stray trip was a real eye opener, I hopped on that bright orange bus a Kiwi girl by birth but somewhat lost by heart. It took Stray and all my experiences, from the beautiful landscapes seen, the activities participated in and most of all the wonderful people I met along the way to bring me back down to earth and really appreciate what lies in my own back yard.