New Zealand REview
New Zealand | Mar 11 - Mar 24, 2026

Mark
Mark M.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Mar 31, 2026

We enjoyed everything in New Zealand and Monika did a great job tailoring the itinerary for what we wanted to do. The only thing we would change next time it to spend only one night and/or skip Christchurch. It was just another city with not much to offer us for what we liked to do. The beach was nice, a little far from the center city, but the area near the beach was basically closed down. The hotel we had was nice, but had homeless people right outside the door. Can't really help that, I understand. We loved all the other cities/towns we went too and had amazing sights! The Milford Sound boat was spectacular.

Hotel Reviews
Christchurch City Hotel
Christchurch

Newer place and the room was great.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Location was great and in the center city, however, there are homeless people here and there and some were outside the hotel Not the hotel's fault.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Carnmore Chateau Marlborough
Blenheim

Good place and location. Nice restaurant and bar area.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Milford Sound Overnight Cruise - Real NZ Milford Mariner

The boat was terrific! The state room was small, but we had our own bathroom. This was simply an amazing experience. We took pictures but this was the type of scenery where pictures don't do it justice. You have to experience Milford Sound.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The White Morph - Heritage Collection
Kaikoura

We had a ocean front room which made all the difference.

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

Doesn't get better than this! Very private. Great star gazing.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lake Tekapo Holiday Homes - various properties
Lake Tekapo

This was a rental house and in a great location other than there was no lake view but it was in a wooded area about 150 feet from the lake. Had washer and dryer which we used to freshen up before the rest of our tip.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Oakridge Resort
Wanaka

Great place with terrific restaurant, although it was not open every day. The pool and spa area was great.

Authenticity & Character
Location
About 1.5 miles from the lake and main area.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Shakespeare B&B
Te Anau

Large room and the owners were great. Nice breakfast and plenty of space to hang out. Very near the lake and the town.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Millennium Hotel Queenstown
queesntown

Great location and very nice room. Spent three nights here and it was a good spot for our daily treks. Plenty to do around Queenstown and a short ride to Arrowtown.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Marlborough Icons Wine Tour
Marlborough Icons Wine Tour
New Zealand

We expected to see more than two wineries and didn't know this tour included a boat ride featuring see food. The two wineries we visited were terrific and the boat ride was really nice, so it turned out to be a great first day of our trip. Met some nice people and ate fresh mussels and salmon. We ended up visiting two other wineries the next day before headed south. It's important to note that we love NZ wines so the start of our trip in this area was perfect.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Mou Waho Island by Water taxi - self guided
Mou Waho Island by Water taxi - self guided
Wānaka

To be honest, we didn't think this was going to be anything we wanted to do; however, it was spectacular! The boat captain, Hannah, was very knowledgeable and Mou Waho Island was way better than expected. The short hike to the top is steep in some areas, but well worth the views. Try to find the unmarked trail near the lookout area to get to the other side of the island for breathtaking views and quiet.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Milford Sound Overnight Cruise (Real NZ)
Milford Sound Overnight Cruise (Real NZ)
Milford Sound

This is a must to do. The scenery is breathtaking and pictures don't do it justice. The ship is very cool and the captain was able to pull the ship within a few feet of soaring cliffs and waterfalls. We could feel the mist from the falls. The kayak trip from the boat was really fun and you get the chance to swim off the back of the ship....mighty cold water, but worth it. Food was good and star gazing was terrific!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
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