Kimkim Trip Reviews for New Zealand

My trip to New Zealand fantastic. The planning process with Denise went smoothly. Denise kept our group up to date about suggestions and changes to our itinerary during the planning peocess and also worked with us as we traveled. We had a wonderful time in New Zealand.

Hotel Reviews

Heritage Queenstown

Queenstown

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Distinction Te Anau Hotel And Villas

Te Anau

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Langlands Hotel

Invercargill

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

Dunedin

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Peppers Bluewater Resort

Lake Tekapo

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Carnmore Hotel Christchurch

Christchurch

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Rotorua

Authenticity & Character

⁹

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Rydges Auckland

Auckland

Authenticity & Character

Location

⁹

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Enjoy the panoramic view of Auckland from Sky Tower

Auckland

I loved this trip. The planning and communication by my agent, Uma, was outstanding. I was on my own & she was communicating with me day & night, whenever I needed her. She would always answer me. When there was a cancellation for a tour she provided me with an alternative. Her suggestions for restaurants & activities was outstanding. I would definitely recommend her for a customized trip to New Zealand.
Hanna, our guide from Cheeky Kiwi Tours was over the top. Personable, patient, knowledgeable, & made us feel like we were the most important people in the world.
Thank you, Kim Kim for an amazing experience 😊

Hotel Reviews

Copthorne Hotel Greymouth

GREYMOUTH

Spacious & luxurious. Being on the top floor was great!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Bella Vista Queenstown

Queenstown

Very nice. Walking distance to everything you need.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Walking distance to everything you need.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Explore Punakaiki Pancake Rocks

New Zealand

The guide, Linda, was funny & entertaining. Unfortunately we had such windy & rainy weather that day we couldn’t stay out long. But the drink & snack at the end was a nice gesture.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Queenstown to Franz Josef Tour via Wanaka (One-Way)

Queenstown (NZ)

Hanna the driver & guide gave us highlights along the way & took care of all of our needs. She was wonderful.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Milford Sound Coach - Cruise from Queenstown

Queenstown (NZ)

Comfortable coach. Plenty of stops along the way.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

I connected with Kim Kim and Ruth only a mere month and a half before our scheduled trip to New Zealand. Despite the late notice Ruth stepped up, got some preliminary information on our interests, and curated an amazing two week self guided tour of the North and South islands. Every single event, from group tours to picking up our rental cars with driving directions in tow, went off without a single hitch. We had so many amazing experiences along the way it’s hard to choose the best, but I will say if you get the chance to kayak at night in the glow worm caves in Rotorua: DO IT! Amazing. Even in the rain. Thank you so much Ruth for the attention to detail, the quick availability and the amazing organization. We will definitely be in touch for our next adventure.

Activity Reviews

Queenstown Private Transfer Hotel to Airport

New Zealand

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Milford Sound Glass Roof Van/CruiseVan

Queenstown (NZ)

Quality of Experience

Everyone should take the time for this beautiful part of the world.

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Skyline Gondola Ride

Queenstown (NZ)

Quality of Experience

Glacier Boat Trip -

Aoraki / Mount Cook Village

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private transfer - Christchurch Railway Station to City Hotel

Christchurch

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Interislander Ferry - Wellington to Picton

New Zealand

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Afternoon/Evening Twilight Wine and Craft Beer Tour

Queenstown (NZ)

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Wellington Private Transfer Hotel to Ferry Terminal

New Zealand

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Zealandia by Night Tour

Wellington

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Introducing Te Papa Tour and Museum visit

Wellington

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Mitai Cultural Experience & Dinner

Rotorua

The host of the evening was absolutely amazing. Sharing his culture and knowledge was truly a passion for him and it translated into an amazing evening.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Waimangu Valley Nature Walk & Lake Rotomahana Boat Cruise

Rotorua

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hobbiton - Shared Tour

New Zealand

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Twilight Glow Worm Kayak Experience - 3 hour guided

Rotorua

The guides were absolutely amazing. Clearly very excited to share information and the beauty of these amazing creatures and their amazing habitat.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Welcome to Rotorua

Rotorua

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Auckland Private Transfer International Airport to Hotel

New Zealand

Quality of Experience

I

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

I broke my foot the second day of our trip. Monika was able to get me an appointment in less than an hour at a location within a couple of blocks of where we were and make last minute adjustments to our itinerary for accessibility and one cancellation with an alternative option. We still had an amazing trip. We are already discussing another to catch what we missed! She was always friendly, available, personable, and full of good tips and advice on making the most of our time while not over doing it.

Hotel Reviews

Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Auckland

Auckland

Authenticity & Character

Location

Very centrally located.

Staff

Front desk staff was great.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Regent of Rotorua

Rotorua

The restaurant menu seemed a bit overpriced. The portion sizes were small, somewhat bland, and not very filling. The restaurant experience was a bit awkward due to staff behavior. Housekeeping staff was very pleasant and accommodating.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Front desk staff and housekeeping were wonderful. We felt as if we had committed a social or cultural faux pa when dining in the restaurant, though we were unsure of what we may have done.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Naumi Hotel Wellington

6141

The decor was very odd and not to our taste. We were provided an accessible room, but had to move a heavy couch to make a viable pathway to the bathroom for me on my crutches. The hotel restaurant menu was very limited and not to our palette preferences.

Authenticity & Character

Lots of character- but not our vibe. Some of the color and pattern choices in the lobby, hallways, elevator, and our room were disorienting and frankly painful to the eyes.

Location

The parking garage was too small for their clientele- there were not enough spaces to accommodate us the first night.

Staff

Depending on who was working the counter, sometimes they were helpful and other times seemed bothered by being asked questions.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Tongariro Suites

Horopito

The hosts were very attentive and friendly. The food was fantastic and the opportunity to mingle with other guests was lovely. The view was spectacular!

Authenticity & Character

Location

A little out of the way, but worth it.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Villa Walton

Richmond Downs

Sue was amazing and coincidentally the other couple who was staying there at the same time also went to Hobbiton and we had wonderful conversation at a fantastic breakfast with fruits from Sue’s orchard. Picturesque grounds and comfortable accommodations. Also, Ted was a highlight. Would be happy to return.

Authenticity & Character

The grounds - beautiful landscaping and fragrant wisteria at the front door.

Location

Proximity to Hobbiton and local cuisine.

Staff

Sue (and her dog Ted)

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Wellington - Full day Lord of the Rings location tour

Wellington

We were pleasantly surprised to find out this was a private tour.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Dean was absolutely amazing. He was friendly, personable and was completely dedicated to making sure we experienced what we came for. He had the ability to guide the tour while also letting us weigh in on what was important to us to see.

Transport

Te Pā Tū - Maori Cultural Experience

Rotorua

As near an experience of full cultural immersion as can be accomplished by a tourist.

Quality of Experience

Food

All of it! The singing at the end was a phenomenal moment of connection for all.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Glowworm Kayak Tour

Rotorua

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Jason was an awesome guide! He was passionate about every part of the tour and was very accepting of those who may be less accustomed to being on the water or in caves at night, as well as those needing additional accommodation for physical limitations.

Transport

Hell's Gate Experience (Geothermal site and Mud Bath and Sulphur Spa)

Rotorua

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

All Blacks Experience

Auckland

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our trip to New Zealand was incredible and memorable. First, the uncontrolled bad. Our trip coincided with a storm of the century. About half of our excursions had to be cancelled due to high winds on the South Island (100 mph). Second, the good. Those things that we were able to do were excellent. Because of the weather difficulty, our specialist Kathrin worked extra hard to rebook and adjust things on the fly. The ability to pivot and do other activities made it such that we were able to have an extraordinary experience.

If you are considering a trip to NZ in the future, give them a call. They will help you put together a great trip and, from our experience, will be there to back you up in case something goes wrong.

Thank you KimKim team for making our trip excellent.

Our trip to New Zealand was absolutely amazing. Thanks to Michelle!!
Every detail was thoughtfully planned and her recommendations were spot on. She was available throughout our trip for any questions , concerns or clarifications. Everything went smoothly, and we truly appreciate Michelle's attention detail and care. Highly recommend Kim Kim services to anyone looking for a worry-free travel experience.

Niranjan

I've done quite a bit of travel in my lifetime (88 years old) and I want to tell you this trip (New Zealand) was among the best I've ever done. This country should be on everyone's bucket list and the planning by Michelle at Kimkim was great. Thank you so very much.

The trip was very well organized by Michelle. Her exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail made our 14-day New Zealand expedition an unparalleled success. She was very professional all the way through, made changes to the plans if and when required, all the hotel accommodations booked were outstanding. we all thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Thank you, Michelle, for the outstanding help and guidance provided by you.

Hotel Reviews

M Social

Auckland

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Acacia Cliffs Lodge

taupo

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Art Deco Masonic Hotel

Napier

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Bolton Hotel

Wellington

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Abel Tasman Lodge

Motueka

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Scenic Hotel Punakaiki

Punakaiki

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Fable Terrace Downs

Windwhistle

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Hermitage Hotel

Mount Cook Village

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Rees Hotel

Queenstown

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Waiheke Island Half Day Scenic Wine and Lunch

New Zealand

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Ferry to Waiheke Island

Auckland

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Explore the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves

New Zealand

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Wai-O-Tapu

New Zealand

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Jetboat Huka Falls

New Zealand

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Gannet Safaris

New Zealand

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Aqua Taxi - Slice of Paradise (boat + optional walks) - full day

New Zealand

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Ultimate Alpine Experience - Combo ski plane and Helico

New Zealand

Unable to review since this activity was cancelled due to weather condiitons

Quality of Experience

Unable to review since this activity was cancelled due to weather conditions

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Unable to review since this activity was cancelled due to weather

Transport

Unable to review since this activity was cancelled due to weather

Fly Cruise Fly – Queenstown to Milford Sound by scenic flight

Queenstown (NZ)

Unable to review since this activity was cancelled due to weather conditions

Quality of Experience

Unable to review since this activity was cancelled due to weather conditions

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Unable to review since this activity was cancelled due to weather conditions

Transport

Unable to review since this activity was cancelled due to weather

Michele,
Thank you very much for a great trip to New Zealand. The planning and attention to detail was outstanding. Every transfer, activity, visit and accommodation were stress free and amazing. The suggested destinations were breathtaking . Your timely support and assistance to us in terms of alternative options is truly appreciated.
Thank you again.

We had a remarkable 14-day experience in New Zealand, thanks to Michelle's flawless coordination of logistical arrangements. Hotel and lodge accommodations were outstanding. Her timely adaptation to an inclement weather conditions in Milford sounds ensured a successful transition to the more captivating Doubtful Sounds.

From the outstanding accommodations to her resourceful response to adverse weather, every facet of our journey was expertly managed. The diverse beauty of each location on both South and North islands left an indelible mark. Thank you for orchestrating an extraordinary experience that will be cherished forever

Hotel Review

Abel Tasman Lodge

Motueka

Our stay at the Abel Tasman Lodge was fantastic. Despite our late arrival, the owner was very accommodating, providing us instructions and even coming by to inform us about breakfast and packed lunch options. The hospitality was warm and greatly appreciated.

Activity Reviews

Explore the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves

New Zealand

Exploring the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves was a unique and enchanting experience. The glow worms created a magical atmosphere that's hard to forget. Definitely a must-do activity!

Waiheke Island Half Day Scenic Wine and Lunch

New Zealand

The Waiheke Island Half Day Scenic Wine and Lunch was a great experience. We enjoyed beautiful weather while exploring and tasting various wines, making it a perfect relaxing day.

Aqua Taxi - Slice of Paradise (boat + optional walks) - full day

New Zealand

We had an absolutely wonderful time in New Zealand. Working with Denise was a real pleasure. The centrally located hotels, tours, guides and transportation she set up were spot on. It was comforting knowing Denise and her team was available to us during the whole trip if we needed help. The attention to detail and dedication to service she brought to our itinerary was outstanding. Some of our favorites were: the Essence of Waiheka wine tour, the Hobbiton movie set tour, the Po Indigenous Experience and the cruise to Walter Peak, farm tour and BBQ dinner. The views from our hotel rooms in Mt Cook and Queenstown were spectacular. We would highly recommend Denise and KimKim to anyone who is interested in touring New Zealand.

Hotel Reviews

The Langlands Hotel

Invercargill

This turned out to be a pretty nice hotel. Parking was easy and the hotel was well located. Nice restaurant and great breakfast bar.

Authenticity & Character

We grew to like this hotel it took a bit of getting used to.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

Queenstown

We actually stayed at the Ramada Suites Queenstown. The hotel was centrally located to the lakefront just a 5 min walk. Parking would have been a big issue if we hadn’t had a spot reserved beneath the hotel. The restaurant was ok and breakfast was just ok as well. The staff was very nice and the lake and Mountain View’s from our room were again spectacular.

Distinction Christchurch Hotel

Christchurch

Very nice hotel, well located with friendly staff and good breakfast.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Centrally located, good restaurants nearby.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Mt Cook Lodge & Motels

Canterbury

We didn’t actually stay here. The restaurant in the hotel was closed on the days we were booked to stay there. We were going to have to walk over to the Hermitage Hotel to eat every day so we were able to get an upgrade to a very nice room over there. The breakfasts and the dinner buffet there were good and overall I would give this hotel 5 stars.

Rydges Auckland

Auckland

Really nice hotel. They charged us 55 $ per night for parking but other than that it was great.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Central to lots of good stuff.

Staff

Very friendly and accomodating.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

PRIVATE BOUTIQUE WINE TOUR

Queenstown (NZ)

Another great wine tour. We had a very good guide who went the extra mile for us and showed us a great time. I believe Lindsey was his name, top notch!

Quality of Experience

Food

Had only a cheese board provided for lunch really wasn’t quite enough but we didn’t really go on this tour for the lunch. Wasn’t that big of a deal.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

TSS Earnslaw Cruise to Walter Peak, BBQ Dinner, Farm Tour

Queenstown (NZ)

Loved this boat ride and buffet. The farm tour and sheep shearing was outstanding.

Quality of Experience

Food

Very good.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Wonderful, friendly people.

Transport

Fun boat ride and beautiful scenery.

Amiki - Kai Safari

Christchurch

Loved this tour as well. Seems we like the activities that involve food.

Quality of Experience

Food

Good tour of local eateries.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Loved our guide. She was full of great local knowledge and enthusiasm.

Experience Antarctica in Christchurch

Christchurch

This was just kind of average for us. A few interesting things but not sure it was worth the time.

Te Pō Indigenous Experience

Rotorua

We really enjoyed this experience, another one of our favorites.

Quality of Experience

Food

Lots of local dishes.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Really enjoyed the tour guide for this experience.

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

New Zealand

This is very well done and well organized. We took the 2 1/2 hour tour and that was plenty.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour

New Zealand

Loved this tour. We had a great time, the driver/guide was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the island and the people on the island.

Quality of Experience

Food

The lunch we were provided was exceptional. We ate at a restaurant called 372, very nice people and very good food.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Ferry to Waiheke Island

Auckland

Enjoyed the ferry ride to the island

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Great guide, lots of local knowledge, enthusiastic about the island and the people living there.

Transport

Enjoyed the ferry ride to the island.

Enjoy the panoramic view of Auckland from Sky Tower

Auckland

Worth seeing.

We were so pleased with the itinerary Uma prepared for us and the incredible attention to detail she brought to our experiences. She stayed available to us the whole trip, rescuing me from a customs' mishap, and making on the fly recommendations when one excursion got cancelled due to weather. We felt so cared for and genuinely enjoyed working with her! So much so, that I booked another trip with Kimkim before even embarking on our New Zealand trip!

Hotel Review

Legacy Te Waunui

Franz Josef

The staff paid such personalized attention to us, and the dining room was always warm and inviting.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Jetboat Ride to Huka Falls

Taupō

My four year old daughter and I loved this!!! My son... not so much ;-) Definitely fast, you'll definitely get wet!

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

New Zealand

Our tour guide was so funny and engaging with my kids!

Enjoy the panoramic view of Auckland from Sky Tower

Auckland

Not for the faint of heart! Gorgeous views

Wētā Workshop Unleashed

Auckland

My kids were so invested in the miniature mountain and castle, and loved the final movie experience.

Uma did an outstanding job of asking questions about our interest and then proposing an amazing trip. We had a wonderful 3 weeks so saw a lot of New Zealand. We would highly recommend her to others.

Hotel Review

SkyCity Hotel

Auckland

Super location and views. Dinner in tower is a must

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Mitai Maori Village

Rotorua

Waitomo Glow Worm Cave Tour

New Zealand

Cape Reinga Half Day Tour by Aeroplane

New Zealand

Waiheke Island Vineyard Explorer

New Zealand

Enjoy the panoramic view of Auckland from Sky Tower

Auckland

Everything was perfect! Our trip was better than we hoped. The choice of activities, the pace and the advice suited us perfectly.

Thank you very much to Vicky who was very available before and during our trip

Thank you Vicky for planning the perfect Queenstown vacation. We only wish we had more time in New Zealand.
The Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel was lovely. The room was spacious and cozy. They have a happy hour in the lobby from 6-7 pm. Local wine, beer and appetizers, all complimentary. It was a nice way to meet fellow travelers. The breakfast that was included was five star! I had the Mushroom Eggs Benedict two of the days, and fresh squeezed orange juice!
The Milford Sound trip was a highlight! Stunning! The small group coach on the way to the sound gave us a very personalized tour of the New Zealand countryside. Our guide knew all about the the native plants and birds. She was exceptional. The boat ride around the sound was beautiful! We saw huge waterfalls, seals, penguins and dolphins. The flight back to Queenstown was an unexpected treat! The up close view of the glacier and the snow covered mountains would amaze anyone. We spent a day hiking five plus hours on the Routeburn Track. The trail is one of the top hikes in the world. Again, Spectacular. We had another perfect guide. The Queenstown Boat Ride, BBQ dinner and Sheep herding and shearing show is a must do when you visit. The BBQ has local meats and fruits and vegetables. Everything was delicious.
Make sure you are hungry when you go.
My only Regret is that we didn't have more time! Thank you Vicky for planning the Ultimate Adventure!

Vicky was wonderful to work with. She understood exactly the type of trip we were looking for and planned the perfect schedule for us. There was a small hiccup with one of the vendors and some of our plans had to be rescheduled but Vicky was extremely responsive and pragmatic in finding alternative options for us at lightning speed. We only had a few days to spend in New Zealand and Vicky made sure we could see as much of it as possible - we're very grateful and we can't wait to go back!

Hotel Review

Ramada Suites Queenstown

Queenstown

A 3.5 review would be more accurate to be honest. The hotel is well located and the rooms are very spacious and quiet, but the quality of the stay varies a lot based on the side of the building and the floor the room is on. Our room was unfortunately on the ground floor and directly facing the road which wasn't great. A room higher up in the building and on the other side of the building would probably have made a big difference. The room lacked a bit of character - the lighting was pretty agressive and the decoration pretty much inexistent. We were also disappointed by the "cleaning" done daily. We weren't expected a full cleaning of the room but on certain days we questioned whether room service even came (it had, but had barely done any cleaning).

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

3.5 would be more accurate

Cleanliness & Comfort

daily room service / cleaning. 3.5 would be more accurate

Activity Reviews

4WD & Shotover Jet Combo - Essential Queenstown

Queenstown (NZ)

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

The Grand Circle Heli Experience

Queenstown (NZ)

Our pilot was wonderfuf, very nice, and the alpine landing was unreal.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Milford Sound Coach & Nature Cruise from Queenstown with Fly Back

Queenstown (NZ)

Our driver/guide Junior was amazing - extremely knowledgable, funny, he made sure we had the very best experience.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Monika helped our family with a once in a lifetime trip to New Zealand and Fiji. After sharing activities we were interested in, she was able to put together an itinerary for us to approve. If we wanted to change anything, she was very responsive, made changes, and fulfilled our wishes. She planned all elements of transportation to and from all venues, making transitions easy and without stress. We didn’t have any glitches and had an amazing time in New Zealand. Our accommodation s and trip to Fiji lived up to our expectations. Her suggestion to stay at a quiet island resort was just what we needed. We ended our vacation in such a relaxing and beautiful place that helped us replenish our energy and be ready to head back to reality. Thank you for such an amazing trip!

We had the most amazing trip to New Zealand. Our travel specialist, Ruth, planned an amazing trip for our family of 5 (3 teenagers). Everyday we had a new adventure and each one was more fun than the last. All 3 of our kids were able to do something that they liked. If I had planned the trip without Ruth’s help the kids would have complained constantly. The horse trekking with Hannah from Real Kiwi Horse trekking was a blast (although the mountain climbs were scary & beautiful). We all had a great time snow tubing & soaking in the hot pools at Lake Tekapo Springs. I recommend that just for the hot pools. And in Queenstown the biking with Around the Basin was amazing, even with snow on the ground. We all went bungy jumping with AJ Hackett company. While I probably wouldn’t jump again the gorge was beautiful and everyone working there was so friendly & professional. I would definitely use KimKim Travel again to plan a trip!

Hotel Reviews

Blue Peaks Lodge

Queenstown

We stayed in their newer apartments. It offered plenty of room for a family of 5. The kitchen made it easy to have breakfast in the unit before heading out for activities. It was close to a lot of restaurants and a short 10min walk to the waterfront. My only complaint is their tiny garage under the apartments. It was VERY difficult to maneuver a minivan into the parking spot especially when more cars were there.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Close to restaurants and shops. Just a small hill to walk up and down to the shops.

Staff

We didn’t really interact with anyone after we checked in.

Cleanliness & Comfort

The unit was very clean when we checked in. Not sure how often the rooms are cleaned because we stayed for 3 days and the rooms weren’t cleaned. It wasn’t a big deal for us because the unit was very clean and there were cleaning supplies for the dishes & washing machine.

Peppers Bluewater Resort

Lake Tekapo

In a great location that’s convenient to activities and food. Very comfortable for a family of 5. The kitchen and living room made the unit very spacious. Our room had a washer/dryer combo that was nice except the dryer didn’t really work. The hotel did offer 2 washers & dryers on the grounds for free which was helpful.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Close to everything we wanted to do in the Lake Tekapo region.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Distinction Christchurch Hotel & Conference Centre

Christchurch

Nice hotel. Rooms were clean and modern looking. We were able to fit a family of 5 in 2 rooms with beds for everyone. It was in a convenient location.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Convenient to activities, cafes, & our rental pickup.

Staff

Super helpful

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Walter Peak Farm and Gourmet Barbecue Dinner

Queenstown (NZ)

The boat ride was nice across the lake. The dinner was delicious and there was plenty of food. Even the kids found food to enjoy and eat. The show was very entertaining. It was a nice break from high energy activities.

Quality of Experience

Food

A large variety of food and it was all delicious.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

It was hard to understand the captain when he was talking.

Kawarau Bungy Jump

Queenstown (NZ)

Absolutely scary but absolutely breathtaking at the same time. The staff were all friendly and supportive.

Quality of Experience

Everyone seemed to be having a blast and supportive.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Staff were very supportive and friendly.

Half Day Supported Arrow River Trail Tour (Bike the Bridges)

Queenstown (NZ)

We did the Arrowtown trail. We weren’t sure what to expect but the trail was very easy to follow. The path was a little muddy but that’s to be expected with the weather. We used E-bikes but the trail we did would have been easily done with a regular trail bike. I would love to return and do more rides. It was great that there was a dedicated bike trail and we were only on (quiet) local roads for a short time.

Quality of Experience

The trails were better than expected and the bikes were in great condition.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Crater Experience (Cowan's Observatory)

New Zealand

Amazing. We saw the Milky Way and numerous constellations. Our younger teens were bored but my husband and I loved it. It’s something I would do again. It was a cold night when we did it and the staff at the observatory had extra jackets for everyone to wear.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Super Winter Combo - Ice Skating & Hot Pools + 1 Hour Tubing

Lake Tekapo

My kids loved this place. The tubing was a lot of fun. A school trip was there on the day we visited but the staff changed our tubing time to avoid the big group. The staff on the ice rink were very helpful. The staff at the tubing hill gave us different suggestions for tubing to make it more fun. And the hot pools were so nice after skating and tubing.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Real Kiwi Horse Trekking

Christchurch

We did the 3 hour trek. Hannah was a great guide and the horses were very well trained. The scenery was amazing. For someone who has never been on a horse the 1 hour river trek would have been more than enough. We also went up into the mountains and while the views were amazing I was petrified! One of my kids panicked and Hannah was very patient and helped lead her horse until her husband could pick my daughter up. One of my daughters, who is a horse lover, was in heaven with the trek.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Hannah was very friendly and super patient.

Tramway Restaurant

Christchurch

The food was really good and was a unique activity. It was dark when we did the tour so it might be something better to do in the spring and summer so you can get a better feel for Christchurch. Our kids were a little bored and not a huge fan of the food but my husband and I enjoyed it.

Food

Transport

Was a unique way to eat dinner and see a little bit of the city.

Christchurch Private Transfer Airport to Hotel

New Zealand

Our ride was clean and just what we needed. Our original flight had been cancelled but when I called and let the travel company know we were assured our driver would still meet us. James was there with a sign and was very helpful with history of Christchurch and things we should see.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our trip planned with Ruth was perfect! Queenstown was a beautiful city and the excursions that we went on were just right! The gondola and luge tickets were just right for the day we arrived. The Milford Sound day tour was amazing- it is a long day but so worth it!! It was a bright sunny day and our tour guide was informative and fun! The Walters Peak Farm and BBQ lunch was a great way to spend our last afternoon- leaving room for some last minute shopping in town and enjoying the beautiful weather!

Hotel Review

Millennium Hotel Queenstown

queesntown

Authenticity & Character

Location

It is up on a steep hill so easy to walk down to town (~10minutes), but a tougher walk home up the hill.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Queenstown Private Transfer Hotel to Airport

New Zealand

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Queenstown Private Transfer Airport to Hotel

New Zealand

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Walter Peak Farm and Gourmet Barbecue Lunch

New Zealand

BBQ Lunch was great- so many options and loved some of the unique offerings. The farm setting is just quaint and beautiful!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Milford Sound Glass Roof Van/CruiseVan

Queenstown (NZ)

Breathtaking!

Quality of Experience

Our driver, Tommy! He was awesome! And we really lucked out with beautiful weather.

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Van was perfect size- loved the small group verses a large bus group.

My husband and I finally fulfilled our dream of visiting New Zealand/Aotearoa to celebrate our 15th anniversary, and we could not have done it without our KimKim agent, Uma. We had a general idea of what we wanted to do, and she helped design a travel plan that captured everything we wanted and more.
During the trip, she and her colleagues remained in touch for any questions or support we needed. There were a couple of instances where we had to adjust our plans due to the weather, and Uma and her team were ready with alternate suggestions that were equally as amazing as the original plan.
Everything was perfect--from our hotel accommodations, restaurant suggestions, rental car and ferry arrangements, and activities. We literally could not have planned this trip ourselves.
I highly highly recommend using Uma and her vast knowledge to plan your trip to Aotearoa and anywhere else in the world!