Asko Merilainen

Asko planned a wonderful trip - 1 week in New Zealand and 2 weeks in Australia. It was tremendously helpful to have someone who is familiar with the countries design the itinerary and book the between/within country travel needs. Things went much more smoothly than if we had to figure all of the details out ourselves. The schedule was designed in a considerate manner, allowing us time to explore cities on our own and participate in wonderful, scheduled activities. He selected activities that my mother and I thoroughly enjoyed and may not have chosen or even known about if we hadn't used kimkim. Something that was really helpful was that most of the hotels Asko booked had a free breakfast, which allowed us to easily fuel up before long days of adventure. Asko was prompt in answering questions and was very responsive when we encountered one glitch that was not the fault of Asko, kimkim, or us, which we appreciated.

Our first road trip in many years was an amazing 18 day journey through the north and south Islands of New Zealand. Our trip planner, Asko, spent several months working with us to plan an excellent itinerary that hit all of the things we wanted to experience in this amazing country, while giving us the flexibility to modify the activities and sights based on how much we felt like doing each day. We saw fjords with glaciers and snow capped mountains, waterfalls, hot springs and we hiked in forests. We stopped in all kinds of small towns and big cities. At every location we were able to experience something new, and the hotels and food were the best available, and often 5 star quality. There is a wonderful spirit in this country and we were able to meet and interact with many locals and fellow travelers. Thanks to Asko we have great memories of a special country. Thanks!

Hotel Reviews

Sofitel Queenstown

Queenstown

Every detail was of the highest international standard. A treasure!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Fable Dunedin

Dunedin

An unusual hotel. Serious money was spent on quality materials and furnishings. However our room in the back. was very dark and difficult to get to because the elevator didn’t go there, so we had to carry our luggage up a flight of stairs. It looked as if two older buildings were combined to make the hotel.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Rooms in back are dark and hard to get to.

Distinction Luxmore Hotel

Te Anau

This hotel was the only disappointment. While the room was relatively big and clean and everything worked, the pink plastic walls and yellow plastic everywhere showed that it was cheaply furnished long ago and in serious need of updating to the standards we found everywhere else. At best, a place to sleep right next door to the bus tour pickup point for the spectacular Milford Sound. On the plus side, the attached buffet restaurant had a top quality buffet breakfast and dinner.

Authenticity & Character

Redecorate and update the quality of the rooms.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Everything needs to be updated and redecorated.

Hermitage Hotel

Mount Cook Village

AMAZING HOTEL IN AN AMAZING PLACE!!!!

Authenticity & Character

WOW

Location

WOW

Staff

WOW

Cleanliness & Comfort

WOW

Fable Auckland

Auckland

Great hotel in the middle of downtown action. Close to shopping and the ferries. Parking is not close.

Authenticity & Character

Location

The only downside was a lack of parking, and it was a bit hard to park in front. We later learned that valet parking was an option, although it was not offered by the staff when we pulled up in our car.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Sofitel Wellington

Wellington

Another nice hotel

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hilton Lake Taupo

Taupo

High end classy hotel with heated pool, sauna steam room and nice restaraunt.

Hotel Montreal

Christchurch

Nice hotel

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Powderhorn Chateau

Ohakune

Nice older hotel made of pine logs. Unique country feel. Friendly staff. Indoor heated pool. Attached restaurant looks like a fun party place during ski Eason.

Pullman Rotorua

Rotorua

Another great high end hotel near all the things you can walk to see.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Amazing Milford Sound Day tour

Te Anau

WOW! A must see for anyone visiting the area.

Meet Yellow Eyed Penguins

Dunedin

Didn’t see any wild penguins, but the ones in the rehab facility were cute. Glad to support

The Te Pō Indigenous Experience

Rotorua

So glad to support the preservation of Māori culture. That said, the presentation had 2 parts, the first was an excellent explanation of the culture prior to contact with western culture. The musical portion however, seemed to be a mix of western music and Luau style entertainment, which I thought was designed to present what might entertain rather than educate. The buffet was good, and the geyser was a natural wonder.

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

The Gourmet Food & Wine Tour

Auckland

The ferry ride was nice. We enjoyed visiting the wineries and chatting with the people who work there. The scenery was beautiful.

Quality of Experience

Food

Mostly snack size bites were not really lunch….

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Asko did such a great job organising our 3 week trip around the east of Australia, and he was a huge help when we had to make several last minute changes due to severe weather. We had an amazing trip, it’s really hard to name any specific best part as we enjoyed it all so much, a good mix of organised trips and free time to explore the places we were staying. We’d definitely recommend using Asko and Kimkim to plan your next trip!

Asko was wonderful from planning to executing. Loved the itinerary he planned. Unfortunately we had to cancel our trip to Cairns due to cyclone Jasper. So we had to change our plan last minutes. He immediately changed our flights and hotels without any problem. Highly recommend him !!

Hotel Reviews

Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney

Sydney

Very friendly and comfortable hotel. Location is very convenient to major sites in the city. We loved their breakfast buffet.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Desert Garden Hotel

Uluru

Loved scenery around it: peaceful and beautiful.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

All-Inclusive Blue Mountains Day Tour ex Sydney

Sydney

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner

Uluru

"MUST" do activity!! Beautiful place to watch sunset and have a wonderful dinner!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Uluru Sunrise & Kata Tjuta

Uluru

Quality of Experience

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Transport