Profile photo for Monika Vinsova
5136 messages
active 1 min ago

Monika Vinsova

"Travel is an investment in yourself" is the quote that inspires me for many years now and I love to share my knowledge with others as I believe travelling truly is one of the best ways experiencing the life.

I am passionate about tailoring your best memorable trip in New Zealand - one of the most beautiful countries that I am honored to live in for 5 years now. I am based in Queenstown known as the "Adventure Capital of the World". I love an active lifestyle mixed with relaxation. I spend usually my weekends hiking, snowboarding, surfing, finishing with a yoga, relaxation massage or spa. I am a big food and wine lover and I like to recommend our travelers the best restaurants and wineries across the country.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I am specializing mainly in self-guided tours all over New Zealand. I design unique itinerary where every part of the trip has been created individually to suit your style, taste and budget. I like to show my travelers the hospitality of the locals and I am selecting for them unique boutique style of accommodations, cozy B&Bs and luxury lodges that will stay in their memory. I will custom tailor all types of travels from romantic, active/adventures, wildlife, scenic, wellness to golf trips, you name it!
I will assist you during your trip, and I am looking forward to hearing your stories. The most important is that I make your dream travel in New Zealand comes true. "

How did you get involved in travel?

"Since the young age I had itchy feet and was interested in discovering world. Meeting people from different cultures, learning foreign languages and exploring different types of landscapes lead me to choose tourism as my career. Born and grown up in Czech Republic, I moved to France to fulfill my dream to learn French and connect with its culture and people. Over there, I enrolled my university studies in international relations and after graduating I went travelling around Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia where I started my career in a tourism. I am constantly dreaming of discovering new places and continents, making new friends and absorbing the atmosphere of the place. "

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"There are definitely many, but one particular will always stay in my memory and in my heart as I love nature and wildlife. Probably two years ago when I was road tripping, I decided to visit Stewart Island located on very bottom of the South Island in New Zealand. The landscape and sceneries were amazing with bunch of rare species of birds. After my scenic hike around Ulva Island - which is a must do, I laid down on an empty little beach peacefully and start falling asleep. Suddenly, I heard splashing water noise and opened my eyes and looked in front of me. A big creature was coming out of the ocean. First, I thought was a diver as the head was black, but it was coming out too fast, I start running away as I got scared but soon, I realized it wasn't human but a sea lion that was going for his usual beach break. He didn't mind me and the other person staying on the beach, and he start sunbathing just few meters from us on the sand. I have never seen sea lion so close, and it was amazing to see how naturally he was behaving. Ulva island will stay in my heart because the place and the wildlife over there are really authentic and rare nowadays. "

Monika is part of the following groups: Fiji Travel Agents, New Zealand Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Luxury itineraries
Road trip itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Monika

An Amazing Adventure
New Zealand | Feb 25 - Mar 18, 2025

Mark
Mark S.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Mar 25, 2025

The whole trip was amazing. It was so great having our cars, rooms and activities all booked in advance . Everyone we had contact with was exceptionally curtious, helpful and prompt.
We particularly enjoyed the Doubtful Sound excursion but all were very memorable.

Local specialist: Monika Vinsova

Monica was great to work with
New Zealand | Feb 25 - Mar 18, 2025

L
Lisa S.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Mar 25, 2025
Monica was great to work with. Initially some of her proposals did not match what we were looking for but once she understood the type of trip and activities we enjoy she was able to target everything we wanted. She was more than willing to make any changes we wanted and search for offerings that met what we wanted. We started the planning process quite early but by the time we finally got everything chosen some of the accommodations we wanted were already booked. So, most of our... Read more

Monica was great to work with. Initially some of her proposals did not match what we were looking for but once she understood the type of trip and activities we enjoy she was able to target everything we wanted. She was more than willing to make any changes we wanted and search for offerings that met what we wanted. We started the planning process quite early but by the time we finally got everything chosen some of the accommodations we wanted were already booked. So, most of our accommodations were great but a few were not quite as nice.
She was always available for a phone call and when we were in country she kept in contact and kept us informed of changes due to weather.
Overall I can’t imagine a better person to work with and wish she could plan all of our future trips to other countries. Hope we can find more agents like Monica!

Hotel Reviews
Accommodation arranged as part of your Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise - Southern Secret

Loved everything about the cruise ship. Crew bent over backwards to meet everyone’s needs but were not intrusive in any way. Food was so much more than expected!

Location
Staff
Olivers Lodge
Clyde

Absolutely loved the ambience. One of the outstanding parts of our trip!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lake Tekapo Holiday Homes
Lake Tekapo
Authenticity & Character
Plain room with no characters and the barest amenities. TV only worked with apps and being from the US our apps do not work on NZ
Location
Overlooked the parking lot
Staff
Only 1 staff at the front desk in a different location
Cleanliness & Comfort
It was clean but the furniture was lower than IKEA for comfort
Timber Trail Lodge
Ongarue
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Bike the Wine Tour - Marlbourough
Bike the Wine Tour - Marlbourough
New Zealand

Fun day with a great guide, Innis. He was the perfect mix of knowledge and humble guide. Never hurried us and let us set the pace. It was really nice to have a private tour with scheduled tastings as the wineries were quite busy, especially after lunch and when to tour busses arrived, but we never had to wait and got individual attention from the servers. Bikes are a great way to do this.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bikes weren’t of the best quality but did okay
Funyak Safari
Funyak Safari
Queenstown (NZ)

The views were outstanding and we had a very peaceful and enjoyable experience with a calm and fun guide.

Local specialist: Monika Vinsova

Monika was so helpful in planning our NZ hone...
New Zealand | Feb 16 - Feb 27, 2025

L
Lucy N.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Mar 21, 2025

Monika was so helpful in planning our NZ honeymoon! She really paid attention to what activities would be more/less important to us while keeping our budget in mind. Everything we did was absolutely wonderful - we couldn't have planned a better trip. We're so grateful for such an amazing trip!

Local specialist: Monika Vinsova

NZ 2025
New Zealand | Mar 10 - Mar 19, 2025

J
Jacob G.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Mar 20, 2025
Monika worked with us to tailor our trip exactly how we wanted! She was very patient and went through several iterations with us. We especially appreciated her help finding lodging - all the places we stayed were really cute and we never would have found them ourselves. Read more

Monika worked with us to tailor our trip exactly how we wanted! She was very patient and went through several iterations with us. We especially appreciated her help finding lodging - all the places we stayed were really cute and we never would have found them ourselves.

Hotel Reviews
Heritage Queenstown
Queenstown
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Valley Views Glamping
Kurow
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Highfield Mews Motel
Oamaru
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tongariro Lodge
Turangi
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sudima Lake Rotorua
Rotorua
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Monika Vinsova

Expected More from Kimkim.
New Zealand | Mar 4 - Mar 9, 2025

D
Dave M.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Mar 19, 2025
Overall we had a good trip but a number of glitches from Kim Kim’s side made it more difficult. For instance, our rental car was in Auckland city center rather than the airport. When we called Monika to complain instead of owning it, she blamed others. We also worked hard to get SIM cards for our phones. Ultimately we were unable to get them. Not sure why. Also Monika seemed unsure of basic questions like are hiking poles available for rent at the Tongriro Crossing. In Monika’s defense she... Read more

Overall we had a good trip but a number of glitches from Kim Kim’s side made it more difficult. For instance, our rental car was in Auckland city center rather than the airport. When we called Monika to complain instead of owning it, she blamed others. We also worked hard to get SIM cards for our phones. Ultimately we were unable to get them. Not sure why. Also Monika seemed unsure of basic questions like are hiking poles available for rent at the Tongriro Crossing. In Monika’s defense she found the answer to those questions quickly and got back to us. Ultimately, we were expecting more.

Hotel Reviews
The Prince's Gate Hotel
Rotorua

Lovely, quaint good location.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Park Hotel Ruapehu
National Park Village
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Lunch was not ready when it should have been.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Naumi Hotel Wellington
6141

One room you could not fully open the bathroom door.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Nocturnal Adventure Glow-worm Tour
Nocturnal Adventure Glow-worm Tour
Rotorua

The guide was great and the home amazing.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tongariro Alpine Crossing - self guided - parking & shuttle to the start point
Tongariro Alpine Crossing - self guided - parking & shuttle to the start point
New Zealand

Challenging hike.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our shuttle driver was great.
Transport
Hell's Gate
Hell's Gate
Rotorua

Guide was over the top. We paid for a pass for mud baths which we said we did not want.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Te  Pā Tū  - Maori Cultural Experience
Te Pā Tū - Maori Cultural Experience
Rotorua
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Monika Vinsova

This was a last minute trip during the end of...
New Zealand | Feb 21 - Mar 2, 2025

S
scott t.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Mar 17, 2025
This was a last minute trip during the end of the high season. Monika was great in collaborating on the type of trip we wanted, responsive to changes and available whenever we needed something. She made it happen despite the time crunch! The quality of the tours was excellent - smaller groups, professional and well informed. Great overall experience! Read more

This was a last minute trip during the end of the high season. Monika was great in collaborating on the type of trip we wanted, responsive to changes and available whenever we needed something. She made it happen despite the time crunch! The quality of the tours was excellent - smaller groups, professional and well informed. Great overall experience!

Hotel Reviews
Lake Tekapo Holiday Homes
Lake Tekapo

Great - a little far to walk to town.

Bella Vista Motel Wanaka
Wanaka
Distinction Te Anau Hotel And Villas
Te Anau

Nice but a little dated.

Heritage Queenstown
Queenstown

It was fine a bit of a walk to town, not a lot of character, regular sized hotel room.

Activity Reviews
The Crater Experience - stargazing Tekapo
The Crater Experience - stargazing Tekapo
Lake Tekapo

I'm a big supporter of dark sky initiatives, unfortunately due to the 1:30am booking we were booked on the previous (incorrect) night and had some issues rebooking it, although with Monika's help we ultimately did. Very late time, so not sure I would do it again unless an earlier time was available; made it harder to enjoy and tired the next day. Alternative is to find a dark sky in the area yourself.

Mou Waho Island self guided
Mou Waho Island self guided
New Zealand

Very nice mini-trip and hike.

Mt Cook half day Heli Hike
Mt Cook half day Heli Hike
New Zealand

Hike and tour itself and guide were great, however we waiting over 2 hours until our flight was ready, which we were not expecting.

Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Te Anau

Very interesting. There was a child crying which wasn't great, not sure why they allow young kids. Guide very knowledgable.

Walk the famous Milford track and cruise on Milford Sound
Walk the famous Milford track and cruise on Milford Sound
New Zealand

Guide was great, it's a long day. Recommend if you can not driving a long way to your next destination. We booked this late so had to drive to Queenstown at the end of the day, due to no availability in town (Te Anau).

White Rafting Kawarau River
White Rafting Kawarau River
Queenstown (NZ)

Water was to low so this was cancelled.

 Bike the wineries
Bike the wineries
Queenstown (NZ)

This was a lot of fun. Outfitter great. Recommend doing most of the biking first!

Onsen Hot Pools
Onsen Hot Pools
Queenstown (NZ)

Nice if you want to soak in a hottub outside of town, nice view, but not something I would do again.

Funyak Safari
Funyak Safari
Queenstown (NZ)

I would have given this 5 stars, one of the best days of the trip, loved the scenery and the rafting. However while the guides were really good, the Jetboat operator was driving dangerously close to large objects (rock walls, bridge stantions, etc.) that if we had hit one people could have been badly hurt or killed. I have been operating power boats for a long time and was shocked that he was putting our lives in danger for a few "thrills." Not okay. He also got my daughter very wet on a very cold and windy day without warning. Not great. The picnic was A+.

Local specialist: Monika Vinsova
Monika
Monika Vinsova
Local specialist in Queenstown, New Zealand | Replied on Mar 17, 2025

Thank you so much for the kind words, Scott! I'm so glad I could help make your last-minute trip a success, and it’s wonderful to hear that you had a great experience. I really appreciate your flexibility and it was a pleasure working with you to create the perfect trip. If you ever need assistance again in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Best regards,
Monika

Amazing trip!
New Zealand | Feb 18 - Mar 2, 2025

C
Carla A.
| Reviewed on Mar 10, 2025
Fabulous 2 week trip to New Zealand! Monika was so easy to work with as we planned the perfect vacation! Read more

Fabulous 2 week trip to New Zealand! Monika was so easy to work with as we planned the perfect vacation!

Hotel Reviews
Ramada Suites Queenstown
Queenstown
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Art Deco Masonic Hotel
Napier
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Olivers Lodge
Clyde
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Godley Hotel
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Grange Boutique B & B and Motel
Christchurch
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Anchorage Resort
Taupo
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Castaway Resort Karioitahi Beach Auckland
Waiuku
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
 Bike the wineries
Bike the wineries
Queenstown (NZ)
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Monika Vinsova
Monika
Monika Vinsova
Local specialist in Queenstown, New Zealand | Replied on Mar 10, 2025

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm thrilled to hear you had a fabulous time in New Zealand. It was a pleasure working with you to create the perfect vacation. I hope the memories from your trip last a lifetime!

Warm regards, Monika

NZ trip of a lifetime
New Zealand | Feb 19 - Mar 4, 2025

tim
tim M.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Mar 05, 2025
Monika, We cannot thank you enough for the attention to detail and expertise of your trip planning. It payed off and we were treated with the trip of a lifetime. I can't think of a single complaint. NZ is a fabulous place! Your itinerary was well balanced with plenty of activity, but with plenty of time to catch our breath and take it all in.
The accommodations were OUT OF THIS WORLD! the QT hotel in Queenstown blew us away both in quality of the rooms/views, but most of all... it...
Read more

Monika,

We cannot thank you enough for the attention to detail and expertise of your trip planning. It payed off and we were treated with the trip of a lifetime. I can't think of a single complaint.

NZ is a fabulous place! Your itinerary was well balanced with plenty of activity, but with plenty of time to catch our breath and take it all in.
The accommodations were OUT OF THIS WORLD! the QT hotel in Queenstown blew us away both in quality of the rooms/views, but most of all... it had the best breakfast buffet we have ever experienced. It was a buffet fit for royalty with a window looking out on a majestic vista. The RIMU lodge and the Maruia river retreat both offered some of the best hospitality we have ever experienced. The drive to the Korimako Purepod alone was an unforgettable experience, and the stay was the relaxing pause we needed. We got the authentic NZ experience of waiting for a flock of sheep to cross a dirt road.

the activities were also all A+
The jetboat trip up the Dart river was AWESOME, would highly recommend.
The water-taxi/hike was beautiful and swimming in Tasman Bay was stunning.
The weather canceled our plans to Milford Sound so we will just have to plan another trip with you!

We cant thank you enough
Best regards,
Tim & Kerstin

Local specialist: Monika Vinsova
Monika
Monika Vinsova
Local specialist in Queenstown, New Zealand | Replied on Mar 06, 2025

Hi Tim & Kerstin,

Wow, thank you so much for such an incredibly thoughtful message! I'm beyond thrilled to hear that you had the trip of a lifetime and that everything went so smoothly. It really warms my heart to know that the itinerary, accommodations, and activities all exceeded your expectations.
Thank you again for your kind words. It was an absolute pleasure working with you both, and I hope we’ll get to do it again!

Best regards,
Monika

Wonderful experience from start to finish!
New Zealand | Feb 12 - Feb 28, 2025

Joel
Joel S.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Mar 02, 2025
Our amazing New ZEALAND adventure was 16 days of pure joy. Monika worked with us tirelessly in planning our vacation and customizing the itinerary to our specific preferences. She included everything to make our stay stress free, including transfers and pre-planned meals when available. Communication was wonderful, both before and during our stay. She was always there when we needed her including at the outset of our trip when our scheduled flight from Auckland to Christchurch was... Read more

Our amazing New ZEALAND adventure was 16 days of pure joy. Monika worked with us tirelessly in planning our vacation and customizing the itinerary to our specific preferences. She included everything to make our stay stress free, including transfers and pre-planned meals when available. Communication was wonderful, both before and during our stay. She was always there when we needed her including at the outset of our trip when our scheduled flight from Auckland to Christchurch was cancelled last minute due to an Air New Zealand issue. Transfers throughout our trip were seamless and accommodations were mostly excellent. Car rental was convenient and went smoothly. Highlights of the trip included a stay at the Kahiutara PurPod in Kaikōura, a fishing trip with Tomo, and a helicopter/glacier hike. The overnight cruise to Doubtful Sound is a delightful experience, and we highly recommend including it if you can. We could not have been happier with our KimKim experience. We would highly recommend their services, and will most certainly utilize them for future travel!

Local specialist: Monika Vinsova
Monika
Monika Vinsova
Local specialist in Queenstown, New Zealand | Replied on Mar 04, 2025
Hi Liu and Joel, Thank you so much for your kind words and amazing pictures! I’m really happy to hear that your New Zealand adventure was such a fantastic experience. It was a pleasure working with you to customize the itinerary, and I’m glad everything went smoothly, even with the last-minute flight change. It sounds like you had some unforgettable moments, from the Kahiutara PurPod to the glacier hike and the Doubtful Sound cruise. I truly appreciate your recommendation, and I’d love to... Read more

Hi Liu and Joel,

Thank you so much for your kind words and amazing pictures! I’m really happy to hear that your New Zealand adventure was such a fantastic experience. It was a pleasure working with you to customize the itinerary, and I’m glad everything went smoothly, even with the last-minute flight change.

It sounds like you had some unforgettable moments, from the Kahiutara PurPod to the glacier hike and the Doubtful Sound cruise. I truly appreciate your recommendation, and I’d love to help you or your friends plan more adventures in the future.

Thanks again for choosing KimKim, and I hope we’ll work together again soon!

Best,

Monika

Monika helped to curate this amazing trip to ...
New Zealand | Jan 23 - Feb 7, 2025

Sunita
Sunita M.
Kīhei, HI | Reviewed on Feb 08, 2025
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... Read more

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 !!!

Hotel Reviews
Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses
Kaikoura

Most amazing place with a quiet and beautiful location. They paid attention to detail and really made sure that you felt welcomed and taken care of the food was delicious. The room was beautiful and the staff was incredible.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Rees Hotel
Queenstown

Beautiful hotel with a beautiful location great walking path right outside the hotel. The room was incredible with an amazing view.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Monika Vinsova
Monika
Monika Vinsova
Local specialist in Queenstown, New Zealand | Replied on Feb 10, 2025

Thank you so much for the wonderful feedback, Sunita! I’m so glad to hear you had an amazing time in New Zealand and loved all the experiences, especially the heli hike and the fly-cruise-fly fjord tour. It sounds like you really made the most of your trip!

I’m happy the recommendations worked well for you, and it was a pleasure helping plan your adventure.

Thanks again for sharing your experience!

Best,
Monika