A fabulous three weeks in New Zealand!
New Zealand | Mar 28 - Apr 17, 2025

John
John L.
Boston, MA | Reviewed on Apr 24, 2025

We enjoyed a fabulous three weeks in New Zealand thanks to Monika's guidance and efforts to develop an itinerary that met all of our requests.

It began in Queensland and a memorable flight and cruise to Milford Sound., definitely a "not-to-be-missed"! It continued through small towns - Clyde, Lake Tekapo, Kaikoura, Taupo, Raglan, Coromandel - and cities - Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland - and included a variety of activities - cycling, a cultural food tour, surfing, hiking, sailing. Unfortunately, due to weather, our kayaking and stargazing were cancelled.

For us, the highlights were the Milford Sound flight and cruise, bike ride in Clyde, Hulbert House B&B in Queensland, Hapuku Lodge accomodations and dinners, surfing with Green Wave Raglan Surf School, and the Koru Lodge in Raglan.

Thank you Monika.

John & Wendy

Hotel Reviews
Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses
Kaikoura

Luxurious, comfortable, lots of amenities and activities.

Authenticity & Character
The tree houses are very authentic
Location
Nice hiking, biking and beach opportunities nearby
Staff
Couldn't be more helpful and friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Great Ponsonby ArtHotel
Auckland

Located in a wonderful neighborhood with good access (walking or bus) to the center city, great staff, and wonderful breakfasts.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ranginui B&B
Lake Tekapo

The B&B host is warm and welcoming, and a great advisor for activities.

Authenticity & Character
Location
A nice quiet neighborhood not too far to walk to town
Staff
The host is very friendly and welcoming
Cleanliness & Comfort
Belle Vue Boutique Lodge
Taupo

Comfortable, great views of the lake, beautiful home.

Authenticity & Character
The owners have done a wonderful job restoring the lodge, and they take great pride in it.
Location
While outside the center city, the lodge is located in a attractive neighborhood with nearby amenities.
Staff
Friendly and very helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hulbert House
Queenstown

Wonderful staff, very comfortable accommodations, great location. And delicious breakfasts!

Authenticity & Character
Location
An easy 5-minute walk to the center of town, though not as easy a walk back (uphill).
Staff
Very friendly and accomodating.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The George
Christchurch

Great location and a very comfortable and clean hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
An easy walk to town center and across the street from a wonderful park
Staff
Very helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bolton Hotel
Wellington

In the center of the City within easy walks of key spots. Very comfortable and clean.

Authenticity & Character
We were not surprised with the authenticity and character when we learned that The George is a related property to Hulbert House.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Lord Clyde

Very helpful and friendly staff, and a great location.

Authenticity & Character
An original building from the town's gold rush days
Location
Right in the center of Clyde within easy walk of restaurants, sites and activities.
Staff
Very helpful in guiding how to best enjoy Clyde.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Explore Raglan
Explore Raglan
Raglan

The highlight was the Green Wave Raglan Surf School which caters to all ages and ability levels. They had us surfing (for a bit) and made it very fun and enjoyable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Bing Lyons, our instructor, continued to encourage and instruct. He was so positive I thought I was an expert surfer.
Fly Cruise Fly – Queenstown to Milford Sound by scenic flight
Fly Cruise Fly – Queenstown to Milford Sound by scenic flight
Queenstown (NZ)

Flying over snow-capped mountains and glaciers with mountain peaks as far as you can see, landing on the sound, dolphin-escorted boat cruise, sailing up to waterfalls

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Andy is a tremendous pilot
Transport
The flight gave us a great view of mountains, glaciers, the sound, and it was smooth. And the cruise was wonderful as well
Cultural Food Tour - Kai Bites
Cultural Food Tour - Kai Bites
Christchurch

Very informative of the Maori history and culture with a delicious lunch of local foods.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Monika Vinsova