New Zealand was AMAZING ! Trip plan d efinitely exceeded our expections!!!
New Zealand | Mar 18 - Mar 30, 2024

Jodi Lynn
Jodi Lynn G.
Saint Michael, MN | Reviewed on Apr 02, 2024

Thank you Franck, of KimKim/Once in a Lifetime. The trip you planned for us to New Zealand exceeded our expectations. We kept saying, “thank you Franck”!! We loved the process of planning. You came up with a first idea plan and listened to how we wanted to personalize it to fit our dreams. We liked all of the accommodations upgraded to water/view front and we asked for something unique. It was nice having a few days in Auckland at MSocial to check out the bay and whale/dolphins excursion and acclimate to the 18 hour time difference. We loved the night time redwood tree walk and our morning stroll again in Rotorua. We had a breathtaking tour and wonderful chat with Jill Simpson, own of beautiful Akaroa Garden; then off to a fun and worthwhile dolphin cruise . Mount Cook Lakeside retreat on lake Pulaski was luxurious; great views, chef cooked meals and perfect location to explore the Mackenzie region. We had a private plane, The Grand Traverse to fly over the glacier and mountain areas of Mackenzie Aoraki National Park. Two of us made it to stargazing after a wonderful dinner in the dining hall, lead by lodge owner. Magnificent!!! Crazy, amazing place to stay (photos). We had an informative and fun backcountry tour as one of our adventures while there. We also got up close to an iceberg and glacier at Lake Tekapo, Next we drove to Clyde and stayed at a unique and authentic Oliver’s Lodge. The people are so welcoming there! Our favorite place was Milford Lodge staying at Cabot Lodge. Breidi met us with umbrella and she and husband Brad Alexander/owners made us feel so welcome. Such a luxuriously unique accommodations on the beautiful hills of their Lodge overlooking the Fiordland National Park and Lake Manapouri. Breathtakingly beautiful. Milford sound is a magical place. Jeff, of Trips and Tramps was our bus driver, part of our coach, cruise and walk tour. We snuck in a helicopter ride that he set up while we were there.

Thanks again Franck. It was a trip of a lifetime. You took care of every detail from pick up driver at every needed venue, rental car, and several amazing meals and awesome excursions. This was our second time using KimKim and you did not disappoint.

Hotel Reviews
Cabot Lodge
Manapouri

Cabot Lodge is a luxurious accommodation that is nestled in the hills overlooking Fiordland National Park overlooking Lake Manapouri. It is so warm and welcoming. The views are AMAZING. We loved the special attention we received from owners Breidi and Brad Alexander. The meals were chef cooked and delicious and had the best wine of the trip. We loved the gathering room overlooking the lake Manapouri and Doubtful Sound. We took a hike of their hill through hundreds of sheep. So incredible.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful gardens frame this unique lodge. Very quaint with a few privately luxurious rooms. There are separate gathering rooms that worked out well to meet new people and play backgammon with our friends we traveled with. They also have a great library.
Location
On the sheep and red deer covered hills overlooking Lake Manapouri and mountains. Breathtaking!
Staff
So friendly and authentic. We were excited to get back and see them and eat their delicious feed. Lovely, hard working family.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything was SPOTLESS. Every detail was covered. We were met in the parking g lot, the was a hand-written note welcome us with homemade cookies everyday. Brad was always smiling and do good about answers g our many questions. Our rooms were spotlessly cleaned every day. They even sent us home with Breidi’s homemade soap. I really do how I can go back again some day.
Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat
Lake Pukaki

Amazing view on lake Pukuki. The accommodations were luxurious and spacious. Very comfortable

Authenticity & Character
The inside of the home was warm, inviting and very comfortable. We loved the wood fireplace every night. The bedrooms and bathrooms were huge. Each room had a magnificent view.
Location
We were kind of all by ourselves. Very private. We had our own outdoor sauna and wood hot tub overlooking the mountains and glacial lake.
Staff
We had a private chef made meal every morning and night brought to our cozy accommodation. Everyone was friendly.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything was immaculate. All new and we’ll take. Care of.
Olivers Lodge
Clyde

We loved this quaint hotel. It was very unique, unpretentious, and so original and authentic.

Authenticity & Character
Amazing character. We had breakfast together in an old kitchen with old dishes. I loved the tea cups. I felt like so was in my grandma’s home, only bigger.
Location
Staff
Staff was friendly and warm.
Cleanliness & Comfort
QT
Queenstown

This was not our favorite.

Authenticity & Character
Not our warm and cozy kind of hotel.
Location
Close to Queenstown and the airport. Not a very good view.
Staff
Seemed a little disorganized
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were clean, but it was not comfortable. To modern and seemed cheaply put together. Bathroom was nice and clean
Local specialist: Franck Lemaitre
Franck
Franck Lemaitre
Local specialist in Auckland, New Zealand | Replied on Apr 04, 2024

Dear Jody,
Thank you for this very positive review, happy to read you had such a great time in NZ. Hope to see you soon back to NZ, otherwise enjoy other trips with Kimkim.