Kathrin helped us plan a two week, action-packed, trip to New Zealand’s North and South islands. Her choices of hotels and adventures were outstanding, closely matching our requirements. Some of our most memorable experiences included e-biking on Waiheke island, an incredible kayak journey to see the glow-worm caves, a helicopter ride up to hike on the Tasmanian Glacier and a luxury train ride up to Arthur’s Seat. Hotels were good, especially M Social in Auckland and Kamana Lake House in...
Read more
Kathrin helped us plan a two week, action-packed, trip to New Zealand’s North and South islands. Her choices of hotels and adventures were outstanding, closely matching our requirements. Some of our most memorable experiences included e-biking on Waiheke island, an incredible kayak journey to see the glow-worm caves, a helicopter ride up to hike on the Tasmanian Glacier and a luxury train ride up to Arthur’s Seat. Hotels were good, especially M Social in Auckland and Kamana Lake House in Queenstown both with great views, and Koura Lodge with rooms a few steps from the lake.
Working with KimKim was also a pleasure. We constantly referenced the KimKim App which showed hotels and activities, including conformation numbers and pop-up detailed descriptions.
Hotel Reviews
Distinction Te Anau Hotel And Villas
Te Anau
Aging, large hotel, with little character
Authenticity & Character
Everything
Kamana Lakehouse
Queenstown
Rooms were superb, with great views across the lake. Rooms well-appointed with super-comfortable beds. Excellent ala carte buffett.
Authenticity & Character
Decor and style, giant windows facing lake
Location
Liked the location away from the busy harbor area.
Staff
Friendly and helpful
Peppers Bluewater Resort
Lake Tekapo
Hotel situated across busy highway from lake. Rooms and other areas show some aging
Location
Not sure, since most hotels are across highway from lake
Hotel Montreal
Christchurch
Very nice updated rooms, helpful staff, great location.
Location
Close to parks and tramway
Staff
Small matter which really impressed us: staff mailed a pair of socks left in the room to our next location
Room was mere steps away from the lake. Staff was very helpful, even opened the kitchen early for our breakfast
Location
Driveway a bit tricky
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms have a strange configuration with the access between bedroom and living room through bathroom
Super-helpful staff, great rooms, great location, breakfast buffett excellent
Location
Near waterfront and activities
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel in excellent condition
Activity Reviews
Mt Cook half day Heli Hike with the Helicopter Line
Aoraki / Mount Cook Village
One of our top experiences. We did have some issues, with a booking mixup between different tour companies, but t was all sorted in the end
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The helicopter ride
Christchurch Tramway Restaurant
Christchurch
Tram ride through the center of Christchurch, with a delicious dinner being served on the tram out of a tiny kitchen. We did find that the booking was for a party of 2, not 4, so we had to squeeze in and miss two of the appetizers.
Quality of Experience
Unique experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour - Glowworm Caves
Rotorua
The kayak trip to an island for dinner, then across the bay to the glow-work caves and back to the starting point in pitch darkness was one of our top experiences. The cascading heated mineral water baths were wonderful.
Food
The guide grilled salmon for us on the island
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was superb - low-key, knowledgeable, and funny
A walking tour looking at varying ponds and steaming geysers. Fascinating geological/historical venue.
Quality of Experience
The ponds are amazing, the colors an artist's palette. The geyser triggered by soap was a bit kitschy
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our private guide was friendly and well-informed.
Transport
Nothing - we drove there
Te Pā Tū - Maori Cultural Experience
Rotorua
Authentic Maori experience
Quality of Experience
The enthusiasm and grace of the Maori performers
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Allow visitors to avoid shuttles to collection point and buses from there to site
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
New Zealand
Great for Hobbit/Lord of the Rings fans, too long and crowded for the rest. Feels like Univeral Studios.
Quality of Experience
Smaller groups (less than 40), streamlined tour of maybe 60-90 minutes instead of 150 minutes
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Self-guided E-bike tour Waiheke Island (includes cycle hire)
Waiheke Island
One of the top activities on the trip, Island is idyllic, and the road passes several beaches where we swam, and some wineries. E-bikes were fun to ride.
Quality of Experience
e-bikes in top condition, lines to rent bikes short
Transport
Ferry covers a scenic route
Local specialist: Kathrin Gerstel
We carefully planned our trip with Kathrine. She totally listened to and understood our needs. There were so many highlights. The hotels we stayed in were wonderful, all in great locations. I will definitely tell anyone who is planning a vacation to New Zealand to contact Kathrin!
Read more
We carefully planned our trip with Kathrine. She totally listened to and understood our needs. There were so many highlights. The hotels we stayed in were wonderful, all in great locations. I will definitely tell anyone who is planning a vacation to New Zealand to contact Kathrin!
Activity Reviews
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
New Zealand
I enjoyed bit it was a bit long and crowded
Self-guided E-bike tour Waiheke Island (includes cycle hire)
Waiheke Island
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Kathrin Gerstel
We absolutely loved our trip. Queenstown was amazing, as was the flight to Milford Sound and the cruise around the sound. Lake Tekapo and the flight over the glaciers. Every stop along the way, both south and north islands had something fun and memorable to do. Noemi and her team took great care of us. Thanks for everything.
Read more
We absolutely loved our trip. Queenstown was amazing, as was the flight to Milford Sound and the cruise around the sound. Lake Tekapo and the flight over the glaciers. Every stop along the way, both south and north islands had something fun and memorable to do. Noemi and her team took great care of us. Thanks for everything.
Activity Reviews
SKYCITY Auckland Sky Tower
Auckland
Transfer from accommodation to car rental depot (Corporate Cabs)
New Zealand
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
New Zealand
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour - Glowworm Caves
Rotorua
Fabulous trip across the lake with a chance to lounge in the hot pools while the guide cooks you dinner. Then back across the lake to the glow worm cave and a slow paddle back to enjoy the starry night sky. What could be better.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Alex was fantastic.
Te Pā Tū - Maori Cultural Experience
Rotorua
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Zealandia Twilight Tour
Wellington
A beautiful place and amazing preservation work being done. Our guides were fabulous.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Skyline Gondola Ride
Queenstown (NZ)
Milford Sound - scenic return flights and cruise
New Zealand
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Scenic Flight over Mt Cook and glaciers by plane from Tekapo - The Grand Traverse (Tekapo Air Safaris)
New Zealand
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Noemie Botha