Bonnie and David Appleby
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Reporoa ▷
Riverjet NZ
We were welcomed at the reception desk (didn’t get her name), but very helpful and professional young woman, supplied us with lifejackets and took a picture of us prior to our trip on the deck outside
and an ‘action one’ as we were coming into dock on our return. Adam was our driver and was enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the sites along the river, filling us in with stories of interest about the history and culture of the original natives. Lots of photo opportunities along the way. We chose the Orakei Korako walk around the thermal reserve...being dropped off at a cafe on the river’s edge to catch a ferry over to the reserve (5 minute ride), while others went on further with Adam to do the “Squeeze”. Breathtaking scenery, geysers/steam/bubbling hot pools/native foliage all along the way and a wide sturdy boardwalk to make the trek more manageable, as it is a good walk. (1 hour or so) Adam picked us up again at the cafe and the ride back to base was FAST, FURIOUS and EXHILERATING...lots of fun and very safe! Very enjoyable and highly recommended.
Well done Riverjet!
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Waitomo ▷
Spellbound Ltd
"Hop" was our guide and was full of historical and cultural information about the caves we visited - that coupled with his easygoing and humorous style, made our trip extremely enjoyable.
The first cave we visited was in a raft, to see the Glowworms and it was simply spectacular. Hop patiently explained their life cycle and was able to answer any questions that we had. Before heading off to our next cave, he took us to the top of a hill to a lean-to shelter for a ‘tea break’ – offering biscuits and a choice of coffee/tea or hot chocolate – then gathered us up in the van and we headed off to our ‘walking’ tour of the second large cave.....once again, simply breathtaking....lots of photo opportunities and something we will never forget. Thanks Hop and all the best to you and your family!
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Waiotapu ▷
Waikite Valley Thermal Pools Campground
I was stunned when my husband stopped and turned off the ignition saying "this is it!" - as I actually thought that we were still in the CAR PARK of the site.
There was nothing but gravel all around and the vans were very close together. To say that I was disappointed is an understatement –THEN -we went in to view the 'Pools' area - what a relaxing, soothing, simply beautiful place to spend the rest of the day and evening. The shower/toilet/kitchen and laundry area were 'older', but very clean and sufficient for the small amount of campers in the lot After visiting the pools, which were varied and surrounded by lovely well cared for foilage we decided on a fish and chips dinner to be purchased from the cafe that was on site. My husband went off to buy our dinner while I sorted out and tidied up inside the van. I couldn’t believe it when I looked out and saw him walking back with two large CHINA plates/ or flat bowls, EACH filled with 3 lightly crumbed fish/large crispy chips and a salad of greens/thinly slivered carrot strips/wedges of tomato and long, thin curled slivers of beet root.....displayed as a dish that you would receive in a 4 star restaurant. I expected him to return with a newspaper wrapped order of fish and chips and some coleslaw on the side. In the morning, prior to the pools being opened to the public, we strolled along the paths to view the steaming, bubbling natural pools and streams of water flowing down the hillside and being captured and separated into the various pools at our campground. The surrounding natural bush was breathtaking . We were totally surprised and extremely happy with our visit here and highly recommend it anyone travelling through that area...and YES....take at least one night to stay in their 'campsite'...as the cost is cheap and covers the use of the pools as often as you like.....and the food on offer and the scenery is well worth it.
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North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Auckland ▷
Gateway Motorhome Hire
We recently rented a Premium 2 Berth Fiat Camper Van from Gateway Motorhomes in Auckland - Karen and Roger were the owners and they were extremely helpful with their instructions (this was our first time
using a camper van).
The van itself performed wonderfully, was clean and well stocked with bed linen/towels/extra items necessary for a quick cup of tea/coffee, etc. - and the one extra thing that we enjoyed having that other rental camper vans didn't offer - was the retractable AWNING - that offered us sufficient shade when necessary at some of the open area campsites we visited. While we enjoyed excellent sunny weather, knowing that we had the awning if it did rain, was comforting. The service that Karen and Roger gave us was incredible - from being picked up at our hotel at the beginning of our trip - to being dropped off at the airport when it was time to leave....and the patience and kindness and sense of humour they displayed, when after being dropped off at the airport and having to call them to say that we left our mobile phone in the van, resulted in them having to make ANOTHER trip to the airport in rush hour traffic to bring us the phone....was something that we will be forever grateful for. All in all....great value...and when we return to New Zealand to do the south island, we will definitely be using a GETAWAY VAN. 10 out of 10
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Rotorua ▷
Te Pā Tū Maori Cultural Experience
We had a very short one week trip to the North Island only of NZ and one of the most interesting experiences along the way was our visit to the Tamaki Maori Village.
Our bus driver was DENNIS (the Menace...his own added comment)...which gives you an indication of how entertaining our journey to the Village was. He was able to weave his humour in amongst all the cultural and historical information that he gave us along the way, making the trip interesting and enjoyable. The traditional ancient ceremonial welcome to the Village was spellbinding and humbling, the seriousness and sincerity of its performance is something to remember for a lifetime. As we toured through the village, it was very well organized to accommodate the number of visitors and allow you to be able to witness or take part in the cultural displays being presented, smooth flowing from one exhibit to another. The entertainment was authentic and heart moving to experience, beautiful, powerful singing and dancing and then the plentiful feast afterwards was delicious. (Although a demonstration of the actually cooking/removing of the earth from the hangi pit would have been wonderful to see). Once again, the organization by the staff – always patient and courteous - and the smooth flowing of so many visitors amazed me and made our visit truly a wonderful memory.
Thank you DENNIS for sharing with us a part of your culture, which in itself was displayed by your patient, kind and humorous nature.