New Zealand Travel Agents

Kimkim has selected the best New Zealand travel agents so you'll have a worry-free trip.
With kimkim you will connect directly to a local specialist in New Zealand who will personalize your trip to your specific tastes. Once we have a sense of who you are and what you're looking for, you'll be matched with the right local travel agent for you. Not everyone wants to get completely off the grid—but even if you want to hit the most popular sites and cities, kimkim ensures a customized experience, including lodging, guides, and transportation.
Learn more: How kimkim Trips Work
Plan your trip to New Zealand
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

Vicky Steinhardt

(101 reviews)
New Zealand Travel Agent based in Noosa, Australia
Vicky specializes in: Tailor made travel, Family travel, Off the beaten track adventures, Unique locations, Honeymoons
Recent traveler reviews for Vicky:
"Vicky, our specialist, is exceptional, and if planning a trip I would highly recommend using her." - by Katie, Mar 17, 2026 · see review
"Vicky put together a busy and well-tailored two-week tour of Australian places for us." - by Jill M, Mar 17, 2026 · see review
"The transportation within Australia was all planned by Vicky and we had no issues." - by Kevin, Mar 12, 2026 · see review

Liz Neal

(87 reviews)
New Zealand Travel Agent based in Sydney-Auckland-Los Angeles
Liz specializes in: Unique and authentic adventure in the South Pacific for singles, couples, families and small groups.
Recent traveler reviews for Liz:
"I had a great experience with KimKim and with my specific advisor, Liz." - by Edward, Oct 29, 2025 · see review
"Hi Liz, first off I would just like to say that our trip to Australia was just great." - by Christine & John, Oct 16, 2025 · see review
"Liz our trip planner did a great job of planning our trip." - by Jean, Sep 23, 2025 · see review

Monika Vinsova

(49 reviews)
New Zealand Travel Agent based in Queenstown, New Zealand
Monika specializes in: self-drive tours, luxury travels, wildlife, adventure and active trips, romantic vacations, wine tours, wellness
Recent traveler reviews for Monika:
"The agent named Monika was so kind and knowledgeable in the way she presented everything in a digital world." - by Diane, Mar 18, 2026 · see review
"Monika was a great help in planning our once in a lifetime trip to New Zealand!" - by Duane, Mar 6, 2026 · see review
"Could not have done this without Monika." - by Wendell, Mar 5, 2026 · see review

Paula Adams

(48 reviews)
New Zealand Travel Agent based in California and Australia
Paula specializes in: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and French Polynesia
Recent traveler reviews for Paula:
"Paula planned our entire trip, and we followed her itinerary to the letter." - by Judith, Feb 2, 2026 · see review
"Paula was so helpful and efficient!" - by Sharon, Jan 28, 2026 · see review
"Paula did a great job customizing a trip exactly to suit our family's style of travel." - by Brian, Jan 7, 2026 · see review

Michelle Srzich

(45 reviews)
New Zealand Travel Agent based in Auckland, New Zealand
Michelle specializes in: Bespoke and tailor-made self-drive itineraries, luxury travel, active adventure
Recent traveler reviews for Michelle:
"Michelle planned a fantastic trip!" - by Emily, Mar 11, 2026 · see review
"Michelle was a delight to work with." - by Greg, Feb 19, 2026 · see review
"My husband and I travel regularly and typically book our own travel, but wanted a local expert to assist with our trip to New Zealand and Michelle was fantastic." - by Gayle, Feb 1, 2026 · see review

Ruth Grau

(37 reviews)
New Zealand Travel Agent based in Adelaide, Australia, & Palm Springs, USA
Ruth specializes in: Luxury, Adventure, Family, Couples, Singles, Unique & Authentic, LGBTQ Travel
Recent traveler reviews for Ruth:
"Ruth did a great job planning our trip, meeting all our expectations of excursions, hotels, tours etc." - by Doreen, Mar 17, 2026 · see review
"Our four week trip to NZ was customized after an iterative process of inquiry and response, including by phone with Ruth." - by Iain, Mar 4, 2026 · see review
"I connected with Kim Kim and Ruth only a mere month and a half before our scheduled trip to New Zealand." - by Karen, Nov 15, 2025 · see review

Franck Lemaitre

(29 reviews)
New Zealand Travel Agent based in Auckland, New Zealand
Franck specializes in: self-drive tours, luxurious accommodation, cycling, hiking, wildlife
Recent traveler reviews for Franck:
"We had an amazing trip planned for New Zealand, with the help from Franck, our tour guide." - by Maile, May 9, 2024 · see review
"Thank you Franck, of KimKim/Once in a Lifetime." - by Jodi Lynn, Apr 2, 2024 · see review
"Franck was able to plan the perfect vacation for us." - by Anna, Mar 31, 2024 · see review

Connie Campos

(27 reviews)
New Zealand Travel Agent based in South Florida and New Zealand
Connie specializes in: Bring your dream trip to life with Bespoke custom travel. I craft custom vacations to Australia and New Zealand.
Recent traveler reviews for Connie:
"Connie from KimKim helped organize an amazing trip to Australia for my family this past summer." - by Melanie, Feb 2, 2025 · see review
"Connie and Sherry were great!" - by Dennis, Oct 8, 2024 · see review
"Connie was super helpful in helping me to arrange a fairly last-minute trip to Sydney and Melbourne." - by Doug, Aug 26, 2024 · see review

Asko Merilainen

(16 reviews)
New Zealand Travel Agent based in Melbourne, Australia
Asko specializes in: Custom made itineraries, unique & authentic stays, nature & wildlife, food & wine, luxury, honeymoon, self-drive, couples, singles, LGBTQ Travel
Recent traveler reviews for Asko:
"Excellent job from Asko ." - by Julia, Dec 7, 2025 · see review
"Asko was detailed in answering questions and was immediately available to assist when there was confusion at hotel check-in." - by Alma, Dec 3, 2025 · see review
"Asko was an amazing person to work with in planning our trip." - by Mary, Jun 30, 2025 · see review

Uma Natarajan

(16 reviews)
New Zealand Travel Agent based in New Zealand
Uma specializes in: Leisure Holidays, Honeymoon, Special Interest
Recent traveler reviews for Uma:
"Uma Natarajan was amazing." - by Beverley, Mar 7, 2026 · see review
"Uma did an incredible job building our dream trip to New Zealand." - by Emma, Feb 9, 2026 · see review
"Uma was absolutely amazing and the entire reason we had the trip of our lives to New Zealand!" - by Tracy, Dec 8, 2025 · see review

Kathrin Gerstel

(10 reviews)
New Zealand Travel Agent based in New Zealand
Kathrin specializes in: bespoke trips, Glowworm Caves, Cultural experience
Recent traveler reviews for Kathrin:
"Kathrin did a great job for us!" - by Jim, Mar 11, 2026 · see review
"I cannot speak highly enough of Kathrin, KimKim, and the whole experience from booking through to completion." - by Bob, Mar 2, 2026 · see review
"It all started with Kathrin interviewing us via email and a video call." - by Patrick, Feb 9, 2026 · see review
Kathrin's Favorite Itineraries:

Denise Siviter

(6 reviews)
New Zealand Travel Agent based in Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Denise specializes in: Culture, walks, coastlines, beaches, wine, food, wildlife, nature, adventure, ski, golf, accommodation, transport, luxury, family activites,
Recent traveler reviews for Denise:
"We had an amazing trip and Denise was very thorough and engaged throughout our trip." - by Rhonda, Feb 12, 2026 · see review
"Denise with KimKim was an amazing member of our team ." - by Rich, Feb 6, 2026 · see review
"Denise did a fantastic job of arranging everything." - by james, Feb 3, 2026 · see review

Nats Subramanian

(4 reviews)
New Zealand Travel Agent based in New Zealand
Nats specializes in: Customized New Zealand Travel Packages, Unique Experiences
Recent traveler reviews for Nats:
"We had a fantastic experience with KimKim, and Nats, our dedicated agent, truly went above and beyond." - by W, Mar 1, 2026 · see review
"We had a wonderful time and Nats did an amazing job with preparing our itinerary." - by Robert, Jan 5, 2026 · see review
"We planned our New Zealand trip with Nats and had an amazing experience." - by Mary, Jan 26, 2025 · see review
Nats's Favorite Itineraries:

Tammy Lindsey

(2 reviews)
New Zealand Travel Agent based in Rancho Palos Verdes CA
Tammy specializes in: Couples, Families, Honeymoons, Adventure, Unique places, Experience what you see
I am a Travel Advisor for Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands. Every clients is unique, so I want to get to know them in detail to create their perfect itinerary! Listening to small details, and weaving those throughout their trip, can make a good vacation become a magical one! I... read more
Tammy's Favorite Itineraries:

Michael Lynden-Bell

(1 review)
New Zealand Travel Agent based in Sydney
Michael specializes in: Tailor made travel, families, special interest, unique locations, Honeymoon
Hi, I'm Michael, a seasoned travel industry professional with 28 years of experience in creating unique and personalized travel experiences. Based in Sydney, Australia, I am passionate about responsible and sustainable tourism, and believe in supporting local communities and businesses. With... read more

Noemie Botha

(1 review)
New Zealand Travel Agent based in Auckland
Noemie specializes in: Bespoke and tailor-made self-drive tours, Off the beaten track experiences, Family, Active adventure
Originally from Switzerland, I’ve been lucky to call New Zealand home since 2017. I specialize in creating bespoke self-drive tours tailored to your interests, helping you discover the best of Aotearoa at your own pace. Like many, I was captivated by New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes and the... read more
Noemie's Favorite Itineraries:

More in New Zealand


Trip Reviews for New Zealand

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim
4.9
Based on 290 ratings

If you are planning a trip to New Zealand, then KimKim Travel is your best bet for advice!
New Zealand | Mar 2 - Mar 17, 2026

Diane
Diane D.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Mar 18, 2026
This was my first trip internationally for my husband and I( age 73) in more than a decade. I had never planned a trip like this ever before. I chose KimKim Travel because of the way they interacted with me. So many details I had no clue about. The agent named Monika was so kind and knowledgeable in the way she presented everything in a digital world. It made it so easy to navigate. All of the suggestions she made were spot on, and the accommodations were perfect for us. The activities she... Read more

This was my first trip internationally for my husband and I( age 73) in more than a decade. I had never planned a trip like this ever before. I chose KimKim Travel because of the way they interacted with me. So many details I had no clue about. The agent named Monika was so kind and knowledgeable in the way she presented everything in a digital world. It made it so easy to navigate. All of the suggestions she made were spot on, and the accommodations were perfect for us. The activities she suggested made it very memorable for us. We loved every aspect of it and met people along the way who enhanced our journey. We will definitely come back and we already have learned where we would want to explore on a second trip to New Zealand. Monika kept in touch with us and that was very comforting in a Country we had no knowledge of. The car rental, hotels, excursions, and plane tickets were thoroughly explained so we could navigate the instructions easily. Even so, we laughed at our silly mistakes, like driving around a round-a-bout three times until we got the correct directions. The Glow Worm hike in the dark was exhilarating. Relaxing at the Polynesian Spa in Rotorua was awesome. ÑEw Zealand people are so kind, helpful, and friendly. Thank you for being our guide!

Hotel Reviews
Auckland City Hotel
Auckland

The accommodations were very nice. We ate in the restaurant and got coffee from the barista every morning. The location in the heart of the city made it easy to walk to restaurants, shops, and the ferry. A great place to retire every night.

Authenticity & Character
Small, boutique hotel with friendly employees.
Location
In the future, I would spend more money and stay down on the wharf. You have to walk several blocks to get to shopping and restaurants.
Staff
Always willing to answer questions or make a phone call, or recommend restaurants
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very comfortable bed
Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia
Paihia

The room was modern, the sheets crisp, white, and smooth. The bath accommodations were lovely. You can walk right out the door and get to shopping, ferries, or restaurants easily.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Right in the heart of Paihia. Easy to navigate around every day
Staff
Very helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lovely beds, sheets, bathroom
Waitakere Resort
Waiatarua, Auckland

Like being in a European lodge. Comfy, quiet, luxurious room

Authenticity & Character
Quiet, cozy, friendly for all. You want to walk around in your socks
Location
Overlooks Auckland hills and woods
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Regal Palms Resort
Rotorua

In the heart of Rotorua. A great place to relax after a hike. The place has a coin operated laundry as well. Essential for the minimalist traveler. Absolutely loved the heated tile floor in the bathroom! Crisp white sheets, heavy cotton towels, and a kitchenette. We could stay for a week.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
So friendly and helpful!
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Crown Hotel
Napier - Ahuriri

Very modern hotel with gorgeous views. Kitchen is so helpful. Bed is ultra comfortable. Love the jetted tub.

Authenticity & Character
Cool design, easy parking, good location
Location
On the water, walk to coffee and restaurants.
Staff
Michelle and Michelle were both so friendly and helpful!
Cleanliness & Comfort
The White Swan
Wairarapa

Very small boutique hotel. The room was spacious and lovely. We slept like logs in the amazing soft bed. The restaurant is great. Most of the staff were amazing.

Authenticity & Character
It’s quirky yet elegant.
Location
Quaint village with nice shops and restaurants
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Museum Apartment Hotel
Wellington

One of my favorite hotels. You do have to pay for parking, but we walked everywhere. Close to the museum, wharf( where everyone gathers and hangs out). Easily walk to restaurants and shops.

Authenticity & Character
The various pieces of art are worth a look and gaze
Location
Staff
Always helpful to answer our questions
Cleanliness & Comfort
The kitchenette was well stocked with fridge, cooktop, oven, dishwasher, and washer dryer.
Activity Reviews
Glowworm Tour Nocturnal Adventure
Glowworm Tour Nocturnal Adventure
Rotorua

I had no idea what to expect. Our guide, Stephen was so knowledgeable and took care with guiding us in the dark. He took all the pictures and sent them to us the next day. Such an awesome experience in the wilds of New Zealand.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Stephen was prompt in picking us up at our hotel. His knowledge of the area is invaluable.
Transport
Comfortable van ride.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
New Zealand

We enjoyed the tour and performance. The dinner was so good and we met some great travelers from around the world d the world. Learning about Maori customs made my trip more memorable.

Quality of Experience
Maori people
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Always so friendly
Polynesian Spa
Polynesian Spa
Rotorua

Soak in the hot pools, see the views of the surrounding hills

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Auckland Highlights Tours – Half Day
Auckland Highlights Tours – Half Day
Auckland

Our guide and driver, Donna was a friendly knowledgeable Māori woman. We enjoyed her talks and the places she took us to. We still say the coffee shop and chocolate shop she stopped at in Devenport was the best!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide, Donna was so great and knowledgeable
Transport
Comfortable van to ride in.
Transfer from accommodation to car rental depot (Corporate Cabs)
Transfer from accommodation to car rental depot (Corporate Cabs)
New Zealand

Driver was on time, friendly, and got us to where we needed to be.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Te Puia  - Thermal valley guided experience with Haka performance and Hangi lunch
Te Puia - Thermal valley guided experience with Haka performance and Hangi lunch
New Zealand

This facility was a great place to learn about Aotearoa and its peoples. The luncheon was good.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Gannet Safaris
Gannet Safaris
New Zealand

Spectacular views of gannet colonies. I was amazed.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very know, edgeable and friendly guide
Transport
Local specialist: Monika Vinsova

NZ: healing for body, mind and spirit.
New Zealand | Feb 4 - Feb 25, 2026

Emily
Emily G.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Mar 11, 2026
Michelle planned a fantastic trip! We loved New Zealand! Everyone has heard about the spectacular natural beauty - it is that and much more! In every corner of the country there are more awe inspiring views, fascinating microclimates to explore, gorgeous and well designed paths and treks (tracks), reserves and parks and open space, rural beauty with sheep - so many cute sheep! - and cows and horses, and rare protected species, - it makes your heart sing. What you may not know as much about... Read more

Michelle planned a fantastic trip! We loved New Zealand! Everyone has heard about the spectacular natural beauty - it is that and much more! In every corner of the country there are more awe inspiring views, fascinating microclimates to explore, gorgeous and well designed paths and treks (tracks), reserves and parks and open space, rural beauty with sheep - so many cute sheep! - and cows and horses, and rare protected species, - it makes your heart sing. What you may not know as much about are the people - their quality of life, the collective commitment to and appreciation of all the native flora and fauna . The steps they keep taking to more fully respect and integrate and honor the Maori. The pace is slow. People are patient, kind, easy going, generous. Your nervous system slows down. You realize it's possible to find a place where people live by different values and are proud of where they come from. Four 60-somethings, with two us celebrating our 70th. 3 weeks so we could see north and south islands. Our only regret - we should have planned a month. A few highlight places and excursions, thanks to Michelle. Milford sound. Stargazing in the hot springs of Lake Tekapo/Wanaka.. Farm and off-road tours. Hiking in Abel Tasman Natl Park and Mt. Cook. The Queenstown House B&B. Newton Heights B&B., visit to Flea Bay. The Te Papa Museum in Wellington. Te Karaka Lodge in Waikato. Kaikoura. And great food and wine everywhere. Thank you KimKIm, Michelle and the people of New Zealand for an uplifting adventure.

Hotel Reviews
Queenstown House Boutique B&B
Queenstown

All I can say is that this was an incredible way to start our trip to NZ! Two nights and we wish we had more. So comfortable, gorgeous view, great people, amazing breakfasts. Just do it. Stay here.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Newton Heights Bed and Breakfast and self-contained apartments
Akaroa

This was one of our most favorite places. Stay here! Beautiful accommodations, views, incredible breakfasts, great people. Loved it

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Te Karaka Lodge
Waikato

Wow. Splurge. Stay here at least two nights. It was our last hurrah after 3 weeks of travel and it was amazing. Beautiful. WAyyyyy out there. So quiet. Stars and a hot tub. Incredible food. Fantastic tour with James the rancher. Just go.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Michelle Srzich
Michelle
Michelle Srzich
Local specialist in Auckland, New Zealand | Replied on Mar 12, 2026

I love how you and your friends are discovering different parts of the world together and I wonder where the next adventure will take you?
I really appreciate your 5 star review and for taking the time to provide all the feedback you have given me. I also love how you appreciate for a small country even in three weeks you wish you had more time , there are still a few hidden gems left for your return visit .
All the best to you all - Emily , Nakari, Norma and Nancy and happy adventures in the future.

Retirement trip to New Zealand
New Zealand | Feb 1 - Feb 18, 2026

J
Jim K.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Mar 11, 2026
Kathrin did a great job for us! We really enjoyed our trip. A few activities needed to be rescheduled because of weather, but the rescheduling process went very smoothly for the most part. One minor glitch was that the folks with the Milford Sound tour were trying to reach us because of a weather cancellation, but they did not have contact information for us so we did not find out about the cancellation until we went to check in for the activity. It would have been helpful to know... Read more

Kathrin did a great job for us! We really enjoyed our trip.

A few activities needed to be rescheduled because of weather, but the rescheduling process went very smoothly for the most part. One minor glitch was that the folks with the Milford Sound tour were trying to reach us because of a weather cancellation, but they did not have contact information for us so we did not find out about the cancellation until we went to check in for the activity. It would have been helpful to know about the cancellation earlier in the day so we could have make some other plans for that day.

A few of our favorite activities were Skydiving in Queenstown, the Fly/Cruise/Fly trip to Milford Sound, and the Glowworm evening activity in Rotorua.

Hotel Reviews
Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
Queenstown

Great location, good breakfast, friendly, helpful staff

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mt Cook Lodge & Motels
Canterbury

This hotel served our needs quite well. The breakfast buffet at the Hermitage was wonderful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Hotel Britomart
Auckland

The company that I retired from gave us the gift of a 4 night stay in one of the top floor suites. It was amazing, but I believe all of the rooms at this property were probably very nice as well.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Great location. Easy walking distance to the waterfront, Sky Tower, and other downtown areas
Staff
The Classic Villa
Christchurch

Great location in Christchurch for walking to downtown and the Botanical Gardens.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Regal Palms Resort
Rotorua

This property served our needs well, although it might have been nice to stay a little closer to the waterfront area withing walking distance of some restaurants.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
I believe one of the front desk employees was new. He was friendly, but was not sure how to answer some of our questions and we had small communication challenges at times
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Milford Sound - scenic return flights and cruise
Milford Sound - scenic return flights and cruise
New Zealand

The airplane ride through the glaciated mountains was incredible,

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Skydive Tandem
Skydive Tandem
Queenstown (NZ)

Very professional operation, which is definitely what you want when planning to jump out of an airplane!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Christchurch Tramway Restaurant
Christchurch Tramway Restaurant
Christchurch

We enjoyed this experience, but there is no narration as you travel through the city so its a little unclear what you are seeing sometimes. It would be nice if someone was onboard that could say a few words about what you are seeing as you travel on the tram,

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Glowworm Tour Nocturnal Adventure
Glowworm Tour Nocturnal Adventure
Rotorua

This was a very pleasant surprise. We really enjoyed this activity. Small group, and very interesting information shared along the way,

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Kathrin Gerstel
Kathrin
Kathrin Gerstel
Local specialist in New Zealand | Replied on Mar 12, 2026
Thank you so much for your lovely review! I’m thrilled to hear you had such a great trip and that so many of your activities — especially skydiving in Queenstown, the Fly/Cruise/Fly to Milford Sound, and the glowworm experience — ended up being highlights. Those are some of my personal favourites too, so it makes me happy to know they resonated with you. I really appreciate your understanding around the weather‑related changes. New Zealand certainly likes to keep us on our toes. I’m glad... Read more

Thank you so much for your lovely review! I’m thrilled to hear you had such a great trip and that so many of your activities — especially skydiving in Queenstown, the Fly/Cruise/Fly to Milford Sound, and the glowworm experience — ended up being highlights. Those are some of my personal favourites too, so it makes me happy to know they resonated with you.

I really appreciate your understanding around the weather‑related changes. New Zealand certainly likes to keep us on our toes. I’m glad most of the rescheduling went smoothly, and I’m sorry about the Milford Sound communication hiccup. That’s genuinely helpful feedback, and I’ll make sure we tighten up that process so future travellers get updates as early as possible.

It was a pleasure helping you plan this adventure, and I’m so glad you enjoyed your time here. If you ever feel like exploring more of Aotearoa, I’d love to help you craft your next journey.

Uma checked in often
New Zealand | Feb 21 - Mar 6, 2026

S
Steve S.
Pikesville, MD | Reviewed on Mar 08, 2026
Our local specialist checked in often to make sure we were where we were supposed to be and that everything was running smoothly. Read more

Our local specialist checked in often to make sure we were where we were supposed to be and that everything was running smoothly.

Hotel Reviews
Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Franz Josef Westland

Beautiful hotel tucked in the trees. Everything was amazing. The restaurant was excellent. But they had two large bus tours come in and take over. It was super loud and the independent travelers were complaining. We sat outside to get away from it a bit. Would reco holding out some seats in a quieter place for independent travelers. Only other hitch was that the bartender had no idea how to make a manhattan.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Could see the mountains from our window.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Heartland Hotel Queenstown
Queenstown

Quirky fun hotel. A-frame rooms with exposed beams. If you get a room with a view it's amazing. Not sure what the experience would be like without one. Was at the top of a steep hill so anyone going into downtown like we did a couple times a day would need to walk up that. We were fine with it but we did see a lot of winded people slowly walking up to the hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Quirky a-frame style rooms.
Location
Top of steep hill. Makes great views but a harder walk up.
Staff
There was a guy at the concierge desk that we asked for a restaurant reco and his response was "I don't know, I never eat out here." I suspect he was just a valet sitting where the concierge should sit though.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Seemed clean and well appointed
Beachfront Hotel
Hokitika

Looked like all the rooms had a view and is right on the ocean. They get big bus tours that take over the restaurant (that has a great view) Should hold out some tables for independent travelers.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Watched the sunset from our room.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Heritage Rutherford Hotel Nelson
Nelson

Beautiful old time classic hotel right around the corner from Trafalger Street. We ate at a great restaurant with a fun vibe, Hawker House about 5 minutes walk away.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Onsen Hot Pools - The Ultimate Relaxation Experience
Onsen Hot Pools - The Ultimate Relaxation Experience
Queenstown (NZ)

This was the perfect thing to do after hiking the Milford Track. My wife and I are both not huge massage people but after this experience we might be converts. I think the hiking tour companies would be smart to sell this as a package with their hiking tours.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Milford Track Guided Walk - Day 1
Milford Track Guided Walk - Day 1
New Zealand

An easy day with a bus ride from Queenstown to Lake Te Anau. Then an hour boat ride to the start of the trail. Less than a mile hike to the lodge. After dinner they offered an easy nature hike behind the lodge which was a great basis for everything we'd be seeing in the next couple of days.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Milford Track Guided Walk - Day 2
Milford Track Guided Walk - Day 2
New Zealand

This was easily the most beautiful hike we've ever been on. We had the benefit of great weather. It felt warm but like we were hiking in air conditioning. And the moss covered forest was unlike anything we'd seen in our lives. Sounded like this was the dryer side of the hike but still must get a lot of rain. Something like 200-300 inches/yr and 200 days annually of rain. The grade is slowly uphill with a little difficult rock scrambled caused by a slip near the end. Marking the trail across the slip was a little tricky but they had a guide posted to show us the way. Hidden Lake off-shoot was OK but the Prairie Lake swim was great. Take the plunge and swim quickly under the waterfall. Then swim back quickly before your limbs go numb from the cold!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Milford Track Guided Walk - Day 4
Milford Track Guided Walk - Day 4
New Zealand

This was the longest day of hiking. Started out with more of the same rocky downhill then leveled off more to a wider path downhill. Was pouring rain to start so tough going and had to cross some knee deep water crossing the path. Got back wet and soggy but not as tough a day as the one before.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
3 Day Kayak & Walk - Day 1 - Nelson/Motueka to Awaroa via Totaranui
3 Day Kayak & Walk - Day 1 - Nelson/Motueka to Awaroa via Totaranui
New Zealand

There was a lot of angst and confusion to start about what to bring and wear on this first day. We weren't aware that we were doing the trip backwards so we'd planned to hike, which was usually the way day 1 started but we started kayaking. Had to quickly unpack and repack on the floor of the tour company and the change. Feel like that could have been better communicated before so we could have planned better. Not a great start to the trip. We started a bit later so the winds had whipped the waves up (as they do most afternoons). We wound up bikin g the last sector because the guide said the next leg was going to have waves 3 times as big.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Milford Track Guided Walk - Day 3
Milford Track Guided Walk - Day 3
New Zealand

This was a tough day of hiking. We had prepared for the uphill over the pass. It was tough but the path was generally well taken care of. The downhill side of the pass was way tougher than we expected. Endless large rock steps were tough on the muscles and joints. My wife fell a few times and this is where most of the injuries occur. The first 1/3 is above the tree line so can be windy. Once into the forest it gets steep and rocky. There are stairs around the waterfall to start but the the trail descends into miles of rocky steps. If you wear knee braces then put them on for this one. Springs and wet trails just add a slipping factor to the fun.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Milford Track Guided Walk - Day 5
Milford Track Guided Walk - Day 5
New Zealand

Easy day on a boat tour and bus back to Queenstown

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Uma Natarajan
Uma
Uma Natarajan
Local specialist in New Zealand | Replied on Mar 09, 2026

Hello Steve & Abby,

Thank you so much for your kind words and the elaborate review. I absolutely enjoyed working with you both for your New Zealand Holiday.

Please keep in touch. I would be delighted to see you in North Island😊in future.

Best,
Uma

Paula with KimKim set us up with an amazing t...
New Zealand | Jan 31 - Feb 17, 2026

Tiffany
Tiffany D.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Mar 08, 2026
Paula with KimKim set us up with an amazing trip in New Zealand. She recommended the Rees Hotel which was a fantastic spot. We were a bit out of town, but they have a shuttle running all the time and the location on the lake was gorgeous. Having our own apartment was great and even better was the laundry set up in our apartment which helped a lot for our long trip. All our excursions were fantastic. I can’t even pick a favorite. I highly recommend the half day bike trip for Arrowtown,... Read more

Paula with KimKim set us up with an amazing trip in New Zealand. She recommended the Rees Hotel which was a fantastic spot. We were a bit out of town, but they have a shuttle running all the time and the location on the lake was gorgeous. Having our own apartment was great and even better was the laundry set up in our apartment which helped a lot for our long trip. All our excursions were fantastic. I can’t even pick a favorite. I highly recommend the half day bike trip for Arrowtown, the Milford Sound excursion, the one day Routeburn Track hike (13 miles so long but totally worth it!), and the jet boats out on the Dart River. Angelo was our guide on the hike and he was so entertaining and informative. All of it was amazing and I would happily do it all over again. One last thing - we were supposed to take a flight back from Milford Sound and that got canceled due to wind. It ends up being a LONG day with a lot of time on a bus when you have to take it back, and yet I would still do it. The sound is gorgeous. Thanks Paula!

Local specialist: Paula Adams
Paula
Paula Adams
Local specialist in California and Australia | Replied on Mar 09, 2026
G'day Tiffany & Marck. It was wonderful working with you and planning your vacation to New Zealand and Australia. Thank you so much for sharing your feedback. It truly means a lot! I’m so happy to hear how much you enjoyed New Zealand. The Rees is one of my favorite properties to recommend, and I’m thrilled it worked out so well for you. Having the apartment space and laundry is definitely a big bonus on a longer trip. It’s wonderful to hear that all of your excursions were such a... Read more

G'day Tiffany & Marck.

It was wonderful working with you and planning your vacation to New Zealand and Australia.

Thank you so much for sharing your feedback. It truly means a lot! I’m so happy to hear how much you enjoyed New Zealand. The Rees is one of my favorite properties to recommend, and I’m thrilled it worked out so well for you. Having the apartment space and laundry is definitely a big bonus on a longer trip.

It’s wonderful to hear that all of your excursions were such a success. The Arrowtown bike ride, Routeburn Track hike, Milford Sound, and the Dart River jet boats are some of the most memorable experiences in that region, so I’m glad they all lived up to expectations. I also love hearing that Angelo made the hike even more special — guides like that really elevate the whole experience.

Milford Sound can definitely turn into a long day if the return flight is canceled due to weather, but I completely agree with you — the scenery there is so spectacular that it’s still worth it. I will be there next week! :)

Thank you again for trusting me with your trip and for taking the time to share your experience. It was truly my pleasure to help plan it for you!

Please do keep in touch!

Cheers,
Paula
Email: [email protected]
(951) 264 6300