New Zealand
New Zealand | Feb 1 - Feb 14, 2026

K
Kaya W.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Feb 16, 2026

Our trip was so so SO amazing! We loved NZ so much and never wanted to leave. Monika was wonderful throughout the trip building process, booking, and during our trip of any needs came about. We had a few activities her shuffled due to weather and Monika was greatly supportive in getting things arranged and figured out appropriately! We are so grateful for her guidance and support.

Hotel Reviews
Pear Orchard Lodge
Nelson

Lovely, quiet spot on a pear farm. It’s warm and charming with a beautiful view. Hosts are attentive and kind.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Not walkable but beautiful location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
You can hear other guests through you walls, otherwise lovely
Picton Beachcomber Inn
Picton

Loved this location, views, and walkability to everything!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
PurePod Greta Valley (Korimako)
Canterbury

We had a lovely stay in the purepod once we found it. The instructions to find it from where you part need to be updated as we had a hard time finding it for a bit. There is no sign for the car park as listed in the instructions and the directions for the track point you downhill when you really need to go uphill. The track should itself is overgrown to chin height so we were covered in grasses and very itchy by the time we found our way to the purepod itself. There was also a cannon (for birds in the vineyard is my guess) going off every few minutes until 9pm and starting again at 6am which makes the environment slightly less tranquil. The purepod itself is a dream, the food was amazing, and we had a lovely night, just a few details that were a surprise disappointment.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Peppers Bluewater Resort
Lake Tekapo

Lovely stay! A bit busy and crowded but overall wonderful location, walkable, and the laundry was really nice to have.

Authenticity & Character
Location
No
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ramada Suites Queenstown
Queenstown

Loved the walkability to anywhere! Centrally located but away from the crowds and so quiet.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Wonderful experience with super kind and helpful staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Housekeeping did make the bed one night but left dirty cups and towels not replaced. Left used towel on top of made bed, odd housekeeping experience.
Activity Reviews
Tekapo Springs - StarGazing
Tekapo Springs - StarGazing
Lake Tekapo

Didn’t have a clear night unfortunately so did virtual reality experience. Still learned a lot but different than authentic experience. Can’t control the weather so no one’s fault!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great Taste Trail (self-guided cycle ride with E-bike Option) - Kaiteriteri to Mapua (43km)
Great Taste Trail (self-guided cycle ride with E-bike Option) - Kaiteriteri to Mapua (43km)
New Zealand

So fun! And Nikki was great to work with. She loved the route she scoped for us and really showed us so much character of the area from the rolling hills to the beaches.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Abel Tasman - Sail , Seals and walk
Abel Tasman - Sail , Seals and walk
New Zealand

Had to be rescheduled due to storm but reschedule was smooth and efficient and we had a wonderful time both on the boat and hike back!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Milford Sound - Coach, Cruise and FLY
Milford Sound - Coach, Cruise and FLY
New Zealand

Incredible experience. On the first leg piece driver was so fun and knowledgeable. He made the 4.5 hour drive pass by so easily and was a joy to spend time with. Cruise and fly were equally amazing and it was so cool to see the national park from so many different angles.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Skyline Gondola transport Including 3 rides on the Luge
Skyline Gondola transport Including 3 rides on the Luge
Queenstown (NZ)

Beautiful views. Luge is very crowded, recommend going at a weird time to avoid crowds and lines. Staff were unfortunately cranky and rude.

Dart River Funyak Safari
Dart River Funyak Safari
New Zealand

No kayaking due to river level being too high but they quickly rearranged our trip and did the jet boat portion for us instead. This was a super fun a beautiful experience and we are very grateful they were able to accommodate some adventure for us despite the weather not working for kayaking.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Monika Vinsova