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Project Matka

We often hear how difficult it is to start planning a holiday when you don’t know where to start. This gave rise to Project Matka, as we want to offer unforgettable experiences in our home country of Australia and New Zealand (The word "Matka" is the Finnish word for travel: “Project Travel”).

We are an Australian tour operator and we specialise in independent, tailor made tours to Australia and New Zealand. We offer high-quality hotels, professional planning, reliable partners and, above all, just the right kind of customised tour package for you.

Project Matka is part of the following groups: Australia Travel Agents, New Zealand Travel Agents

Featured trips & expertise

Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries

Recent Trip Reviews for Project Matka

This was a milestone birthday and it was plan...
Australia | Oct 15 - Oct 29, 2025

Julia
Julia R.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Dec 07, 2025
This was a milestone birthday and it was planned spectacularly. We had the best time and all our boxes were checked. Excellent job from Asko . He truly had everything tied up neatly without a hitch Read more

This was a milestone birthday and it was planned spectacularly. We had the best time and all our boxes were checked. Excellent job from Asko . He truly had everything tied up neatly without a hitch

Hotel Review
Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney
Sydney
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Sydney City Sights Private Tour
Sydney City Sights Private Tour
Sydney
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb - Twilight
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb - Twilight
Sydney

I

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Always there waiting on us . Friendly and informative
Sydney Opera House tour
Sydney Opera House tour
Sydney

I thought the outside was impressive, the inside was amazing Definitely a must do Short but sweet

Quality of Experience
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Transport
Local specialist: Asko Merilainen
Asko
Asko Merilainen
Local specialist in Melbourne, Australia | Replied on Dec 08, 2025

Thank you, Julia, for your feedback. I'm delighted to hear you had a wonderful trip! Thanks again for travelling with us. It was my pleasure to assist in planning your journey.

Asko was detailed in answering questions and ...
Australia | Nov 25 - Nov 29, 2025

A
Alma S.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Dec 03, 2025
Asko was detailed in answering questions and was immediately available to assist when there was confusion at hotel check-in. This was the first time utilizing this service and I was very impressed with the level of detail in determining the final itinerary. Read more

Asko was detailed in answering questions and was immediately available to assist when there was confusion at hotel check-in. This was the first time utilizing this service and I was very impressed with the level of detail in determining the final itinerary.

Hotel Review
The Porter House Sydney
Sydney
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Sydney Opera House tour
Sydney Opera House tour
Sydney
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Sydney & The Rocks Historic Walking Tour
Sydney & The Rocks Historic Walking Tour
Sydney
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
All-Inclusive Blue Mountains Day Tour ex Sydney
All-Inclusive Blue Mountains Day Tour ex Sydney
Sydney
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Asko Merilainen
Asko
Asko Merilainen
Local specialist in Melbourne, Australia | Replied on Dec 08, 2025

Thank you, Alma, for your feedback. I'm pleased to hear you enjoyed the Sydney trip, and I hope the rest of your Australian travels went smoothly. Thanks again for booking with us!

The best of Australia
Australia | Sep 10 - Sep 18, 2025

Sharon
Sharon E.
Brandon, FL | Reviewed on Sep 20, 2025
We had a wonderful Australian trip to Sydney Uluru and Cairns. Kim Kim took care of all of the logistics, day trips and hotels. Everyone from drivers to guides to staff at the accommodations were professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. We would use Kim Kim again for another overseas trip. Read more

We had a wonderful Australian trip to Sydney Uluru and Cairns. Kim Kim took care of all of the logistics, day trips and hotels. Everyone from drivers to guides to staff at the accommodations were professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. We would use Kim Kim again for another overseas trip.

Hotel Reviews
Emu Walk Apartments
Yulara
Authenticity & Character
Location
It was convenient to town
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney
Sydney

Loved this location. It was a great hotel for a big city. All the.amenities. Every detail was considered, including.the young men managing the doors were above and beyond in their friendliness and helpfulness.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mantra Amphora
Palm Cove
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Sydney Opera House tour
Sydney Opera House tour
Sydney

That building is amazing and the tour guide was knowledgeable and clearly enthusiastic about the subject matter

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
All-Inclusive Blue Mountains Day Tour ex Sydney
All-Inclusive Blue Mountains Day Tour ex Sydney
Sydney

The blue Mountains are beautiful and we were able to have several stop.s to do different activities. I would’ve liked more self guided time to explore on our own when walking in the rainforest

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
It was a larger tour and it reminds that I prefer small groups
From Uluru to Palm Cove, via Kuranda Sky rail
From Uluru to Palm Cove, via Kuranda Sky rail
Australia

We also went to the butterfly museum before getting on the sky rail. The scenery was incredible on the sky rail and well worth making this stop.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Daintree, Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation
Daintree, Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation
Australia

Everyone participating in the tour was friendly and made it an enjoyable day despite the weather which obviously nobody can control

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Palm Cove - The Great Barrier Reef
Palm Cove - The Great Barrier Reef
Palm Cove

I didn’t realize how well prepared and user friendly this day would be. You needed no experience and even those with some physical limitations could easily participate

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
I loved the boat ride to the pontoon station where we spent the day
Uluru Sacred Sites & Sunset
Uluru Sacred Sites & Sunset
Uluru

The drive around the rock and the opportunities for several short walks was just a perfect fit

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was very entertaining with his passion for the subject
Transport
SEIT Kata Tjuta
SEIT Kata Tjuta
Uluru

I really liked the small group size and the short hike through the gorge was incredible The sunset breakfast was one of the best meals we had on the tours

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner
Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner
Uluru

The drone and light show was very entertaining and educational and was high-quality

Quality of Experience
Food
We thought the appetizers was the complete dinner and was very surprised to find out. We still had some unique specialties to eat during the show.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Asko Merilainen
Asko
Asko Merilainen
Local specialist in Melbourne, Australia | Replied on Sep 28, 2025

Thank you for your feedback. I'm glad to hear you had a great trip! Also, thank you for sharing the photos—they are wonderful!

Lawrence was a great guide at Daintree. He i...
Australia | Aug 23 - Aug 29, 2025

M
Marilyn H.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Aug 31, 2025
Lawrence was a great guide at Daintree. He is very knowledgeable of the area.
Asko was helpful and responsive to our needs.
Read more

Lawrence was a great guide at Daintree. He is very knowledgeable of the area.
Asko was helpful and responsive to our needs.

Hotel Reviews
Lady Elliot Island Eco Retreat
Lady Elliot

Definitely an Eco lodge with emphasis on preserving the environment. The Reef Room was very nice. Close to the lagoon.

Authenticity & Character
Very good as an Eco Lodge
Location
Staff
Very helpful and gave informative presentations
Cleanliness & Comfort
Amora Hotel Brisbane
Spring Hill

The rooms are very nice

Authenticity & Character
Location
Restaurants nearby
Staff
The staff at reception did not seem familiar with the area.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Heritage Lodge Daintree
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Quaint lodging in the rain forest area
Activity Review
Private Daintree and Cape Tribulation guided tour, full-day
Private Daintree and Cape Tribulation guided tour, full-day
Australia

Our guide Lawrence was the best. He was a great guide who is very familiar with the area.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Asko Merilainen

Most memorable: Milford sound cruise,Hobbit...
New Zealand | Apr 7 - Apr 17, 2025

N
Nancy W.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Apr 27, 2025
Most memorable: Milford sound cruise,
Hobbiton, Mt. cook hikes, wine and food ferry tour
Read more

Most memorable: Milford sound cruise,
Hobbiton, Mt. cook hikes, wine and food ferry tour

Activity Reviews
The Gourmet Food & Wine Tour
The Gourmet Food & Wine Tour
Auckland
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hobbiton, Waitomo caves and Auckland
Hobbiton, Waitomo caves and Auckland
Rotorua
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The Te Pō  Indigenous Experience
The Te Pō Indigenous Experience
Rotorua
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Mt Cook to Christchurch Small Group Tour Via Lake Tekapo (One Way)
Mt Cook to Christchurch Small Group Tour Via Lake Tekapo (One Way)
Aoraki / Mount Cook Village

The van’s A/C did not seem to be working so he put it on high which was deafening. We still suffered from heat

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The van’s air conditioning
Milford Sound overnight cruise
Milford Sound overnight cruise
New Zealand

First class food and rooms

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
60 Minute Jet Boat
60 Minute Jet Boat
Queenstown (NZ)
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Asko Merilainen
Asko
Asko Merilainen
Local specialist in Melbourne, Australia | Replied on Apr 28, 2025

Thank you for your feedback! I'm delighted to know you had a wonderful trip to New Zealand. It was a pleasure to help plan your journey.

Asko was with us every step of the way, even ...
Australia | Feb 24 - Mar 27, 2025

jean
jean G.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Apr 01, 2025
Asko was with us every step of the way, even after we were traveling and thought severe weather might impact our itinerary. He was responsive to the point where I started to wonder when or if he slept.
We were traveling with friends, but didn’t always have the same accommodation, and I was often confused because I referenced our friends rather than our trip plans. Asko was there to redirect with an ever cheerful attitude.
Read more

Asko was with us every step of the way, even after we were traveling and thought severe weather might impact our itinerary. He was responsive to the point where I started to wonder when or if he slept.
We were traveling with friends, but didn’t always have the same accommodation, and I was often confused because I referenced our friends rather than our trip plans. Asko was there to redirect with an ever cheerful attitude.

Hotel Reviews
The Carrington

Character galore. Old and in some cases very old! Our bathroom had been renovated nicely.

Authenticity & Character
Charming
Location
Easy access to the area.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
Sydney

Were given a room with no air con. Had to ask four times for help and were eventually reassigned to another room.

Authenticity & Character
Its a standard hotel, nothing special
Location
Central ciy
Staff
Was hard to be recognized, but refused to believe it’s because I am an older woman.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Getting a room with AC
Activity Reviews
Daintree, Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation
Daintree, Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation
Australia

Scenery in Mossman Gorge phenomena Gondola over rainforest excellent But Train ride thru Barron falls even better Not to be missed!

Quality of Experience
Food
Nothing
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide for Daintrer rain forrest and camp tribulation was extrdinary conservationalist very knowledgeable and helpfuf Made wholevday come alive Driver for Mossman gorge was very adroit when train up the gorge was cancelled because of mechanical issues he rerouted us so we could take the train ride back which afforded us spectacular views
Transport
Train through Bedford Falls was amazing
The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour (Illi Langi)
The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour (Illi Langi)
Sydney

Fundamentally important to trip Would reccommend to be part of anyones tour and think timing as part of first day of trip was good way to start trip Sidney rock as iconic part of Sydney harbor and simultaneously “holy” Aboriginal ground was particularly important! Speaker was good but not inspired Meeting spot waspoorly indicated, hard to find and should be less ambiguous

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Speaker good but not great. Clearly less connected with target audience than Mauri guide in Christchurch
Milford Sound Day Trip
Milford Sound Day Trip
Te Anau

Most beautiful drive ever. Terrific guide who knew the route and shared so much interesting information about the areas we were seeing.

Quality of Experience
Driver, scenery, boat staff and natural vistas
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Queenstown Wine and food Tour
Queenstown Wine and food Tour
Queenstown (NZ)

The driver was knowledgeable and friendly, knew the industry and vineyards very well and was a huge asset to the tour.

Quality of Experience
The selection of wineries and terrific lunch.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Paddy amazing. Made this an A+ experience
Transport
Paddy a great driver and on time
60 Minute Jet Boat
60 Minute Jet Boat
Queenstown (NZ)

It was fun if you like being bumped, jostled and bounced to the point of disbelief.

Quality of Experience
Showed off the boat and driver skills
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
If you like this kind of thing it was good.
Melbourne Foodie Culture - Walking tour
Melbourne Foodie Culture - Walking tour
Melbourne

Guide excellent! The start at the library to give us some cultural background, the places chosen, the order in which we experienced them and the information we received exceeded our expectations. The food choices were all excellent.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Walking tour
A night at the Filed of Light Dinner
A night at the Filed of Light Dinner
Uluru

Too touristy for me. Food okay The astronomer who spoke was the best part of the evening. The field of light is too contrived.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Palm Cove - The Great Barrier Reef
Palm Cove - The Great Barrier Reef
Palm Cove

I’m not one for big group activities like this, and well the boat, the lunch, on the activities themselves were fine. It was the dive staff that made this truly memorable. One of the female staff helped fit my equipment properly, and then helped my husband as well And accompanied him as first time snorkler to help him get an appreciation of what the reef offered. I couldn’t have been more pleased.

Quality of Experience
The one female who helped my husband and I. We are in our 70s
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Taste of The Hunter
Taste of The Hunter
Australia

The wineries were great but could have been a better tour if the guide was a wine rather then a beer drinker. One stop was all about chi chi shimmery alcohol; it had no place on a wine tour. BTW, Sandlers Wines was the best of the day! Pucs includud.

Quality of Experience
Day was exhaustingly hot.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Clean
Local specialist: Asko Merilainen
Asko
Asko Merilainen
Local specialist in Melbourne, Australia | Replied on Apr 07, 2025

I appreciate your kind feedback and wonderful photos! It was a joy to arrange your trip to Australia and New Zealand! Safe travels to your next destinations!

Our trip to Australia was fabulous. Asko was...
Australia | Oct 19 - Nov 1, 2024

E
Elizabeth K.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Nov 02, 2024
Our trip to Australia was fabulous. Asko was easily reachable when we had questions. First, all the hotels we stayed in were great and in excellent locations making it easy for us to get around. The excursions were well thought out. We got premium seats for the Penguin Parade, that was unexpected. The Great Ocean Road was stunning. Our guides for the Penguin Parade and Great Ocean Road were professional, polite and funny. Hobart was lovely. Uluru was next and beautiful. The sunset... Read more

Our trip to Australia was fabulous. Asko was easily reachable when we had questions. First, all the hotels we stayed in were great and in excellent locations making it easy for us to get around. The excursions were well thought out. We got premium seats for the Penguin Parade, that was unexpected. The Great Ocean Road was stunning. Our guides for the Penguin Parade and Great Ocean Road were professional, polite and funny. Hobart was lovely. Uluru was next and beautiful. The sunset dinner, show and sunrise at Ayer's Rock. I can't say enough. Barrier Reef was next. We spent a relaxing day at Moore's Reef. For those that didn't go in the water there was the glass bottom boat and the submarine. Our last days were spent in Sydney. The Dream World Tour was exceptional. We learned a lot, we wanted to leave with more information about the First Nation than when we came. Our trip Wildlife, Waterfall and Wine tour was a nice change. Our driver, "the other Steve", made that tour enjoyable and he provided a lot of information. Then we had a free day in Sydney to shop and relax. It couldn't have been better. Thank you for an unforgettable journey!

Hotel Reviews
Rydges Melbourne Hotel
Melbourne

This hotel is centrally located. Hotel personnel where very helpful. It's easy to walk to our parts of the city. Chinatown is right across the street. I would definitely recommend this hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mövenpick Hotel Hobart
Hobart
Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to restaurants, shopping and wharf. Easy walk around town.
Staff
Reception when we arrived was friendly, provided answers to all our questions.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The York, by Swiss-Belhotel
Sydney
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Desert Gardens Hotel
Yulara
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pacific Hotel Cairns
Cairns
Authenticity & Character
Location
Easy walk to wharf and restaurants.
Staff
Local specialist: Asko Merilainen
Asko
Asko Merilainen
Local specialist in Melbourne, Australia | Replied on Nov 08, 2024

Thank you for your feedback, and I'm glad you enjoyed your trip!

Great help with planning when we had no idea what to do
Australia | Jul 9 - Jul 13, 2024

N
Naz A.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Jul 27, 2024
We recently had an amazing experience with Kimkim , specifically with the help of their local specialist, Asko, during our 5-day stay in Cairns, Australia. As a family with two kids, aged 10 and 6, we were looking for a tailored itinerary that would be enjoyable and manageable for all of us. Asko did a fantastic job of understanding our needs and preferences, ensuring that every aspect of our trip was well-suited for both adults and children. From the moment we started planning, Asko was... Read more

We recently had an amazing experience with Kimkim , specifically with the help of their local specialist, Asko, during our 5-day stay in Cairns, Australia. As a family with two kids, aged 10 and 6, we were looking for a tailored itinerary that would be enjoyable and manageable for all of us. Asko did a fantastic job of understanding our needs and preferences, ensuring that every aspect of our trip was well-suited for both adults and children.

From the moment we started planning, Asko was incredibly responsive and attentive. He provided us with a variety of options and took the time to explain each one. He made sure our itinerary included a mix of adventures according to my request like snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, visiting the Kuranda Village via the scenic railway, and exploring Daintree.

Asko's recommendations were spot-on, particularly for family-friendly attractions. He also arranged for convenient and comfortable transportation, which made our experience stress-free and enjoyable. His local knowledge was invaluable, and he even provided tips on what to pack and how to make the most of our time in each location.

Overall, our trip to Cairns was a memorable adventure, thanks to the expert planning and support from Asko and the Kimkim team. We would highly recommend their services to anyone looking for a well-organized and personalized travel experience, especially families with young children.

Hotel Review
Pacific Hotel Cairns
Cairns

Great location, close to the airport and close to where everything happens and the Marina wharf. Breakfast did not meet our expectations, same thing every day and not good quality.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
The Great Barrier Reef day trip
The Great Barrier Reef day trip
Cairns

Amazing experience would do it again

Local specialist: Asko Merilainen

What a wonderful trip!
Australia | May 6 - May 19, 2024

B
Beth L.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jun 19, 2024

What a wonderful trip! It was everything we could have asked for, and Asko was amazing at helping us plan every detail. He was so communicative before, during, and after our honeymoon; we were in great hands and didn't have to worry about a thing!

I would definitely recommend KimKim to travelers and am sure to use it again.

Local specialist: Asko Merilainen