New Zealand Travel Agents

Uma was fantastic and created an excellent itinerary for us. She had terrific suggestions about places to visit and activities. She was very knowledgeable and helpful. I would highly recommend working with her to plan your trip to new Zealand.

My sister-in-law, Mindy, and I recently returned from an amazing trip to New Zealand. It was a once-in-a-lifetime trip, filled with adventures, new experiences, and unparalleled beauty. I believe it was all of that because Uma from KimKim helped us every step of the way, from ideas, to planning, to reservations, to support while we were there.

Mindy and I started talking about going to New Zealand about a year ago. We knew where it was, and had heard lots of rave reviews about how gorgeous it is, but not much else. When we got more serious about making it happen, we didn’t know where to start.

While searching online for some ideas, I came across the website for KimKim. I liked that the person who would be helping us actually lives in New Zealand. I decided to give them a try.

We communicated with Uma via messages on their site. She gathered lots of information from us via a detailed questionnaire – length of stay, whether or not we wanted to drive, how strenuous we wanted the activities to be, and our interest in many things, such as tours, hiking, biking, bungee jumping, city vs. nature, budget vs. average vs. luxury accommodations, and so much more.

With that information, Uma suggested that we would enjoy touring the beauty on the southern island. Two islands? Who knew?! She sent us a preliminary itinerary including lots of details and asked for feedback. Over the next couple of weeks, communicating back and forth, we had our plan in place. Uma set everything up for us – booked all the hotels, transfers, tours, and activities.

Uma stayed in touch with us as the date of our trip approached, making sure we had the correct documentation and travel visas in place, correct clothing for the weather and sun protection, travel vouchers, and anything else we needed.

Every day of the trip was filled with fun and adventurous activities. The most memorable was Mount Cook National Park. We spent an hour and a half hiking up Mount Cook on well-kept gravel paths and steps and across a long, moving (& scary for me) suspension bridge. The area was absolutely stunning! The bridge spanned over a small river of runoff from a glacier at the base of the mountain. Mindy and I couldn’t believe how lucky we were to be experiencing this!

Another favorite was taking a cruise from Queenstown across Lake Whakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw steamship. The scenery on the cruise was amazing! It took us to the gorgeous Walter Peak Farm, which is a real working farm. They served us a bountiful, delicious meal and then taught us about sheep shearing and sheepdogs. Afterward, we cruised back to Queenstown. A most enjoyable experience!

Another highlight was the drive from Queenstown to remote Milford Sound and the cruise around the sound. This was another amazing experience with sights so breathtaking, I had to pinch myself to make sure it was real. We decided to take a small plane back to Queenstown – another first for us, and it was worth the price being able to see the beauty from above.

We had many more memorable experiences on our trip to New Zealand. There were only a couple of “hiccups” in transfers, and Uma was just a text or phone call away to take care of it. I truly believe we couldn’t have fit in so much wonderfulness if we had planned it ourselves. We highly recommend visiting New Zealand and using KimKim to expertly craft the perfect itinerary for you.

Hotel Reviews

Rydges Latimer Christchurch

Christchurch

Not fancy, but a nice hotel and very clean. Their restaurant, Bloody Mary's, has fabulous food and service.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Very conveniently located for our tour.

Staff

We were very well taken care of!

Cleanliness & Comfort

We were pleased with the comfort and cleanliness.

Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Queenstown

Beautiful and upscale. Had everything we needed.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Very helpful and accommodating!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Franz Josef Westland

Loved the foresty setting and vibe. Upscale and beautiful, great restaurant!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

We were treated like royalty!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Couldn't have been better!

Activity Review

Christchurch to Queenstown Via Mt Cook & Tekapo Small-Group Tour (One Way)

Christchurch

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

KimKim and our agent, Paula, provided a truly exceptional 5-star experience planning our South Island New Zealand adventure. Our trip was on the short side, 7 days, and we didn't know how to get started or what was best to pack into our stay. From the initial inquiry, Paula's communication was prompt, friendly, and professional. She patiently listened to our vague ideas, given we knew nothing about New Zealand and expertly crafted a personalized itinerary that perfectly matched our interests and budget. Paula's knowledge of New Zealand was evident; she offered insightful recommendations for hidden gems and must-see attractions, enhancing our trip beyond the typical tourist experience. The entire planning process was seamless, with Paula handling all the details, from accommodations to activities and transportation, along with some last minute changes along the way. Her responsiveness throughout, even during our trip when we had a minor query, was remarkable. Thanks to Paula and KimKim, our New Zealand vacation was unforgettable.

Vicky’s support and assistance throughout our trip were truly appreciated. Initially, there was some miscommunication, but she quickly understood our requirements and booked the best trip ever. We particularly enjoyed how she presented us with new options to experience New Zealand more fully. The detailed updates and information she provided were invaluable in ensuring we had a wonderful time.

All the hotels booked were amazing, except for the QT in Auckland. Their service was lacking, and the room was hardly cleaned. Additionally, there was no buffet option for breakfast, which was disappointing. However, the tour groups and guides were exceptional, except for the last Wanaka tour group. We felt they could have included a visit to the lavender fields. Despite these minor issues, we thoroughly enjoyed our trip.

Furthermore, during one of our trips, it was canceled. However, Vicky was incredibly quick to arrange another tour group so that we wouldn’t miss out on the tour. We were truly grateful for this wonderful support. Thank you, Vicky!

We highly recommend Vicky and the Kim Kim team to anyone planning a trip to New Zealand. You are the best!

Hotel Reviews

QT Auckland

Auckland

During our recent stay, we encountered a few disappointing experiences. Firstly, the front desk staff, particularly Alex, was quite unwelcoming and came across as dismissive. His tone and manner of assistance felt biased, which was uncomfortable. Additionally, our room was not cleaned even after multiple requests. It was dusty, and toiletries were provided only upon request—something unexpected at a 5-star hotel. We were also surprised that water was chargeable. While there are refill stations on each floor, it would have been more thoughtful to provide at least one filled water bottle in the room upon arrival. The breakfast experience was equally underwhelming, with only an à la carte option offering one item and one drink per person. More variety and flexibility would be appreciated. On a positive note, the location is convenient, being close to the CBD, and the room design is quite good. However, given the level of service, it’s difficult to recommend this property.

Authenticity & Character

Room service,breakfast options

Location

Walkable distance to queens st and viaduct

Staff

Could be more considerate and go extra mile with customers request

Cleanliness & Comfort

Rooms to be cleaned properly so that there is no dust.

Sudima

Christchurch

We loved the thoughtful design of the room, especially the addition of a complete kitchen unit, which was perfect for travelers wanting to prepare their own meals. It truly added to the comfort of our stay. The staff, apart from the initial experience at check-in, were generally welcoming and helpful, which we really appreciated.

Authenticity & Character

Location

It’s quite far from downtown

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Hermitage Hotel

Mount Cook Village

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel St. Moritz

Queenstown

Authenticity & Character

Location

It’s up hill and very difficult to walkin especially for aged ppl.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Hobbiton & WAITOMO CAVES TOUR from Auckland

Auckland

The trip was planned very well the only request is to provide more time for breakfast as 15 mins are not sufficient.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Grant was very good ,he did stop to meet his friend(ostrich’s )on the way😊😊

Transport

Christchurch to Kaikoura Whale Watching Day Tour

Christchurch

Steffani our tour guide,driver was amazing she was very nice. The lunch spot was amazing the food was tasty. Liked leisure tour group as the lunch provided was included in the package. Also, she stopped at seal colony for us to see them which was something which is highly recommended.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Highly recommend Stefani she is awesome.

Transport

Kaikoura Day Trip From Christchurch with Whale Watch (Small Group & Carbon Neutral)

Christchurch

Steffani our tour guide,driver was amazing she was very nice. The lunch spot was amazing the food was tasty. Liked leisure tour group as the lunch provided was included in the package. Also, she stopped at seal colony for us to see them which was something which is highly recommended

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Cathedral Cove & Coromandel Small Group Day Tour from Auckland

Auckland

Dave was too good,very knowledgeable and entertaining. I like that cheeky kiwi provide with water bottle n snacks.It would have been great if they included the ice cream tasting from their end.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Monika helped to curate this amazing trip to New Zealand. We had an amazing time and really saw much of the South Island. Every experience was unique and wonderful. Our guides were great especially the heli hike on Mt Cook with Charlie. The fly cruise fly is the way to go to see the fjords. The flight was breathtaking. The star gazing was incredible and the hot springs after was a plus. Our wine lunch in Otaga was incredible. I can’t say enough and loved the recommendations given on way from one place to next. Just amazing !!!