Absolutely 5 star experience, starting with N...
New Zealand | Nov 28 - Dec 10, 2025

J
J B.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Dec 22, 2025

Absolutely 5 star experience, starting with Noemie. She was so great to work with, carefully taking into account various details to plan a wonderful trip across North and South islands of New Zealand- not only what we wanted to see and do, but also logistical needs noting we were traveling with our 2 year old, wanted accommodations that offered laundry, did not want to rent a car/bring our car seat, etc. She also noted it was my wife's birthday and added a few special surprises for it. Noemie was so patient, revising different details during the planning process to accommodate budget and even taking the time to jump on a Zoom call with us to say hello and make sure we did not have any questions before our trip. All arrangements worked out perfectly- transports, accommodations, experiences. Even when weather forced a couple of changes, Noemie and her team, as well as the provider, quickly communicated and processed refunds. A few of our favorites: (1l Queenstown gondola for spectacular views, (2) steamboat cruise to a working sheep farm and fantastic lunch, (3) dolphin cruise from Akaroa where we saw dolphins, penguins and seals, (4) geothermal park in Rotorua, (5) Lord of the Rings movie set in Hobbiton. Overall incredible scenery throughout the trip, especially considering it was the start of summer. The colors- greens and turquoise blues were amazing. We definitely want to go back and will plan in working with Noemie and team again. Highly recommend!!

Hotel Reviews
Adina City Life Auckland
Auckland

Great location, spacious apartment with laundry. Good gym and pool. Exactly what we needed.

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Ramada Suites Queenstown
Queenstown

Walkable to town and child friendly park. Great little cafe for breakfast and other meals. Very family friendly and wondeful staff.

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Woolshed Suites Tekapo
Tekapo

Spacious with alot of natural light. Walkable to shops/restaurants within small village. Nice view of church and Lake.

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Sudima
Christchurch

Walkable to various areas. Wonderful staff that gave our daughter a stuffed animal at check in!

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Sudima Lake Rotorua
Rotorua

Comfortable hotel. Good lakefront location walkable to town. We were prepared for a bit of the sulfur smell from the proximity to the lake, but it wasn't bad at all and we couldn't really smell it from town anyway.

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Activity Reviews
Akaroa Dolphins Cruise
Akaroa Dolphins Cruise
New Zealand

We enjoyed the bus ride to Akaroa and stopping in a village on the way. As for Akaroa, what a beautiful, quaint harbortown. The cruise was great- we saw dolphins, seals, and penguins. Fun staff too. Highly recommend!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Wai-O-Tapu
Wai-O-Tapu
New Zealand

Also a must see if you are in the area! The geyser experience is underwhelming because the eruption is manufactured, but the geothermal park afterward exceeded our expectations. A very pleasant walk around the park at your own pace. Amazing colors and fascinating formations. We were there for about 90 minutes and were able to do the walk with our 2 year old in a stroller.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Our transport company from our hotel to the park and back was ReadytoRoll Shuttles- the owner was our driver and he was awesome- funny, friendly, knowledgeable.
Historic Steamship Cruise to Walter Peak Farm + Lunch BBQ
Historic Steamship Cruise to Walter Peak Farm + Lunch BBQ
Queenstown (NZ)

We loved this experience as did our 2 year old! Riding a coal powered steamboat was a unique experience! Beautiful scenery- the water, mountains, but most of all the farm. We really enjoyed getting to see the demonstration of a sheepdog rounding up sheep. Wonderful buffet lunch too. Highly recommend.

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Local specialist: Noemie Botha
Noemie
Noemie Botha
Local specialist in Auckland | Replied on Dec 22, 2025

Thank you so much for this incredible review! It was an absolute pleasure planning your trip and making those special touches for your family. I’m thrilled everything worked out perfectly and that you had such a memorable experience in New Zealand. Your kind words mean the world to me and my team—we can’t wait to welcome you back for your next adventure!