Kimkim Trip Reviews for New Zealand

Paula was very responsive and helpful and chose good hotels and activities. We had a good time.

But there were some issues that she did not take care of adequately:
1. She misread our request for two single rooms and all the original quotes were based on a shared room. So the trip ended up costing quite a bit more than expected - we only found this our after paying the deposit and seeing what was arranged. Paula said that she gave us a discount but given that KimKim does not disclose the individual costs of items, we were unable to see if this was the case.
2. There was a problem between the local agents in New Zealand and the care hire people. The car hire people needed some information which the local agents would not/could not give. This resulted in us waiting for an hour to get the car by which time it was dark. Given that it was out first experience of driving in New Zealand, in Auckland, a big city, we had timed the flight so that we could drive before dark, but given the delay we had to drive in the dark. After some time of asking for an explanation, which we did not get, we were given a small refund for our troubles but would have preferred that this had not happened.
3. Although Paula knew we had a car, she booked us into a hotel where overnight parking was exorbitant. We believe that she should have told us that we would have to pay for parking and how much. KimKim customer service did pay for the parking, once we asked, and we appreciate that, but would have preferred for them to offer.
4. Paula went away just before our trip, and we still had some important questions. Although she did tell us some time before that this would happen, she did not remind us before the date and did not indicate who would take over, even though we were in the middle of discussing an important issue with her. She just disappeared. So we went without a response for about 3 days and had to contact customer service for someone to check on Paula's trips. When Liz did respond she was extremely helpful, but again, we should not have had to ask.

The response time from both Paula, Liz and customer service was excellent (except when Paula went away). Unfortunately the substance of the service was not always that good. I suggest that KimKim work on the latter.

Hotel Reviews

Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre

Auckland

The breakfast could have been more varied.

Authenticity & Character

Its a Holiday Inn. We did not expect character.

Location

Very central. easy to get about the city

Staff

The desk staff were extremely helpful and friendly.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Chalet Queenstown

Queenstown

Excellent. Wonderful service from the manager. Well located.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Deborah was helpful and fun

Cleanliness & Comfort

Rydges Rotorua

Rotorua

A really nice hotel, close to the forest with nice walks for those who want. Excellent food.

Authenticity & Character

Not really a character hotel, but a nice place to stay.

Location

We liked the location because it was close to the forest, but if you want to be close to town then this may not be best.

Staff

Extremely helpful and friendly.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Quest Napier

Napier

Authenticity & Character

A lovely place.

Location

Very close to town and the beach. everything in walking distance.

Staff

The proprieter was extremely friendly and helpful.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Full Day Milford Sound Glass Roof Van/CruiseVan

Queenstown (NZ)

long but beautiful.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Welcome to Rotorua

Rotorua

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Mitai Cultural Experience & Dinner

Rotorua

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

The Hell's Gate Experience

Rotorua

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Twilight Glow Worm Kayak Experience - 3 hour guided

Rotorua

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The guides were extremely friendly and helpful.

Transport

Afternoon Wilderness Experience

Auckland

A fun activity. Good to get out of Auckland. but we wondered if we were really in a rainfeorst - it was not as dense or wet as we expected.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Nats did a fabulous job of customizing our itinerary to our requests and preferences. He was knowledgeable and flexible, and designed a trip that was perfectly paced for our family. He made some recommendations that we would not have thought about doing, and each was right on the mark. He provided additional helpful general information about travel in New Zealand so that we did not have to do a lot of additional research. Maybe most importantly--he remained available and helpful throughout the entire trip. He helped make adjustments in real time when our flight was delayed and when we had an issue with our rental car. We are truly grateful and would absolutely recommend him to anyone traveling to New Zealand.

Excellent vacation for the family. Connie made sure we had an action packed vacation while still being able to delve into the beauty of Australia and New Zealand. Our teenage kids were ready for some high level and daring escapades and Connie DELIVERED. Our son was able to be SCUBA certified at Bondi beach (which is a lot rougher than it sounds). We thoroughly enjoyed our experience climbing the Harbour Bridge in Sydney. River Rafting up in Fort Douglas was fantastic along with the nature hike - very informative. And of course the Great Barrier Reef - a world of it's own. That was a highlight! The crocodile farm, we had no idea what to expect, it completely delivered. Who in there right mind plays food games with crocodiles? Loved it! And The Reef House, SUPERB. We can't say enough about that place, service, ambience, everything was excellent. And then off to South Island New Zealand where Bungee Jumping at AJ Hackett's Nevis took place and took our breaths away. OMG! Then zip-lining at crazy heights with crazy drops, so fun. Then up to Auckland for skydiving, we just insisted on hurling our bodies through the air. We figured our kids must be trying to kill us, but we survived and able to enjoy Aukland and the Tasman Sea. We ended with a relaxing 2 days in Fiji where Connie organized a renewal of our vows for our 20th wedding anniversary. It was beautiful! Our kids were so happy to be apart of it. The resort, Intercontinental is perfection. Everything there was truly great. Connie planned everything perfectly. She knew the areas so well. She made all of our accommodations which were perfectly located and all very nice, we loved every place we stayed. The best was having a couple of places to do laundry, it was unexpected and made for a great surprise and so easy to do. All our transfers to and from the airports were easy. This was the first vacation that we truly just had to show up and enjoy. She thought of everything!! All the tours we did were great, they all had little surprises for us; whether it was sparkling wine at the vista point in the Blue Mountains, or Tea and cookies after a hike through the rainforest, all had something memorable and a little extra time to talk with the tour leaders. All of them were fantastic. Our Zipline leaders were hysterically funny. Our Skydiving partners were fantastic, all so kind and thoughtful. The team on the boat for the barrier reef were so nice and helpful. They really made us get all we could out of the time we had out there. We can't thank Connie enough. Our vacation was a trip of a lifetime and our 20th anniversary will definitely be one to remember!

Hotel Reviews

Harbour Rocks Hotel Sydney MGallery

The Rocks, Sydney NSW

Excellent location; fantastic breakfast, great service!!!

Authenticity & Character

As soon as you walk in it was this warm feeling with a library in front, it's a modern feel but you immediately feel more than happy to sit down and chill.

Location

Close to everything. You can walk to Harbour Bridge, Waterfront and Opera House etc. It's perfectly located!

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Super clean and comfortable.

The Reef House Boutique Hotel & Spa

Palm Cove

I wrote a longer review earlier - this place is amazing. I will travel here again, from the US at some point. It is worth it!

Authenticity & Character

It's unique and you definitely can unwind here and want to. You feel like you are at your favorite Aunt's house who just so happens to have a wine sommelier and 2 pools and master chef - ha!

Location

Staff

THEY ARE AMAZING - you will be spoiled.

Cleanliness & Comfort

So comfortable, the whole place is accessible and you want to enjoy all the niches.

QT

Queenstown

So chic! great views!!! You can't beat it.

Authenticity & Character

the vibe is very cool, it's apres skiing meets LA Diva.. odd, but totally works

Location

A few blocks from the hub of the city, but completely walkable and a beautiful walk by the lake it is.

Staff

Everyone was very efficient and nice.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very clean - very very clean. loved it!

Nesuto Stadium Auckland

Auckland

Perfect for a family on vacation - has laundry in the room. fantastic!!

Location

Location is a few blocks from the "center" everything is walkable.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Everything was clean, had all things you needed to wash a load of laundry (so I didn't have to run out and search for detergent). This place came at the perfect time.

InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, an IHG Hotel

Natadola, Fiji

Gorgeous resort, the beach is something else. The grounds are beautiful, staff are all so nice, the food is excellent. They know how to make sure you enjoy your time in their 'house'. Fantastic place. Had our 20th Anniversary and did vow renewal, they did a fantastic job, I was expecting something very simple, they had a ton of flowers and displays there and helpers etc. It was awesome! And all so so kind. Fijians are amazing people.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Ok, it's an hour from the airport. But the beach and beauty is worth it!!!!

Staff

Everyone, and I mean every single encounter was a fresh and genuine smile. They are so so nice.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Perfect!

Activity Reviews

Full Day Marine World Outer Great Barrier Reef - to pontoon

New Zealand

A world of it is own. Whether you snorkel or scuba dive it, you will find yourself mesmerized at all the wildlife in one coral of the vast reef. It's spectacular.

Quality of Experience

The fish, turtles etc. it's just so much to see. It's beautiful

Food

The chocolate muffins, those were so good!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

They are all comedians! All have great personalities and want you to have a great time.

Transport

Comfortable and timely

Full Day Mossman Gorge Adventure Day

New Zealand

Rafting along the gorge was so much fun. The tour guide was fantastic. Learned more about snakes, and now I'm a little scared of them ;) Place is really unique, the rainforest it really pretty and interesting how it all lives together. Enjoyed the hike and lunch was great.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hartley's Crocodile Farm

New Zealand

Crazy Crocodile people - they play food games with crocodiles, this is nuts and they sign up for this job. Loved it! Got to see koalas, pet the, see wombats, cassowary, pet kangaroos and wallabies and even feed them. This was a very unexpected enjoyable tour. Breakfast was HUGE. Gift shop has some really unique things that are worth buying. Totally worth going!!

Quality of Experience

Crocodiles are scary! Kangaroos are soft and so cute

Guides, Drivers and Staff

comfortable and easy

Transport

Auckland Best of Both World: Bush and Beach - Full day

Auckland

Great to learn about Auckland city in that a.m. and then able to have excellent meat pies for lunch before we headed out to the beach. Great city sites, vista points and orienting oneself in Auckland and learning a bit about Auckland. The beach was fantastic, so pretty with it's black beach. The hike through the forest was interesting to learn about the different flora that's both invasive and native to the area.

Quality of Experience

Yeah for the rain coats - no rain, but perfect for the wind!!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

They were great, had so much information to share and able to convey their love of nature in a fun and interesting way.

Transport

comfortable!

Full Day Blue Mountains Hike the World Heritage

Sydney

Beautiful Mountains and vistas. Nice little hike through the area and stop along the way. It was a little cooler than expected, but worth hiking through. You could see the damage of the fire from a few years prior, there was much growth so it all looked lush. The only thing that was weird or at least visibly odd, there's no wild life, none. You may see a bird or two on the edges, but that's it. Even the forest has grown back and looks "normal" the wildlife is nowhere to be found, it's an odd thing.

Quality of Experience

Food

We had the picnic sandwich - it was DELICIOUS!!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

He was fantastic!! Lots of information about the fire and how it impacted the area and Sydney over all.

Transport

Very comfortable

We are heading home from an amazing trip to Australia and New Zealand. Vickie did a wonderful job of putting together an itinerary that was the trip of a lifetime. I especially appreciated her patience in answering the many questions I had before the trip began. Everything worked seamlessly from being met at airports, transportation, reservations, etc . Two activities needed to be cancelled due to weather and Sabina was extremely responsive in helping us with refunds. We will definitely book future international travel with KimKim.

Hotel Reviews

Radisson Blu Hotel

Sydney

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

M Social

Auckland

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Montreal

Christchurch

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Pacific Hotel Cairns

Cairns

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Pullman Rotorua

Rotorua

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hermitage Hotel

Mount Cook Village

Gorgeous views!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Scenic Suites Queenstown

Queenstown

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Kuranda Koala Gardens

New Zealand

There are two choices- petting a koala or holding a koala. Both choices are only 1 minute long while they take pictures, but be sure you book the experience that you want. We wanted to hold the koalas but had booked petting the koala. Did not know there were different options.

Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton Movie Set

New Zealand

Fascinating particularly if you like the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings movies or books.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Twilight Paddleboard and Glow worm tour

Rotorua

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Hell’s Gate Experience (Geothermal Walk, Mud Bath, Sulfur Spas)

Rotorua

Take the complimentary tour. This is an other-worldly experience

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Te Pā Tū Māori Feast & Performance

Rotorua

Dart River Safaris Funyaks

Queenstown (NZ)

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

We had an amazing trip planned for New Zealand, with the help from Franck, our tour guide. He listened to what we were interested in and made all of the reservations and adjustments. It was so wonderful to have all of the details taken care of.
When there was a cancellation of a tour, KimKim helped us find alternate plans and we were refunded the cost of the cancelled tour as soon as we got home. It was a trip that was full of amazing memories including the people of NZ and their beautiful country. Maile

Activity Reviews

Abel Tasman - Full Day Sailing

New Zealand

This was one of our favorite tours - great skipper and a wonderful day out on the water and multiple stops at islands and beaches.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Milford overnight Cruise - Luxury

New Zealand

What a great way to end our 3 weeks in NZ. It was a beautiful overnight trip, lovely captain and staff.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Cass Valley Backcountry Tour

New Zealand

We loved this tour because it took us into the backcountry with so many fascinating pieces of history and knowledge about family sheep farming and the amazing mountains and valleys that surround the sheep stations.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Connie was an incredible resource and understood our vision with our 2 young kids so well.
She brought it together with a care and attention to detail we appreciated.
Also, she shared her first hand experience being there.

When we ran into weather issues, she helped to sort out the issues.
We would use Kimkim again for any other itinerary.

Highly recommend!

Monika, we can’t thank you enough for helping us plan a trip of a lifetime. After a couple itineraries, you were able to put together one that fit exactly what we were looking for. We got to see the beautiful South Island of New Zealand by doing the “fly-cruise-fly”, renting a car, glamping and multiple hikes/walks. We had an amazing time!!!

Uma was amazing with great local recommendations and was available throughout the trip with changes.

Our Travel Pro, Monika, was very patient with us while we worked through the itinerary for our New Zealand trip. In fact it took us (not Monika) 3 months to finally settle on the detailed schedule. We just kept asking questions and Monika developed options for us to consider. In the end her original itinerary was close to what we chose; well we added a few excisions and some of the hotels and B&B's changed.

I will say all the options Monika provided were excellent. Monika was very responsive to reschedules (due to weather) and in fact moved an excursion up a day, to keep us on schedule and allow us to do a challenging hike the next day that got cancelled because of weather.

If I had one recommendation to the reader, 16-days is not enough; if you are driving. We saw many highlights and are already thinking of our next visit to New Zealand. Monika was very cognizant of the travel times and provided us guidance to minimize our hours on the road and provide useful, fun, entertaining, & amazing stops along the way.

Monika will be our go-to for our next New Zealand adventure. It was so helpful having a local (she is based in Queenstown) expert.

Thanks,
Tom T

Hotel Reviews

Kamana Lakehouse

Queenstown

Excellent location, great view of the lake. Great Staff

Authenticity & Character

It is called Lakehouse and it didn't disappoint with the Lake Views

Location

Staff

Came to get us when one of our excursion drivers showed up early!

Cleanliness & Comfort

The staff was responsive to a messy towel day

M Social

Auckland

Modern Hotel in the middle of everything! The first 2 days we just walked everywhere we needed to go.

Authenticity & Character

Modern and Modern

Location

Right on the waterfront

Staff

Helped with some tech issues and made recommendations

Cleanliness & Comfort

just great

Naumi Hotel Wellington

6141

Quirky mid-town hotel.

Authenticity & Character

Quirky, what more is there to say! In a really good way.

Location

Well except the parking, but we were RIGHT DOWN TOWN

Staff

Pointed us to a few interesting things to see.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Great bed and linens

Beaufort House Akaroa

Akaroa

The hostess and host were excellent and this is an incredible B&B

Authenticity & Character

French town with this chateau feel

Location

Small town and this was a walk to the waterfront.

Staff

Excellent Omlete

Cleanliness & Comfort

These linens I really want to know where they get them, was unbelievable comfortable!

Activity Reviews

Redwoods treewalk by night

Rotorua

Just fun and interesting in the evening!

Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour - Glowworm Caves

Rotorua

Really glowworms only exist in 3 locations in the world, our guide was excellent and we really enjoyed the adventure.

Zealandia - Night Tour

Wellington

Everyone should do this excursion because it tells you about how New Zealand is reintroducing native birds.

Fly Cruise Fly – Queenstown to Milford Sound BY PLANE

Queenstown (NZ)

Everyone has pictures of Milford, but you need to experience it yourself!

The trip was great! Is was our honeymoon and it will be unforgettable for both of us. Organization was great. Accommodations were great. Transportation was great and always on time. All tours were excellent and provided the experiences that we were looking for in all cities. Our planner Ruth did an amazing job!!!

Hotel Review

Garden Court Suites & Apartments

Queenstown

Great space. Amazing view from the balcony. Had a washer and dryer which was helpful for our trip. Very close to the city center.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Full-Day Jet-Boat Adventure & Funyak River Safari

Queenstown (NZ)

Very very fun!! Must do if you go to Queenstown. They provide all equipment: wetsuit, jacket, boots, etc... Staff was great.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Evening Progressive Degustation Walk

Melbourne

Must do if you go to Melbourne. This city has so many great restaurants that was very difficult for us select which one to go. Luckly this tour helped us go to 3 great restaurants and taste lots of food in each one along with different wines. Great experience.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Morning Best of Melbourne by Bike

Melbourne

Great way to see the city in a timely and fun fashion. Our tour guy Craig was excellent!!!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Outer Reef Mackay Coral Cay

Port Douglas

The tour was one of the most amazing things I have ever done. To be able to see the corals close was spectacular. We saw turtles, rays and lots of different fish. The staff is excellent. The full day is an awesome experience. The food was descent. They provide you with all equipment. Never felt safer.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Wildlife, Waterfalls and Wine

Sydney

Great tour. We were able to touch and being very close with Kolas. Took lots of pictures close with them. Also we were able to feed Wallabies and Kangaroos. Wine tasting was great. The lunch was great as well. The tour guide was excellent.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Mossman Gorge Adventure Day

New Zealand

Guy was a great tour guide! You start with a river tour seeing lots wild life and then you ride the river which was very fun. The lunch was great!! Then the afternoon you go to the forest and can dive into the river which was also cool.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

John and I have completed our trip to New Zealand and had a wonderful experience thanks to Connie. We were greeted at every
stop with friendly ground transportation people allowing us to travel worry free. Our hotels were all impeccably clean and located within walking distances to city centers. The excursions she set up were wonderful including the wine tasting tour and TSS Earnslaw evening in Queenstown, and the boat ride on Milford Sound.
We would highly recommend a trip to New Zealand planned by Connie at KIMKIM.

Thank you Franck, of KimKim/Once in a Lifetime. The trip you planned for us to New Zealand exceeded our expectations. We kept saying, “thank you Franck”!! We loved the process of planning. You came up with a first idea plan and listened to how we wanted to personalize it to fit our dreams. We liked all of the accommodations upgraded to water/view front and we asked for something unique. It was nice having a few days in Auckland at MSocial to check out the bay and whale/dolphins excursion and acclimate to the 18 hour time difference. We loved the night time redwood tree walk and our morning stroll again in Rotorua. We had a breathtaking tour and wonderful chat with Jill Simpson, own of beautiful Akaroa Garden; then off to a fun and worthwhile dolphin cruise . Mount Cook Lakeside retreat on lake Pulaski was luxurious; great views, chef cooked meals and perfect location to explore the Mackenzie region. We had a private plane, The Grand Traverse to fly over the glacier and mountain areas of Mackenzie Aoraki National Park. Two of us made it to stargazing after a wonderful dinner in the dining hall, lead by lodge owner. Magnificent!!! Crazy, amazing place to stay (photos). We had an informative and fun backcountry tour as one of our adventures while there. We also got up close to an iceberg and glacier at Lake Tekapo, Next we drove to Clyde and stayed at a unique and authentic Oliver’s Lodge. The people are so welcoming there! Our favorite place was Milford Lodge staying at Cabot Lodge. Breidi met us with umbrella and she and husband Brad Alexander/owners made us feel so welcome. Such a luxuriously unique accommodations on the beautiful hills of their Lodge overlooking the Fiordland National Park and Lake Manapouri. Breathtakingly beautiful. Milford sound is a magical place. Jeff, of Trips and Tramps was our bus driver, part of our coach, cruise and walk tour. We snuck in a helicopter ride that he set up while we were there.

Thanks again Franck. It was a trip of a lifetime. You took care of every detail from pick up driver at every needed venue, rental car, and several amazing meals and awesome excursions. This was our second time using KimKim and you did not disappoint.

Franck was able to plan the perfect vacation for us. We took the quiz and everything he recommended was spot on! We had plenty of down time to choose our own adventures along the way. When our flight to the South Island was delayed, Monika messaged us and gave us options. Everyone was so helpful and we made memories that will last a lifetime!!! I will definitely book through KimKim again!!!

Uma is the best! Great planning, appropriate places and time scheduling, detailed, and very responsive. I could not ask for a better advisor. I would recommend kimkim and Uma to assist and advise on travel to New Zealand!

We absolutely loved the itinerary that Uma came up with based on our interview and our time available to explore both the North and South Islands. Uma’s recommendations for restaurants in all the locations we visited were spot on! Uma’s choices of hotels for us to stay at were just perfect! She really listened to my input and made excellent selections and all our hotel stays were very nice, comfortable and well-appointed. Uma was also super helpful and available to problem-solve when we ran into hiccups on the road and went above and beyond to support us on our journey. We will definitely be recommending Uma to our family and friends because she masterfully curated the trip of a lifetime for us and we are so grateful for her expertise and experience 🩵🩵🩵

Some of our favorite things from our trip were: our flight on Salt Air in Paihia to Cape Reinga and the Bay of Islands with our personable pilot, Mikhail. We had the best guide, Ben, at Hobbiton. Ben was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about all the details of the making of The Lord of The Rings and Hobbit movies. Our driver, Greg Arnold, with Southern Discoveries, took us on an amazing drive to Milford Sound where we cruised and saw beautiful waterfalls, seals and gorgeous scenery before coming back to a helicopter ride over the mountain tops and lakes from Fiordland. National Park back to the lakes and mountains surrounding Queenstown. Greg and his team of drivers and pilots made sure everyone was taken care of and was having a good time and was super charming and fun! We loved every area we visited and are already planning our next trip🩵🩵

Hotel Reviews

The Rees Hotel

Queenstown

This was my favorite hotel from our trip because of the excellent room, view, bathroom set up (bathtub!!!) and the most comfortable bed. The restaurant was top notch and had laundry service which was convenient. We will look forward to our next stay here🩵

Authenticity & Character

The room design and furnishings were luxurious and comfortable.

Location

The lake view was stunning and I miss it so much already!

Staff

Very pleasant and helpful. Genuinely seemed like they all took there jobs seriously and didn’t with professionalism and friendliness.

Cleanliness & Comfort

The room design and bed and pillows were perfect for us.

M Social

Auckland

Loved it, the breakfast buffet was nice, very comfy room, fabulous beds, great location, easy access in and out. The only down was the fitness area, which could have been more equipped.

Location

Cleanliness & Comfort

Waterfront Suites Bay of Islands

Paihia

The Waterfront Suites Bay of Islands was humongous, we were lucky enough to have our room upgraded, we wish we stayed even longer - the only down note was one of the stuff members wasn't the friendliest and didn't seem very flexible when we asked for an early check-in.

Heritage Christchurch

Christchurch

It didn't stand out to us and I would not recommend it. It is kinda hard to find, and didn't know where to park our car. We also found some difficulties to understand the receptionist. Beautiful but dated rooms, the bed was smaller compared to our other hotels we stayed at in New Zealand. Something we didn't understand is the bathroom of the lobby locked until 11 am, which makes it difficult for travelers that leave their room early to use it.

Location

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Cape Reinga Half Day Tour by Aeroplane

New Zealand

We loved this Aeroplane tour! We had a very informative guide. It could have been shorter with less stops to make it less tiring, though.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Te Pō Indigenous Experience

Rotorua

This activity was just amazing, we experience the best buffet ever, I literally tried everything and I wish I could eat more from there. The dances were just great and I felt the culture immersion.

Quality of Experience

Food

The buffet was top-notch.

Glow Worm Kayaking in Rotorua

Rotorua

We loved the Glow Worm Kayaking in Rotorua, the glow worm and the lake were simply amazing, and the stargazing was incredible.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

the bus driver could have been friendlier and more on time.

Polynesian Spa - HIMALAYAN SALT POLISH & HERBAL OIL MASSAGE

Rotorua

The Polynesian Spa experience was fabulous. We had a salt scrub and massage, and I have to say that the service was professional and excellent. I would love to go back here!

Our 12-day trip to the North Island was fantastic and exceeded our expectations! Our trip was originally scheduled for Nov 2020 and because of Covid we had to defer. Franck helped re-plan the itinerary for March 2024. Highlights included a New Zealand food story tasting menu at Ahi in Auckland, the Wai Ariki Spa at Rotorua, Mt. Takawera crater walk, Waiotapu geothermal area, Tongariro National Park and Kapiti Island. The trip was perfectly customized to our preferences and everything worked very smoothly.

Our trip to NZ and Australia was fantastic. We enjoyed everything. Sabina did a great job of listening you our requests and fulfilling them.
Outstanding features of the trip included our overnight cruise on the Southern Secret in Doubtful Sound. The tour by Australia Nature Tours was also outstanding. Kangaroo Island staying at the Sea Dragon lodge was the highlight of the trip for me.
Our only wish was that we had more time in each location to explore.
Highly recommend KimKim Co.

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

Vickie put an enormously epic trip together for us with nary a flaw. From the first minute to the last everything was timed exactly right and the events and accommodations were perfect. She was available to us on a moment’s notice and always went the extra yard to provide yet another thoughtful gesture. You can hear the smile in her voice with every message. She showed us why NZ is a special country and she did magic to provide reasons (excuses) to return. She will go down in history with our memories of the holiday. Thank you!!

Harriet was completely on target with both her recommendations and her alerts. We enjoyed every destination enormously and only wish we had more time to have fully enjoyed some of them. Harriet pointed out that our itinerary was aggressive (by our request), and it was! We wouldn't have changed it. Overnight on the Milford Sound was the highlight of a trip full of highlights. TSS Earnslaw in Queenstown was an unexpected pleasure. The Glow Worm tour with Steven at Real Rotorua was a personal favorite--informative and intimate in size. Napier, the Blenheim wineries, Aoraki Mt. Hood, Te Anau, Christchurch, Queenstown, Franz Josef...none disappointed! Car rental in Auckland was difficult, time-consuming, inefficient, frustrating. We were warned of long lines at that rental location, but it was not a well-run branch. All of our accommodations were exceptional or very good. We recommend Harriet and KimKim 100%.

Hotel Reviews

The Dome

Napier

The stay at The Dome in Napier was exceptionally fantastic. The location, service, and overall experience were top-notch. This hotel exceeded expectations and left a lasting positive impression.

Distinction Luxmore Hotel

Te Anau

The stay at Distinction Luxmore Hotel in Te Anau was decent overall. The accommodation was clean and comfortable, but the hotel was huge, very busy and full of tourists.

Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Franz Josef Westland

The stay was comfortable and enjoyable. The accommodation was clean, but nothing particularly exceptional stood out during our one-night stay.

Activity Reviews

Hobbiton Tour

New Zealand

I had low expectations of this. I expected it to be kitschy and silly. Instead, the gardens were beautiful, the guide was entertaining, and I enjoyed far more than I thought I would.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Real Rotorua - Nocturnal Adventure Glow-Worm Tour

Rotorua

My personal trip highlight. I was looking forward to seeing Glow-Worms, but the experience far exceeded even my high expectations.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Explore Napier & Hawke's Bay

Napier

Accommodation was mind-blowingly good. Napier locale is beautiful, art deco town rivals Miami Beach, Bluff Hill is beautiful--it would have been easy to spend more time here.

Quality of Experience

Kaikoura

Kaikoura

Kaikoura was a pit-stop for us, but along the drive we saw a HUGE dolphin pod feeding. Dolphins were swirling, breaching--it was quite amazing.

Quality of Experience

Historic Tram Dinner

Christchurch

Good food and fun. Touristy in the very best way.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise ex Milford

Milford Sound

THE TRIP HIGHLIGHT!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

TSS Earnslaw Farm Tour & Dinner

Queenstown (NZ)

The sheep shearing, working dog exhibition, buffet dinner, gardens, transport by steamship were all unexpected and excellent.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise

Auckland

Crew was personable but the food was awful.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Crew was friendly.

Transport

Under-whelming sail and views.