Our dream trip . . .
New Zealand | Apr 19 - May 6, 2026

Stephen
Stephen M.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on May 28, 2026

When we finally decided to take our dream trip to New Zealand we knew we deeded help to make it perfect, and chose KimKim after an online search for the best agency. It couldn't have worked out better and we recommend KimKim to everyone who wants to hear about our trip. Kathrin began helping us last August (our trip began this April) and by the time we were ready to go she had made sure every detail was taken care of. Quizzing us first about what sort of vacation we were looking for (Lord of the Rings sites? Outdoor activities? Museums and galleries?), how long we had available, our general budget, etc. she came up with a fabulous list of ideas for us. The more we learned about our options the more she fine-tuned our selections, then she arranged our New Zealand flights and car rentals and boat rides. It ended up being the perfect mix of our ideas and her suggestions, with all the stress taken out of the trip. Her selection of companies for the activities we wanted to do was spot on - loved all the people we had contact with. Heck we even ran into another couple who had used Kathrin and KimKim - that was fun! New Zealand is one of the few places we would really love to go to again, and I'm certain having their guidance in planning our trip was a big part of that.

Hotel Reviews
M Social
Auckland

Loved having a great view, loved the location, loved the beds and bathroom, loved the very friendly staff!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tides Hotel Nelson
Nelson

What a funky, fun place! The crazy artwork everywhere was very cool - including, I might add, our painted toilet. Loved the location on the water and the fantastic food too. Cozy place, with the restaurant right around the corner from our room. Definitely would recommend.

Authenticity & Character
It is a totally unique environment!
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Hermitage Hotel
Mount Cook Village

Location is outrageously awesome, the staff is very attentive and friendly - we felt we were treated like VIPS. The buffet was really good as well. We must have spent 15 minutes just taking photos of the surrounding mountains.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise (Real NZ) on Navigator or Wanderer
Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise (Real NZ) on Navigator or Wanderer
New Zealand

The cruise into Doubtful Sound was so very pretty - really glad we did an overnight trip. Also very glad we took our agent's advice and went here instead of the more popular (and crowded) Milford Sound, although on a return trip we might check that out too. Felt like we were the only people on the sound, and spending then night just felt magical. Our little kayak cruise was a fun treat as well. When they cut the engines on the return trip and we got to listen to the silence it was just spectacular.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour - Glowworm Caves
Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour - Glowworm Caves
Rotorua

This was an unexpectedly amazing day/evening. The kayaking, while tiring, felt marvelous and it was really fun to then have a bbq and soak in the hot springs. Had wonderful conversations with the other people at the springs, including a other couple who had booked their vacation thru KimKim and Kathrin! We got back into our paddling gear at sunset and went the rest of the way to the glow worm cave with our guide and another couple (our whole group!). Sliding into the tiny cave and seeing the glow worms literally right over our heads was astonishing, and hearing both the ancient tales and the scientific explanation for them was very enlightening (pun intended). Paddled by the light of the full moon back to our starting point and slept very well indeed that night.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
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Local specialist: Kathrin Gerstel