Client Reports and Feedback from 2005/2006

Jeff Copeland McLean, VA



Roger Bacon Poulsbo, WA



Bruce & Sue Garrett Kennewick, WA



Randy & Lorrane Barba Kenilworth, IL



Ray & Marian Christensen Woodside, CA



Harvey & Peggy Hinman Atherton, CA



Jim & Sheri Hammond Gilbert, AZ



Julien & Lynn Meyer Roanoke, VA



John & Tina Read South Dartmough, MA

Dear Mike:

Before we leave for home tomorrow on Christmas Day, I wanted to let you know that the trip you planned for Brett and myself has been truly one of the best experiences of our lives. Each location you chose for us and each of the accommodations has exceeded our expectations. The people have been friendly, the scenery spectacular, the food delicious and the fishing wonderful.

Our two fishing guides, Ed, in Queenstown and Paul at Lake Rotoroa, were both top notch guides and fine and enjoyable gentlemen. We have learned a huge amount about fly fishing (as you recall we were rookies) and caught some beautiful fish. Brett caught the 7 pound brown on his 24th birthday (December 23) with Paul on the Owen River near Rotoroa. It took 15 minutes to land. Talk about exciting! What a great birthday gift. I caught the 4 pounder with Ed on the Greenstone outside of Queenstown on our third day. We were helicoptered in for fishing that day. Then, at about 3:00 p.m., we were picked up for a flight over Milford Sound and landings at Quill Lake and a glacier. Truly one of the most exciting days of our lives!

So that you know, your name is uttered at the Rotoroa Lodge with utter reverence and ultimate respect and gratitude by all. Literally everyone we have spoken to whose trips were planned by your office simply holds you and your staff in total esteem. I have therefore coined the word 'McLellandites!' It is, believe me, a very devoted fan club!

With that, let me express our deepest thanks and our best wishes to you and your staff for the happiest of holidays. We look forward to future adventures down under with your help.

I first went to NZ with Mike and BofNZ's teams help in 2001, and since then we have made the trip once or twice a year. (Incidentally, Mike did not ask me to write this.) I am writing to you because I believe so strongly in the great experience one has working with the BoNZ team. I believe making NZ travel plans any other way is a mistake, and have recommended Mike to several friends and neighbors. Mike and his colleagues truly cut a wide swath in NZ tourism, and having him arrange your trip is a great decision.

Let me put it this way. Every time my wife, son, and I have presented ourselves at a vendor in NZ, and they realize Mike sent us, the atmosphere goes from good to great. At every stop, whether a rental car counter, fishing lodge, B&B, or kayaking outfitter, the fact that we are BoNZ clients made a difference to them, which in turn made a difference to us in the experience we had.

A couple of years ago our flight to Queenstown was diverted to Invercargill by weather. We faced a two hour bus trip back to Q'town, driving past our destination, and then an hour long return drive. Everybody on the plane was unhappy. I strolled up to the Avis counter, and pulled out my BoNZ voucher. While everyone else was being turned away because they had no cars, the Avis guy took me aside, asked me what kind of car I would prefer, and then loaded our luggage into the boot. As we pulled out of the parking lot the rest of my unhappy fellow travelers were boarding the bus to Q'town.