A true taste of New Zealand
New Zealand | Mar 21 - Apr 1, 2023

Laura
Laura H.
De Pere, WI | Reviewed on Apr 06, 2023

Our first trip abroad was nothing short of amazing thanks to the excellent planning of our local specialist, Vickie. She called us ahead of our trip to ask questions and help us through some details as this was our first time traveling abroad. Once we arrived in Auckland and throughout our visit everything went smoothly. Our accommodations were perfect. When we arrived at 6:30 AM our first day, we were given complimentary early check-in at the reception. Throughout our 12 day stay we truly got to experience a wide variety of places and activities on both the North and South islands. Vickie wove together an itinerary that flowed well and allowed us to do something special and uniquely New Zealand every day. The only thing I would change if we have the opportunity to visit again is to stay longer! There still is so much more to see and do! We felt we easily could have stayed 2-3 days more in the cities we visited.

Hotel Reviews
M Social
Auckland

M Social was our first accommodation when we arrived to New Zealand at 6:30 in the morning. When our driver dropped us off at the hotel they had a room available for us and we were given complimentary early check-in. That was such a welcomed delight after 20 hours of travel! Everything was clean and the breakfast buffet had a wide variety of tasty offerings. The staff was pleasant and welcoming. I would definitely stay here again.

Authenticity & Character
Everything was modern and the room had encouraging sayings on the walls. The sliding bathroom wall was unique.
Location
It was located downtown and right on the harbor.
Staff
Everyone was kind and welcoming.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Scenic Hotel Cotswold
Christchurch

We stayed here for a total of three nights on our visit to the South Island. One night before we departed to tour the island and then for two before we caught our flight home. Our accommodation was roomy for 3 traveling adults. We loved having separate bedrooms with the living area to share. The heated bathroom floor was an added bonus! What ended up being the best we’re the e-bikes they have available for rental. We used them on our free day to explore Christchurch. Hagley park is located close by and has lots of trails to enjoy. Plus the botanical gardens is just over a mile walking distance away. All of the people working reception were kind, courteous, and welcoming.

Authenticity & Character
The place has the look and character of a little village.
Location
Close to amazing restaurants, Hagley Park and botanical garden.
Staff
Everyone is very friendly.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Our room was very clean and looks as though it was recently remodeled. Their weight and exercise room and bathroom is hopefully their next place to update.
The Hermitage Hotel
Mount Cook Village

Being able to look out our window to see Mt. Cook was nothing short of amazing. The sky windows are awesome for experiencing sleeping under the breath taking night sky. We stayed in the motel that had a full kitchen for making your own meals. However we did not do that for our single night stay. We had breakfast and dinner up at the lodge. The timing was such that we had the buffet meals. The food was delicious with a wide variety of choices. The wait staff was outstanding!

Authenticity & Character
Modern comfort in the middle of natural beauty!
Location
Being right in Mt Cook National Park is spectacular. We could fit in a hike before dark.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Our lodging had heated towel racks. Everything was spotless and welcoming.
Clearbrook Motels Wanaka
Wanaka

This place is truly a home away from home. Everything was clean and welcoming. Having a washer and drier was perfect as we were midway through our trip.

Authenticity & Character
It was a very relaxing place and we loved the loft and high windows.
Location
Located walking distance to the city center and around the corner from the food trucks.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rainforest Retreat
Franz Josef Glacier

A very unique place to stay. It truly is in the rainforest. They had a kitchenette in the room with Keurig coffee maker, hot water heater, electric frother and toaster available.

Authenticity & Character
It has a feel of being in the forest but still having our comforts and conveniences.
Location
It is walking distance to everything in Fraz Josef.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was welcoming upon arrival.
Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront
Queenstown

A nice place to stay. Accommodation is average.

Authenticity & Character
It has a lovely open reception area.
Location
Close to downtown and a park walking/running trail.
Staff
They responded kindly and curiously.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sudima Lake Rotorua
Rotorua

Our lodging was spacious and comfortable.

Authenticity & Character
It is a normal hotel environment.
Location
Located right near the geothermal lake and also walking distance to anything downtown. Once we had our car parked and were checked in we were able to do everything there by foot.
Staff
Everyone was friendly, kind and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Okarito Lagoon Guided Kayak Trip
Okarito Lagoon Guided Kayak Trip
Franz Josef Glacier

We were blessed to have a clear beautiful calm day! The whole experience was relaxing and magical. Our guide, native of Ohio, did a wonderful job sharing the history of the area and educating us about the environment and wildlife of the area.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
We really enjoyed our guide. He was personable and very energetic. He seems to enjoy what he is doing.
Transport
It was a very short ride from town to the lake.
Wanaka Bike Tours - Hawea to Wanaka
Wanaka Bike Tours - Hawea to Wanaka
Wānaka

This bike ride was one of the highlights of our visit. The trail was beautiful as it followed the path of the river.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our driver dropped us off after giving us a brief rundown of the trail. He gave us his phone number and was available for questions if we needed anything.
Transport
Milford Sound Coach/Nature Cruise ex ZQN + Lunch
Milford Sound Coach/Nature Cruise ex ZQN + Lunch
Queenstown (NZ)

This day trip is nothing short of amazing! It is a must see for everyone visiting New Zealand South Island! Having a bus ride in allows for everyone to enjoy the view of the twisty turny drive to Milford Sound.

Quality of Experience
We were very fortunate to have some rain the day we visited. It made for spectacular waterfalls!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Brian, our driver was extremely knowledgeable about everything on this tour. He shared a wealth of information in a very interesting and entertaining way. Plus he definitely is an expert driver handling all the difficult motorways there!
Transport
Te Pā Tū Māori Feast & Performance
Te Pā Tū Māori Feast & Performance
Rotorua

The entire evening is a delightful experience. The event is designed to make friends with the Māori village and fellow travelers. We learned much about the history and culture of the Māori people and enjoyed taking part in activities, listening to their music and enjoying superior hospitality for dinner. This is a must for a North Island visit to New Zealand. Added plus, they pick you up from your accommodation to take you to the village.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our hostess in the drive to and from did an awesome job making everyone feel welcome and did an excellent job explaining things. Plus she has a beautiful singing voice!
Transport
TSS Earnslaw Farm Tour & Dinner
TSS Earnslaw Farm Tour & Dinner
Queenstown (NZ)

This was a wonderful farm to table experience. The sheep shearing and sheep herding demonstration is amazing for those of us unfamiliar with this environment.

Quality of Experience
Food
I highly recommend the sticky date pudding! It’s like a bit of heaven!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
All of the staff were top notch. Positive atmosphere and all were friendly.
Transport
The boat ride makes the experience special. However I can’t give it a 5 star because the sound system on the boat needs an upgrade or update. We couldn’t understand what was being said as it was all muffled.
Hobbiton Tour
Hobbiton Tour
New Zealand

This is a must for LOTR and Hobbit fans! And even if you aren’t this setting is like stepping into a magical fairytale land! It is something everyone who visits New Zealand should take in! Ending the tour having a drink at the Green Dragon is an opportunity to meet and talk with other travelers from all over the world if you so choose.

Quality of Experience
It was fun! Our guide was enthusiastic and this made the tour extra fun!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The bus ride was comfortable going out and the video does a nice job setting the tone for the experience.
Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari
Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari
Auckland

This was a great experience to get out on the waters near Auckland. However on our tour we did not see any whales or dolphins. But we did get a lifetime voucher to come back anytime to try again.

Quality of Experience
It was great to experience the water, but would be better if we saw whales or dolphins. However this is something you have to realize when you take these tours. The wildlife doesn’t show up on command or our schedule.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
They stayed positive and were very kind and tuned into the needs of the passengers.
Transport
We felt safe and comfortable under their expert handling of the cruise ship.
Explore the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
Explore the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
New Zealand

Kayaking in the moonlight makes this adventurous! We were able to experience seeing the glow worms in a few different caves. Another highlight was the beauty of the night sky! Our guides did a great job leading us in the darkness. This is a unique New Zealand experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Vickie Parrack
Vickie
Vickie Parrack
Local specialist in Wanaka | Replied on May 22, 2023

Hi Laura,

Thank you so much for your review. I know traveling abroad for the first time can be a daunting experience so I am so happy you felt comfortable and cared for. I certainly had a blast working with you. And your photo's WOW! Really reminds me why I love my job so much.

Wishing you all the best

Vickie