Wow! What an amazing time we had in New Zeala...
New Zealand
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Feb 10 - Feb 26, 2025
Wow! What an amazing time we had in New Zealand! It was even better than we expected. From the jaw dropping scenery on the south island to the cultural and exciting experiences in the North Island, we feel like we got to experience the best of what New Zealand had to offer thanks to Michelle!
She worked with us to plan a trip perfectly suited to our families interests and abilities and suggested a few things we would never have done on our own but we enjoyed so much like biking through the wineries in Queenstown. Stunning scenery and a great ride.
This review would be very long if I listed everything we loved because we honestly loved everything, but our top three not to miss would be: the overnight cruise in Fiordland, the Shotover Jetboats on the Shotover River and Waiheke Island in Auckland (make sure you stay overnight).
Hobbiton was super cool too even if you're not a big fan (1/2 of us were). Also zip lining, helicopter tours, lakeside retreats, a sky full of stars, lugeing in Queenstown, hiking, kayaking at night to the glowworm caves, we just had so much fun. I don't know where to stop. Even just the driving! Our jaws dropped around every corner we turned as we discovered a new incredible vista.
Michelle was also amazing at making changes for us or adding things in as we went along. Everything went seamlessly from flights to rental cars.
I can't recommend all our tour guides or Michelle highly enough! Book your NZ trip through her and you won't be disappointed. And I plan to use Kimkim for any other trips like this in the future!
Hotel Reviews
Do not hesitate! Book one of the Lakeview villas and you will never want to leave. We felt so blessed to stay at this beautiful spot. Our villa was just amazing with incredible views of the lake and Mt Cook and a sky full of stars. The staff were amazing. All of them. They brought breakfast and dinner to our villa one day but they also serve it in the dining room to at the lodge which was also a lovely experience. It's your preference. The food was EXCELLENT. Everything fresh, local and made from scratch. It's located within a dark sky sanctuary and the southern sky was so beautiful. I'm not even going to mention the private swedish style hot tub, and separate little sauna, massage and exercise cabins/rooms. Trust me, just go!
We loved this place! Super quirky location above a little cinema but no noise intruder and really just added to the charm. They have done just an awesome job with designing the layout of that place. Had two huge comfy couches and then another seating area plus the big king bed which you could separate off with some curtains plus a dining area and then there's a second room you can also book that's connected by a small kitchen. The bathrooms are lovely everything was very clean. I absolutely loved the style of the place. Would have loved to stay longer.
Oh my goodness! I almost didn't want to review this place because it's so amazing and I want it to be available next time! The main lobby and lounge area of the boatshed we're so inviting and cozy and the views are absolutely incredible out over the bay. Jonathan and Mila we're such gracious hosts and so helpful with their luggage and other things. We stayed in the "owner's cottage" and I can't even describe how much we loved it. You have views from almost all the windows, a pool, and there's even a piano which I was so excited about. There's little cozy nooks around every corner to sit and read a book or enjoy the view. The host of thought of everything you could possibly need as well in the kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms. There are places to put and hang everything. We loved it so much we wanted to stay longer and hope to come back someday.
The two rooms that we had here were very beautiful. It's located in an older home so I'm assuming every room is a little bit different but each of ours were just really cool. The staff is super nice and really helpful as well. They went out of their way to help us with luggage and laundry and other things. The location is a little bit out of town but we liked that because it's on a really beautiful property and just a short drive to town. Rotorua was one of the places we definitely would love to have to spent more time!
Activity Review
Our guide Jennifer was awesome! Loved her information and her love of her country. A great way to more of Queenstown and the surrounding area.
Hi Shelly and thanks so much for the great review. It was a pleasure to help you plan this trip with your family and I am so thrilled to hear that you loved the accommodation and activities that I suggested.
By the sounds of it we will be seeing you back again some day!
Michelle