Monika and KIMKIM: Thank you for helping make our trip to Aotearoa an amazing experience.
New Zealand
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Feb 23 - Mar 25, 2026
Monika and KIMKIM:
Thank you for helping to make our trip to Aotearoa an amazing experience. Your arrangements were flawless and made our busy schedule flow easily. I enjoyed the Great Barrier Island backpack trip, the Aotea Trek, arranged by Mike. The scenic drives around the country were a pleasure, especially Rotorua to New Plymouth and Oamaru to Queenstown. The Transalpine Rail trip and hike were a highlight. The backpack trip up the Caples and Greenstone Rivers was fantastic. And I really enjoyed the Doubtful Sound Cruise, kayaking and diving into the Doubtful Sound from our ship, the Navigator. I also enjoyed the time we spent on Kapiti Island, birdwatching, hiking and learning more about the Maori culture and New Zealand's conservation efforts. I would love to come back and slow the pace a bit.
Hotel Reviews
The Museum Apartment Hotel lobby was filled with interesting artwork, which gave the property a unique character. However, since we mainly used the hotel as a place to sleep, the overall stay did not feel especially memorable. The biggest advantage of the hotel is its excellent location, with close proximity to the port, museums, cultural center, and a variety of eateries.
Staying in Christchurch at the Adina Heritage Christchurch was wonderful. We found the city to be an intriguing mix of old and new, with plenty of art and culture to immerse ourselves. Each of us found a special item to bring home, making the stay even more memorable.
The Millennium Hotel Queenstown was a perfect base for exploring the area. Even though the town was a bit congested due to its popularity, the central location of our accommodation offered easy access to explore Queenstown and its surroundings.
The Sudima Auckland City was a great choice for our stay. Every time we came, everything was just perfect. We felt well settled and comfortable, which was a wonderful start to our trip in New Zealand.
Although it was overcast and we couldn't see the mountain from our hike near Mt Taranaki, our glimpses of the mountain while driving were spectacular. Our stay at The Nice Hotel was a bit of an enigma for us. It is a charming older two- or three-story property with beautifully remodeled rooms that preserve the building’s original character. During our stay, there was an outdoor Scottish wedding taking place directly outside our rooms. While it was certainly lively and unexpected, the event created some privacy concerns due to the proximity of the event space to the guest rooms. To the hotel’s credit, once management was informed, the celebration was wrapped up promptly at 10 PM, and the situation was handled professionally. We all have fond memories the place, and the Scottish music.
Activity Reviews
Exploring the 'Forgotten World Highway' from Taumarunui to Stratford was a true highlight. We chose to drive the scenic route rather than take the train, and the experience was remarkable with its beautiful landscapes. It was a bit of a road trip already but totally worth it.
The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony tour was an extraordinary experience. Despite being a protected environment, watching those little penguins come out of the ocean was magical. Seeing 50 or 60 penguins waddle across was unique and a standout part of our trip.
The Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise on the Real NZ Fiordland Navigator was a trip highlight. From kayaking to jumping into the sound, and meeting fascinating people onboard, it was a memorable and adventurous experience. We appreciated the unique opportunity to connect more closely with fellow travelers.
Hi Pam,
Thank you so much for your lovely message — I’m really happy to hear you had such an incredible experience in Aotearoa and enjoyed all the adventures and highlights along the way.
It was a real pleasure helping plan your trip, and I wish you many more memorable memories and trips ahead.
Warm regards,
Monika