Kimkim Trip Reviews for New Zealand

Loved the location and ambiance of this hotel. We liked the neighborhood and thought their signature cocktails were creative and fun.

Highlight of our trip. Exactly what we expected a "glamping" experience to be. If you want to see native birds, can't imagine a more location. Accommodation included food and snacks which were tasty.

Nice hotel with a (not free) shuttle to the Tongariro Crossing.

Convenient to the tour, but a little run down. No A/C, fans only. We had ants. Not much to do in this town other than the Forgotten World tour. The shower bottles were marked incorrectly (shampoo, body wash). Not great washing hair with body wash. Staff leaves early, so if there are problems, no one onsite to help.

Noce hotel. Pretty busy area of Rotorua. No restaurant and not much to walk too. However, the room was spacious and clean. There was A/C in the main area. Had a big jacuzzi tub in the bathroom. Lots of onsite activities. We used the pool which was quite nice.

Seemed nice, but it was pretty hot in Auckland when we arrived. There is no A/C and the windows only open about 3 inches, so no way to cool the room. We did appreciate that the laundry facilities are free for guests to use. Staff was very nice about accommodating a change to our reservation, offering a refund way after the change deadline.

We had a great day on this tour. Ended up being just our group which we appreciated and didn't expect. Guide, Dean, was knowledgeable about Wellington and LOTR. We saw a number of filming sites and also learned a lot about NZ and Wellington. Appreciated the Stansborough tour. Much more interesting than we expected. Weta Cave was also fun, but I expected more LOTR content there. Not this tours fault.

We had a great time on Kapiti Island. We all agreed that it was one place that we could have spent more time if our itinerary allowed. We arrived in the afternoon and had time to do the hike from the resort to the top of the hill. We did the night time Kiwi spotting walk. We did end up spotting a kiwi! Though, the KaKa's and Weka's really stole the show. We left in the morning. We did not have time to do the hike on the other side of the island, or swim in the cove. Take a flashlight with a red light option if possible. That way you can continue looking for KiWi after the guided tour is over.

This was a good experience. The lunch was basic, but adequate. This area is really beautiful and seeing it by rail is probably the best way.

This was a fun evening. We were a small group 6 = 2 guides. We kayaked a doable distance across a lake where we had dinner (sausages and salmon) and had use of thermal pools. Once it was dark, we went back across the lake to the cave. The glowworms are great. We also got some of the myths surrounding them during the activity. The stars on the return paddle, were the best I have ever seen.

Very interesting

This was a great experience. I thought the pre-dinner activities were fun, well done and just the right length. The show part was again fun and just the right length. The food was excellent. We ended up purchasing the non-alcoholic pairing and would recommend.

Felt very safe and the walk back though the old growth forest was fabulous.

This was a fun day. The trails are nicely maintained and have good information. The carving experience isfun and worth stopping for. The spa was fun. Can now say I've done a mud and sulfer spa. Really nice gift shop.

We all agreed that this was much better than we expected (and heard that from other travelers as well). The sets are beautifully preserved and the house you go into has an amazing level of detail. They allow you to touch and enjoy the house fully (you can get in the tub, the bed, etc) and take pictures. After the tour, you get drinks at the Green Dragon where they also have snacks if desired.

Alex was the best driver and hostess EVER!

Ben was an amazing driver/guide. He was knowledgeable and charming, loved this tour!

Perfect in every respect. Great staff, terrific room, great restaurant and in the very heart of city by the docks. Wonderful experience!

Breathtaking views and scenery. Katy our guide and driver was exceptional.

Phil was a great guide. We enjoyed the day with him. We thoroughly enjoyed our lunch at the vineyard -- the views and ambiance as well as the amazing charcuterie platter that the winery prepared. The tastings were all good. The final tasting at Kinross with Brian was by far the best. Brian was skilled as well as knowledgable on the wine he was sharing.

Exactly what we had in mind. Grant the guide was perfect for the role. The entire day flew by.

Off the busy street. Friendly staff, clean and comfortable. I just wish the pool was working. Also, the staff and the food in the restaurant where we ate breakfast were wonderful. Delicious!

So the check in process was the fastest of any hotel I have ever stayed in. I wish all hotels were ran this way. The staff are competent and chill. The room was clean and comfortable! We loved exploring Oamaru and then relaxing and getting a good night's sleep here.

This was on our Alps to Ocean bike tour. The location is perfect. Great view and two hot tubs (spas). The included dinner was served as a group. You met fellow travelers while seated at larger tables. It was heaps of fun.

The view of the lake is amazing. The staff were very kind and brought our breakfast to our room. Very comfortable hotel.

This hotel was on our way along the Alps to Ocean bike tour. The breakfast in the morning was very delicious.

This place is very quaint with great food and staff. Comfortable clean rooms. Slobodan checked us in and really made us comfortable.

Great staff, clean rooms and onsite laundry facility. The best part is the restaurant. Relaxed with a beer in the lounge then on to the buffet dinner with the best selection of salads, appetizers, Asian and local dishes and a roast carving station. We also hade a delicious breakfast the next morning. We needed to leaver early and they opened early.

Historic. Charming. We enjoyed the owners (Michelle (?) and Ross). We ate dinner and breakfast here. Our room was clean, comfortable and updated. We would stay here again.

Great location. Easy walk from the bus depot. This is the largest hotel room we have ever stayed in. It had two levels and a washer dryer. The staff were friendly. We did not eat on site, but there were a few lovely options. We did take advantage of the pool and fitness room. Those staff were also very friendly. I especially liked being able to watch the Australian Open in my room.

The experience of this rewarding hike was phenomenal. The guides were kind and so fun, helping take photos and explain everything you could see from the top of the crater. The skree down into the crater was the highlight, with the best part being able to go quickly at the bottom.

This was the best part of the trip as someone looking forward to the diverse bird wildlife of New Zealand. The guides were so informed and clearly passionate about their work, so the audio tour component was very informative. We were able to see little spotted kiwis in the wild, a Ruru, and multiple tuatara. And it felt more intimate as a small group walking through Zealandia after dark with provided red flashlights to be able to search the brush for wildlife.

Ash was an amazing tour guide for the Kai Bites tour. She took us around to her favorite spots, taking care to point out important history, art, and buildings around Christchurch, including spots that we would not have thought to check out or would have noticed on our own. Ash made sure to point out shops that features local artisans so we could bookmark them for our own time, and when we mentioned our dinner reservation plans, she helped pick out a menu of must haves (which were, to no surprise, amazing recommendations). She clearly has a love for her work and sharing great food with others, and it was such a delight to spend the time with her, which made this a top excursion on our trip.

We got to see so many filming locations as part of this tour. The guides made sure to calibrate their tour based on who was in attendance, so the super LOTR fan and the casual enjoyer (i.e., my husband and myself) could both appreciate and enjoy their time. They brought a flip book to show the scenes and how they were staged for the film, and Pure Glenorchy was also able to get us onto a privately owned location for the Hobbit and to get a better view of Isengaard. And of course the photo opportunity at the end was an awesome touch. It even included a break for afternoon tea in the park in Glenorchy!

Excellent all around

Excellent beyond Excellent

Excellent

We enjoyed the views from our room, the glacier boat trip, and the Sir Edmund Hilary museum.

Rooms are very comfortable with gorgeous views. Breakfast is delicious. Maryann was a very gracious hostess.

This is where my wife had her accident. No fault of the guides or trip itself. I add this review to say thanks to the young lady who drove us back to Akaroa. I don't remember her name, but thank you

We travel the world at best small inns etc. Azure is world class. Amazing villa and stunning window views with private deck. Staff was incredible and super friendly and helpful. Small bites, canapes, and breakfast was gourmet. Can't wait to go back!

The Doubtful Sound overnight cruise on the Southern Secret was absolutely unforgettable and one of the highlights of our New Zealand trip. The scenery was breathtaking—towering fjords, waterfalls, and an incredible sense of peace and remoteness. Spending the night in the sound and waking up to misty mountains and complete stillness was magical. The crew was warm and knowledgeable, the food excellent, and the cabins comfortable. A truly special experience that we would highly recommend.

Queenstown House B&B was the highlight of our stay in Queenstown and truly one of the best accommodations of our entire trip. The views were absolutely stunning—waking up to panoramic scenery over Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains was unforgettable. The hosts were warm, welcoming, and incredibly attentive, making us feel at home from the moment we arrived. An added bonus was the wine tasting experience, which was both fun and thoughtfully curated—such a special touch that made our stay feel even more unique and personal. We couldn’t have asked for a better place to stay in Queenstown and would highly recommend Queenstown House B&B to anyone looking for comfort, beauty, and genuine hospitality.

The apartments are amazing! Laundry was available, perfect after a couple of weeks on the road. I would rent this place for a month and live happily!

So close to anything you need in Te Anau!

Watch out for Sandflies!!! Bug spray and cover those ankles!!

This is a must! So much fun and the views are spectacular!!

Cycling through the Gibbston Valley wineries was a fun and exciting experience, though it had its challenging moments. The suspension bridge was a bit nerve-wracking due to its narrow width, but taking it slow and steady helped. We appreciated the E-bikes as the trails were quite steep in places. We visited three wineries and enjoyed each of them, particularly the relaxed and cozy atmosphere at Gibson Tavern with their delicious stone-baked oven pizzas. Overall, it was an enjoyable day amidst beautiful vineyards!

Visiting the Te Anau Glowworm Caves was a unique experience! While it wasn't a lengthy activity, it served as a delightful icebreaker, especially with such unique views. Although the cave tour itself isn't the centerpiece of Te Anau, it complements the region's beauty and outdoor offerings quite nicely.

The Skyline Gondola in Queenstown is a must-do activity! It provided a fantastic opportunity to get a panoramic view of the town and its breathtaking surroundings. It was a perfect, leisurely experience for our first day in Queenstown, especially since we were still feeling a bit jet-lagged from the flight. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the area!

The Rees Hotel was exceptional. It's one of the nicest hotels I've ever stayed in, with an unbeatable view and surprisingly spacious rooms. The quality and comfort made it a perfect stay.

The Distinction Luxmore Hotel was decent considering it's situated in a small town. The location was ideal for walking around, and it met our expectations for that kind of setting.

Staying at the Monte Christo Winery was both elegant and fun. We thoroughly enjoyed the ambiance that the winery offered, adding to the pleasure of our overall trip.

The Heli Hike on the Kepler Track was unfortunately canceled due to weather conditions. They informed us very close to pick-up time, but I appreciated the understanding and professionalism. They provided three alternative options, and I chose a different track which turned out to be a beautiful hike. It was a long enough trek surrounded by scenic landscapes—gorgeous rivers, rapids, waterfalls, and towering trees, along with informative details about nature. It was a fulfilling and enjoyable day despite the initial disappointment.

The wine tasting around Queenstown was delightful and quite fun. Although we found ourselves in the Pinot Noir region, which meant fewer Sauvignon Blanc options, the experience still came with its own charm and surprise. The group was engaging, adding an extra element of fun to the tasting. In the end, we enjoyed the experience and the story we could tell friends back home.

We loved out stay at the Fyffe Country Lodge. Innkeeper Chris and Colin were welcoming and helpful. The location is beautiful and close to town.

What an amazing experience! The remote location made for a beautiful end to our New Zealand adventure. The drive there was a bit unnerving but doable, even in our tiny rental car. The cabin is well-appointed and we enjoyed cooking our dinner with the food we ordered before arriving. Highly recommended if you're looking for complete serenity.

The hotel is lovely. Our room was spacious and had a view of the mountains. But what made our stay great was the staff. They went above and beyond for every need and request.

A lovely hotel in a great location. The food is amazing -- fresh, local and imaginative.

The room was clean and comfortable. The included breakfast was dismal

Our guide, Antonio, was amazing -- charming and knowledgable. It was a strenuous hike but well worth the effort. My one complaint is that the provided lunch was pretty unappealing.

We loved our dinner tour with Gracy! He is engaging, knowledgable and charming. Highly recommended