Michelle did a fantastic job organizing our trip!
We had a family of 8 at the start in Auckland. All of our transportation, accommodations, and tours were arranged for us.
As we traveled south some of the family had to go back home, but the fun kept on coming!
In Rotorua we went to the Maori cultural center, Hobbiton, kayaking, and a visit to hot springs and spa.
Napier was another fantastic place as well as Windy Wellington.
The arrangements were made for one of the couples to...
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Michelle did a fantastic job organizing our trip!
We had a family of 8 at the start in Auckland. All of our transportation, accommodations, and tours were arranged for us.
As we traveled south some of the family had to go back home, but the fun kept on coming!
In Rotorua we went to the Maori cultural center, Hobbiton, kayaking, and a visit to hot springs and spa.
Napier was another fantastic place as well as Windy Wellington.
The arrangements were made for one of the couples to leave from Wellington while the rest of us crossed to the southern island and then by train to Christchurch.
Michelle made all these arrangements for an easy transfer to our destinations.
Our accommodations were beautiful and in easy walking distance into the city center.
We did food walking tours and the International Antarctic center in Christchurch.
From there we went down to 4 of us.
This is where Michelle had arranged for us to rent and drive a car south to Lake Tekapo. We went on a small plane over the southern Alps and Mt. Cook. We stayed at an absolutely beautiful home overlooking the lake.
We then drove to Queenstown and stayed a couple of blocks from the city center.
We went to a sheep farm on the lake and learned a lot about the farm and its residents (sheep).
From Queenstown 2 of us took a shuttle, boat,shuttle, and finally another boat to Doubtful sound. Absolutely stunning!
We stayed overnight on the boat and were treated to delicious food and great accommodations.
It was a full days travel back to Queenstown but we have some great memories. Our captain Sean and Chef Juanita did a great job of filling our bellies.
We left Queenstown the next day and stayed one more night in Auckland. Michelle arranged our transportation to and from our airport needs. The hotel was so perfect for ending our New Zealand adventure.
Thank you for a great trip!
Laura Hirth
Hotel Reviews
Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise - Southern Secret
Staff
Captain Sean and Chef Juanita did a great job!
Lake Tekapo Holiday Homes - various properties
Lake Tekapo
This was a home overlooking the lake.
Orari & Orari Apartments
Christchurch
Adina CityLife Wellington
Wellington
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very dated
Activity Reviews
Manapouri to Queenstown
New Zealand
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise - small group onboard Southern Secret (Fiordland Cruises) Self-drive to Manapouri
New Zealand
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Historic Steamship Cruise to Walter Peak Farm + Lunch BBQ
Queenstown (NZ)
Food
The service and food were very good.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Jet Boat the Shotover River
Queenstown (NZ)
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Scenic Flight over Mt Cook and glaciers by plane from Tekapo - The Grand Traverse (Tekapo Air Safaris)
New Zealand
This was such a highlight!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our pilot Justin was very informed and a great pilot.
Progressive Māori Dinner Tour (kai safari)
Christchurch
Delicious international food.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Ashley was a great tour guide.
Cycle the Hawkes Bay wineries (self guided bike ride, includes transport)
New Zealand
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Redwoods treewalk by day including glow-worm cave
Rotorua
This blew me away!
Beautiful and well maintained.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Te Pā Tū - Maori Cultural Experience
Rotorua
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Steaming cliffs Waimangu Valley Nature Walk & Kayaking - private group
Rotorua
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
New Zealand
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Aucky Walky Food Tour - private
Auckland
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Additional private taxi transfer from airport to hotel or vice versa for second group on same day (Corporate Cabs)
New Zealand
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Shiva in Auckland was great. Highly recommend!
Nigel in Queenstown went out of his way to get us to where we needed to go.
Local specialist: Michelle Srzich
This wonderful trip was one of much research and planning. This was all made easy and uncomplicated working on with the local, fun, helpful Kimkim specialist, Monika. She took us on a journey before we even took our first flight. Monika was available to us throughout our 23 day trip, by phone or email and kept us up to date on any changes. We had a day by day itinerary created by Kimkim that was on an app on our phone, which was invaluable. There are so many highlights to this trip, including...
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This wonderful trip was one of much research and planning. This was all made easy and uncomplicated working on with the local, fun, helpful Kimkim specialist, Monika. She took us on a journey before we even took our first flight. Monika was available to us throughout our 23 day trip, by phone or email and kept us up to date on any changes. We had a day by day itinerary created by Kimkim that was on an app on our phone, which was invaluable. There are so many highlights to this trip, including the Milford Sound lead by the lovely Olivia, the Dart River excursion, cycling the Dunstan Trail, oh and how can I forget taking a water taxi to Tasman National Park. Each day was full of adventures, loved staying in Oliver's Lodge in Clyde (originally a horse stable) there was so much to see and do each day.. our last night in Auckland was super fun, our dinner at Ahi restaurant was a true experience immersed in food from land and sea of New Zealand. This trip was very special to my husband and I, one with many fond memories of a beautiful country and its people. Kimkim is a perfect choice to help you put this wonderful trip together. Super great job Monika!!
Hotel Reviews
Perfect ...fun, splash, spicy hotel for our last 2 nights.
Authenticity & Character
Feels a bit sofisticated and fun
Location
Overlooking harbor, easy to get around..great for jumping on ferry to go to Waiheke Island.
Pretty setting..but once you are there, you are there..driving in and out of driveway wasn't something you want to do a couple times a day. Not easily walkable to anything.
Authenticity & Character
Slightly tired in some areas
Location
Not easy to walk anywhere. If you are lucky to get a reservation at "on the point" you are lucky...you can walk to it
Tongariro Suites
Horopito
Authenticity & Character
Better bathroom products, towels etc
Location
Not close to anything really, except the Tongariro Park
Staff
CJ was a great guy!
Super location on water, walk to everything, including Mt Victoria. Fun city to explore.
Authenticity & Character
The hotel is full of character..tons of artwork and museum on premises
Location
Could not have better location for walking, biking and hiking.
Staff
Everyone was fun and informative
Tides Hotel Nelson
Nelson
This was okay for an 2 night pit stop, I wouldn't want to be here much longer.
Authenticity & Character
Being on river was cool, however the tide goes out and you have a barren mud bank. So may not see the river while out and about
Location
Great location, easy to walk to dozens of restaurants.
Staff
Breakfast staff, one tell you one thing, another tells you another..makes you feel uncomfortable when going up to breakfast bar
Cleanliness & Comfort
Could do better
Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses
Kaikoura
Everything about this place was top notch. And you are staying on a deer farm! Doesn't get better!!
Authenticity & Character
The staff, food, rooms..whoever is running this place sure knows what they are doing and it sprinkles into all of the staff. A+
Location
Gorgeous setting, mountains in background..deer running around the yard. Lovely outdoor heated pool. It just felt special!
Staff
Super friendly, helpful and knowledgeable of their surroundings
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything..the bedding was luxurious, the bathrobes and slippers were really appreciated after traveling for a couple weeks.
Pretty good location to walk downtown. Great park across from hotel.
Authenticity & Character
Nice dinner and breakfast
Location
Walkable..wish we had more the one night in Christchurch.
Peppers Bluewater Resort
Lake Tekapo
Beautiful setting and surroundings.
Authenticity & Character
Just the set up..nicely set on hillside with great views in am and pm.
Location
One of our adventers was Mt. Cook, so it was a great place to stay with easy access.
Staff
Stephanie, what a pleasant and fun person who greeted us at breakfast each day.
Set in heart of city..easily walkable to restaurants.
Location
Walk to restaurants.
Charming Lodge, exquisite breakfast and lovely innkeepers
Authenticity & Character
It is within an old horse stable, can't get more authentic. Great Restaurant on site!
Location
Tiny town, this was smack in the middle, easy to walk around without using our car
Staff
Very caring innkeepers!
Dunluce Bed and Breakfast
Te Anau
Wonderful comfortable Inn
Authenticity & Character
Charming and Homey
Staff
Hannah the host, extremely helpful and friendly
Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
Queenstown
Best breakfast in town! What a delightful place to stay, just a couple blocks from downtown . Easily walkable to all. Clean, well appointed, friendly place.
Authenticity & Character
Little touches throughout hotel, nice art work and photos
Staff
Lou at the front desk!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Great bed
Activity Reviews
Ahi Restaurant - 4 snacks and 4 courses
Auckland
This was our last night in Auckland and Ahi did not disappoint. A+
Quality of Experience
The staff was extremely knowledgeable about all dishes served and proud of their farm to table presentations.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Knowledgeable and charming
Tasman glacier terminal lake - cruise & walk (Glacier Explorer)
Aoraki / Mount Cook Village
This was a fun and adventurous experience!
Quality of Experience
The hike through the park with glimpses of the turquoise waters through the forest.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Larnach Castle Tour - unguided
Dunedin
Royal Albatross Centre
Dunedin
This was overwhelmingly beautiful. The day we were there father albatross came to feed his chick.
Quality of Experience
Seeing albatross flying around
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Explore Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula
Dunedin
This was so beautiful..great walk down to beach, through farm country. Came upon many sea lions resting on beach.
Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail (from Clyde)
New Zealand
This is surely not for the casual biker. Be sure to ask questions and watch video. It was stunning!
Quality of Experience
I have never riden my bike on the side of a cliff..haha
Quality of Experience
I have never riden my bike on the side of a cliff..haha
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Walk the famous Milford track and cruise on Milford Sound
Te Anau
Loved all aspects of this trip
Quality of Experience
It was a bit adventurous and we learned alot from the staff about New Zealand
Food
Our packed lunch was not just ordinary. It was freshly baked bread with healthy bars, fresh fruit and trail mix.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Olivia picked us up and we spent the whole day with her. She is delightful, informative and lots of fun.
Transport
These young ladies were great drivers
Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Te Anau
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transfer from accommodation to car rental depot (Corporate Cabs)
New Zealand
Dart River Funyak Safari
New Zealand
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Monika Vinsova
For us, this was a long trip but the folks at KimKim and their local specialist Monica at Once Upon a Trip took great care of us. Every day was filled with a new adventure. The weather was perfect for all but the last day of our trip making it even better. I will say that even though people say that New Zealand does not have mosquitos - they do! Along with sandflies. Bring some deet repellent and you should be ok.
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For us, this was a long trip but the folks at KimKim and their local specialist Monica at Once Upon a Trip took great care of us. Every day was filled with a new adventure. The weather was perfect for all but the last day of our trip making it even better. I will say that even though people say that New Zealand does not have mosquitos - they do! Along with sandflies. Bring some deet repellent and you should be ok.
Hotel Reviews
Naumi Hotel Wellington
6141
We really enjoyed our stay at Naumi Hotel Wellington. It is right off of Cuba street where we could walk to everything - including Te Papa, the National Museum (very good). There is a nice pickup spot for ride sharing on the other side. Breakfast was very good. If you did not like what was on the buffet, you could order fried eggs or an omelet.
We stayed there three nights and had dinner at three different restaurants less than a block from the hotel.
I will say that the decor was very stripey (you will understand once you get there).
The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi Hotels
Queenstown
This hotel's location was excellent. We were able to walk into Queenstown's downtown, gardens and docks very easily. It costs extra to park here and parking is limited so make sure you talk to them before you get into town. There is no elevator for your luggage but one of the staff happily took them up to the higher floor for us. The room was clean and spacious. They provided a happy hour at 5 pm with wine and snacks which was an unexpected activity that allowed socializing with other hotel guests.
Distinction Te Anau Hotel And Villas
Te Anau
Great hotel with a great location. We walked everywhere. The breakfast was great for a hotel that serves a lot of tour groups. The room was very clean. We also were able to do our laundry right in the hotel (once we got change from the front desk). Everyone was very friendly.
Mohua Park Catlins Eco Accommodation
Tawanui, RD 2, Owaka
One of our more unique stays on our trip. This one-room cabin is very isolated but once we got there it was wonderful. We stayed here two nights. Our tour guide got us a package where breakfast and dinner were provided. The unit had a stove, an outdoor grill and a refrigerator. We had steaks waiting to grill and the first night we had a pasta salad and the second night a broccoli salad. For breakfast there were eggs to cook up and yogurt or milk with some granola.
Outside, was a sheep farm for as far as you could see. Needless to say, the stars were very bright. They also had a very nice hot tub large enough for two to fit comfortably (and look at the stars).
Our host was very friendly and gave us ideas as to what to do.
Galaxy Boutique Hotel Tekapo
Lake Tekapo
The skylight in the room was unique. The view outside of our window was gorgeous! We could walk to the lakeshore from the hotel but we typically drove as there was plenty of parking. The parking at the hotel was ok but kind of tight. While they gave you an option to eat breakfast in your room, we instead ate at their breakfast area (which was small but very well organized).
The Vicarage Geraldine
Geraldine
A very nice hotel even though the rooms were a little small for two people and their luggage. If you happen to be located on the 2nd floor be aware that there are no elevators. Breakfast was provided in the shop behind the vicarage which was quite good. The town is small but it has a nice walkway behind the hotel. There was plenty of room to park your car but you will not need it in town as there are lots of shops and several restaurants within easy walking distance.
Fable Christchurch
Christchurch
An excellent hotel with an excellent location. It is just a few steps from the main Christchurch Trolley (which we took advantage of). It was also very close to lots of places to eat for dinner. The breakfast was also very good.
We did not have KimKim book the Trolley as we were not certain how we would feel after the long flight. We decided to book it and also added on the Garden Tour. We were glad we did! We first took the trolley all the way around to see what was offered. It was St. Patrick's Day so they told us where all of the Irish bars were. After the first loop, we continued and got off at the Irish Pub stop. Then we hopped on again to go to the Botanical Gardens. The Garden tour was wonderful and well worth the money and time. After walking around the garden some more, we hopped back on the bus to head back to our hotel. A wonderful first day.
Pen-y-bryn Lodge Oamaru
Oamaru
What a place! The rooms were lovely, the hosts were wonderful and what a breakfast! They had a nice happy hour for us as well. The only drawback was that we had a 2nd floor room and there were no elevators. Also, the parking is a little tight but everything worked out just fine. The hosts really know the area very well and were quite friendly. The location is not downtown but that was actually very nice. It was only a 10 or 15 minute drive to the Little Blue Penguin Colony and Bushy Beach.
Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Auckland
Auckland
Very friendly staff and a great location. Other than that, there was nothing that made this hotel stand out. They did not serve breakfast here. Fortunately, a short walk away was an excellent choice for breakfast and lunch that we enjoyed - the Federal Square Cafe. The hotel is also a very close walk to both the Sky Tower and the Weta Workshop.
We did not have a car here so I cannot tell you about parking.
Staff
We had to use the loading zone to empty our car before we dropped it back to the rental car company. One of the front staff helped us remove our luggage and take it inside.
Art Deco Masonic Hotel
Napier
The Art Deco Masonic Hotel was fantastic! We had the Anna Pavlova suite which had a separate living room with a door separating the bedroom from the living room. The bedroom and living room each had a bathroom. The location was perfect. They have a second-floor balcony that looks out over the ocean where you can see a beautiful sunrise. It was an easy walk to the downtown area.
The only different thing about the hotel is that there is no parking there. You use the loading zone to unload your luggage and check in. Then you have to pay to park your car in a lot a couple of blocks away.
Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Rotorua
The Millennium Hotel Rotorua was okay, but not as charming as other accommodations on our trip. The breakfast staff seemed overworked and the front desk staff acted like you were bothering them. The location was great, which was a redeeming factor. Just wasn't as personal or cozy as other spots.
Activity Reviews
Dunedin City Walking Tour
Dunedin
We had a great guided tour of Dunedin and two artistic craftsman - one who made both jewerly and did painting and another who made fired clay pottery. Both were very interesting to talk to. We also learned about Dunedin's history and architecture. Very enjoyable.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony tour
Oamaru
We had premium seats for this event. This allowed us to see the penguins very close up as they came over the top of the rocks from the ocean and headed toward their nests (boxes). The commentary was nice but the penguins stole the show. So did the New Zealand Fur Seal who just happened to be in the area before it got dark.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tasman glacier terminal lake - cruise & walk (Glacier Explorer)
Aoraki / Mount Cook Village
We had a great day at Tasmas Glacier Terminal Lake. The day was warm so we needed to carry our coats with us to get to the boats. The walk to the boats was not too bad - just a little steep on gravel at the end. There were lockers we used to place our backpacks in while we were on the boats. There were 4 boats holding 10-12 each. Once on the water, all of the boats took different routes so you felt like it was just your boat. The tour guide was great and told us lots of information about glaciers, ice flows and iceburgs.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The Crater Experience - stargazing Tekapo
Lake Tekapo
We were very lucky in that it was a very cloudy day but once evening came, the clouds mostly went away. The crater folks allowed you to use some of their jackets if you did not bring warm enough clothes. We hopped on a bus which took us on a 5-10 minute drive to a depression where the city lights did not bother the viewing (it is a dark sky area so the lights were minimal anyway). There were three or four astronomers (or at least very knowledgable about astronomy) where one main guide showed us the stars and talked about various stars and constellations using a laser pointer. Then they had three telescopes spread out with each telescope pointing at a different object. Then after everyone had a turn, they pointed the telescopes to other objects and we all had a turn seeing those.
We were lucky in that the sky was 90% clear. We did the first shift which started at 9pm. The Milky Way could have been brighter on the second tour but I do not know. We definately saw it but it was not quite as impressive as what you see in photos. However, it was a great educational exprerience and it seemed like the children on this trip enjoyed it as well.
Of course, simply going to Lake Tekapo was great. Seeing the lake, the church and the power station were also highlights.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transfer from accommodation to car rental depot (Corporate Cabs)
New Zealand
Corporate Cabs did an excellent job of picking us up from the hotel and taking us to the airport. Once we were finished picking up the car, we went to the International Antartic Center. This was a very interesting place where we learned much more about Antartica than we knew before going.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Lord of the Rings Edoras Tour
Christchurch
It took a while to pick up all of the passengers from a few pickup points but once we all got on the bus things got interesting. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about the making of the LOTR movies and knew several individuals that were extras on set. She shared lots of stories making the 2 hour drive to Mount Sunday go by quickly.
Is it a little nerdy to get excited about climbing a large hill (Mount Sunday) where nothing now exists but had an important part in the movies? Maybe. But it was fun nevertheless. It was also quite strenuous so be prepared. It was also very windy - which is very common. The views both getting to and on top of Mount Sunday were also very nice.
The tour included a nice packed lunch. Some of us ate on the bus while others managed to eat in the wind. Lunch included some wine, fruit juice or a combination of the two.
Our tour guide had even more stories for the ride back. We were quite tired by the time we returned to our hotel.
Food
For a boxed lunch it was better than expected. Nice touch with the drinks.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very knowledgeable about the LOTR.
Transport
Great bus driver and we had a bathroom stop but going there and back.
Art Deco Vintage Car Tour
New Zealand
The Art Deco Vintage Car Tour in Napier was a delightful surprise. We toured in a 1930s car and learned a lot about the city's Art Deco history, including its recovery from a massive earthquake. It was surprisingly engaging and exceeded our expectations.
Queenstown Wine Sampler tour (half day)
Queenstown (NZ)
The Queenstown Wine Sampler tour itself was fun once it got started, but finding the meeting location was a nightmare. Instructions were unclear, and GPS misled us. It needs to specify cross streets and better signage for Altitude's Wine Tasting Tour. The tour itself made up for the initial stress.
Sunrise Tour at Mohua Park
Papatowai
The Sunrise Tour at Mohua Park was a bit disappointing due to timing. The guide was great, but the timing resulted in not being able to see the penguins as they were molting. It was still beautiful, but not seeing the wildlife as expected was a letdown.
After the morning tour, we had plenty of time to do quite a lot of hiking and sightseeing. Some of our favorites were Nugget Point and the walk to the lighthouse, McLean Falls, Metai Falls and the Parakaunui Falls Walk.
Glowworm Kayak Tour
Rotorua
The Glowworm Kayak Tour was a fun adventure. We loved kayaking at night, and the weather was perfect. The tour provided coats, pants, and shoes, but it wasn't clear beforehand, so we brought unnecessary stuff. Better communication on equipment would improve the experience.
Wellington Lord of the Rings Tour - Full Day LOTR tour
Wellington
The Wellington Lord of the Rings Tour was incredible. Our guide did a great job, showing us not only Lord of the Rings locations but also giving us a fascinating tour of the city. He showed us unique spots, like a weaving mill, which was very interesting. We loved the personalized experience.
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
New Zealand
The Hobbiton Movie Set Tour was absolutely amazing. It was the perfect day, and the gardens were phenomenal. Loved seeing the Shire and all the Hobbiton charm. It was a standout for sure!
Local specialist: Monika Vinsova