Best Vacation Ever!
New Zealand
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Jan 19 - Feb 8, 2026
Without a doubt, this was the best vacation of our lives. It all started with Kathrin interviewing us via email and a video call. She listened to what our interests are and put together an amazing agenda. We spent three weeks exploring the beauty of New Zealand. Kathrin took care of every detail, reservation, tickets, guides, equipment, etc. From our guided hike on the Routeburn Track with Angelo, an amazing bike ride with Marcello in the Redwood forests of Rotorura, a spectacular Alps to Ocean (A2O) bike ride from Lake Tekapo to Oamaru and many other activities, we were both challenged and catered to. Kathrin knew this was a retirement gift to ourselves and we were congratulated at our accommodations and were seated at the best tables in restaurants I think because of her. New Zealand has much to offer the traveler. Not just the beauty of the outdoors... the vendors who take you on outings such as Jake and Unique w/ Rotorua Canopy Tours or Alex with Waimarino, they are professionals as well as very friendly. We also were very thrilled to do the Te Pa Tu Maori Cultural Experience. The food and Maori people were exceptional. There is so much more to mention but suffice it to say that Kathrin at KimKim made this so easy with work she did and the plan she gave us in her TravelBook. We were never in doubt about where to go and what to do. Thank you, Kathrin!
Hotel Reviews
Off the busy street. Friendly staff, clean and comfortable. I just wish the pool was working. Also, the staff and the food in the restaurant where we ate breakfast were wonderful. Delicious!
So the check in process was the fastest of any hotel I have ever stayed in. I wish all hotels were ran this way. The staff are competent and chill. The room was clean and comfortable! We loved exploring Oamaru and then relaxing and getting a good night's sleep here.
This was on our Alps to Ocean bike tour. The location is perfect. Great view and two hot tubs (spas). The included dinner was served as a group. You met fellow travelers while seated at larger tables. It was heaps of fun.
The view of the lake is amazing. The staff were very kind and brought our breakfast to our room. Very comfortable hotel.
This hotel was on our way along the Alps to Ocean bike tour. The breakfast in the morning was very delicious.
This place is very quaint with great food and staff. Comfortable clean rooms. Slobodan checked us in and really made us comfortable.
Great staff, clean rooms and onsite laundry facility. The best part is the restaurant. Relaxed with a beer in the lounge then on to the buffet dinner with the best selection of salads, appetizers, Asian and local dishes and a roast carving station. We also hade a delicious breakfast the next morning. We needed to leaver early and they opened early.
Historic. Charming. We enjoyed the owners (Michelle (?) and Ross). We ate dinner and breakfast here. Our room was clean, comfortable and updated. We would stay here again.
Great location. Easy walk from the bus depot. This is the largest hotel room we have ever stayed in. It had two levels and a washer dryer. The staff were friendly. We did not eat on site, but there were a few lovely options. We did take advantage of the pool and fitness room. Those staff were also very friendly. I especially liked being able to watch the Australian Open in my room.
