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Springboard Vacations

At Springboard we believe in travel experiences that are far from ordinary – vacations that are indulgent, fun and stress-free. We believe in making sure every detail is just right, that where you lay your head at night is not just a bed but a place to with a story. We believe in authentic experiences that change our outlook on the world and enrich us.

We believe in designing unique itineraries as individual as every person we have the privilege of creating a trip for. No two are the same. We understand that this may be your only time to a part of the world that we love, so we want to make sure it’s unforgettable for all the right reasons. We love to share our passion with you as much as we love discovering new experiences during our own travel – things that you can fall in love with too. This keeps our work fresh and our passion high.

We understand that planning a trip can be an overwhelming task with way too much information to sort through and way too much at stake to get it wrong. We understand that you want value for money and someone who really understands both the destination and you, the traveler - to draw on their experience to guide you through this process. You need an advocate to find the best options for you and deliver you everything you have dreamed of. Because this is not just a trip it’s your bucket list coming to life!

Springboard Vacations is part of the following groups: Australia Travel Agents, Fiji Travel Agents, French Polynesia Travel Agents

Featured trips & expertise

Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent Trip Reviews for Springboard Vacations

All our trips were great, we enjoyed Milford ...
New Zealand | Jan 17 - Jan 30, 2026

Laura
Laura P.
Kansas City, MO | Reviewed on Feb 05, 2026
All our trips were great, we enjoyed Milford Sound and the Kapiti Coast tours very much, as well as Zealandia and Mt. Cook. The glacier boat trip was fantastic. We also liked the Cook Strait ferry and coastal train ride to Christchurch. The Hobbiton tour was surprisingly enjoyable. The half day Queensland tour was fun, too. Thanks, Kimkim! Read more

All our trips were great, we enjoyed Milford Sound and the Kapiti Coast tours very much, as well as Zealandia and Mt. Cook. The glacier boat trip was fantastic. We also liked the Cook Strait ferry and coastal train ride to Christchurch. The Hobbiton tour was surprisingly enjoyable. The half day Queensland tour was fun, too. Thanks, Kimkim!

Hotel Review
The Hermitage Hotel
Mount Cook Village

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

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Liz Neal

Australia and New Zealand Trip
Australia | Jan 7 - Jan 27, 2026

J
Judith C.
Kansas City, MO | Reviewed on Feb 02, 2026

Paula planned our entire trip, and we followed her itinerary to the letter. We told her we wanted to hit the highlights of Australia and New Zealand, and she planned an three-week plan that met all our needs. Plus, she’s from Australia, so she knows what she’s talking about! We had a wonderful time and never had to worry about the details. All our drivers were fantastic, and all our guides were knowledgeable and interesting.

Local specialist: Paula Adams
Paula
Paula Adams
Local specialist in California and Australia | Replied on Feb 03, 2026

G'day Judith,

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review and sharing your amazing pictures, as well as for the amazing feedback you emailed me. I truly appreciate your kind words, and my colleagues really enjoyed reading it as well.

It was such a pleasure working with you, and I’m grateful that you trusted me to help plan your vacation. If you plan to travel to another destination in the South Pacific, I would be more than happy to assist.

Take care, and please keep in touch!

With gratitude and thanks,
Paula

Melbourne Sydney 10 days
Australia | Jan 12 - Jan 23, 2026

G
Geoffrey B.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Feb 02, 2026

Overall an enjoyable trip but we were disappointed by a lack of attention to detail and a few sub optimal recommendations which should not have occurred.

Local specialist: Paula Adams
Paula
Paula Adams
Local specialist in California and Australia | Replied on Feb 05, 2026
G'day Geoffrey, Thank you for your message, and I’m glad to hear that overall, your trip was enjoyable. As I mentioned previously, I sincerely apologize again for the error regarding the one night and for any inconvenience it caused, which is why I issued a goodwill refund. While I strive to provide five-star service—as reflected in my overall reviews—I recognize that mistakes can happen, and I take full responsibility for the oversight. I’m truly sorry to hear that you felt there was a... Read more

G'day Geoffrey,

Thank you for your message, and I’m glad to hear that overall, your trip was enjoyable.

As I mentioned previously, I sincerely apologize again for the error regarding the one night and for any inconvenience it caused, which is why I issued a goodwill refund. While I strive to provide five-star service—as reflected in my overall reviews—I recognize that mistakes can happen, and I take full responsibility for the oversight.

I’m truly sorry to hear that you felt there was a lack of attention to detail and that some recommendations fell short of expectations but happy you did enjoy the tours I selected for you, like Bonorong in Tasmania.

Thank you again for your honesty, and I wish you all the best in your future travels.

Cheers,
Paula

Touring Australia
Australia | Dec 28 - Jan 10, 2026

Sharon
Sharon H.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Jan 28, 2026
Paula was so helpful and efficient! She had a tentative itinerary quickly created and ready to peruse. She was always available to answer questions and attend to details. When we got to Australia, we had some health hick ups and we were able to contact her workmate, Austin, and he also greatly assisted us with some changes of plans. All in all, we felt well looked after.
My recommendations would be to always check out the online reviews of the hotels and tours to make sure you are happy...
Read more

Paula was so helpful and efficient! She had a tentative itinerary quickly created and ready to peruse. She was always available to answer questions and attend to details. When we got to Australia, we had some health hick ups and we were able to contact her workmate, Austin, and he also greatly assisted us with some changes of plans. All in all, we felt well looked after.
My recommendations would be to always check out the online reviews of the hotels and tours to make sure you are happy with the locations and details. Give yourself some leisure time to rest. Traveling is tiring
Sharon, USA - Australia 🇦🇺 n 1/26

Hotel Review
Adabco Boutique Hotel
Adelaide

Downstairs was nicely decorated. Staff was friendly but seemed overwhelmed. Lift broken. Breakfast served” down the street”. Broken wooden blinds in room that were very dusty. No usb connections so that hearing aids and phones could be charged. Very old tv that had to be rebooted. We left. Too boutique for us.

Authenticity & Character
Location
All of the above
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Full Day Daintree Cape Tribulation (was & 4WD Bloomfield)
Full Day Daintree Cape Tribulation (was & 4WD Bloomfield)
Australia
Full Day Phillip Island Tour with "Penguins Plus" Viewing
Full Day Phillip Island Tour with "Penguins Plus" Viewing
Melbourne
Local specialist: Paula Adams
Paula
Paula Adams
Local specialist in California and Australia | Replied on Jan 28, 2026

G'day Sharon,

Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful feedback! It truly means a lot to hear that you felt well looked after throughout your journey. I’m especially glad we were able to support you during the unexpected health hiccups, and I’ll be sure to pass your kind comments along to Austin as well.

Your recommendations are spot on, and I appreciate you sharing them for future travelers. It was a pleasure working with you, and I hope to assist you again on another adventure!

Many thanks,
Paula

Australia
Australia | Dec 28 - Jan 10, 2026

E
E E.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Jan 27, 2026
Sydney was great the Park Royal hotel has the best breakfast. Melbourne was fantastic and I highly recommend the lanes walking tour. Read more

Sydney was great the Park Royal hotel has the best breakfast. Melbourne was fantastic and I highly recommend the lanes walking tour.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane
Spring Hill
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Grest clean hotel
Reef View Hotel
Whitsunday Islands, Queensland
Authenticity & Character
Updates
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Update clean more
The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins
Melbourne
Authenticity & Character
Location
Great area able to get everywhere
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
PARKROYAL Darling Harbour
Sydney

Best breakfast and great room service.

Authenticity & Character
Nice clean hotek
Location
Within walking distance to everything or transit options
Staff
Great room service and excellent staff at breakfast
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
New Years Eve Cruise - MV Jerry Bailey (Shared Cruise)
New Years Eve Cruise - MV Jerry Bailey (Shared Cruise)
Sydney
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Bartenders were great
Transport
Great boat
Full Day Blue Mountains Hike the World Heritage
Full Day Blue Mountains Hike the World Heritage
Sydney

Great guide lots of information and taken to done great spots

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great drivers and clean comfy van.
Transport
Local specialist: Tammy Lindsey
Tammy
Tammy Lindsey
Local specialist in Rancho Palos Verdes CA | Replied on Feb 11, 2026

Hi Eric,

I’m delighted that you took the time to share these details and your feedback about your trip. Thank you for doing so — it truly means a great deal. The highest compliment I can receive is a referral to your friends and family.

Let me know when you are ready to visit New Zealand! :)

Cheers,
Tammy

Great personalized Aussie Trip
Australia | Dec 22 - Jan 4, 2026

Brian
Brian G.
Kensington, NY | Reviewed on Jan 07, 2026
Paula did a great job customizing a trip exactly to suit our family's style of travel.
She recommended experiences that were off the beaten track, like hiking to Wineglass Bay and visiting the insane MONA art gallery in Hobart.
Read more

Paula did a great job customizing a trip exactly to suit our family's style of travel.
She recommended experiences that were off the beaten track, like hiking to Wineglass Bay and visiting the insane MONA art gallery in Hobart.

Hotel Reviews
Park Hyatt Melbourne
East Melbourne
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Freycinet Resort
Coles Bay
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rydges Hobart
Hobart
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
PARKROYAL Darling Harbour
Sydney
Authenticity & Character
No charm, nothing Aussie or local about it
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Morning Best of Melbourne Bike Tour
Morning Best of Melbourne Bike Tour
Melbourne

Guide Darcy was excellent, flexible, knowledgeable, willing to discuss difficult topics facing australia

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Afternoon/Evening Moonlight Kayak Tour
Afternoon/Evening Moonlight Kayak Tour
Melbourne

very long row, we are fit and were tired by the end, food was disappointing

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Phillip Island & Moonlit + Penguin Plus with Dinner
Full Day Phillip Island & Moonlit + Penguin Plus with Dinner
Australia

way too long, guide took his time taking us to Penguin walk and all seats were taken

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
very uncomfortable van to be in for 10 hours
Wineglass Bay Cruises Morning Wineglass Bay Cruise - Sky Lounge including Lunch
Wineglass Bay Cruises Morning Wineglass Bay Cruise - Sky Lounge including Lunch
Freycinet
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Tasman Island Cruise with Port Arthur Historic Site
Full Day Tasman Island Cruise with Port Arthur Historic Site
Hobart
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary Night Visit
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary Night Visit
Hobart

hard to assess because it was raining hard throughout our visit.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney
Full Day Blue Mountains Hike the World Heritage
Full Day Blue Mountains Hike the World Heritage
Sydney
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Paula Adams
Paula
Paula Adams
Local specialist in California and Australia | Replied on Jan 07, 2026

G'day Brian & family,

It was a pleasure working with you. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback about your recent trip. I truly appreciate your kind words and are delighted to hear that you had a wonderful experience, minus the few hiccups. :)

Your reviews mean a lot to me, and it helps me continue to provide exceptional service to valued clients like you. If there's anything else we can do to make your future travels even more memorable, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Take care and keep in touch.

Cheers,
Paula

Overall a wonderful trip to Australia. Knowl...
Australia | Nov 18 - Dec 3, 2025

B
Brenda B.
Lake Oswego, OR | Reviewed on Dec 30, 2025
Overall a wonderful trip to Australia. Knowledgeable guides, most tours were small, reliable drivers. Paula listen to what and wanted and expected from our trip. Would use them again. Brenda B. Read more

Overall a wonderful trip to Australia. Knowledgeable guides, most tours were small, reliable drivers. Paula listen to what and wanted and expected from our trip. Would use them again.

Brenda B.

Hotel Reviews
PARKROYAL Darling Harbour
Sydney
Authenticity & Character
Location
What is it was the location, nice hotel
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Peninsula Boutique Hotel
Port Douglas
Authenticity & Character
Location
Very close to the town of port Douglas, nice to be able to walk to various restaurants.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clarion Suites Gateway
Melbourne
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Harbor Experience Cruise
Harbor Experience Cruise
Sydney
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Morning Panoramic Sydney Sights
Morning Panoramic Sydney Sights
Sydney
Quality of Experience
T
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sydney Private Transfer Hotel to Airport
Sydney Private Transfer Hotel to Airport
Australia
Quality of Experience
K
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sydney Private Transfer Airport to  Hotel
Sydney Private Transfer Airport to Hotel
Australia
Quality of Experience
The
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Morning Best of Melbourne Bike Tour
Morning Best of Melbourne Bike Tour
Melbourne
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Melbourne Private Transfer Airport to Hotel
Melbourne Private Transfer Airport to Hotel
Australia
Quality of Experience
R
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Blue Mountains Deluxe Day
Full Day Blue Mountains Deluxe Day
Sydney
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney
Quality of Experience
I
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Port Douglas Private Transfer Airport to Port Douglas Hotel
Port Douglas Private Transfer Airport to Port Douglas Hotel
Australia
Quality of Experience
T
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Outer Reef Mackay Coral Cay (from Port Douglas Hotel)
Full Day Outer Reef Mackay Coral Cay (from Port Douglas Hotel)
Port Douglas
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
J
Transport
Morning Private YOUR Wildlife Habitat Tour
Morning Private YOUR Wildlife Habitat Tour
Port Douglas

Would not having any food on this tour

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Daintree Cape Tribulation (was & 4WD Bloomfield)
Full Day Daintree Cape Tribulation (was & 4WD Bloomfield)
Australia
Quality of Experience
R
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Melbourne Private Transfer Hotel to Airport
Melbourne Private Transfer Hotel to Airport
Australia
Quality of Experience
D
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The
Full Day Private Mornington Wine & RareHare Lunch
Full Day Private Mornington Wine & RareHare Lunch
Melbourne
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Port Douglas Private Transfer Port Douglas Hotel to Airport
Port Douglas Private Transfer Port Douglas Hotel to Airport
Australia
Quality of Experience
Y
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Great Ocean Road Tour with Lunch
Full Day Great Ocean Road Tour with Lunch
Melbourne
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Paula Adams
Paula
Paula Adams
Local specialist in California and Australia | Replied on Jan 05, 2026

G'day Brenda,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your review and feedback. I truly appreciate it.

I’m so glad your trip to Australia finally came to fruition after rescheduling — it was a pleasure working with you. If you ever plan to travel again, it would be my absolute pleasure to assist you. You have my email and phone number, so please don’t hesitate to stay in touch.

With appreciation and thanks,
Paula

Blenheim / Christchurch / Lake Tekapo / Queen...
New Zealand | Dec 7 - Dec 13, 2025

Lorin
Lorin W.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Dec 15, 2025
Blenheim / Christchurch / Lake Tekapo / Queenstown Trip We had an unforgettable trip from start to finish - we kicked things off in Picton, where we did a combo tour of the Marlborough wine region and seafood cruise in the Marlborough Sounds. Both expereinces saw a great balance of stunning views, calm waters (on the cruise), and nonstop photo opportunities. Christchurch surprised us with its charm, walkability, and mix of historic and modern vibes. We did a self-guided walk of the... Read more

Blenheim / Christchurch / Lake Tekapo / Queenstown Trip

We had an unforgettable trip from start to finish - we kicked things off in Picton, where we did a combo tour of the Marlborough wine region and seafood cruise in the Marlborough Sounds. Both expereinces saw a great balance of stunning views, calm waters (on the cruise), and nonstop photo opportunities.

Christchurch surprised us with its charm, walkability, and mix of historic and modern vibes. We did a self-guided walk of the town, including a stop at The Church Pub for food and drinks.. It made a great transition point before driving deeper into the South Islands natural beauty.

Lake Tekapo featured unreal turquoise water, open skies, and peaceful atmosphere. It may have been one of the most photogeneic places we visited on this leg of the trip.

Wanaka was a wonderful lake town, where it featured one of the most photographed trees in the world. I wish we could have spent another day here to experience the town more.

we wrapped up our trip in Queenstown, where you could easily spend a week there and not do everything. While there though we did get a chance to do a number of excursions, including a plane ride, horse-back ride, jet-boat ride, and river funyak excurions, where we were able to see the snow-capped mountain ranges known famously in many Hollywood blockbusters, including Lord of the Rings, Narnia, and Misson Impossible!

Between the scenery, activities, and unforgettable moments captured, our NZ trip exceeded expectations, it is purely a magical country, and the itinerary provided by KimKim was the perfect way to experience it.

Hotel Reviews
Escape to Picton
Picton
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Mayfair
Christchurch
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Peppers Bluewater Resort
Lake Tekapo
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Edgewater Wanaka
Lake Wānaka
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Browns Boutique Hotel
Queenstown
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Ruth Grau
Ruth
Ruth Grau
Local specialist in Adelaide, Australia, & Palm Springs, USA | Replied on Dec 16, 2025

Hi Lorin
How wonderful to hear your feedback! Thanks so much for taking the time and I am so glad you loved New Zealand!
Ruth

Down Under Dreams: A Trip We'll Never Forget!
Australia | Nov 20 - Dec 4, 2025

Kaitlin
Kaitlin J.
Brooklyn, NY | Reviewed on Dec 09, 2025
Paula did an incredible job creating an absolute once in a lifetime vacation for me and my bestie! It was everything we asked for plus more! From climbing the Sydney Bridge to riding camels in the outback to snorkeling in the great barrier reef and sipping the delicious wines in Yarra Valley to hanging out with the locals (wallabies, Koalas, kangaroos, wombats, the list goes on). We learned so much about the Aboriginal people, the eco systems and all the different things that make Australia... Read more

Paula did an incredible job creating an absolute once in a lifetime vacation for me and my bestie! It was everything we asked for plus more! From climbing the Sydney Bridge to riding camels in the outback to snorkeling in the great barrier reef and sipping the delicious wines in Yarra Valley to hanging out with the locals (wallabies, Koalas, kangaroos, wombats, the list goes on). We learned so much about the Aboriginal people, the eco systems and all the different things that make Australia so unique! All of our tour guides had a real passion for what they do and you could tell none of this was a job to them, it was a passion! Paula you really brought the dream to life, thank you!!

Local specialist: Paula Adams
Paula
Paula Adams
Local specialist in California and Australia | Replied on Dec 11, 2025
G'day Kaitlin, Thank you so much for your amazing review — it truly made my day! I’m absolutely thrilled to hear that your trip was everything you hoped for and more. From the Sydney Bridge climb to camels in the Outback, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, meeting Australia’s iconic wildlife, and enjoying the Yarra Valley — it sounds like you embraced every moment! It means so much to know that the experiences, guides, and cultural connections resonated with you both. I’m grateful I could... Read more

G'day Kaitlin,

Thank you so much for your amazing review — it truly made my day! I’m absolutely thrilled to hear that your trip was everything you hoped for and more. From the Sydney Bridge climb to camels in the Outback, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, meeting Australia’s iconic wildlife, and enjoying the Yarra Valley — it sounds like you embraced every moment!

It means so much to know that the experiences, guides, and cultural connections resonated with you both. I’m grateful I could help bring your dream vacation to life.

Thank you again for your kind words. It was a joy working with you, and I hope to help you plan your next South Pacific adventure whenever you're ready!

Cheers,
Paula

Everything was first class except the very la...
New Zealand | Nov 17 - Nov 26, 2025

Ron
Ron Z.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Dec 03, 2025
Everything was first class except the very last night. I know John Mattarella was a little kind in his words, but I won’t mix the words that was way beneath what you guys should’ve gave us. Everything was excellent until that moment it was like going to a hostile quite honestly is bullshit but everything else was great except exceptionally great except that last moment, which then the last moment is what you remember I hope for your future guests you get rid of that location cause that was a... Read more

Everything was first class except the very last night. I know John Mattarella was a little kind in his words, but I won’t mix the words that was way beneath what you guys should’ve gave us. Everything was excellent until that moment it was like going to a hostile quite honestly is bullshit but everything else was great except exceptionally great except that last moment, which then the last moment is what you remember I hope for your future guests you get rid of that location cause that was a joke again thank you for everything with a great time John my wife, Yvonne, and Heather did all the coordinating with you. I was a silent partner and like said it was great fantastic over the top until last night. Quite honest I think we should get a refund for that night, but that’s beside the point please do better for your next guest on that port otherwise spot on thank you Ron Zielinski

Hotel Review
Oaks Auckland Hotel (Prev. Nesuto Stadium Auckland)
Auckland

This felt like a hostile nothing on the walls, pure white twin size beds after having a first rate first class top-notch experience of first place places we’ve been to and then we go to this hostile looking place. It was clean and nice, but it wasn’t the first class experience that we had through Kim Kim and should’ve stayed throughout the trip.

Local specialist: Ruth Grau
Ruth
Ruth Grau
Local specialist in Adelaide, Australia, & Palm Springs, USA | Replied on Dec 03, 2025

Hi Ron

Many thanks for your feedback on the airport hotel that you had for the last night. I will certainly advise all our staff and take it off our selling list. I am glad you enjoyed all your trip to that point. We usually use the Novotel or Pullman so I am not sure why Jannie chose this hotel unless availability was tight. I really appreciate your feedback.

Kind regards
Ruth