Monika planned an amazing trip for us!!!
New Zealand | Jan 28 - Feb 27, 2026

P
Pamela G.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Mar 02, 2026

Monika planned an amazing trip for us!!! She was able to alter the itinerary on short notice when we were invited to hike with friends in another part of New Zealand. She was super attentive to our needs and planned days and lodging which fit our particular requests. Monika was available when the weather caused us to change plans and was at the ready any time we needed her. We cannot say enough good things about Monika and the kimkim process which enabled us to have the trip of a lifetime. We would highly recommend both Monika and kimkim for any future travel needs (fyi...we have used kimkim in the past always with similar happy experiences in diverse parts of the world).

Thank you Monika and kimkim. You will always be in our hearts.

Hotel Reviews
Millennium Hotel Queenstown
queesntown

Service and room were top notch. We needed to arrive early and they were so gracious and accommodating. Thank you to all of the staff at Millennium!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Tiny walk into town but we actually preferred the quiet and rest of being slightly away to sleep but near to do activities
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bella Vista Motel Wanaka
Wanaka

Clean, convenient, steps from all the restaurants we wanted to try and staff was super helpful and available

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean. Nothing super glamorous spotlessly clean
The Headwaters Eco Lodge - Glenorchy
Glenorchy

Such a unique experience. We hope to return again. We cannot say enough wonderful words about the Eco Lodge.....

Authenticity & Character
Wanted to give this a 10 but it is not available!!!
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lake Tekapo Holiday Homes - various properties
Lake Tekapo

Easy check in, spacious home with amazing views

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fox Glacier Lodge
Fox Glacier

For us, this was all we needed but it is in an area where everything is basic so someone looking for 'glam' would not be happy. We loved the space, the nearby washer/dryer (much needed by this time in the trip), proximity to hiking trails and wonderful drives to scenic spots.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Answered every question and were super friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was clean, the bed a little soft but we did truly not care.
Edgewater Motel
Te Anau

This is a basic hotel with all that we needed. I would give it a 5 but some folks may disagree with me because it is not 'high-end'. We needed a room for 2 nights knowing we would use it only to sleep and do a final pack. It more than accommodated us. We had room to spread out, washer/dryer to help deal with soaked dirty clothing before packing for a 28 hour flight. It is a 10 minute or so walk from the grocery store, Subway, local movie theater (see the short documentary about the fjordlands). We were totally happy and had no complaints

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fable Christchurch
Christchurch

Right where you want to be to experience downtown

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Staff was so so so helpful and kind
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lake Brunner Eco Lodge

Such a wonderful experience. The room was spacious, had a lovely lake view and the manager and her family added so much to the experience. This lodge is a little off the beaten path but what we were looking for and we loved chatting with other guests who added so much to our trip experience.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Some people might not want to drive off pavement but you would really be missing something.....
Staff
So so lovely to meet the extended family. Truly a memorable experience
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy
Drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy
New Zealand

Lots of gorgeous views

Cass Valley Backcountry Tour
Cass Valley Backcountry Tour
New Zealand

What a hoot to go out with a real sheep/cow/deer rancher. Truly an authentic experience

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Basic jeep; loud noise if you sit in the back row.....
Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Te Anau

This tour is first off, something you will never see anywhere else. It is so well organized, very informative and the staff are totally engaged. We went at dusk and it was awesome!!!!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Walk the famous Milford track and cruise on Milford Sound
Walk the famous Milford track and cruise on Milford Sound
Te Anau

It was raining the day we did this BUT we learned that if it is not raining, the falls are not nearly as amazing. Our guide, Rob, was top-notch and we loved being able to walk a small part of the Milford Track and to see the Milford Sound up close.

Quality of Experience
Food
Lunch, if you choose, is bountiful and delicious....
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Monika Vinsova
Monika
Monika Vinsova
Local specialist in Queenstown, New Zealand | Replied on Mar 03, 2026

Dear Pam and Lou ! Thank you so much for your kind words!

I’m truly delighted to hear that you enjoyed your trip and that everything worked out, even with the last-minute changes. It was a pleasure planning your journey and making sure it fit your needs, and I’m so glad you were able to enjoy every moment!

Warm regards, Monika