Kimkim Trip Reviews

This was an amazing hotel. Our entire family loved the overall experience and wished we had more time to spend here!

This is a very basic hotel. It was clean and the outsides were beautiful and very close to nature. However, it is just off the main road and very loud. The property is dated. There was a very limited breakfast on offer that was poor! We ended up avoiding the associated restaurant.

Having never gone cliff diving, I completed one off the bucket list. The whole family would definitely do it again.

This activity was so close to nature! Everyone enjoyed the leisurely walking pace and the heights of the bridges. Would definitely recommend!

The ziplining part was truly breath taking. However, there was a very clear line of misunderstanding about what was happening and when. We were given a different itinerary from the travel agent and one at the front desk. I understand things may change. However, with small children a scheduling heads up might have helped in allowing us to better prepare what we should carry with us in terms of food and water.

Great hotel to stay and amazing service with beautiful rooms and facilities.

Extremely nice staff.

Staff was wonderful. Very accommodating. Even gave me a birthday cupcake and sang happy birthday to me. Very nice folks.

Great staff. Very helpful and pleasant. Nice rooms and good restaurant.

The suite interior had been updated but the exterior needs to be refreshed.

Very centrally located but parking is a challenge. We were very fortunate to find street parking upon arrival but never used the car again until departure because we weren’t sure we would be able to find another spot. The hotel restaurant has a limited but tasty menu. Walking to other restaurants was a bit of a walk and due to the hilly nature of Queenstown we got our exercise.

This location was actually an air bnb. The upper floor is where the owners reside when they are using their vacation home. Our unit was on the ground floor. This meant that we could hear them walking overhead and water through the plumbing. They did provide a washing machine but no dryer. They did have an outdoor line or indoor drying rack but if you’re staying for only a quick stop, your clothes may not get dry. The kitchenette was very small, just a hot plate and no prep space. Lovely views and next to a neighborhood hiking trail. There was a large covey of California Quails wandering nearby.

Very centrally located to restaurants and our booked boat cruise. We were placed in a two bedroom suite that was set up for handicapped accessibility, which unfortunately meant that the shower was open concept and it was impossible to limit the water wetting most of the bathroom floor. We ended up using most of our towels to mop up. Another quaint feature is that the front desk was in the same room as an ice cream shop.

Very centrally located. We were near numerous restaurants and shopping. We were able to easily walk to the Botanical Garden. Despite being on the first floor in a busy city, my room was very quiet. The only challenge was parking. There was a nearby parking structure and the hotel provided us with a discounted parking option but we had to pay for each departure, rather than a flat daily rate.

This hotel was comfortable and clean. Our two bedroom suite had an enormous bathing room with a jacuzzi spa and separate shower. A delightful bonus was the heated floor. We were greeted upon check-in with a basket of cookies and cartons of fresh milk for our coffee or tea. The only minor complaint is that I like to read in bed and the only light in my bedroom was an overhead light, which meant I had to walk in the dark to get to the light switch.

Conveniently located. Clean. Front desk staff were pleasant and professional. The only issue was that the door to the single bedroom was not able to close completely. The breakfast buffet was excellent. Our travel agent had prepaid for us and this made it easy to start the day quickly.

This trip is well planned and executed. There is a bus ride through the countryside to where one boards a boat to sail across Manapouri Lake to get on another bus over Wilmot Pass to get to Doubtful Sound to board another boat. The views are amazing but we, unfortunately, saw little wildlife.

Lovely views of scenery and the Remarkables, the nearby mountain range.

Very expensive and chaotic. We were there in the off season and can’t imagine going at the height of the season. The facility is being remodeled so the restaurant was unavailable. The cafeteria style service was confusing and badly organized. We ended up not eating there. The views on top were beautiful and the gondola ride itself was very smooth. However, unless you are planning on participating in the offered sport activities, such as luge, mountain biking, or ziplining, the experience doesn’t take long. We were underwhelmed.

Underwhelming. Admittedly we had cloudy skies but the VR alternative was sadly rather amateurish and somewhat boring. Additionally, the “hot springs “ were just a chlorinated pool. Since it was outdoors in the dark it felt a little scary trying to traverse our way to the pool. The guide did a good job sharing Māori legends about the night sky.

We loved this. It was wonderful learning about the Māori culture and all of the staff did a fantastic job. The singing was quite good and the dinner was fabulous. Our travel agent passed on the dietary needs of two of us and the cooks provided excellent alternatives to the set menu. Their were so many courses of delicious food and plenty for everyone.

We were very fortunate and had wonderful weather. The sailing was very smooth and the views incredible. We were fortunate to see many dolphins but only one penguin in the water at a distance. The boat captain did a great job describing what we were seeing. The water was an amazing color.

It was quite fascinating to see the geothermal area. The trails are well maintained and the information signs are educational.

Very interesting. We learned a lot about their efforts to increase the number of kiwi in the wild. Take advantage of the gift shops, if you plan on getting mementos of your trip. We definitely had buyers remorse thinking that we would wait until later in the trip to do our shopping. Their prices were actually pretty reasonable.

Loved this! It was very well organized and operated. The tour guide was excellent and we didn’t feel rushed. We would have loved to spend more time there but it is a very popular destination and they need to keep things moving along to ensure that we weren’t crowded during the tour.

Our stay at Hotel Fabian in Helsinki was absolutely wonderful and the perfect way to end our Finland trip. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere felt warm, stylish, and welcoming. The hotel itself is beautifully designed—modern yet cozy, with thoughtful touches that make you feel right at home. Our room was spacious, spotless, and comfortable, making it easy to relax after a day of exploring the city. One of the standout aspects of Hotel Fabian is its location. It’s perfectly situated within walking distance to so many of Helsinki’s highlights, yet still feels peaceful and tucked away. What truly made our stay special was the staff. Everyone we encountered was friendly, helpful, and genuinely invested in making our experience great. Whether it was recommendations, directions, or just a warm greeting, their hospitality did not go unnoticed. Hotel Fabian strikes the perfect balance between boutique charm and high-end comfort. We would absolutely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Helsinki!

Our stay at Aurora Village in Lapland was great—one of those rare experiences that feels magical from start to finish. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with such warmth and hospitality that we instantly felt at home, despite being so far from it. Though no one helped us to our cabin with such heavy luggage and mushy snow, the cabins were beautifully designed—cozy, modern, and perfectly positioned to take in the stunning Arctic surroundings and gave us a deeper appreciation for the beauty and culture of Lapland. If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime Arctic getaway, Aurora Village is it. We left with full hearts and amazing memories.

Our stay at Lapin Park Tintti Eco Cabin was truly unforgettable. From the moment we arrived, we were struck by how peaceful and beautifully remote the setting was—surrounded by pristine nature, it felt like stepping into a winter dream. The cabin itself was cozy, thoughtfully designed, and perfectly balanced rustic charm with modern comfort. Everything felt intentional, and you can really appreciate the eco-conscious approach without sacrificing comfort. What truly made this experience exceptional, though, was Terhi and Arto. They went above and beyond in every possible way to make our stay special. Their warmth, kindness, and genuine hospitality made us feel more like welcomed guests than visitors. Whether it was sharing stories, helping us experience the local culture, or simply making sure we were comfortable, they added such a personal and meaningful touch to our trip. The entire experience felt authentic, peaceful, and deeply memorable. If you’re looking for a unique getaway that connects you with nature while also offering heartfelt hospitality, Lapin Park Tintti Eco Cabin is something truly special. We left feeling refreshed, grateful, and already dreaming about coming back.

We had such a wonderful day exploring Helsinki—it was the perfect mix of charm, culture, and relaxation. The city is incredibly walkable, making it easy to take in the beautiful architecture, waterfront views, and unique design touches around every corner. We loved strolling through the local markets, enjoying fresh food and coffee, and taking in the laid-back yet vibrant atmosphere. The blend of historic sites and modern Scandinavian style made everything feel both rich in history and refreshingly current. One of the highlights was simply soaking in the peaceful pace of the city. Helsinki has a calm, welcoming energy that makes you feel instantly at ease, yet there’s still so much to see and do. From the stunning churches to the scenic harbor, every moment felt special. It was the perfect way to experience Finland beyond the winter adventures—highly recommend spending a full day here to truly appreciate everything Helsinki has to offer!

Our Northern Lights tour with professional photos was a decent experience overall—some nice highlights, but a few things that could have been better. Our guide was friendly and tried his best to create a positive atmosphere throughout the evening. He was organized and made sure everyone was taken care of, which we appreciated. The location itself was beautiful, and being out under the Arctic sky was a special experience regardless. We did see the Northern Lights but we did feel like our tour guide was in a rush to drop us off. He drove to 2 different locations and then that was it for the night. We did not get the professional photos until we got back from our trip and they were just ok. They were dark, cut off and a bit blurry. The turnaround time and/or communication around receiving them could have been clearer. It would have helped to know exactly what to expect ahead of time. Overall, it was a good experience but not quite as memorable as some of the other excursions we did in Lapland. With a few improvements and a bit more luck with the aurora, it could easily be a standout experience.

Our private glass roof sleigh ride and traditional winter net fishing excursion in Lapland was beyond incredible—truly a five-star plus experience and one we will never forget. From start to finish, everything felt exclusive, peaceful, and perfectly curated. The glass-roof sleigh ride was absolutely magical. Gliding through the quiet, snow-covered landscape while being able to look up at the open sky was such a surreal experience. It felt like we were completely immersed in the Arctic wilderness, with a sense of calm and beauty that’s hard to put into words. The traditional winter net fishing was just as memorable and unique. Learning the process from Arto, hearing the history behind it, and actually experiencing it firsthand gave us such an appreciation for this time-honored way of life. It wasn’t just an activity—it was a meaningful cultural experience that connected us to the land and traditions of Lapland. By far- my favorite excursion ever! What truly elevated this experience was the private, personalized nature of it all. Our guide Arto, was exceptional—knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely passionate. We never felt rushed and were able to fully take in each moment, ask questions, and enjoy the experience at our own pace. Every detail was thoughtfully done, and you could feel the authenticity behind it. Between the serene sleigh ride and the hands-on fishing experience, it struck the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. If you’re visiting Lapland, this is an absolute must. It’s not just five stars—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that exceeds every expectation.

Our day with the reindeer herder’s wife and family in Lapland was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience—easily a five-star highlight of our trip. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed like family into a way of life that felt both deeply authentic and incredibly special. Spending time learning about the traditions, culture, and daily rhythms of reindeer herding was so meaningful. Hearing her stories and seeing firsthand the connection between her family and the reindeer gave us a whole new appreciation for this unique lifestyle. It didn’t feel like a “tour” at all—it felt personal, genuine, and heartfelt. The day was beautifully paced, allowing us to really take it all in—from interacting with the reindeer to enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the snowy landscape, then preparing a wonderful reindeer meal followed by some arts and crafts. There was something so calming and grounding about being there, away from everything, immersed in nature and tradition. What made the experience unforgettable was her warmth and hospitality. You could feel the pride she has in her heritage and the joy she takes in sharing it with others. It left a lasting impression on us and gave us memories we will cherish forever. If you’re visiting Lapland, don’t miss this experience. It’s something truly special that goes far beyond sightseeing—it’s a genuine cultural connection that stays with you long after you leave.

Our husky safari with Sustainable Wilderness in Lapland was truly one of the highlights of our entire trip. From the moment we arrived, everything felt authentic, well-organized, and thoughtfully designed with both guests and the animals in mind. The team was incredibly warm and knowledgeable, taking the time to explain how to safely guide the sled and sharing insights about the dogs and their care. It was clear how much they genuinely love and respect their huskies—the dogs were well cared for, energetic, and clearly excited to run. Gliding through the snowy Lapland wilderness behind a team of huskies was nothing short of magical. The scenery was breathtaking—peaceful, untouched, and straight out of a postcard. It felt like such a special way to experience the Arctic landscape. What stood out most was Sustainable Wilderness’s commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. You can truly feel that they prioritize the wellbeing of their animals and the environment, which made the experience even more meaningful. If you’re visiting Lapland, this is an absolute must-do. It’s not just an activity—it’s an unforgettable experience that connects you to nature, the culture, and these incredible dogs in the best possible way.

So much fun even for the non artsy like me. Just the right amount of time, effort and neat location to explore away from. St marks square .

An elegant oasis close to the many activities of Sydney

Very friendly and helpful team… Comfortable accommodations with a nice view

Super comfortable room… Great view… Extremely helpful staff… Excellent restaurant… Perfect location from which to explore Sydney…

Although we had spent the morning watching the sunrise at the rock, the sunset was even more amazing

To watch the sun come up in such an amazing place is something we will never forget… Truly, one of the most unique places in the whole world

Although it was a very hot day, the area is dramatically beautiful, and the colors were amazing… Almost out of this world…

We had a fabulous day on our tour of the blue Mountains… Karen took us to meet Australian animals, then she took us to view the beautiful Grand Canyon of the blue Mountains… Absolutely stunning… It was a misty day, which made it even more magical…

From the fish market to the spice Alley to the tiger pie, it was a super fun afternoon… And we were very full!😊

Vickie gave us a very personalized tour… She took extra time to show us the little details and back Allyz of the rocks… She loves the history of the area and it shows! A beautiful person!

The train cabins were very small, but had very comfortable and clean beds.

great location, away from the city but very easy to get into the city whenever you want

Hotel was wonderful. Rooms were very clean, breakfast was amazing, staff were very helpful.