Once Upon a Trip

Our trip to New Zealand was absolutely amazing, and Monika played a huge role in making it everything we hoped it would be. She worked closely with us to design a schedule that fit exactly what we wanted, and her local expertise helped make the trip feel smooth, thoughtful, and stress-free.

When weather created a need for some changes while we were already in country, Monika was incredibly helpful and responsive. She communicated clearly, helped adjust plans, and made things happen so we could continue enjoying the trip.

My husband, teen daughter, and I had a wonderful time and saw so many incredible things. This trip was especially meaningful because it was our 20th anniversary, and I had dreamed of visiting New Zealand for 30 years. The trip did not disappoint. We had some amazing experiences that we will remember forever.

We especially loved Queenstown and the helicopter tour where we landed on a glacier. We had a blast on the Shotover River boat trip, toured Lord of the Rings filming sites, spent Christmas Eve gazing at the stars from a hot springs pool during a night sky tour, and took a boat tour to see dolphins, penguins, and seals. The natural beauty of the South Island is breathtaking.

We also had the amazing experience of seeing a kiwi hatch at the hatchery, which looked like a scene from Jurassic Park. Hobbiton was a wonderful visit as well, especially for anyone who loves the movies. These are only a few highlights from an unforgettable trip.

We all agreed that we will use a travel agent for future international trips because this experience showed us how valuable it is to have someone knowledgeable, responsive, and supportive helping along the way. We would absolutely work with Monika again.

Wow, trip of a lifetime! Many thanks to KimKim (and to Kathrin specifically) for helping us have the visit we'd long dreamed of in New Zealand. Both the South and North Islands were wonderful, though very different. We did white water rafting, kayaking, boating near glaciers and icebergs, heli-hiking, had a Maori experience that was absolutely fantastic, visited several national parks, saw coastlines from the water and fijords from a boat we spent the night on. Can't possibly list everything we got to experience, and it could never have worked out so well without the help we got from Kathrin. Just can't say enough how much I recommend KimKim for travel planning. We had so many wonderful things arranged for us that any stress we might have had going it on our own just evaporated. I had so many questions, and Kathrin was endlessly patient and helpful!

Hotel Review

Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel

Queenstown

Beautiful accommodations, outstanding service, a wonderful included breakfast, and a great location are some of the reasons we loved this hotel. There was roadwork at the time that made it tricky to get to, but when we were close someone from the hotel saw us and came out to show us where to park then helped with our luggage. We were sorry to only have one night there, and highly recommend it as a home base when you are visiting Queenstown.

Location

Close enough to walk into town

Staff

They were very attentive and proactive in regards to our needs

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Te Pā Tū - Maori Cultural Experience

Rotorua

While this was one of the things I wanted to make sure I experienced on our trip to New Zealand (I was an anthropology major and loved studying about the Maori) I was a little suspicious that this might feel too "touristy". By the end of a delightful evening all fears were allayed. Actually meeting the extended family who operate Te Pa Tu, the variety of ways they showed you what life in one of their villages would have been like (with interactive events), listening to their fabulous singing and chants (oh my gosh what voices they have!), and sitting down to a feast with them scattered among the guests so you could learn more one on one - I mean, what more could you ask for?

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Explore Waiheke wineries with the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus

Waiheke Island

Loved the island but wouldn't do the Hop On Hop Off bus next time. We were there in the fall and maybe it's different during high season but the schedule had us waiting a lot, and we wasted a lot of time we could have spent exploring the island and the wineries.

When we finally decided to take our dream trip to New Zealand we knew we deeded help to make it perfect, and chose KimKim after an online search for the best agency. It couldn't have worked out better and we recommend KimKim to everyone who wants to hear about our trip. Kathrin began helping us last August (our trip began this April) and by the time we were ready to go she had made sure every detail was taken care of. Quizzing us first about what sort of vacation we were looking for (Lord of the Rings sites? Outdoor activities? Museums and galleries?), how long we had available, our general budget, etc. she came up with a fabulous list of ideas for us. The more we learned about our options the more she fine-tuned our selections, then she arranged our New Zealand flights and car rentals and boat rides. It ended up being the perfect mix of our ideas and her suggestions, with all the stress taken out of the trip. Her selection of companies for the activities we wanted to do was spot on - loved all the people we had contact with. Heck we even ran into another couple who had used Kathrin and KimKim - that was fun! New Zealand is one of the few places we would really love to go to again, and I'm certain having their guidance in planning our trip was a big part of that.

Hotel Reviews

M Social

Auckland

Loved having a great view, loved the location, loved the beds and bathroom, loved the very friendly staff!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Tides Hotel Nelson

Nelson

What a funky, fun place! The crazy artwork everywhere was very cool - including, I might add, our painted toilet. Loved the location on the water and the fantastic food too. Cozy place, with the restaurant right around the corner from our room. Definitely would recommend.

Authenticity & Character

It is a totally unique environment!

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Hermitage Hotel

Mount Cook Village

Location is outrageously awesome, the staff is very attentive and friendly - we felt we were treated like VIPS. The buffet was really good as well. We must have spent 15 minutes just taking photos of the surrounding mountains.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise (Real NZ) on Navigator or Wanderer

New Zealand

The cruise into Doubtful Sound was so very pretty - really glad we did an overnight trip. Also very glad we took our agent's advice and went here instead of the more popular (and crowded) Milford Sound, although on a return trip we might check that out too. Felt like we were the only people on the sound, and spending then night just felt magical. Our little kayak cruise was a fun treat as well. When they cut the engines on the return trip and we got to listen to the silence it was just spectacular.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour - Glowworm Caves

Rotorua

This was an unexpectedly amazing day/evening. The kayaking, while tiring, felt marvelous and it was really fun to then have a bbq and soak in the hot springs. Had wonderful conversations with the other people at the springs, including a other couple who had booked their vacation thru KimKim and Kathrin! We got back into our paddling gear at sunset and went the rest of the way to the glow worm cave with our guide and another couple (our whole group!). Sliding into the tiny cave and seeing the glow worms literally right over our heads was astonishing, and hearing both the ancient tales and the scientific explanation for them was very enlightening (pun intended). Paddled by the light of the full moon back to our starting point and slept very well indeed that night.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Noemie was our trip planner and main point of contact. She totally attentive during our online meetings and very responsive to our written communications in the KimKim app and emails. She made good suggestions for activities and when we decided to cancel our helicopter ride over a weekend she and her support team worked together to make it happen. She and her team checked in with us periodically during our trip to make sure all was well. This was a very nice touch and a great comfort.

We enjoyed our interactions and the service provided by KimKim and our local specialist, Kathrin for our New Zealand adventure. Kathrin was able to plan a great trip for us, within our budget, and was very responsive when we needed to contact her before and during our trip. KimKim kept us notified of how to contact them during the time their offices would be closed due to a national holiday during our stay.
Highlights of our three week trip were the Newton Heights B & B in Akaroa, where we were treated very well by hosts Gail and Brendan in their beautiful and well appointed B & B, The Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour - Glowworm Caves - our guide, Aaron, was knowledgeable, friendly and helpful, and the time we spent in Aoraki, which included the Tasman glacier terminal lake cruise - the Glacier Explorer staff were all professional, friendly. informative and helpful.
The longest time we stayed in any one place was two nights. We wanted to see as much of the country as we could during the time we had. The only thing we would do differently would be to stay longer in a few of the locations.

We thoroughly enjoyed our New Zealand trip. The country and her people are wonderful. The Spire Hotel in Queenstown was spectacular. Room size was generous, amenities top notch and the staff 5 star. The hotel was centrally located to all activites and walking. One of our drivers, Jennifer, was acceptional. She was a good drive and planned stops for picture taking.
Our stay in Napier was wonderful. The Mangapapa hotel was beautifully appointed with large outdoor areas and plantation like feeling.
Our stay in Auckland was topped off by our dinner at Ahi. It was the most exquisite menu and dining we experienced.
Thank you Monika for so many unique adventures while we were in New Zealand
Diane

Hotel Review

Spire Hotel

Queenstown

Beautifully appointed. The most helpful and courteous staff. Wonderfully located to all activities. Thank you Spirel

Authenticity & Character

Location

Close to the pier, shopping and sightseeing

Staff

Staff is amazing. Always thinking ahead of us and courteous.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Spectacularly appointed. Generous size rooms. Beds so comfy.

Activity Reviews

Mt Cook day tour from Queenstown (Small group - return)

Queenstown

Beautiful scenery all the way.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Jennifer was superb.

Transport

The van had a bit of a bouncy ride.

Ahi Restaurant - 4 snacks and 4 courses

Auckland

Extraordinary. Fabulous meal

Michelle was most excellent at planning for our group of 8 and all our requests.
Wonderful vacation experiencing a bit of New Zealand from North to South.
Our transportation, sleeping arrangements and activities were all well chosen and timed.
Excellent shuttle drivers as well.

Monika was wonderful! She put together a great itinerary for us and she was very helpful in making a last minute change when weather prevented us from flying to Milford Sound. Hotels were excellent, the the dinner she had planned for us in Auckland was one we will not forget. I would highly recommend anyone planning a trip to NZ to partner with her.

Hotel Reviews

Spire Hotel

Queenstown

Excellent hotel & the staff was amazing. They went above and beyond to take care of us. Very convenient location; very good restaurant.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Off the Main Street but center of the town - everything was just a 5 minute walk.

Location

Off the Main Street but center of the town - everything was just a 5 minute walk.

Staff

Most accommodating staff - they went above and beyond to ensure we had a wonderful stay.

Staff

Most accommodating staff - they went above and beyond to ensure we had a wonderful stay.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Rooms were spacious and large bathroom with double sinks and separate bathtub @ shower.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Rooms were spacious and large bathroom with double sinks and separate bathtub @ shower.

Mangapapa Hotel

Havelock N - Hawke's Bay

Loved this hotel. Felt like we had the place to ourselves. Staff very attentive. Location made you feel very relaxed.

Authenticity & Character

Hotel was a former hunting lodge and has that charm.

Location

The hotel is on a large tack of land. Has a remote feel to it with sheep in the adjoining pasture. We had an upgrade room which was very spacious.

Staff

Staff was very attentive including the general manager.

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Hotel Britomart

Auckland

Great location. Room was a little tight but nice.

Authenticity & Character

Very modern.

Location

Everything in walking distance. Plenty of restaurants nearby.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Headwaters Eco Lodge - Glenorchy

Glenorchy

The Headwaters Eco Lodge in Glenorchy was interesting with its emphasis on sustainability, which included using a compost toilet. It was my first experience with that, and it wasn't unpleasant, just different. While there weren't many other options in the area, we were happy with our stay and enjoyed a good dinner there. I wouldn't choose to stay there again, but there were no major issues.

Activity Reviews

Mt Cook day tour from Queenstown (Small group - return)

Queenstown

We took a small group tour with Altitude Tours to Mt Cook, which was a bit of a letdown. The 15-person van was tightly packed, making for a rather uncomfortable experience on a long drive. It would have been better had we opted for a private tour, but that was on me.

Waiheke Island "Essence of Waiheke" Tour

New Zealand

The Waiheke Island 'Essence of Waiheke' Tour was a highlight! Taking the ferry from Auckland to the island for a wine tour was an excellent experience. We had a real good time, and it was a memorable part of our trip.

Ahi Restaurant - 4 snacks and 4 courses

Auckland

Dining at Ahi Restaurant in Auckland was something special. The four snacks and four courses made for an unforgettable meal that we thoroughly enjoyed.

My husband & I booked a catamaran trip in the north island of New Zealand for March 2026 and decided to stay a couple of weeks extra to see more of the country. A friend told us about kimkim and we decided to give it a try. So glad we did!!! We had a fabulous trip!!! Monika, the local specialist we worked with, did a wonderful job helping us plan where to go and what to see in the north island before the boat trip and the south island for the two weeks remaining on our stay in New Zealand. She made sure we saw and experienced as much as we possibly could in our timeframe. We stayed in nice hotels (some with free laundry facilities which we needed), went on great tours to beautiful places (some included food &/or wine), and was provided transportation in several locations (when we didn't have a rental car). Monika also gave us recommendations on other things to see and do in every place we stayed and as we traveled around the country. She even gave us driving tips . Her attention to detail was amazing!! She took great care of us before, during and after our trip. We had a couple of issues with vendors that were no fault of ours or hers. She intervened on our behalf and made sure we got reimbursed.
We will definitely use kimkim on our next adventure and we highly recommend Monika if you are going to New Zealand!

Hotel Reviews

Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Rotorua

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Vicarage Geraldine

Geraldine

Beautiful restoration of an old vicarage!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

M Social

Auckland

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Distinction Christchurch Hotel

Christchurch

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Nocturnal Adventure Glow-worm Tour

Rotorua

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Te Puia - Thermal valley guided experience with Haka performance and Hangi lunch

New Zealand

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Milford Sound - return coach and cruise from Queenstown (Real NZ)

Queenstown

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Queenstown Wine Sampler tour (half day)

Queenstown

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hobbiton Movie Set 'Signature Tour' from the Shire’s Rest™

Matamata

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Ahi Restaurant - 4 snacks and 4 courses

Auckland

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff