Jeremy Eng
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North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Auckland ▷
Apex Rental Cars
Great service via email before the trip and at the counter at both ends of our trip.
Their prices were by far the best we found and was not at all reflected in their quality. Maps they gave were also easier to fold and use than Jason's or AA's tour maps (but if you must, pick up the AA maps at the I-centers, as they are very nice)
Additionally, they provided a free sim card (2-degrees) for your mobile phone. You can then call and "top up" to get usable minutes or texts; however, all but their Greymouth location has a free-phone #. Just make sure you have an unlocked mobile phone to use.
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Waiotapu ▷
Kerosene Creek
Incredible!!!
I'm much more used to constructed pools that get stirred up with muck and sediment, this didn't have that problem! Water was perfect temperature, but I do wish it was a chillier day to truly enjoy.
All the talk of vehicle break-ins had me nervous, so we brought our wallets and such with us. No bother, as the car was untouched. I do see how it could be a problem, as it is an opportune area for the like.
We visited when the road's gate was locked due to fire danger. The 2km walk must have kept the crowds away, as we enjoyed the creek to ourselves!
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Hahei ▷
Hot Water Beach
Really unique experience.
Too bad common courtesy is tossed out the window here. The crowds were bad, as expected, but so many tourists splash, toss sand, or step on you and in your pool centimeters from where you sit. But the uniqueness made it well worthwhile.
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South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷ Dunedin ▷
Cadbury World
$23 dollars for a 1-hour tour?
We passed and explored the overpriced shop. Most of their candies are available at the petrol stations cheaper!
I'm sure the tour is novel for those truly interested, but we opted to save our cash.
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Hahei ▷
Cathedral Cove Walk
Beautiful!
However, I wish we kayaked there instead of the walk, would've been more interesting. Seems like a crowded walk, but fortunately we went at sunset and missed all but 5 other visitors there. Moonrise was also exceptional on the walk out. I highly recommend visiting in the evening.
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South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Milford Sound - Fiordland National Park ▷
Roscos Milford Kayaks
Price is a bit high, but the quality of the trip and guide (Adam) was top notch.
Equipment is in good shape for a guiding company. They even have a ridiculously cool heater in their tent for changing before the trip.
They even scheduled a pod of dolphins to come by and play with us on our paddle!
It's just too bad that there were no kayak hire options that we could find, as we could've got by on our own and $185 was very steep for the Morning Glory trip. Much more value for the non-kayaker. Also, way better seeing everything from the kayak than the deck of a cruise ship.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Abel Tasman ▷
Abel Tasman Independent Guides
Great experience for a couple of out of town kayakers.
We did a 3-day kayak hire with Independent Guides. We were fortunate enough to stumble upon them as we stayed at Old McDonald's farm to camp (where Independent is also housed). They have the best prices that we saw, and offered all the gear that we needed. I must say, their fleet and gear are a bit weathered, but all fully functional and more than adequate for use.