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.

Liz Neal

(43 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:
"My Specialist Liz Neal was amazing and fantastic." - by Lynda, Oct 31, 2023 · see review
"Liz was amazing, helping make adjustments to the itinerary as needed." - by Jamie, Sep 23, 2023 · see review
"Liz did an excellent job at planning everything for us!" - by Cynthia, Sep 21, 2023 · see review

Franck Lemaitre

(17 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:
"Franck captured everything we wanted to see in NZ in our short 10 day visit, plus so much more." - by Karen, Sep 15, 2023 · see review
"Franck planned a great trip that left the whole family happy, which is saying a lot!" - by manuel, Aug 24, 2023 · see review
"Franck went out of his way to make sure that our trip went smoothly and efficiently." - by Joshua, Jul 3, 2023 · see review

Ruth Grau

(11 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 from KimKim/Spring Board and Nathan from Southern World we’re just amazing!" - by Sheri, Oct 20, 2023 · see review
"Ruth was so knowledgeable and was able to book us on some great tours that were tailored to our interests." - by Diane, Jul 22, 2023 · see review
"We had an amazing time, thanks to Ruth." - by Annette, Mar 4, 2023 · see review

Sabina Din

(11 reviews)
New Zealand Travel Agent based in Wanaka
Sabina specializes in: New Zealand and Australia Travel
Recent traveler reviews for Sabina:
"Sabina was very helpful." - by Tiffany, Nov 20, 2023 · see review
"Sabina was awesome to work with." - by Kathy, Nov 10, 2023 · see review
"And Sabina asked our goals…." - by Jack, Jul 19, 2023 · see review

Vickie Parrack

(11 reviews)
New Zealand Travel Agent based in Wanaka
Vickie specializes in: Self drive tours New Zealand and East Coast of Australia
Recent traveler reviews for Vickie:
"Vickie listened carefully to my desires for types of excursions and activities, and then made recommendations on other things that I definitely liked." - by Pauline, Nov 18, 2023 · see review
"Vickie was wonderful in her suggestions for our NZ South Island tour." - by Joelle, Sep 7, 2023 · see review
"Vickie, was just great!" - by Jamie, Aug 6, 2023 · see review

Chelsea Lodge

(5 reviews)
New Zealand Travel Agent based in Wanaka
Chelsea specializes in: New Zealand and Australia Travel, Hiking, Glacier Trips, Marine Life
Recent traveler reviews for Chelsea:
"Chelsea and I started planning our family trip last July and it was a total success." - by Walt, Apr 19, 2023 · see review
"Chelsea called me before the trip and tailored it to capture exactly what I wanted!" - by Jessica, Apr 2, 2023 · see review
"Chelsea put together a fantastic itinerary for the North Island; the lodgings were fantastic, and the agenda was a nice blend of activities and downtime to explore." - by Court, Oct 11, 2022 · see review

Lydia Ford

(4 reviews)
New Zealand Travel Agent based in Wanaka
Recent traveler reviews for Lydia:
"Lydia was an extraordinary help in planning and implementing my trip every step of the way!" - by Rik, Nov 24, 2023 · see review
"Our wonderful travel specialist, Lydia, managed to reschedule the itinerary for that day and the next so that we could drive there to enjoy the cruise the following day." - by David, Mar 28, 2023 · see review
"Lydia and her team at New Zealand Self Drive Tours were fantastic!" - by Jaya, Jan 4, 2023 · see review

Nichole White

(3 reviews)
New Zealand Travel Agent based in Wanaka
Nichole specializes in: New Zealand and Australia Travel
Senior Sales Consultant specializing in custom made itineraries to cater towards all clients. I believe in providing the best possible customer service combined with an in-depth understanding of the client's requirements to create truly memorable experiences. read more

Liz Wilson

(1 review)
New Zealand Travel Agent based in Wanaka
Liz specializes in: New Zealand and Australia Travel
The most important thing to take away from any travel experience is learning something new about a different country, culture, or history. I love to find out my clients' interests and finding a way to incorporate new experiences that will resonate with them in their itineraries. read more

Laurel Thachuk

(1 review)
New Zealand Travel Agent based in Wanaka, New Zealand
Laurel specializes in: New Zealand Self Drive Tours and New Zealand Independent Coach Tours
Originally from Canada, I quickly developed a passion for adventure and travel. I love exploring new places while learning about different cultures and trying local cuisine. I have traveled to over 25 countries so far and have worked in different regions of the world, including Central America,... read more

Carly Baker

(1 review)
New Zealand Travel Agent based in Wanaka, New Zealand
Carly specializes in: Adventure, beaches, mountains, local food & wine
Grew up in Sydney, now Wanaka as my second home for the last 5 years. I have a passion for travel and love talking about travelling, as well as seeing how travel makes people feel. My mission is to share what what both these stunning country has to offer. read more

Louise Hodge

(1 review)
New Zealand Travel Agent based in Wānaka, New Zealand
Louise specializes in: Outdoors, adventure, wineries.
I am a New Zealand Specialist based in Wānaka, NZ. Through my travels I’ve discovered that my own home country is one of the best to explore and enjoy new experiences. I love sharing these experiences with others, and creating itineraries for people that show the best that both New Zealand and... read more

Asko Merilainen

(1 review)
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
Planning a holiday is a time-consuming project on it's own, especially when planning a holiday to a new destination. That's why I'm here to help! I want to show you less-taken routes, quiet villages and private, sandy beaches - without forgetting landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and... read more

Trip Reviews for New Zealand

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim
4.8
Based on 81 ratings

This trip to New Zealand was just amazing!
New Zealand | Nov 19 - Nov 28, 2023

J
Judah J.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Nov 29, 2023
This trip to New Zealand was just amazing! We had an incredible time driving all around the North and South Islands of NZ. Everywhere we looked, there was another breathtaking vista all around, with mountains, lakes, fjords, sheep and livestock, and so much greenery.
All the kimkim-booked excursions and accommodations made the trip so much easier to manage day-to-day, with all the details already looked-after and sorted. A particular highlight was the fly-cruise-fly excursion to Milford...
Read more

This trip to New Zealand was just amazing! We had an incredible time driving all around the North and South Islands of NZ. Everywhere we looked, there was another breathtaking vista all around, with mountains, lakes, fjords, sheep and livestock, and so much greenery.
All the kimkim-booked excursions and accommodations made the trip so much easier to manage day-to-day, with all the details already looked-after and sorted. A particular highlight was the fly-cruise-fly excursion to Milford Sound from Queenstown—I'll remember those views and that experience for the rest of my life!

Hotel Reviews
Ruapehu Country Lodge
Ruapehu

This charming B&B near Tongariro National Park (45-60 mins' drive) was a fabulous place to stay for 1 night on our trip. B&B owners Bernie and Marie were as warm as can be, and the property is clean, beautiful, and quiet. There are 4 rooms total, so even at "full capacity," it never felt like there were other guests looming over us.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kokomea Pure Pod
Peka Peka

Views and surroundings were stunning. The food provided was really good too, though it does require cooking on your own. The instructions for how to find the parking lot were a bit challenging to decipher, as road construction has since finished, and the directions were outdated. We did eventually find where to park, and then the 10-minute hike commenced... For the adventurous!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Cleanliness & Comfort
Galaxy Boutique Hotel Tekapo
Lake Tekapo

Wow!! This hotel was exceptional. The views of Lake Tekapo were stunning, and the hotel itself was beautifully designed. (Our room had a skylight that's designed for star-gazing at night!) Included breakfast could be taken in-room, which we opted for. Delicious and a great way to start the day.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Fly Cruise Fly – Queenstown to Milford Sound
Fly Cruise Fly – Queenstown to Milford Sound
Queenstown (NZ)

This was the highlight of our whole trip. The fly-cruise-fly package was perfect for seeing Milford Sound and the surrounding fjords/mountains/lakes, and it was well worth the money and time. An absolute must-do if visiting the Queenstown area.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
There was a booking error for our pickup, but the excursion operator rectified it when we called.
Kayak Taupo - Maori Rock Carvings
Kayak Taupo - Maori Rock Carvings
New Zealand

To start, this was a challenging kayak experience. Pros: Lake Taupo is a beautiful place to kayak. The water, on our morning, wasn't *too* rough, but it was definitely windy, which made for a challenging rowing experience, and it's not a short one. We spend more than an hour each way paddling. Cons: Firstly, our operator Liz was verbally and visibly annoyed with us that we didn't arrive 15 minutes early, which was never communicated on our itinerary nor the activity voucher. Additionally, she constantly belittled and corrected a new hire on her own team who was clearly in training when accompanying our group. Moreover, she continued to yell at other tourists from Taiwan, whom she thought were tiring out too quickly or not following her shouted instructions to keep up with the group. She actually had them turn back with another guide 1/3 into our trip, which made us think that if we didn't strain ourselves to "keep up," she'd turn us back too. Overall, she was a real detraction from the experience, and I think kimkim & Once Upon A Trip should be aware of all the above when continuing to send tourists to this operator.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
National Hatchery
National Hatchery
Rotorua

Such a great way to see Kiwi up close and also support conservation in NZ!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Glowworm Paddle Board Tour
Glowworm Paddle Board Tour
Rotorua

This was so much fun! The guides were really warm and understanding of everyone's physical abilities, the kayaking was not too challenging, and the glow worms were really cool to see up-close.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Pō combo (Guided Experience + Indigenous Evening Experience)
Pō combo (Guided Experience + Indigenous Evening Experience)
Rotorua

This was a very special way to experience some Maori culture while in New Zealand. It was informative and entertaining, and the venue includes numerous geysers to view, too.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Two-Hour Sunset Guided Walk
Two-Hour Sunset Guided Walk
New Zealand

Stuart & his team leading this walk through Tongariro National Park were great. We had nice convos with others in our group, and the guided walk was somewhere between a walk and a hike. The views for those 2 hours, as the sun set, were just spectacular.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tekapo Springs - StarGazing
Tekapo Springs - StarGazing
Lake Tekapo

In one of the world's star-gazing capitals, it makes sense to take advantage! We were blessed with a clear night, and the telescope-viewing was a great way to see multiple constellations and planets before getting into the hot pools to do some more star-gazing while soaking away the day :)

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Hell's Gate
Hell's Gate
Rotorua

The free guided tour at 10:30am was great, and I'd highly recommend everyone gets there in time to join it. The property is quite large, and having a guide to walk through it and explain everything was really helpful, from a scientific and cultural perspective. The mud baths were also really fun.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Franck Lemaitre
Franck
Franck Lemaitre
Local specialist in Auckland, New Zealand | Replied on Nov 30, 2023

Hey Judah,
Thank you so much for this very detailed testimonial which is obviously really helpful. We will pay a specific attention to the kayak activity in Taupo to make sure our clients are well satisfied which so far has been the case but thanks a lot for the feedback and warning.
You have been a pleasure to deal with as you were really open to my suggestions, happy to read you loved this trip
Franck

Trip of a lifetime!
New Zealand | Nov 5 - Nov 13, 2023

R
Rik R.
Petaluma, CA | Reviewed on Nov 24, 2023
Lydia was an extraordinary help in planning and implementing my trip every step of the way! I highly recommend her, New Zealand Fine Tours, and kimkim! It was a trip I wanted to do my whole life and didn't get around to it now. Every part of the tour was gorgeous, beginning with the journey into Hobbiton and the LOR sets were incredible. The Maori tours and shows were incredible. Mt Cook was especially beautiful, transcendent in a word. Took my breath away. Then on to Queenstown for stunning... Read more

Lydia was an extraordinary help in planning and implementing my trip every step of the way! I highly recommend her, New Zealand Fine Tours, and kimkim! It was a trip I wanted to do my whole life and didn't get around to it now. Every part of the tour was gorgeous, beginning with the journey into Hobbiton and the LOR sets were incredible. The Maori tours and shows were incredible. Mt Cook was especially beautiful, transcendent in a word. Took my breath away. Then on to Queenstown for stunning boat rides on the Lake and a dinner across the lake on one of the nights. Finally, the trip out to the West Coast of the South Island was yet another gem. All along the way my trip was planned step by step, the transportation was prompt with enjoyable and well informed tour guides, and the accommodations were clean and comfortable. The trip included some meals which were very good and memorable. Thank you Lydia and all the folks at NZFTs and kimkim.

Local specialist: Lydia Ford

Louise was great to work with in planning my ...
New Zealand | Nov 8 - Nov 13, 2023

jeff
jeff w.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Nov 14, 2023
Louise was great to work with in planning my trip. With the exception of one lodging place, I give KimKim an A for the overall trip.
I visited so many incredible places- Glow Worm Cave, Doubtful Sound, Milford Sound, Otega Regional Wine Tour, Hiking Trails, Wharf in Queenstown!!
This was my second trip to NZ and it was worth seeing again. The citizens of NZ are the friendliest and sweetest people I’ve ever met in all my travels. The country is one postcard after another - even the...
Read more

Louise was great to work with in planning my trip. With the exception of one lodging place, I give KimKim an A for the overall trip.
I visited so many incredible places- Glow Worm Cave, Doubtful Sound, Milford Sound, Otega Regional Wine Tour, Hiking Trails, Wharf in Queenstown!!
This was my second trip to NZ and it was worth seeing again. The citizens of NZ are the friendliest and sweetest people I’ve ever met in all my travels. The country is one postcard after another - even the retail areas are nice. Public bathrooms are cleaner than most peoples homes!!! You can just tell these people love the tourism as it provides the majority of their lifestyle. All other countries with this much tourism should use NZ as a model.
People in the states - stop going on the same ole vacation year after year - go to NZ. It’s a lifetime vacation and one that you will remember forever.

Hotel Reviews
Blue Peaks Lodge
Queenstown

Old, tired and very dated. No amenities whatsoever. It was clean and is very convenient. The staff was super sweet and friendly. But I would not stay here again.

Authenticity & Character
Everything. Cleaner parking lot, updated rooms, add a lounge, add a courtyard, don’t put trash bins in the front door.
Location
Staff
Both of the young ladies were great.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and simple. Lots of people like this. I just thought I was in low income housing.
Distinction Te Anau Hotel And Villas
Te Anau

Great location.

Authenticity & Character
Typical NZ hotel.
Location
Heart of city center.
Staff
Very accommodating.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Could use new mattresses.
Activity Reviews
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown
Queenstown (NZ)

Loved everything this sound offered. Spectacular in every way.

Quality of Experience
The incredible views.
Transport
Better shock absorbers for a smoother ride. More knee room in between seats. Window shades to block sunlight when necessary.
Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Te Anau

The rarity of seeing such a beautiful cave.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Buses are just too rough riding. The bouncing makes you car sick.
Te Anau to Milford Sound, Milford Cruise with Picnic Lunch
Te Anau to Milford Sound, Milford Cruise with Picnic Lunch
Te Anau

Never seen anything so beautiful.

Quality of Experience
I’m
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Better riding bus is needed. Just so much bouncing and roughness. It’s very car sick.
Appellation Boutique Wine Tour
Appellation Boutique Wine Tour
Queenstown (NZ)

Loved the first and last stop. Beautiful wineries.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Worst driver ever. Rude. Non stop talking. Drove extremely too fast. Just a lousy driver.
Transport
Not luxury at all. It’s van. Nothing luxurious about it.
Local specialist: Louise Hodge

Once in a lifetime trip to NZ
New Zealand | Nov 4 - Nov 10, 2023

N
Nerida C.
Australia | Reviewed on Nov 11, 2023

My mum and daughter had a fantastic trip organised by Connie. There was an error made with one of the activities booked but Connie and her local team fixed it and made it even better than we expected. Thank you for the memorable holiday!

Local specialist: Connie Campos
Connie
Connie Campos
Local specialist in Washington | Replied on Nov 11, 2023

Dear Nerida,

Thank you for taking the time you have taken to write this wonderful review.
Unfortunately, there was a mishap/overlooked in one of the tours and I immediately took action with my team in New Zealand. All our passengers are always taken care of, whether before they depart or once they are on their trip. Our team in New Zealand and or Australia are available 24/7.
We appreciate your patience and I thank you again for your kind words.
We are happy to hear your mom and your daughter had a wonderful and memorable trip.
Best Regards
Connie

Amazing trip!
New Zealand | Oct 5 - Oct 17, 2023

S
Sheri M.
Sparks, NV | Reviewed on Oct 20, 2023
Ruth from KimKim/Spring Board and Nathan from Southern World we’re just amazing! I couldn’t have asked for a better pair of travel agents. Ruth listened to what I wanted and help me set up an amazing trip schedule and Nathan set up my accommodations, rental car and trip events. I had an amazing time in my number one bucket list location, New Zealand and I cannot thank Ruth and Nathan enough. Read more

Ruth from KimKim/Spring Board and Nathan from Southern World we’re just amazing! I couldn’t have asked for a better pair of travel agents. Ruth listened to what I wanted and help me set up an amazing trip schedule and Nathan set up my accommodations, rental car and trip events. I had an amazing time in my number one bucket list location, New Zealand and I cannot thank Ruth and Nathan enough.

Hotel Reviews
Robertson House
Rotorua

First class! Wonderful B&B! I can not recommend it enough!

Authenticity & Character
Oldest Victorian in Rotorua.
Location
Staff
Lovely hosts! They go the extra mile and I cannot say enough about them…amazing care and attention!
Cleanliness & Comfort
World class!
Queenstown House B&B
Queenstown

Wonderful staff and accommodations. First class room and view. You could do your laundry without being charged, big bonus. Loved it!

Authenticity & Character
Well cared for!
Location
Staff
Attentive staff!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ocean View Retreat
Punakaiki

Wonderful Hotel!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cobden Garden
Napier

Wonderful B&B!

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful 1800s house.
Location
Staff
Lovely hosts.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Franz Josef Westland

Beautiful Hotel!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Abseil Inn
Waitomo Caves

One of a kind experience!

Authenticity & Character
Each room has a theme.
Location
Tough to find, but once there lovely location.
Staff
They knew I had to leave earlier than their scheduled meal times and adjusted it without me asking so I could have breakfast.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Ruth Grau
Ruth
Ruth Grau
Local specialist in Adelaide, Australia, & Palm Springs, USA | Replied on Oct 20, 2023

I am so happy you had such a great trip! I really enjoyed working with you and planning your vacation. I'm glad you liked all the accommodations and hosts! Thanks so much for booking with me!