If you are planning a trip to New Zealand, then KimKim Travel is your best bet for advice!
New Zealand | Mar 2 - Mar 17, 2026

Diane
Diane D.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Mar 18, 2026

This was my first trip internationally for my husband and I( age 73) in more than a decade. I had never planned a trip like this ever before. I chose KimKim Travel because of the way they interacted with me. So many details I had no clue about. The agent named Monika was so kind and knowledgeable in the way she presented everything in a digital world. It made it so easy to navigate. All of the suggestions she made were spot on, and the accommodations were perfect for us. The activities she suggested made it very memorable for us. We loved every aspect of it and met people along the way who enhanced our journey. We will definitely come back and we already have learned where we would want to explore on a second trip to New Zealand. Monika kept in touch with us and that was very comforting in a Country we had no knowledge of. The car rental, hotels, excursions, and plane tickets were thoroughly explained so we could navigate the instructions easily. Even so, we laughed at our silly mistakes, like driving around a round-a-bout three times until we got the correct directions. The Glow Worm hike in the dark was exhilarating. Relaxing at the Polynesian Spa in Rotorua was awesome. ÑEw Zealand people are so kind, helpful, and friendly. Thank you for being our guide!

Hotel Reviews
Auckland City Hotel
Auckland

The accommodations were very nice. We ate in the restaurant and got coffee from the barista every morning. The location in the heart of the city made it easy to walk to restaurants, shops, and the ferry. A great place to retire every night.

Authenticity & Character
Small, boutique hotel with friendly employees.
Location
In the future, I would spend more money and stay down on the wharf. You have to walk several blocks to get to shopping and restaurants.
Staff
Always willing to answer questions or make a phone call, or recommend restaurants
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very comfortable bed
Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia
Paihia

The room was modern, the sheets crisp, white, and smooth. The bath accommodations were lovely. You can walk right out the door and get to shopping, ferries, or restaurants easily.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Right in the heart of Paihia. Easy to navigate around every day
Staff
Very helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lovely beds, sheets, bathroom
Waitakere Resort
Waiatarua, Auckland

Like being in a European lodge. Comfy, quiet, luxurious room

Authenticity & Character
Quiet, cozy, friendly for all. You want to walk around in your socks
Location
Overlooks Auckland hills and woods
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Regal Palms Resort
Rotorua

In the heart of Rotorua. A great place to relax after a hike. The place has a coin operated laundry as well. Essential for the minimalist traveler. Absolutely loved the heated tile floor in the bathroom! Crisp white sheets, heavy cotton towels, and a kitchenette. We could stay for a week.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
So friendly and helpful!
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Crown Hotel
Napier - Ahuriri

Very modern hotel with gorgeous views. Kitchen is so helpful. Bed is ultra comfortable. Love the jetted tub.

Authenticity & Character
Cool design, easy parking, good location
Location
On the water, walk to coffee and restaurants.
Staff
Michelle and Michelle were both so friendly and helpful!
Cleanliness & Comfort
The White Swan
Wairarapa

Very small boutique hotel. The room was spacious and lovely. We slept like logs in the amazing soft bed. The restaurant is great. Most of the staff were amazing.

Authenticity & Character
It’s quirky yet elegant.
Location
Quaint village with nice shops and restaurants
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Museum Apartment Hotel
Wellington

One of my favorite hotels. You do have to pay for parking, but we walked everywhere. Close to the museum, wharf( where everyone gathers and hangs out). Easily walk to restaurants and shops.

Authenticity & Character
The various pieces of art are worth a look and gaze
Location
Staff
Always helpful to answer our questions
Cleanliness & Comfort
The kitchenette was well stocked with fridge, cooktop, oven, dishwasher, and washer dryer.
Activity Reviews
Glowworm Tour Nocturnal Adventure
Glowworm Tour Nocturnal Adventure
Rotorua

I had no idea what to expect. Our guide, Stephen was so knowledgeable and took care with guiding us in the dark. He took all the pictures and sent them to us the next day. Such an awesome experience in the wilds of New Zealand.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Stephen was prompt in picking us up at our hotel. His knowledge of the area is invaluable.
Transport
Comfortable van ride.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
New Zealand

We enjoyed the tour and performance. The dinner was so good and we met some great travelers from around the world d the world. Learning about Maori customs made my trip more memorable.

Quality of Experience
Maori people
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Always so friendly
Polynesian Spa
Polynesian Spa
Rotorua

Soak in the hot pools, see the views of the surrounding hills

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Auckland Highlights Tours – Half Day
Auckland Highlights Tours – Half Day
Auckland

Our guide and driver, Donna was a friendly knowledgeable Māori woman. We enjoyed her talks and the places she took us to. We still say the coffee shop and chocolate shop she stopped at in Devenport was the best!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide, Donna was so great and knowledgeable
Transport
Comfortable van to ride in.
Transfer from accommodation to car rental depot (Corporate Cabs)
Transfer from accommodation to car rental depot (Corporate Cabs)
New Zealand

Driver was on time, friendly, and got us to where we needed to be.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Te Puia  - Thermal valley guided experience with Haka performance and Hangi lunch
Te Puia - Thermal valley guided experience with Haka performance and Hangi lunch
New Zealand

This facility was a great place to learn about Aotearoa and its peoples. The luncheon was good.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Gannet Safaris
Gannet Safaris
New Zealand

Spectacular views of gannet colonies. I was amazed.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very know, edgeable and friendly guide
Transport
Local specialist: Monika Vinsova