Reviews and travel ratings on Driftwood Ecotours in New Zealand (98% from 19 reviews)
Ranking: 10/10
Small group, personal attention, enthusiastic guides, experienced.
Reviewed by
Ton Buil
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Premium Listings
Queen Charlotte Track
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85%(out of 100)
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River Access walk - Pelorus Scenic Reserve
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80%(out of 100)
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Wakamarina Track - Mt Richmond Forest Park
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73%(out of 100)
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Totara Walk - Pelorus Scenic Reserve
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64%(out of 100)
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Sawcut Gorge/Isolated Hill Route
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63%(out of 100)
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Circle Walk - Pelorus Scenic Reserve
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63%(out of 100)
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Queen Charlotte Drive - Picton to Havelock
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54%(out of 100)
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Cape Reinga Walk
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89%(out of 100)
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Mount Maunganui Walk
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89%(out of 100)
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Tongariro Alpine Crossing
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89%(out of 100)
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Cape Kidnappers Walk
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89%(out of 100)
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Cathedral Cove Walk
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88%(out of 100)
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Huka Falls Walk - Lake Taupo
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86%(out of 100)
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Wellington Botanic Gardens
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84%(out of 100)
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Government Gardens and walk - Rotorua
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76%(out of 100)
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Marokopa Falls - Waitomo area
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76%(out of 100)
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Pukekura Park - New Plymouth
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75%(out of 100)
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Abbey Caves
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74%(out of 100)
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Whangarei Quarry Gardens
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74%(out of 100)
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Milford Track - Fiordland National Park
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93%(out of 100)
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Wharariki Beach walking track - Farewell Spit & Puponga Farm Park
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92%(out of 100)
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Sandfly Bay Walk - Otago Peninsula
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92%(out of 100)
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Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes Walk
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91%(out of 100)
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Rob Roy Track - Matukituki Valley
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91%(out of 100)
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Routeburn Track
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91%(out of 100)
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McLeans Island Park and tracks
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74%(out of 100)
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Christchurch - Little River Railtrail
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70%(out of 100)
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Moonlight Track - Arhturs Point to Moke Lake
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66%(out of 100)
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Clutha River Track (Alexandra to Clyde)
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63%(out of 100)
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Pavilion Peak Track - Pavilion Peak Track
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52%(out of 100)
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‘K’ Road Track - Oparara Basin
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Queen Charlotte Track
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85%(out of 100)
(ranking score info)
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River Access walk - Pelorus Scenic Reserve
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80%(out of 100)
(ranking score info)
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Wakamarina Track - Mt Richmond Forest Park
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73%(out of 100)
(ranking score info)
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Totara Walk - Pelorus Scenic Reserve
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64%(out of 100)
(ranking score info)
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Sawcut Gorge/Isolated Hill Route
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63%(out of 100)
(ranking score info)
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Circle Walk - Pelorus Scenic Reserve
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63%(out of 100)
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Cougar Line |
96%(out of 100)
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Waterways Boating Safaris |
90%(out of 100)
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Dolphin Watch Ecotours |
89%(out of 100)
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Tui Nature Reserve |
88%(out of 100)
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Beachcomber Fun Cruises, Mail Boat Cruise Picton |
85%(out of 100)
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Pelorus Mail Boat |
84%(out of 100)
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Bubbly Grape Wine Tours |
92%(out of 100)
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Na Clachan Wine Tours |
89%(out of 100)
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Marlborough Wine Trail - Self Drive / Bike
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87%(out of 100)
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Wine Tours by Bike |
87%(out of 100)
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Sounds Connection |
78%(out of 100)
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DeVine Tours Marlborough |
73%(out of 100)
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Driftwood Ecotours |
98%(out of 100)
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Tui Nature Reserve |
88%(out of 100)
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French Pass Sea Safaris |
57%(out of 100)
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Smiths Farm Holiday Park - Havelock |
94%(out of 100)
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Picton Top 10 Holiday Park |
79%(out of 100)
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Blenheim Bridge Top 10 Holiday Park |
73%(out of 100)
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Pelorus Bridge Campsite |
72%(out of 100)
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Havelock Motor Camp |
69%(out of 100)
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Momorangi Bay Campground - Queen Charlotte Sound |
69%(out of 100)
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Titirangi Campground - Kenepuru Sound |
66%(out of 100)
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French Pass Campsite |
63%(out of 100)
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Camp Bay Campsite - Queen Charlotte Sound |
63%(out of 100)
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Nikau Cove Campsite - Kenepuru Sound |
62%(out of 100)
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Rarangi Campsite - Port Underwood |
61%(out of 100)
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Whites Bay Campsite - Rarangi |
57%(out of 100)
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Cougar Line |
96%(out of 100)
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Beachcomber Fun Cruises, Mail Boat Cruise Picton |
85%(out of 100)
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Endeavour Express Ltd |
74%(out of 100)
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Sounds Air |
54%(out of 100)
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coriolis effect
Ranking: 10/10
This was a very worthwhile tour. Originally, we were schduled to do the evening kayak/bird watching. However, due to u…
This was a very worthwhile tour. Originally, we were schduled to do the evening kayak/bird watching. However, due to unusually windy conditions Will improvised. We took a 4WD Tour over to the coast and explored in the deep rocky chasms. I had never been in such a place and we had it all to ourselves. He had a light dinner prepared which was very wholesome. Will definitely enjoys what he does.
greenscribe
Ranking: 10/10
This tour was a definite highlight of our two-week honeymoon in New Zealand. We found Will by happenstance -- a fellow v…
This tour was a definite highlight of our two-week honeymoon in New Zealand. We found Will by happenstance -- a fellow visitor at a local winery mentioned that he had just received a flyer. We had been looking for a low-key kayaking experience, so this fit the bill perfectly. Will was completely accommodating of our schedule, booking the trip on Good Friday, and made sure we had plenty of time to explore before our ferry ride that evening. And the trip itself was truly wonderful. Paddling along the lagoon, taking in the birdlife and enjoying the scenery -- Will was a great, laid-back guide, who obviously takes great pride in the area that surrounds his home, and who has a clear ecological ethic, too. A delightful homemade lunch was an added bonus. Definitely a great way to see a part of New Zealand that most visitors miss. And a delightful way to spend an afternoon in any case!
Thank you so much for all these wonderful reviews. God created this absorbing arena of nature, history and wildlife it gives me great pleasure to share it with others.
On a sadder note our logo dog "Tommy" passed away on the 20th of April and it was he who gave so much confidence too many on our tours.
JohnandSue
Ranking: 10/10
We both met up with Willin the"I" carpark for what turned out to be a memorable evening. Having then joined up with Les …
We both met up with Willin the"I" carpark for what turned out to be a memorable evening. Having then joined up with Les and Yvonne from Belfast we proceeded to Will's house. A short history lesson and explanation as to what he hoped we would see and then down to the river. Niether of us had kayaked before so a certain measure of concerned expectation. However, a short lesson from Will and off we paddled on this beautiful river. We saw wonderful birds, paddled all the way down to Bar and back in the dark. Will has a fund of knowledge that he is delighted to impart and is a delightful companion making it all a memorable evening for us all.
Dennis Robinson
Ranking: 10/10
This was truly an outstanding experience! We did the 4WD tour and hike, complete with a fabulous lunch. Will, the tour…
This was truly an outstanding experience! We did the 4WD tour and hike, complete with a fabulous lunch. Will, the tour guide, has a tremendous knowledge of not only the birds, but also other wildlife, as well as the history of the area. He was very friendly and entertaining and made the day thoroughly enjoyable. We would highly recommend this tour to not only tourists, but local Marlborough people. This is such a surprising landscape.
Carol
Ranking: 10/10
This tour was phenomenal. Will is very knowledgable about the wildlife, the flora and the history of the country. His de…
This tour was phenomenal. Will is very knowledgable about the wildlife, the flora and the history of the country. His delicious food makes for unforgettable stops after kayaking on beautiful waterways. We enjoyed tea and cakes just feet from a c tree full of Pied Shags feeding their young. We paddled on, never seeing another human, just a large variety of birds.The piece de la resistance was a casual dinner at sunset. We were witness to hundreds of black swans floating on the golden/pink water. Truly magnificent!
Mike Everly
Ranking: 10/10
We had a great trip with Will Parsons, the owner and guide for this outing. Will took time to explain to us about the h…
We had a great trip with Will Parsons, the owner and guide for this outing. Will took time to explain to us about the history of the area we would be seeing, which helped set the stage for a great Kayak trip. We went out in the evening which was perfect in terms of low wind, no bugs, great light for photos, and a lot of bird life. Will served us tea and then an evening meal in a beautiful setting out on the lagoon. We saw heaps of birds and came back in the dark. It was magical.
Andrew
Ranking: 10/10
This tour was superb! Friendly welcome, nice kayaks, easily navigable waterways, plenty of birds, intelligent and inform…
This tour was superb! Friendly welcome, nice kayaks, easily navigable waterways, plenty of birds, intelligent and informed commentory by Will, delicious muffins and real coffee, a bit of history of the river, more kayaking and birds, amazing cloud formations at sunset, more great food and a spectacular kayak home by moonlight. Highly recommended.
Simon
Ranking: 9/10
We found this tour provided entertainment on multiple levels: history, birdlife, scenery and WIll himself. On a brillian…
We found this tour provided entertainment on multiple levels: history, birdlife, scenery and WIll himself. On a brilliant summer night, the light transforms the landscape continuously throughout your sojourn into the lagoons! Fantastic trip- thank you Will and Rose
LisaB
Ranking: 10/10
An afternoon with Will from Driftwood Eco tours is highly recommended if you would like to learn more about birdlife and…
An afternoon with Will from Driftwood Eco tours is highly recommended if you would like to learn more about birdlife and the history of the land in Marlborough. We spent a great afternoon paddling down the Opawa River while listening to Will's stories and admiring the beautiful scenery. Being on a kayak can get you very close to the birds for amazing photo opportunities! We stopped at the river mouth for great home baked scones and sandwiches and even our gluten free companion's dietary needs where catered for by Will. We paddled back at sunset & the last 20minutes where enjoyed watching the stars - a great & very humbling experience.
This is not hard work like sometimes the case might be with sea kayaking, and is highly recommended for people of all fitness levels and ages. Thank you Will for an unforgettable afternoon!
miriamm
Ranking: 10/10
Driftwood Ecotours gave us a wonderful half day, kayaking gently through the Wairau Lagoons. Highlights were seeing a wi…
Driftwood Ecotours gave us a wonderful half day, kayaking gently through the Wairau Lagoons. Highlights were seeing a wide variety of birdlife from water level, taking photographs, paddling through waterways not easily accessible in any other way, finding out what is really down there in the maze of the Wairau Lagoons; stopping for a delicious home-baked snack; learning some of the history of the river; and all at the pace we chose. It is a treasure to be explored and i loved every minute of it.
Marama Markman
Ranking: 10/10
One of the most amazing experiences of my life! Can’t stop thinking about it. Time stood still. We departed into anoth…
One of the most amazing experiences of my life! Can’t stop thinking about it. Time stood still. We departed into another ethereal world, paddling through a watery sunlit paradise watching it change to the silvery night scene, absolutely incredible. You could almost touch the wings of silently gliding spoonbills. Will has an amazing wealth of knowledge about all the birdlife and the land…. Wow and seriously the best muffin maker. You couldn’t get a better guide. Thanyou very much!!!!!!!
indigo
Ranking: 10/10
Amazing evening - truly one of the most magical experiences I have had. Beautiful scenery on the river, dusk, stars, bir…
Amazing evening - truly one of the most magical experiences I have had. Beautiful scenery on the river, dusk, stars, birds and nature. A wonderful trip: Will was fantasticly knowledgeable and made AMAZING muffins! :D Thank you so very very much.
Tika Greenlaw
Ranking: 10/10
Has to rank as one of the most brilliant things I've experienced in my life - really cool. Kayaking along Opawa River "s…
Has to rank as one of the most brilliant things I've experienced in my life - really cool. Kayaking along Opawa River "smoky river", beautiful reflections, shags taking flight, awesome morning glory muffin break near the old pilot house, the sound of birdsong, the peace, and then after a great picnic tea, the sunset, the wonderful kayak back in the dusk, etheral spoonbills on the inky river with a full moon - something out of a Japanese painting.... couldn't rate it higher, it was brilliant must-do experience.
Tim
01 June 2010.