Monika was wonderful! She put together a grea...
New Zealand | Apr 10 - Apr 24, 2026

L
Louis B.
Memphis, TN, USA | Reviewed on Apr 25, 2026

Monika was wonderful! She put together a great itinerary for us and she was very helpful in making a last minute change when weather prevented us from flying to Milford Sound. Hotels were excellent, the the dinner she had planned for us in Auckland was one we will not forget. I would highly recommend anyone planning a trip to NZ to partner with her.

Hotel Reviews
Spire Hotel
Queenstown

Excellent hotel & the staff was amazing. They went above and beyond to take care of us. Very convenient location; very good restaurant.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Off the Main Street but center of the town - everything was just a 5 minute walk.
Location
Off the Main Street but center of the town - everything was just a 5 minute walk.
Staff
Most accommodating staff - they went above and beyond to ensure we had a wonderful stay.
Staff
Most accommodating staff - they went above and beyond to ensure we had a wonderful stay.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were spacious and large bathroom with double sinks and separate bathtub @ shower.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were spacious and large bathroom with double sinks and separate bathtub @ shower.
Mangapapa Hotel
Havelock N - Hawke's Bay

Loved this hotel. Felt like we had the place to ourselves. Staff very attentive. Location made you feel very relaxed.

Authenticity & Character
Hotel was a former hunting lodge and has that charm.
Location
The hotel is on a large tack of land. Has a remote feel to it with sheep in the adjoining pasture. We had an upgrade room which was very spacious.
Staff
Staff was very attentive including the general manager.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Hotel Britomart
Auckland

Great location. Room was a little tight but nice.

Authenticity & Character
Very modern.
Location
Everything in walking distance. Plenty of restaurants nearby.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Headwaters Eco Lodge - Glenorchy
Glenorchy

The Headwaters Eco Lodge in Glenorchy was interesting with its emphasis on sustainability, which included using a compost toilet. It was my first experience with that, and it wasn't unpleasant, just different. While there weren't many other options in the area, we were happy with our stay and enjoyed a good dinner there. I wouldn't choose to stay there again, but there were no major issues.

Activity Reviews
Mt Cook day tour from Queenstown (Small group - return)
Mt Cook day tour from Queenstown (Small group - return)
Queenstown

We took a small group tour with Altitude Tours to Mt Cook, which was a bit of a letdown. The 15-person van was tightly packed, making for a rather uncomfortable experience on a long drive. It would have been better had we opted for a private tour, but that was on me.

Waiheke Island "Essence of Waiheke" Tour
Waiheke Island "Essence of Waiheke" Tour
New Zealand

The Waiheke Island 'Essence of Waiheke' Tour was a highlight! Taking the ferry from Auckland to the island for a wine tour was an excellent experience. We had a real good time, and it was a memorable part of our trip.

Ahi Restaurant - 4 snacks and 4 courses
Ahi Restaurant - 4 snacks and 4 courses
Auckland

Dining at Ahi Restaurant in Auckland was something special. The four snacks and four courses made for an unforgettable meal that we thoroughly enjoyed.

Local specialist: Monika Vinsova
Monika
Monika Vinsova
Local specialist in Queenstown, New Zealand | Replied on Apr 30, 2026

Hi Louis,

Thank you so much for your kind words—it truly means a lot! I’m so glad you had such a great trip.

It was a pleasure working with your whole group, and I wish you many wonderful travels ahead in the future !

Warm regards, Monika