New Zealand Adventure
New Zealand | Jan 5 - Jan 17, 2024

Tiffany
Tiffany G.
Australia | Reviewed on Jan 23, 2024

We are a family of 5, kids aged (9,15,17) 15 days in New Zealand starting in Auckland, driving down to Rotoroa, flying down to Christchurch, traveling by train to Greysmouth, car to Frans Jofef and car to Queenstown. It was a busy trip, but we loved every minute. The Maori traditional hungi and cultural night was enjoyed by of us, the mud baths at Hellsgate in Rotoroa - don't expect to get your clothes back, just take ones you can ditch! but it is a lovely experience. The night time glowworm kayak on the lake also a great experience - so peaceful. Down to the south island, the Christchurch botanical gardens are well worth an afternoon exploring - beautiful. The train ride to Greysmouth is very scenic. When driving from Frans Josef to Queenstown, remember the sick bags if anyone has travel sickness, the windy roads are next level, but the views are stunning. Queenstown is a beautiful part of the world, the lake offers so many options for tourists. The Bungee at the bridge, is worth just visiting to witness other peoples bravery! So much we didn't see, so we will be back.

Hotel Reviews
Nesuto Stadium Auckland
Auckland

We enjoyed our stay in these apartments. We just really need at least a fan in the bedrooms as it was too hot in January and the a/c was only in the living area. Great location and walking distance to the ferry and shops.

Location
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sudima Lake Rotorua
Rotorua

Great location, we had rooms next to each other as we have 3 kids. Walking distance to the town.

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef Glacier

Reception decor looks quite fancy, but the rooms don't match that, but we were comfortable and it was clean and tidy. You do have beautiful views of the snow topped mountains and the fog rolling in is quite surreal.

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel St. Moritz
Queenstown
Authenticity & Character
Location
Although it is on a really steep hill, that you need to walk up and down to get the town.
Staff
The breakfast barista made a beautiful coffee with a smile - thankyou
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
TranzAlpine Train:  Christchurch to Greymouth
TranzAlpine Train: Christchurch to Greymouth
Christchurch

Great experience, beautiful views, great time for reflection and relaxation. The scenic cart was an added bonus.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Mitai Cultural Experience & Dinner
Mitai Cultural Experience & Dinner
Rotorua

great family experience for all ages. we thoroughly enjoyed this tour.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Twilight Glow Worm Kayak Experience - 3 hour guided
Twilight Glow Worm Kayak Experience - 3 hour guided
Rotorua

It's a lovely experience, maybe not for kids that don't like the dark or the water. As its hard to come back if they don't like it. For couples its a lovely time together, its really peaceful on the lake.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Franz Joseph 4 hour Kayak and Walk
Franz Joseph 4 hour Kayak and Walk
Franz Josef Glacier

This is a lovely day on the lake, if you are lucky enoguh to get a still day, the reflections are just beautiful. The kayaks are very comfortable and easy to manouver, the walk up into the forrest is really peaceful and beautiful.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
she was sounding a bit rusty, nearly didn't start.
Full-Day Jet-Boat Adventure & Funyak River Safari
Full-Day Jet-Boat Adventure & Funyak River Safari
Queenstown (NZ)

Due to bad weather we just did the jetboat part of this tour. Was a lot of fun, and the scenery was stunning.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
staff were all fantastic.
Transport
Local specialist: Liz Neal
Liz
Liz Neal
Local specialist in Sydney-Auckland-Los Angeles | Replied on Jan 23, 2024

Thank you Tiffany for taking the time to write a review so other future travelers can learn from your experiences. I am very glad you all enjoyed the trip so much. It was really a pleasure to work with you and I would do it any time again !! So please count on us for your next adventure.

The best for this year to your lovely family!
Liz