5 independent reviews for New Zealand north and south island tours
Reviews for New Zealand north and south island tours
Abby Abebe review 14 Jan 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Too hard to pick. The diversity of landscapes and activities were boundless. From mountain to volcanic lake, coastline to glacier and charismatic towns to national parks and historical legacies in the Northland. If I have to pick one, day 16, traveling between Queenstown and Milford Sound by land, sea, and air was incredible.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I was there from early December to early January. I should have packed my down jacket for the South Island. As stated in their website, you will have plenty of opportunities to do laundry so no need to over pack.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The Northland itinerary has a strong focus on the history and customs of the Maori. Our tour leader, Andrew was knowledgeable and respectful to local traditions, customs and heritage. Most of the places we stayed in were locally owned so benefited local people. We had several local guides and opportunities to meet and interact with the locals. New Zealand is devoted to the protection and restoration of its indigenous animal and plant life. The optional activities I took - recommended by the tour company - work in the conservation and protection of the bio-diverse ecosystems.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great itinerary, beautiful country, knowledgeable and professional tour leader, and like-minded travelers.Barbara Garringer review 31 Jan 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We travelled to the South Island of New Zealand with our tour operator during the Christmas to New Year's vacation time period 2017. Landscapes, climate, clean air, outstanding scenery, relaxed lifestyle, the smiling faces of everyone in our little group, kindness, simplicity and authenticity were all highlights of our trip.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Our trip went so smoothly, with everything planned and documented in advance. We appreciated the travel tips on the itinerary. The accommodations were very good and well located, all bookings and appointments were scheduled perfectly. Tanya, who booked our trip, was great; Caroline sent us perfect trip details and Matt, our guide, did an outstanding job. Everything with Moa Trek was wonderful and highly recommend a trip with them.Luis A. Rojas review 27 Jan 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Every part of the trip was memorable. But if we have to pick, then it would be: Mount Cook view from the hotel - it was simply possibly the most extraordinary view you could have from a confortable hotel room of a alpine peak in the world. And the second memory, would be traveling by small plane from Milford Sounds to Queenstown in a sunny day! - simply unforgettable!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Plan your side trips carefully. Take your time. Ask questions. Have a plan B prepared in case weather does not help. If you are planning to take a helicopter ride to either Mount Cook or Frank Josef, suggest to take a ride in the morning before the weather gets worse in the afternoon. You may need to choose between the planned itinerary and the helicopter ride. The key is flexibility. Be ready to make changes. Tell your tour operator that you really want to take that ride.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definetely.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was a most memorable special once in a lifetime vacation for us. The itinerary is pretty good.Read the operator's response here:
Hello Luis,
Thank you for your lovely review, we are glad we could make it a 'trip of a lifetime' for you, and that you now have lots of wonderful New Zealand memories to treasure.
We hope to see you again.
Maria Ermelinda Camilo review 2 Jan 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
New Zealand carried high expectations for many years; I often felt frustrated during this trip; it covered many kilometers and in theory mostly scenery, but it rained or was foggy most of the time, 15 out of the 13 days?? So it did not live to my expectations. December was suggested to me as a great period, locally I was told that lately November and December are rainy and cold2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
May be go later in the season, March...and do expect long bus days and no time to meet locals, if you care for that.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
No, may be in some places our meals expenses might be relevant, otherwise hotels were of very high standard or belonged to big chains.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fair.Eugenia Fangsrud review 29 Dec 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Beautiful views from my room.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for nonstop travel. As our guide, Paul, reminded us, "You are not on vacation, you are on tour."3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very enjoyable.Holiday Reviews
You can trust Responsible Travel reviews because, unlike many other schemes, reviews can ONLY be written by people who we have verified have been on the holidays. In addition, we don't run these holidays ourselves - our only interest is giving you the best independent advice.
