Sharyn Crosby
-
North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷ Wellington ▷
Pacific Horizon Motorhomes
Would definitely recommend these guys!
Upon arrival at Christchurch International Airport we used the free phone to call them and they collected us promptly and took us to their office. We went through a very thorough check of the vehicle - right down to some things we didn't see but our very helpful Rep Brett did; to the exterior and interior operations; to who to contact for assistance; and ensuring that all utensils and bedding were all there. Everything backed up with manuals, maps and places to stay.
The ONLY things that we had problems with were: some screws mounting the TV to the wall came out so we had to tie the TV to the bracket - it was never our intention to use the TV so this didn't bother us really; fridge door wouldn't stay securely closed, had to wedge it with a shoe to keep it closed while driving.
We hired the 4 berth GEM, there were 3 of us (Mum and 2 Daughters) and we had enough room. We configured the van to use the big bed at the rear and the dining table at the front (constantly made up). The front seats swivel around to use the dining table, we only swivelled the front passenger seat as it was far easier to do than the driver seat - and all we needed as there were only 3 of us.
I'd recommend the All Inclusive Insurance Option, not that expensive but it gives you zero excess, picnic table and GPS.
The GEM is automatic and ran beautifully. You're only allowed to go 90kms but most times on those mountainous NZ roads you just can't get anywhere near that speed anyhow. This Mh did an amazing job.
Lastly, there is a shower for your use back at their office - they'll even give you a towel, very welcome before jumping on the plane home.
We travelled 2,343kms in 9 days.
Our route: Christchurch, Kaikoura, Hanmer Springs, Greymouth, Franz & Fox Glaciers, Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, back through Te Anau and Gore on way to Dunedin, up East Coast through Ormeau, Timaru and back to Christchurch.
-
South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Hanmer Springs ▷
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
If considering going near/through Hanmer Springs and you have the time, I'd recommend a visit.
$20 adult entry and stay as long as you want, closing at 9.30pm. They have multiple thermal pools, including three smelly sulphur pools for you to enjoy. There are Aqua-therapy pools with invigorating jets to help loosen up any tight back, shoulder, leg muscles you may have; Rock pools which are heated at ~39 degrees; and there are heated thermal pools to simply sit and relax in. I'd say the aqua-therapy pools are far better than having a massage!
Not only that, they have a great kiddies area and a pretty fun ride for the young at heart too.
There is also the facilities of the day spa if you'd like to add other luxury to your visit. There is a cafe, locker for your bag and you can finish with a hot shower before dressing.
Excellent!
Visited 8th March, 2013
-
South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷ Queenstown Township ▷
Shotover Jet
Nick, our driver, knows this river well!
He steered us so close to the sides of the Shotover Canyon walls you thought you'd hit it! You will get wet, so you might want to make use of the spray jackets. Get ready for 360's, fast turns, and speed!
Only negative: You're not allowed to take your own camera. They take photo and video for you to purchase afterwards but these aren't too expensive and are well presented.
Highly recommend this ride!
10th March 2013
Cost: $129pp
-
South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷ Queenstown Township ▷
Ziptrek Ecotours
A great experience!
You start this tour with a gondola ride up the mountain (included in the package) which you will then zip line to the bottom.
Our guides, TJ and Hailey looked after us really well and they both explained each stage of the zip line and in some instances also demonstrated. You get to hang upside down, on your back, sideways, whatever you can think of!
For this tour, you are coming down the mountain in shade, this can be a bit chilly, so would recommend warm clothes but not baggy, they need to harness you! You can take a camera or video as they'll tie this to your harness to ensure you don't lose it.
Be prepared for a steep walk to Zipline 6, it takes about 20mins but you can go at your own pace. Jelly legs for some.
Only negative comments:
A) Unfortunately if you've paid for this tour down-town, there is no pre-paid line at the Gondola for you to enter and therefore if there is a long line you may miss your start time for the zip-line (but at least they know you're coming and make provision for this).
B) Difficult to find: as Zip-trek Tours are a separate entity to Skyline (Gondola) we were told that they could not change their signage! COME ON SKYLINE, let all businesses have success!
10th March, 2013