Carlos H.- Florida (2018-19)

Just wanted to take a moment and send a note of thanks for planning such a wonderful trip! Both my girlfriend and I had a fantastic time! She had wanted to visit New Zealand for over ten years, and I was extremely excited as well. Our favorite city was Queenstown, but Christchurch was definitely a close second. Our favorite accommodation was Queenstown House. It has beautiful views from the hilltop and the breakfast in the morning is first rate. Our stay on the farm was lovely as well. Paula, the hostess, is incredibly kind and welcoming. In addition, we both had a brilliant time on the Milford Sound day trip. The drive through the park was stunning, and we both learned a lot from the guide. Our boat journey through the fjord was spectacular. We got incredibly lucky with the weather. There was bright sunshine and no wind during our expedition. The smaller boat definitely made a difference. The underwater observatory was very interesting as well.

Next, it was onward to Dunedin. Our evening trip to the Otago Peninsula was well worth it. We went on a tour with Elm, and it was fantastic. We had the opportunity to see sea lions, fur seals, an albatross, and yellow eyed penguins. Our journey then took us to Mount Cook. My girlfriend in particular liked our little mountainside abode and the great views of Mount Cook. The hike to Hooker Valley was incredible! During our stay in the Mount Cook National Park area, we encountered a bit of car trouble. After returning from a short hike the first evening at the park, our car started to make a horrible screeching sound. Luckily we were close to our apartment when this occurred. The next day, Avis sent out a car repairmen to have a look. As it turned out, a small rock had somehow gotten lodged between the axle and the front wheel brake disc. Fortunately, the repairman was able to fix the problem in less than ten minutes, enabling us to carry on with our daily itinerary.

The next day, it was onward to Christchurch. Both my girlfriend and I fell in love with this city. The beautiful botanical gardens, the cool art vibe, and the interesting architecture combine to form a very fun and energetic city. On the second morning in Christchurch, we drove out to the peninsula and took a boat tour to see the Hector dolphins. It was a blast.

Then last but not least, it was onwards to Auckland. We could not have asked for a more central location. Staying by the harbor was terrific. We took the ferry to Waiheke Island one of the days and then went to Devonport the next day. We also went to the top of Sky Tower and went on a walking tour of the city. Now that we’re home again, we cannot wait to return. New Zealand is a stunning country. Thank you for booking such a fantastic trip. Your knowledge of the country, the different day tours, and activity and lodging options played a huge role in making our trip unforgettable!

Kind regards,

Carlos H. (Florida, USA)