This was an amazing trip!
New Zealand | Jan 19 - Jan 28, 2026

Jessee
Jessee H.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Jan 29, 2026

This was an amazing trip! Milford sound and is an absolute must see for anyone going to the South Island. Clyde was a beautiful hidden gem and Oliver’s lodge was very cool. Lake Tekapo was a blast and I would definitely add a helo trip to the Mt Cook area if you have the time. Kaikoura was so much fun with the ocean and the mountains all at the same place. Golfing is so easy and cheap in New Zealand. There is virtually no one on the courses!! Jet boats on the Shotover River is a must!

Hotel Reviews
Olivers Lodge
Clyde
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Amazing hospitality! Andy will take care of you!
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Fairways at Ocean Ridge
Kaikoura

The apartments are amazing! Laundry was available, perfect after a couple of weeks on the road. I would rent this place for a month and live happily!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Shakespeare B&B
Te Anau

So close to anything you need in Te Anau!

Authenticity & Character
So much character!
Location
Staff
Liz and Nathan were absolutely great hosts!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Jet Boat the Shotover River
Jet Boat the Shotover River
Queenstown (NZ)
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Walk the famous Milford track and cruise on Milford Sound (day tour from Te Anau)
Walk the famous Milford track and cruise on Milford Sound (day tour from Te Anau)
New Zealand

Watch out for Sandflies!!! Bug spray and cover those ankles!!

Quality of Experience
Food
Perfect! The bag of food kept going!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Roo did a great job and took care of us all day!
Transport
Eco Zip Line Kaikoura
Eco Zip Line Kaikoura
Kaikōura

This is a must! So much fun and the views are spectacular!!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Charlie and Olive were great!!
Transport
Cycle the wineries - Gibbston Valley (self guided ride, includes cycle hire, E-Bike option, includes transport)
Cycle the wineries - Gibbston Valley (self guided ride, includes cycle hire, E-Bike option, includes transport)
Queenstown (NZ)

Cycling through the Gibbston Valley wineries was a fun and exciting experience, though it had its challenging moments. The suspension bridge was a bit nerve-wracking due to its narrow width, but taking it slow and steady helped. We appreciated the E-bikes as the trails were quite steep in places. We visited three wineries and enjoyed each of them, particularly the relaxed and cozy atmosphere at Gibson Tavern with their delicious stone-baked oven pizzas. Overall, it was an enjoyable day amidst beautiful vineyards!

Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Te Anau

Visiting the Te Anau Glowworm Caves was a unique experience! While it wasn't a lengthy activity, it served as a delightful icebreaker, especially with such unique views. Although the cave tour itself isn't the centerpiece of Te Anau, it complements the region's beauty and outdoor offerings quite nicely.

Skyline Gondola transport & optional Luge
Skyline Gondola transport & optional Luge
Queenstown (NZ)

The Skyline Gondola in Queenstown is a must-do activity! It provided a fantastic opportunity to get a panoramic view of the town and its breathtaking surroundings. It was a perfect, leisurely experience for our first day in Queenstown, especially since we were still feeling a bit jet-lagged from the flight. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the area!

Local specialist: Michelle Srzich
Michelle
Michelle Srzich
Local specialist in Auckland, New Zealand | Replied on Feb 05, 2026

Thanks for your review, it sounds like you really had a blast in the South Island. I hope we see you back here again some time for the North - there are some great golf courses there too! Michelle