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Chelsea Lodge

Although I have not been with New Zealand Self Drive Tours as long as others, my passion and knowledge for New Zealand go way back. Having spent my childhood adventuring around I went on to become a New Zealand guide. I have a great understanding of what works for some might not for someone else, after all, we're all different. I strongly believe the best way to get the most out of your holiday is to take guidance from one of our team, we will listen, create and support you through the entire process.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I spent almost three years living and working on the road around New Zealand as a tour guide. My favourite areas to explore are definitely those around the Southern Alps which include fiords, glaciers, and glacial-fed lakes. There are so many varied activities you can do in these areas that I will find the best fit for your activity level to ensure you get to have the best experience."

How did you get involved in travel?

"I travelled overseas and realised how special New Zealand was and how lucky we were to have this as our backyard. I wanted to share it with you!

I started my tourism experience as a Tour guide, showing New Zealand off for almost 3 years. I moved into different seasonal roles within the tourism industry before taking up this role where I get to help you in the first stages of your New Zealand holiday planning and continue that journey with you right through till you return home. I love that I get to be a part of your entire holiday process and recommend my favourite places for you to visit."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"Spending New Year's Eve on the overnight boat trip in Milford Sound. The weather was incredible and we were able to swim and kayak in the afternoon and then the following morning the clouds had rolled in and it was stunning and moody and the dolphins came along for a swim off the bow waves of the boat. "

Chelsea is part of the following groups: New Zealand Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Luxury itineraries
Road trip itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Chelsea

Unbelievable - trip of a lifetime
New Zealand | Dec 23 - Jan 6, 2024

Tami
Tami A.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Jan 14, 2024
I can't thank Chelsea enough for the trip that she had planned. When i first spoke to her, i basically gave her an outline of what i was interested in and the time frame i had and pretty much said... 'show me your best' And she did... The way the trip was planned, in terms of time in the different places was well thought out and the activities that she arranged were so diverse and varied that i can't begin to choose which one was my best. I feel that i have seen an array of New Zealand... Read more

I can't thank Chelsea enough for the trip that she had planned. When i first spoke to her, i basically gave her an outline of what i was interested in and the time frame i had and pretty much said... 'show me your best'

And she did...

The way the trip was planned, in terms of time in the different places was well thought out and the activities that she arranged were so diverse and varied that i can't begin to choose which one was my best. I feel that i have seen an array of New Zealand and experienced some of the top activities that it has to offer. I was able to see the vast landscape in all its beauty and also witness the natural wildlife in their own surroundings, which is something that will last with me for a lifetime.
Chelsea has been great from the start and her communication to me throughout the journey of planning (which started back in 2021) all the way through the trip and even after i have returned home is fantastic.
Would i come back ... yes of course i would. I would certainly repeat some of the places i have been to and the activities i have taken part in, but i also know a few more places that i would really like to see as well in this beautiful country that i would certainly look to add on to my itinreary.

Thank you once again, i am still in awe of this amazing experience and had such an amazing time.

Hotel Reviews
Nesuto Stadium Auckland
Auckland

The hotel was in a good location of the city with plenty of things available in walking distance. The breakfast selection was excellent. We did have a bit of trouble checking in when we arrived late at night - that was sorted by the morning. We were there for 3 nights (well technically 2 and a half) but did not have a turn down service at all whilst we were there.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
We didn't have a turn down service at any point when we were there
Sudima Lake Rotorua
Rotorua

Great location for access to the main area For the main activities (canopy tour & thermal wonderland) we still had to drive. but in general it is a great location for accessing the town itself. booking all good breakfast was absolutely fine

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The White Morph - Heritage Collection
Kaikoura

great location for everything staff were lovely during check in we had a turn down service breakfast was disappointing

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
only saw people on check in
Cleanliness & Comfort
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Queenstown

great location from the airport and also good location - just outside of the main centre but not too far to walk. room was fantastic, breakfast was good we had a turn down service each day we had an issue with breakfast nit being on our booking and had to remind them each day as they never made a note.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Highfield Mews Motel
Oamaru

great room, location a little off the main drag but for us a walkable distance appreciate it was a motel but breakfast was disappointing.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
only saw the 1 person during check in
Cleanliness & Comfort
Aoraki Court Motel
Aoraki/Mt Cook Village

fab location in the area - ease of access to a lot of things where we were room was fab breakfast was disaapointing

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
only saw 1 person during check in
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fable Christchurch
Christchurch

good location, room was good breakfast was good - although there was an issue with it 'apparently' not being booked on their system

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
not really helpful during check in
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise
Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise
Auckland

the weather was a bit of a let down which meant most of the time was spent below deck. the boat wasn't what i expected and equally the way we were eating our food was not as expected after seeing other boats in the harbour that looked more suited. staff were helpful in providing water coats to help keep us dry.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Auckland to Rotorua with Waitomo Caves
Auckland to Rotorua with Waitomo Caves
New Zealand

caves were absolutely amazing, the staff were great and their knowledge was fantastic

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland
Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland
Rotorua

it was very warm. able to view everything at your own pace the scenery was great and the information on the boards provided for you to read was great there was an issue when we went to get our tickets as they had no knowledge of our booking on their list we still got in but we had to write down the information provided to us from you and i presume they made further checks

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rotorua Forest Canopy Tour
Rotorua Forest Canopy Tour
Rotorua

absolutely amazing experience the guides were fab and they made the whole experience even better along with the zip lines, we learnt a lot about the forest and also the wildlife and support systems in place which was an added bonus. in future - when booking for people, ask them which option they want as i would have loved to have done the 'ultimate' canopy tour but we were only booked on the original one

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Te Pā Tū Māori Feast & Performance
Te Pā Tū Māori Feast & Performance
Rotorua

the whole experience was amazing the information and history provided by the bus driver both on the way there and back was extensive and really interesting. the experience and knowledge gained from the people in the village was great and it was such an amazing thing to watch when they were performing. really enjoyed getting involved in all of the activities the only let down was the food - whilst it was amazing and delicious, the quantity was limited and i expected more of a buffet style as there were only small portions available (1 each) because i only eat chicken, i ate very little that night

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Milford Sound Full-Day Adventure
Milford Sound Full-Day Adventure
Queenstown (NZ)

the driver was fab - very knowledgeable and good humour, keeping us entertained throughout the journey the weather was not on our side so we did not get the full effect of the size of the gorge. however, we saw some amazing waterfalls instead the boat trip was wet and windy but good fun and the lunch provided was suitable. the let down (because of the weather) was that we did not get to take our plane ride back to queenstown. we were going to try for the helicopter option instead - but that was also unavailable when we returned from the boat.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
NZONE Skydive Queenstown 15000 ft jump
NZONE Skydive Queenstown 15000 ft jump
Queenstown (NZ)

absolutely amazing experience from start to finish the communication from the team in prep for waivers and also updates on weather was good safety briefings were very good and the quality of transport to the drop zone was decent the staff were very helpful and made sure that everything was ok. the tandem master was great fun and made you fee at ease throughout the whole experience

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
TSS Earnslaw Farm Tour & Dinner
TSS Earnslaw Farm Tour & Dinner
Queenstown (NZ)

the whole experience was great the steamer was great fun and the information provided whilst on board was fab the farm was just out of this world. the best food we had all holiday - unbelievable. the fun parts after food with the farmer were an added bonus - sheep shearing and herding everything about this night was fab

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Dart River Safaris - Wilderness Jet
Dart River Safaris - Wilderness Jet
Queenstown (NZ)

absolutely awesome easy to find - a nice drive out to Glenorchy the staff were great and spoke really well about the area and the adventure. made the experience so much fun, got involved with the guests in terms of conversing and provided opportunities for photos etc

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony Premium Evening Viewing
Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony Premium Evening Viewing
Oamaru

it was disappointing that no where in Oamaru was open prior to this activity. however, the experience was so much fun it was great to see these animals in their natural habitat. the staff were very knowledgeable and also answered any questions that you had. it was great to see some fur seals as well

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
made our own way there
Glacier Explorers - Mount Cook
Glacier Explorers - Mount Cook
Aoraki / Mount Cook Village

magical to see something like that was just out of this world. as well as the main glacier there were some icebergs on the lake as well that we were able to get close to and touch. the staff were very good at making sure that both sides of the boat got the experience and they spoke very well about the history of the glacier as well as provided some great information about whats happening and what will continue to happen

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Swim with the Dolphins Tour
Swim with the Dolphins Tour
Kaikoura

save the best til last this experience was amazing - i was not quite expecting what happened. i thought maybe 3 or 4 dolphins. but to enter the water and see that many - so close up to me... UNREAL to be able to swim with these amazing animals in their own habitat was just so precious and i am so glad that i did this. i wasn't that confident in snorkeling but the staff were supportive and gave some great guidance for both that and how to interact with the dolphins

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Return your car to the Airport
New Zealand

suzuki swift - north island took a long time to get the car but all was fine with it once we had it. GPS system worked fine and the car did what we needed it to do south island we were supposed to get a mitsibushi but ended up with another suzuki (similar size as planned) car drove fine and got us where we needed the GPS / sound system was an issue throughout our time and we were fortunate that Matt's was able to use his mobile phone. the system kept on disconnecting and restarting which meant that the GPS system was not working for most of the time we needed it. we informed the depot when we returned the keys and they will check it out

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
south island car - GPS kept going off and restarting or losing signal
Transport
Local specialist: Chelsea Lodge
Chelsea
Chelsea Lodge
Local specialist in Wanaka | Replied on Jan 14, 2024

Thank you so much for your review of your holiday to New Zealand. I am so pleased that you had a wonderful time and experienced so much. It has been a pleasure working with you over these last few years and I am so happy that you were finally able to make your trip.

Chelsea

Accommodations: 1) April 5-8: Pros: The Wat...
New Zealand | Apr 5 - Apr 19, 2023

G
Gary B.
Lakewood, CO | Reviewed on May 02, 2023
Accommodations:
1) April 5-8: Pros: The Waters B & B: Excellent; private, comfortable, fantastic views, well appointed, romantic, amazing in unit breakfast, quiet. Cons: Had to drive to restaurants but small price to pay for this very special B&B. Would highly recommend.
2) April 8-10: Pros: The Peppertree B&B: Quaint, beautiful grounds, quiet, amazing communal breakfast. We had fun conversations, Heidi, the owner was terrific and helpful. Cons: Had to drive into town for any...
Read more

Accommodations:
1) April 5-8: Pros: The Waters B & B: Excellent; private, comfortable, fantastic views, well appointed, romantic, amazing in unit breakfast, quiet. Cons: Had to drive to restaurants but small price to pay for this very special B&B. Would highly recommend.
2) April 8-10: Pros: The Peppertree B&B: Quaint, beautiful grounds, quiet, amazing communal breakfast. We had fun conversations, Heidi, the owner was terrific and helpful. Cons: Had to drive into town for any restaurants, etc.; clean but older room furnishings, needed portable heaters which worked fine, pool is not operational, exercise room is in a shed that is open to the elements.
3) April 10-12: Furneaux Lodge: Pros: Fantastic grounds, terrific one story end unit with great views and privacy, well appointed, clean, great and helpful staff, good restaurant on site with reasonable prices considering everything must be boated in, easy access to hikes. Would highly recommend.
4) April 12-14: Distinction Hotel: Pros: Excellent full service hotel, great location, on-site parking, well appointed rooms, easy access to many restaurants, bars and other services/shopping.
Cons: No exercise facility. They now use a gym a block away. Would highly recommend.
5) April 14-17: Te Anau Lodge: Pros: Excellent staff, helpful and friendly, average B&B breakfast definitely inferior to The Waters and Peppertree, beautiful grounds.
Cons: Very small room and tiny bath (3'6"' x 8'+/-) The room backed up to the kitchen with the staff staring to make breakfast at 5:30 AM...we could hear them. Needed a car to get into town. No amenities. Much better accommodations in town with walking distance to restaurants and shops. I would NOT recommend.
6) April 17-18: Doubtful Sound/Southern Secret overnight boat: Pros: An absolutely fantastic experience. Adequate accommodations but that is not why you go on this excursion. Unbelievable views, terrific crew, met wonderful guests.
This is a must do.
7) April 18-19: Te Anu Lodge: We arrived back in Te Anau around 12: 30 PM. We did not stay at the booked Te Anau Lodge there as it made absolutely no sense to be there and then drive 2+ hours to Queenstown in the morning to catch a flight to Auckland and then back to LA and then to Denver. In our opinion, this was a gross error on Chelsea's part. We subsequently drove to Queenstown after we arrived in Te Anau and booked lodging (double expense since Te Anau Lodge was already paid for).
Activities:
April 5-8: Abel Tasman Natl Park: Wilson's Touring company: Kayaking one day and boat tour which dropped us off for a hike back to Apple Tree Bay. Very well organized company. Well trained staff and the kayak adventure and hike were very fun. Would recommend
April 8-10: Wine tour: We asked Chelsea to book us a private wine tour, after literally weeks we never heard back from her and kept inquiring in which she said she had not heard back from the tour company. Disappointing. I booked a wine tour on line with no problem. The wine tour was excellent.
April 10-12: Furneaux Lodge: Took a 12 KM hike from Punga Lodge back to Furneaux. Would recommend
April 12-14: Dunedin: Private tour of Larnach Castle and communal boat tour to view Albatross then an on land tour of the penguins. Very fun and well organized. Our tour guide, John was friendly and knowledgeable. I would recommend.
April 14-17: Te Anau: Glow Worm tour and next day Jet boat tour: Both were fun, interesting and we would highly recommend both activities. 2 hour hike on the Kepler track after the Jet boat tour.
April 17-18: Doubtful Sound/Southern Secret overnight boat excursion: A must do.
Transportation:
All forms of transportation and transfers were well arranged and had our reservations. However, the plane from Blenheim to Dunedin was originally to depart at 1:30 PM and we got notification that it would depart at 4:15 PM. We contacted Chelsea and she confirmed the plane would depart at 1:30 PM. Since we had conflicting information we called Air New Zealand (no easy feat getting through to them) and it was confirmed to be at 4:15 PM.
Also, Chelsea said we were to meet our Doubtful Sound van at the Te Anau Holiday Park but also stated in the app that we were to be picked up. We called and tour company and confirmed we were to be picked up at our lodging.
Overall, Chelsea did a good job but it should be know that we gave her the itinerary we wanted which was from another travel agent we had booked the tour with in 2020 but were unable to go due to Covid.

Hotel Reviews
The Waters Bed & Breakfast
Tasman
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Peppertree
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Dunedin
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Te Anau Lodge
Te Anau
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Beaches, Bays and Seals Guided Sea Kayaking Trip Including Picnic Lunch
Beaches, Bays and Seals Guided Sea Kayaking Trip Including Picnic Lunch
New Zealand
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Wilsons - Abel Tasman National Park Cruise and Walk
Wilsons - Abel Tasman National Park Cruise and Walk
New Zealand
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Blenheim
Explore Blenheim
Blenheim

Chelsea was supposed to book a private tour but said the tour company never got back to her. We booked a tour on line in about a 1/2 hour of research.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Marlborough and Sounds
Marlborough and Sounds
New Zealand
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula
Explore Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula
Dunedin
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Castle to Cruise Tour & Penguin Place
Castle to Cruise Tour & Penguin Place
Dunedin
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Te Anau
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Te Anau and Manapouri
Te Anau and Manapouri
New Zealand
Quality of Experience
Pure Wilderness Jet Boat with Fiordland Jet
Pure Wilderness Jet Boat with Fiordland Jet
New Zealand
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Walking tracks in and around Te Anau
Walking tracks in and around Te Anau
Te Anau
Quality of Experience
Doubtful Sound Overnight ex Te Anau with Fiordland Cruises
Doubtful Sound Overnight ex Te Anau with Fiordland Cruises
New Zealand

A must do experience.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Depart New Zealand
Depart New Zealand
New Zealand

After the Doubtful Sound excersion we were booked to stay again in the Te Anau Lodge. The next day we would have to drive 2+ hours to Queenstown to begin our journey home. We realized this made no sense. So after we were dropped off after the cruise we drove straight to Queenstown and booked a hotel in Queenstown. We had to pay for double bookings. This should have been planned by Chelsea.

Quality of Experience
Local specialist: Chelsea Lodge
Chelsea
Chelsea Lodge
Local specialist in Wanaka | Replied on May 15, 2023
Hi Gary and Mary,
Thank you so much for your very thorough feedback on all the accommodation and on elements of your New Zealand Holiday.
I am sorry there was confusion around the Air New Zealand flight, I was just going with what Air New Zealand had informed me but obviously there was some misinformation sent in their emails so I am pleased you were able to get this sorted as the original flight times fitted in much better with the itinerary. I was never informed that you had chosen to... Read more

Hi Gary and Mary,
Thank you so much for your very thorough feedback on all the accommodation and on elements of your New Zealand Holiday.

I am sorry there was confusion around the Air New Zealand flight, I was just going with what Air New Zealand had informed me but obviously there was some misinformation sent in their emails so I am pleased you were able to get this sorted as the original flight times fitted in much better with the itinerary.

I was never informed that you had chosen to make the change to your Te Anau final night and this was just going off your previous itinerary but I am pleased this worked well for you. Sometimes it is nice to come off the overnight and have a relaxing evening as we do find that the overnight boat can be quite exhausting.

I hope you had a wonderful time in New Zealand and perhaps can come back in the future to visit the locations you were unable to see this time.

Regards,
Chelsea

Family in New Zealand
New Zealand | Mar 31 - Apr 12, 2023

Walt
Walt N.
Spartanburg, SC | Reviewed on Apr 19, 2023
Chelsea and I started planning our family trip last July and it was a total success. My young grandson would say everyday that this is the best excursion in NZ and I would remind him he said that the day before. The trip entertained the 4 adults and the 2 kids. From Hanmer Springs to the whale watching to Huka Falls jet ride to Hobbiton to the glow worm caves it was all entertaining.
What Chelsea did best was the timing- we would get up in the am drive to our excursion view it and get to our...
Read more

Chelsea and I started planning our family trip last July and it was a total success. My young grandson would say everyday that this is the best excursion in NZ and I would remind him he said that the day before. The trip entertained the 4 adults and the 2 kids. From Hanmer Springs to the whale watching to Huka Falls jet ride to Hobbiton to the glow worm caves it was all entertaining.
What Chelsea did best was the timing- we would get up in the am drive to our excursion view it and get to our next hotel just at check in time. We never waited for a room.
Overall I would give the trip 5 stars.

Hotel Reviews
Quest Cathedral Junction
Christchurch

We had a great stay at Quest Cathedral Junction, with its convenient location allowing us to easily walk to various attractions.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The White Morph - Heritage Collection
Kaikoura

Our stay at The WhiteMorph was comfortable and enjoyable. The hotel's location was also convenient for exploring the area.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Heritage CityLife Wellington
Wellington

We had a pleasant one-night stay at CityLife Wellington, enjoying the hotel's amenities and location.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beechtree Motel
Taupo

Our stay at Beechtree Motel was comfortable, providing us with a good night's rest after a day of activities.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Quest Rotorua Central
Rotorua

We spent two nights at Quest Rotorua Central and appreciated its central location, making it easy to explore the area.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Waitomo Caves Guest Lodge
Waitomo

Although the room was a bit tight, with a queen, a twin, and a couch bed in one room, the hotel staff was very friendly, and the included breakfast was a great bonus.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nesuto Stadium Auckland
Auckland

We enjoyed our two-night stay at Nesuto Stadium Auckland, finding the accommodations comfortable and convenient.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Kaikoura Whale Watching Tour
Kaikoura Whale Watching Tour
New Zealand

We were fortunate enough to see a whale because the day before and the morning trip were not so lucky.

Hukafalls Jet
Hukafalls Jet
New Zealand

The ride was educational and fun with all the 360 turns. Forgot to bring raincoats so we did get a bit wet.

Quality of Experience
Staff very friendly
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Mitai Hula & Haka Cultural Experience
Mitai Hula & Haka Cultural Experience
Rotorua

Very educational and just down the street from our hotel.

Redwoods - Nightlights
Redwoods - Nightlights
Rotorua

Unfortunately we were there on the first day of fall break so the crowds were big. Our wait was 2 hours. We left and returned in the am.

Skyline Gondola Rotorua and 4 Luge Rides
Skyline Gondola Rotorua and 4 Luge Rides
Rotorua

Everyone loved the luge ride but it was tiring so some of us only did 4 rides instead of 5.

Local specialist: Chelsea Lodge
Chelsea
Chelsea Lodge
Local specialist in Wanaka | Replied on May 15, 2023

Walt, I am so pleased that you all had a wonderful time in New Zealand and I'm excited to hear that your Grandson had the best excursion every single day! I am sorry that Susan was unable to make the trip but how wonderful that your son could join you instead. Also, great feedback on the Redwoods and we will let people know about wait times and perhaps enjoying the Redwoods in the daylight to avoid the crowds.
Thank you
Chelsea

Chelsea called me before the trip and tailore...
New Zealand | Mar 16 - Mar 29, 2023

Jessica
Jessica V.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Apr 02, 2023
Chelsea called me before the trip and tailored it to capture exactly what I wanted! She was very knowledgeable about how long to stay at certain places and limited long driving days (mostly less than 4 hours)!
Our favorite spot on the itinerary was the Wilderness Lodge—getting time to hang with the NZ local owners Jerry & Anne was so special.
Read more

Chelsea called me before the trip and tailored it to capture exactly what I wanted! She was very knowledgeable about how long to stay at certain places and limited long driving days (mostly less than 4 hours)!
Our favorite spot on the itinerary was the Wilderness Lodge—getting time to hang with the NZ local owners Jerry & Anne was so special.

Hotel Reviews
Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki
Lake Moeraki

Jerry & Anne the local NZ owners are INCREDIBLE!!! favorite part of our trip!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Garden Court Suites & Apartments
Queenstown

Great location with just a short walk thru the gardens into the heart of queenstown! Nice spot to stay for the price!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise
Milford Sound

The staff absolutely made this cruise! They were fun, engaging, and knowledgeable. Even though it rained the entire night, we had the best time!! Saw Seals + dolphins!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Distinction Luxmore Hotel
Te Anau

Not many spots to stay affordably in Te Anau so this did the trick—but definitely had a 70s vibe that hadn’t been updated in decades!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hermitage Hotel
Mount Cook Village

Absolutely stunning area!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Aspen Court
Franz Josef

Unexpectedly wonderful stay!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sudima Christchurch Airport

Exactly what you’d expect from an airport hotel—definitely perfect for our requirements!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Chelsea Lodge
Chelsea
Chelsea Lodge
Local specialist in Wanaka | Replied on Jul 10, 2023

Hi Jessica,
I am so pleased that you and Walter had a great time in New Zealand. The Wilderness Lodge is a great spot and its nice to spend a night in a remote location, I love it too!

It was unfortunate about your TranzAlpine train cancellation but I am pleased we were able to come up with an alternative and I hope you enjoyed the drive over Arthur's Pass.

All the best,
Chelsea

Phoebe and her team at Zip Line were amazing....
New Zealand | Jan 2 - Jan 17, 2023

K
Karenr R.
Australia | Reviewed on Jan 24, 2023
Phoebe and her team at Zip Line were amazing. Phil on the jet boat at Lake Taupo was particularly good with the younger children. The bus trip to the north of the Bay of Islands and Cape Reinga were enjoyable but too long a day. Accommodation was all good. Read more

Phoebe and her team at Zip Line were amazing. Phil on the jet boat at Lake Taupo was particularly good with the younger children. The bus trip to the north of the Bay of Islands and Cape Reinga were enjoyable but too long a day. Accommodation was all good.

Hotel Reviews
Arista of Rotorua
Rotorua

Small hotel run by owners was extremely well run, very clean, well located and staff very helpful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Admiral's View Lodge
Paihia

The owner made us very welcome with a broad knowledge of the locale, restaurants and things to do locally. the hotel was very well situated for all the tourist activities.

Authenticity & Character
It was a small and pleasant beachside town.
Location
Locale was excellent
Staff
Very efficient
Cleanliness & Comfort
Excellent
Nesuto Stadium Auckland
Auckland

We felt there was a shortage of trained staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Good
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Free Day in Auckland
Free Day in Auckland
Auckland

Mostly we were recovering from the long overnight flight from Perth.

Quality of Experience
Good
Guides, Drivers and Staff
A good friendly driver collected at 06.00hrs and gave us some verbal guidance
Transport
Good size vehicle for six tired people.
Hole in the Rock Cruise
Hole in the Rock Cruise
New Zealand

Everybody enjoyed the experience in spite of inclement weather.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bay of Islands & Township of Russell
Bay of Islands & Township of Russell
New Zealand

The weather was appalling so we gave it a miss

Quality of Experience
The weather
Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach
Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach
New Zealand

The length of the all day trip was too long

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Russell
Explore Russell
New Zealand

The weather was too bad and we stayed in Paihia

Quality of Experience
Didn't happen
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Can't comment
Transport
The weather
Self-Guided Exploration of Rotorua
Self-Guided Exploration of Rotorua
Rotorua

We went to the geo thermal park. Spent time at the luge park. Just generally enjoyed being being in Rotorua for several days.

Quality of Experience
Rotorua Forest Canopy Tour
Rotorua Forest Canopy Tour
Rotorua

The organisation was superb and the staff exceptional most notably Phoebe and her crew.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hukafalls Jet
Hukafalls Jet
New Zealand

The jet boat and the staff were very experienced and caring for individual situations from Children to mature adults

Quality of Experience
The excitement
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Phil was excellent
Transport
Very safe and well monitored
Explore the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
Explore the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
New Zealand

We were given a detailed explanation of the history and the local Maori involvement

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Depart New Zealand
Depart New Zealand
New Zealand

We had a final short overnight stay and very early flights

Quality of Experience
Transport
Returning car rental was a challenge at the airport
Local specialist: Chelsea Lodge
Chelsea
Chelsea Lodge
Local specialist in Wanaka | Replied on Jan 24, 2023

Hi Karen,
Thank you very much for your feedback and I am so pleased that you and the family had a wonderful time in New Zealand.

Thank you
Chelsea

Wonderful 1st introduction to the North Island!
New Zealand | Sep 29 - Oct 7, 2022

Court
Court D.
San Carlos, CA | Reviewed on Oct 11, 2022
Chelsea put together a fantastic itinerary for the North Island; the lodgings were fantastic, and the agenda was a nice blend of activities and downtime to explore. Unfortunately, one of the activities was canceled because of weather, but Chelsea was on top of it, letting me know right away, and helping me find alternatives. When I got in country she was indispensable, especially as unfortunately I got a little sick at the outside of the trip, but she helped me take care of the schedule.... Read more

Chelsea put together a fantastic itinerary for the North Island; the lodgings were fantastic, and the agenda was a nice blend of activities and downtime to explore. Unfortunately, one of the activities was canceled because of weather, but Chelsea was on top of it, letting me know right away, and helping me find alternatives. When I got in country she was indispensable, especially as unfortunately I got a little sick at the outside of the trip, but she helped me take care of the schedule.

Really loved the highlights in Aukland, Rotorua, Napier and Wellington! Can't wait to come back and explore more!

Local specialist: Chelsea Lodge
Chelsea
Chelsea Lodge
Local specialist in Wanaka | Replied on Oct 11, 2022

Hi Court,
Thank you so much for your feedback and I am so pleased that despite being unwell you were still able to enjoy your holiday.

I hope we can welcome you to New Zealand again in the future.
Chelsea