Kimkim Trip Reviews

KimKim did a wonderful job of putting together an engaging holiday that was a rich cultural experience far exceeding the usual trip to a Mexican resort. The travel agent advised us to rent a car, which I was reluctant to do. However, they provided us with strong support which really helped us prepare to drive with confidence. The guided tours - Chichen-Itza, the ruins at Tulum, snorkelling with sea turtles and, the half day at the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve were varied and in-depth and well organized and timed.

I would not have changed anything - the trip was awesome.

I put off writing this review for a few days after our trip just to see if my thoughts and feelings might change. I'm actually feeling more wistful about our time in Morocco. My photos show me in markets and madrasas, ruins and modern boulevards, beautiful roads and restaurants... and now I think I will have to go back.
I know everyone compliments their guides and planners. I enjoyed and appreciate their care and thoughtfulness. Thank you for combining these wonderful sites into a thrilling 9 days. Morocco Immersion indeed.
My greatest thanks go to Jamal, our driver and manager. It's been over 40 years since I've done a road trip with just the boys. Even better, I didn't have to do any of the driving!
Of course, Jamal was a safe, courteous, and considerate driver. Of course, he offered us many opportunities to stretch our legs or grab a photo. Of course, he had suggestions where we should stop and just enjoy the countryside, feel the sunshine, and smell the air.
I know other drivers will do this too.
Jamal showed me so much more than Morocco. He showed me a people and a culture and an appreciation for this corner of the beautiful blue marble I live on. There is Morocco... and there is Maghreb.
I spent nine days with one of my oldest besties and we were guided through an adventure I couldn't have imagined us ever sharing when we met 50 years ago. He's here. I have that.
I hope you enjoy your Morocco vacation. I know your guides and manager will be thorough and professional.
I pray that you get Jamal as your guide. When you're walking through the departure gate, you'll realize the hand shake and embrace you just received were from a new friend that really cared about creating memories and not just making sure you rode the meanest camel in the caravan.

We had a very fun and memorable trip thanks to Mathia and KimKim. The itinerary he planned for us was everything we asked for. The hotels we stayed at were really nice and in a central location so that it was easy for us to walk everywhere. Public transportation and getting between cities in a foreign country didn’t seem like such an arduous task thanks to mathia’s planning and instructions. Mathia was easy to reach if we needed anything and he was very accommodating considering we had to change our two-person trip to a three-person one last minute. Kimkim and Mathia made our vacation planning easy and painless I would use them again for planning future vacations.

We had a fantastic trip!
Joseph was extremely helpful, patient, and always responsive. He worked with us and adjusted the trip to all our requests until we had the trip we always dreamed of. During the journey, it all went smoothly, and he was still available when we needed him. Somewhat more expensive than anticipated, but truly a great experience.

Activity Reviews

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Kenya

It was so heartwarming to see all of the great work that is happening at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and of course, who doesn't love seeing these amazing beings up close. Loved every minute of the experience.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Lake Naivasha Hells Gate National Park

Kenya

So fun!! Beautiful place

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Jon created a trip plan that tailored everything perfectly as we wanted to do! Everything....down to the times and places were precisely as written in my plan! Everything was so perfectly set for us, all of the pick ups and tours and flights etc. I can't say enough about how well this was done, I am truly thankful I planned this part of our trip with Jon. During the trip, if I asked a question on the app, they responded right away, no questions left unanswered. Again, everything was absolutely perfect and I would definitely book with Jon and KimKim again. Thank you!!

Hotel Reviews

Desert Gardens Hotel

Yulara

Lovely hotel in the desert, WIFI could use a little boost otherwise everything was beautiful and as expected. Very clean. Free Laundry facilities a plus!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Pacific Hotel Cairns

Cairns

Great hotel in a wonderful area, we felt like we were in the rainforest every morning with the bird sounds. Great location, close to the Esplanade and Marina.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour

Sydney

Great Hotel in the heart of darling Harbor! Easy to walk around the city and shop. Could use laundry facility in the hotel otherwise it was a great hotel and beautiful area.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Wintjiri Wiru Aboriginal Drone Show: After Dark

Uluru

Drone show was cancelled due to the winds. Laser light show instead

Quality of Experience

Staff still tried to make it a wonderful experience, drinks and food were superb

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kata Tjuta Sunset Tour

Uluru

Lovely sunset experience, There was sparkling wine and cheese and crackers given out during sunset

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Uluru - Camel to Sunrise

Uluru

Great experience! So fun watching the sunrise and having the experience of riding the camels through the desert!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Desert Awakenings Tour with Voyages

Uluru

Excellent breakfast and morning watching the sunrise, then over to to Uluru

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Down Under Cruise Evolution

Cairns

Snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef experience was amazing! Long day, could have used it to have been a little shorter of a day otherwise it was perfect

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kadri arranged a thoughtfully curated itinerary. The travel arrangements were very easy to follow. Both small group tours were led by experienced guides who were very engaging and included extra details that made each experience memorable. Would definitely recommend Kadri and Kimkim to others traveling to Norway.

Hotel Reviews

Opus XVI

Bergen

Authenticity & Character

Location

A short walk to the wharf and UNESCO site.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Flåmsbrygga Hotel

Flåm

Authenticity & Character

Location

Next door to micro brewery and central tourism area.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Continental

Oslo

Authenticity & Character

Location

Walking distance from Central train station.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Winter Snowshoe hike

Flåm

Our guide was very knowledgeable and pointed out several areas and facts of interest throughout out hike. A memorable moment was stopping at the fjord lookout and taking in the quiet and grand beauty. Our guide even brought a warm beverage and chocolate treat for us all to enjoy before we set on the return hike.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Bergen: A Walk Through Past and Present

Bergen

It says a lot that in a driving rain Dane was able to keep our group engaged AND rather dry for two hours. The content covered in the Walk Through Past and Present gave a solid foundation of historical Bergen culture and how it has evolved to present day. Our guide frequently called out Bergen facts that also related to the home country of each participant. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting Bergen and/or Norway for the first time.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Dane was an incredible guide. Very personable and made the walk and talk entertaining and fact filled. He encouraged questions and provided many insights in response.

Boat Trip and Dinner at Cornelius Seafood Restaurant

Bergen

The staff greeted out boat upon arrival and escorted each guest inside. During dinner the owner stopped by each table to greet and welcome, in addition to giving the entire restaurant a brief back story to the origin of Cornelius and the island itself. The food was a culinary treat - five courses each with unique combinations of flavors and presentation. Very extensive wine selection. A luxury to have unrushed fine dining in a unique setting only accessible via boat. (or helicopter) The staff then came out on the dock to wave goodbye - even in the pouring rain! A warm and memorable experience. Have already recommended this place to others and would definitely return.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Overall our experience with KimKim was great. Communication with them before the trip was excellent and the guides assigned to us were great for the most part.

We had a fabulous time the accommodations were vastly diffferent but it made it an even more of an experience. We loved it.. we will use KImkim again..

Embarking on a journey to Peru is a dream for many, but with Anne's expertise and meticulous planning, it became an unforgettable reality. From the moment we decided to explore this enchanting country to the very last day of our 9-day expedition, Anne's passion for travel and attention to detail shone brightly, ensuring every aspect of our trip was nothing short of perfection.

Anne's dedication to crafting a personalized itinerary tailored to our preferences was evident from the start. She took the time to listen attentively to our interests, weaving together a diverse tapestry of experiences that showcased the rich cultural tapestry and natural wonders of Peru. In addition, we were celebrating my 30th birthday, and each tour guide and hotel we were paired with took the extra time to recognize this special occasion. It made me feel very special!

Our adventure began in Lima, where Anne's thoughtful selection of accommodations provided us with a luxurious haven amidst the bustling capital. Her recommendations for must-visit landmarks and hidden gems allowed us to delve into the city's vibrant history and culinary delights with ease.

As we journeyed onwards to Cusco, the heart of the ancient Inca Empire, Anne paired us with an amazing local tour guide - Miguel. Miguel's expertise truly shone. Miguel led us through the cobblestone streets, sharing captivating tales of the city's storied past, We loved how connected Miguel was to his culture/history. From exploring the majestic ruins of Machu Picchu to wandering through the colorful markets of Pisac, every moment felt like a discovery guided by an expert hand.

One highlight of our trip was the breathtaking trek along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Anne's meticulous planning and Miguel's wonderful hospitality. Both ensured our safety and comfort throughout the journey, with comfortable accommodations, and gourmet meals that fueled our spirits as we traversed the rugged terrain.

Anne's passion for sustainable travel was evident in every aspect of our journey, from supporting local artisans to choosing eco-friendly transportation options. Her commitment to responsible tourism not only enriched our experience but also ensured that the communities we visited thrived in harmony with nature.

Throughout our 9-day odyssey, Anne's unwavering support and attention to detail surpassed all expectations. Her warmth, professionalism, and genuine love for Peru left an indelible mark on our hearts, turning a mere vacation into a transformative adventure of a lifetime.

In summary, Anne's expertise as a travel planner is unparalleled. If you're seeking an extraordinary journey filled with authenticity, adventure, and unforgettable memories, look no further than Anne to guide you on your next Peruvian escapade.

Hotel Reviews

Iberostar Selection Miraflores

Lima

Very friendly staff, great food/drink menu, and amazing beds/pillows!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Casa Cartagena Boutique Hotel

Cusco

This hotel is an old colonial house. From the second you walk in you can feel/see history. The location is perfect you are streets away from the main city square of Cusco- mins from shops, restaurants, and bars. The staff at this hotel are very attentive - bringing in fresh tea and treats along with or bags when checked in. I would love to stay here again!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba

Urubamba

This hotel makes you feel like you are a queen tucked away by the beautiful landscape. The view is breathtaking. In addition, the staff went out of their way to set up meals we ordered for room service, called 1.5 later to clean it up, and offered breakfast packs for us to take for our 6am journey to Machu Picchu without an extra charge. Amazing staff and management!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Machu Picchu Excursion: from Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Peru

Miguel was an amazing tour guide and we feel lucky to have been paired with him. He was friendly kind, and warm. It was great having him to walk us through Macchu Pichu because he was a fountain of knowledge about the site itself and Peruvian history. We admired how connected he was to his culture. I couldn’t say enough good things about him, his knowledge, and his hospitality. 1000% would recommend him!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

My trip to Iceland was unusual. That is why I thought I needed a guide. And it turns out that was correct.
I went to Iceland in March (not necessarily the most beautiful time to visit) but the perfect time for me because ALL I wanted to do is see Aurora. Sleep in very late every day and stay up to 2am to watch the sky. So what I needed was expert pre-trip advice to decide on the best places to maximize my chances and daily real-time advice during the trip to possible head to a different location with less clouds. That is exactly what Gudmundur ("Gummi") did for me.
1) He listened to my (admittedly odd request) and provided the pre-trip and real time advice I needed. Seeing Aurora is very much a lucky chance event; they are either out and it is cloudless or not. But I was able to see Aurora all 4 nights I was in Iceland. Of course this was lucky, but my "luck" was very much improved by the expert advice I received. The 4th night I had to drive over 250 km to get to a new location that was going to be cloud free that night. A bit crazy, yes, but that is what I was there for.
Gummi was able to help identify a good place to go and reserve an Inn for me to stay so all I had to do was drive there. And it worked. Completely cloud free excellent dark Northern view for Aurora viewing on my last night.
Of course he was knowledgeable of the more interesting beautiful and important sites of the are also. But his listening and guidance during the trip is what I wanted and what I received.
5 Stars.
-Jeff White

We loved our trip. Two of the planned activities were canceled last minute by the vendor (it was the same vendor for both), but this was out of KimKim's control and we received a full refund. The best day of our trip was when we took a guided hike in Tossa de Mar in Costa Brava with Ramon. Ramon was definitely the best person we interacted with for the whole trip. He was very kind and helpful. We even had lunch with him and he gave some great recommendations. I would use KimKim again in the future and I would recommend it to others.

Hotel Review

Hotel Astoria

Barcelona

Very beautiful and the staff was great, but the room was so noisy. We could here everything in the halls, every door open and shut, and the traffic outside too. Also, the curtains were transparent and the was no way to block the windows for privacy or to keep the sunlight out in the morning.

Authenticity & Character

beautiful inside and out

Location

walkable to the metro and busses

Staff

very helpful and friendly, gave recommendations, and were happy to speak English

Cleanliness & Comfort

very clean, slightly uncomfortable because of the noise and the transparent curtains

Activity Reviews

Barcelona by e-Bike, Boat & Cable Car

Barcelona

This was canceled for "operational issues." I suspect that there weren't enough people booked for the event so they canceled. The same vendor canceled another event last minute as well.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Park Güell & La Sagrada Família

Barcelona

Amazing, Cristina was a great guide. She was very knowledgable and helpful!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Costa Brava Hike & Tossa De Mar Day Trip

Barcelona

Ramon's guide was THE BEST PART of our entire trip to Barcelona. He was great and Costa Brava is beautiful. This is a MUST DO!

Quality of Experience

Perfect!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Ramon was the best guide we had for the whole trip!

Transport

private van!

Evening Tapas Walk in Barcelona

Barcelona

This was canceled last minute for "operational issues" and they could not provide any more details as to why. The same vendor canceled another activity we had planned as well. We were issued a full refund for both.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Day Trip to Montserrat & Scenic Hike

Barcelona

Stepan was great, very knowledgable. I would do this again.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We had a glitch with the planning on the platform that took a few calls to straighten out but the response was thorough and everything was fixed. Our planned itinerary went off without a hitch. All rides showed up on time. The activities were fun and the highlight of each day. The guides were all good. Some were better than others. Otto from Defesino can sing like a pro. Axel in Monteverde is a student of the forest.
I would have changed our lodging in La Fortuna (Las Colinas) if I had known better. In the city it is LOUD.
The Villa Lodge in Monteverde was nice with a great lab named Bobby. In hindsight, I would have liked a viewpoint. I didn't realize how far we were from the beach in Manuel Antonio and would suggest renting a scooter or something to get around better.
Using Kimkim made the trip happen. No one had to dig through every step and figure it out.
Next time I will research the lodgings and location better. It would be helpful for Kimkim to offer what a little more expensive and or cheaper alternative might be. I will use Kim kim again.

Hotel Reviews

Hampton Inn & Suites San Jose Airport

Alajuela

short nights stay for an early flight. clean, comfortable, not much for food options in the area unless you are a fan of Denny's

Authenticity & Character

It's standard

Location

close to airport for early flights

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Naoz

Manuel Antonio

Nice, clean, friendly. In the main area so not close to the beach. Small sized rooms for two queen beds. Nice pool.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Monteverde Villa Lodge

Monteverde

Big rooms, clean, nice garden area to hang in. Bobby the Lodge Lab was awesome. Friendly staff. If it had a view I would give it a 5

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Las Colinas

Fortuna

LOUD. Motorcycles all day and late into the night echo throughout the town. Nice staff, room was basic but fine. The restaurant staff downstairs , Balcon Arenal, was great.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Self-Guided Manuel Antonio Beaches

Manuel Antonio

A beach worth visiting. The far beach was closed.

Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall

Arenal/La Fortuna

Hugo was a good guide. Knowledgable. Great views. Not sure if you need a guide for this one other than to make the day plug and play.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Canyoning in the Lost Canyon

Arenal/La Fortuna

Staff made the experience safe and fun. The groups height anxieties went away. Beautiful canyon and a great way to see a sliver of the interior country.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private: Stand-Up Paddle Boarding on Lake Arenal

Arenal/La Fortuna

Otto was a fun guide. He sings and teaches you to dance. Incredible viewpoint of the volcano.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

El Tigre Waterfalls Exploration

Monteverde

Very cool hike. Unique. Take the horses.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Guided Hike

Monteverde

Alex was awesome. Super thoughtful guy and a real student of the forest.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Nature Hike

Manuel Antonio

Park is not very big and is crowded in March. The monkeys were out, saw sloths, tucan. Beach is beautiful. The guide Jose found stuff to talk about and keep us entertained.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Damas Island Kayaking

Manuel Antonio

Fun ecosystem to explore. Hugo was really good. Authentic experience.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our trip was incredible! KIM KIM was so easy to use and having the app to communicate with them was great! Everything they set up for us was incredible. Hotels, food and wine tours, private transfers. I would totally recommended this service to anyone!

Hotel Reviews

Locanda Leon Bianco on the Grand Canal

Venice

Amazing location and history of the hotel Right of the river. We slept with the windows open to have the nice breeze of the river.

Authenticity & Character

old school feel and nicely updated to feel luxurious

Location

Convenient to everything

Staff

so kind and friendly

Cleanliness & Comfort

very clean

Albergo Terminus

Como

WOWWWWW! room 300 with the private terrace was incredible! The room overlooked the lake and the breakfast was so die for! Centrally located to everything.

Authenticity & Character

just wow ! get the room with the terrace

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Evening Aperitivo - Navigli Street Food Tour

Milan

Loved Julia. She brought us to amazing places and she was so fun

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Market & Cicchetti Venice Food & Wine Tour - Semi Private

Venice

Guilia was amazing! She brought us to such fun places and so funny to talk to! We loved her

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Milan Wine Tasting Experience

Milan

Marco brought us to places we would have never been able to find if it wasn't for him! Great food and wine suggestions

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Venice Gondola Ride with Prosecco

Venice

so beautiful and a 1 hour with Processco is the way to do it!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Fresh Pasta Class in Lake Como

Lake Como

It was inside someones house and all hand made by us! it was one of the best pasta dishes we had all week

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Ashely organized everything good and made it very stress free and was very good at communication with the group. I will surely use kimkim again.

Ashley planned a great tri for our group everything went according to plan from pick up to the tours and departures
The transportation was great and so were the guides who were very knowledgeable

Hotel Reviews

TK123 Hanoi Hotel

Not too clean

Location

Cleanliness & Comfort

White Lotus Hue Hotel

Hue

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Cozy Hoian Boutique Villas

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Doris Cruise

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

LCS Hotel

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Onboarding - Lan Ha Bay – Ba Trai Dao/ Tra Bau (Doris Cruise)

Vietnam

Quality of Experience

Food

Hue Citadel - Travel to Hoi An

Hue

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Explore the History and Beauty of Hanoi - Full Day Sightseeing (without lunch)

Hanoi

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We had an awesome trip that was planned by Mathilde. She was very responsive and met all of our needs. Thank you for your assistance!

Easily one of the best trips we have ever taken. New experiences. Everything well planned. It was easy to discuss things with Moonika. The snowmobile tour with sauna and dinner in Akaslompolo was certainly one of the best experiences we had in this trip. Highly recommended.

Tour guide Tao was unbelievable. Highly recommend. Will recommend Kimkim and Tao to anyone I know going to Bangkok in the future. All drivers were on time and everything went smoothly.

Activity Review

Full Day Amphawa Authentic Floating Markets

Bangkok

Did not get to do this

Booking a trip with Kimkim was easy. Veronika was fantastic and her recommendations were all spot on. The activities were enjoyed by all (not an easy feat since we also have 2 boys ages 6 and 8 years old). The domestic flights, car rentals, and train tickets were all arranged through Kimkim, and everything went smoothly. We never even thought of Lulea as a destination when we decided to visit Sweden. We are so glad that we went with Veronika's recommendation! The location of the hotels in both city was great. Centrally located. Easy access to all transportation.
One special shout out to our private tour guide in Stockholm: Gunnar. He is fantastic. Extremely knowledge, great sense of humor, and very friendly. We never felt rushed during the tour. He patiently answered all our question (and we have lots of questions!).

Hotel Reviews

Clarion Hotel Sense

Lulea

Rooms are spacious and contemporary yet warm and homey. Located within walking distance to various points of interest in town. Only 15min from airport by car. Underground parking with charging stations is very nice. The breakfast is fantastic. Staff is very friendly and helpful. We would definitely stay there again. Highly recommended.

Authenticity & Character

Location

see above

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Nordic Light Hotel

Stockholm

2 min walk from the Stockholm City train station, which made our trip to and from airport, Sigtuna, etc a breeze. The decor in our room was modern (we booked a suite since we are a family of 4 with 2 small children). The included buffet breakfast was great. The entire staff at the hotel was friendly, professional, and helpful. Check in process was easy and quick. The on-line check took mere minutes. We would definitely stay here again. Highly recommended.

Authenticity & Character

Location

2 min walking distance from the central train station. A few minutes of walking would get you to various bus/tram stops/stations.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Northern lights hunting by car!

Sweden

The guide was friendly and knowledgeable. Her enthusiasm for what she does was very evident, which really get all of us into the spirit!

Quality of Experience

Food

The hot lingonberry cider and chocolate ball pastry was delicious and timely!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Dog sled – drive yourself!

Sweden

Easily the highlight of our trip to Lulea. Definitely recommend driving the sled yourself. Beautiful scenery. These dogs are powerful! The guides were friendly and very attentive.

Quality of Experience

Food

Fika afterwards by the fireside was a great touch and much appreciated.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Stockholm Hidden Gems Tour with a Private Guide

Stockholm

So glad we booked this tour. Our guide, Gunnar, was so knowledgeable, friendly, and has a great sense of humor. The pace was leisure and yet we took in a lot of site and learned a great deal about Stockholm. Because of this tour, we got so much out of our trip than if we just went with a DIY approach.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our first road trip in many years was an amazing 18 day journey through the north and south Islands of New Zealand. Our trip planner, Asko, spent several months working with us to plan an excellent itinerary that hit all of the things we wanted to experience in this amazing country, while giving us the flexibility to modify the activities and sights based on how much we felt like doing each day. We saw fjords with glaciers and snow capped mountains, waterfalls, hot springs and we hiked in forests. We stopped in all kinds of small towns and big cities. At every location we were able to experience something new, and the hotels and food were the best available, and often 5 star quality. There is a wonderful spirit in this country and we were able to meet and interact with many locals and fellow travelers. Thanks to Asko we have great memories of a special country. Thanks!

Hotel Reviews

Sofitel Queenstown

Queenstown

Every detail was of the highest international standard. A treasure!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Fable Dunedin

Dunedin

An unusual hotel. Serious money was spent on quality materials and furnishings. However our room in the back. was very dark and difficult to get to because the elevator didn’t go there, so we had to carry our luggage up a flight of stairs. It looked as if two older buildings were combined to make the hotel.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Rooms in back are dark and hard to get to.

Distinction Luxmore Hotel

Te Anau

This hotel was the only disappointment. While the room was relatively big and clean and everything worked, the pink plastic walls and yellow plastic everywhere showed that it was cheaply furnished long ago and in serious need of updating to the standards we found everywhere else. At best, a place to sleep right next door to the bus tour pickup point for the spectacular Milford Sound. On the plus side, the attached buffet restaurant had a top quality buffet breakfast and dinner.

Authenticity & Character

Redecorate and update the quality of the rooms.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Everything needs to be updated and redecorated.

Hermitage Hotel

Mount Cook Village

AMAZING HOTEL IN AN AMAZING PLACE!!!!

Authenticity & Character

WOW

Location

WOW

Staff

WOW

Cleanliness & Comfort

WOW

Fable Auckland

Auckland

Great hotel in the middle of downtown action. Close to shopping and the ferries. Parking is not close.

Authenticity & Character

Location

The only downside was a lack of parking, and it was a bit hard to park in front. We later learned that valet parking was an option, although it was not offered by the staff when we pulled up in our car.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Sofitel Wellington

Wellington

Another nice hotel

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hilton Lake Taupo

Taupo

High end classy hotel with heated pool, sauna steam room and nice restaraunt.

Hotel Montreal

Christchurch

Nice hotel

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Powderhorn Chateau

Ohakune

Nice older hotel made of pine logs. Unique country feel. Friendly staff. Indoor heated pool. Attached restaurant looks like a fun party place during ski Eason.

Pullman Rotorua

Rotorua

Another great high end hotel near all the things you can walk to see.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Amazing Milford Sound Day tour

Te Anau

WOW! A must see for anyone visiting the area.

Meet Yellow Eyed Penguins

Dunedin

Didn’t see any wild penguins, but the ones in the rehab facility were cute. Glad to support

The Te Pō Indigenous Experience

Rotorua

So glad to support the preservation of Māori culture. That said, the presentation had 2 parts, the first was an excellent explanation of the culture prior to contact with western culture. The musical portion however, seemed to be a mix of western music and Luau style entertainment, which I thought was designed to present what might entertain rather than educate. The buffet was good, and the geyser was a natural wonder.

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

The Gourmet Food & Wine Tour

Auckland

The ferry ride was nice. We enjoyed visiting the wineries and chatting with the people who work there. The scenery was beautiful.

Quality of Experience

Food

Mostly snack size bites were not really lunch….

Guides, Drivers and Staff