Here's a new point of view from a happy new rugby head, Bottom Bus deep south exlporer and Otago supporter Brooke Greedy.

I first found out about the Bottom Bus through Kiwi Experience and left from Queenstown on the 15th of September. There were many highlights to the trip, but the best by far was attending the Otago vs. Canterbury rugby game in Dunedin's own "House of Pain"! This was especially great because this was my first ever rugby game.

Brooke and some fellow Otago supporters.

Before the game we were taken by the bus to Gardies Pub in the heart of the student action. We were given free jugs of beer and a great meal.

After painting our faces with blue and gold Otago pride and sporting our free bottom bus t-shirts we headed to the "House of Pain"! Even though we were there to witness one of Otago's greatest defeats it didn't matter- the atmosphere and crowd were beyond fun (and they sell Speight's 6-packs at the stadium). Afterwards we toured around many other student pubs and clubs.

The rest of the trip was awesome too. The Catlins are definitely among the most picturesque of New Zealand coastline, especially Nugget Point. Curio Bay and the petrified forest are also a must see and plus it is probably the closest I will ever come to Antarctica. McLean Falls were also gorgeous and of course Milford Sound was amazing!

I had a blast on the Bottom Bus and saw a lot of NZ that I probably otherwise wouldn't have. The guides were tons of fun and really knew what they were talking about and where to take us. I also met a lot of great people from all over on the bus. In fact, I had so much fun I went to the rugby game with Bottom Bus again the following weekend- and Otago won that time!

Brooke Greedy, 22 from Iowa, USA

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