Family in New Zealand
New Zealand | Mar 31 - Apr 12, 2023

Walt
Walt N.
Spartanburg, SC | Reviewed on Apr 19, 2023

Chelsea and I started planning our family trip last July and it was a total success. My young grandson would say everyday that this is the best excursion in NZ and I would remind him he said that the day before. The trip entertained the 4 adults and the 2 kids. From Hanmer Springs to the whale watching to Huka Falls jet ride to Hobbiton to the glow worm caves it was all entertaining.
What Chelsea did best was the timing- we would get up in the am drive to our excursion view it and get to our next hotel just at check in time. We never waited for a room.
Overall I would give the trip 5 stars.

Hotel Reviews
Quest Rotorua Central
Rotorua

We spent two nights at Quest Rotorua Central and appreciated its central location, making it easy to explore the area.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Quest Cathedral Junction
Christchurch

We had a great stay at Quest Cathedral Junction, with its convenient location allowing us to easily walk to various attractions.

Authenticity & Character
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Staff
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The White Morph - Heritage Collection
Kaikoura

Our stay at The WhiteMorph was comfortable and enjoyable. The hotel's location was also convenient for exploring the area.

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Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Heritage CityLife Wellington
Wellington

We had a pleasant one-night stay at CityLife Wellington, enjoying the hotel's amenities and location.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beechtree Motel
Taupo

Our stay at Beechtree Motel was comfortable, providing us with a good night's rest after a day of activities.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Waitomo Caves Guest Lodge
Waitomo

Although the room was a bit tight, with a queen, a twin, and a couch bed in one room, the hotel staff was very friendly, and the included breakfast was a great bonus.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
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Nesuto Stadium Auckland
Auckland

We enjoyed our two-night stay at Nesuto Stadium Auckland, finding the accommodations comfortable and convenient.

Authenticity & Character
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Activity Reviews
Kaikoura Whale Watching Tour
Kaikoura Whale Watching Tour
New Zealand

We were fortunate enough to see a whale because the day before and the morning trip were not so lucky.

Hukafalls Jet
Hukafalls Jet
New Zealand

The ride was educational and fun with all the 360 turns. Forgot to bring raincoats so we did get a bit wet.

Quality of Experience
Staff very friendly
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Mitai Hula & Haka Cultural Experience
Mitai Hula & Haka Cultural Experience
Rotorua

Very educational and just down the street from our hotel.

Redwoods - Nightlights
Redwoods - Nightlights
Rotorua

Unfortunately we were there on the first day of fall break so the crowds were big. Our wait was 2 hours. We left and returned in the am.

Skyline Gondola Rotorua and 4 Luge Rides
Skyline Gondola Rotorua and 4 Luge Rides
Rotorua

Everyone loved the luge ride but it was tiring so some of us only did 4 rides instead of 5.

Local specialist: Chelsea Lodge
Chelsea
Chelsea Lodge
Local specialist in Wanaka | Replied on May 15, 2023

Walt, I am so pleased that you all had a wonderful time in New Zealand and I'm excited to hear that your Grandson had the best excursion every single day! I am sorry that Susan was unable to make the trip but how wonderful that your son could join you instead. Also, great feedback on the Redwoods and we will let people know about wait times and perhaps enjoying the Redwoods in the daylight to avoid the crowds.
Thank you
Chelsea