Russ C
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North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Auckland ▷
Auckland Zoo
Compared to zoos in the UK we were very impressed - the admission was very reasonable, the animals are clearly all well cared for and we saw a wide variety of animals.
Of particular interest were the tigers - they were active and playful which made them compulsive to watch.
As with most zoos there were a few no-shows, but for us the tigers, red panda and noisy siamangs more than made up for the lack of a frog exhibit or aquarium.
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North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo ▷
Rapids Jet
A simply fantastic jet boat ride.
The extra-cost photo CD is well worth it, as they capture some great pics!
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Abel Tasman ▷
Kaiteriteri Kayaks
We had a great day in the sea kayaks, despite being total novices.
The tour was well organised and our guide was friendly and helpful. The encounter with the seal colony was very special indeed.
They also give Rankers discounts, which is good to know!
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Kaitaia ▷
Sand Safaris Cape Reinga Tours
Good guide, but the bus was old and past its best.
It was a great day though despite the weather. A comprehensive northlands tour that takes in all the sites. The weather was bad on our trip - we saw another coach slide off the road but our humourous and informative guide kept our spirits up and the bus on the road.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Hanmer Springs ▷
Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday Park
Friendly staff, well equipped park and walking distance into the centre of town for the spa, pubs, and Backtrax quad tours.
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North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Auckland ▷
United Campervans
United were very responsive prior to booking, and answered my emailed questions before collection in a friendly and prompt manner.
The 2+1 van was very well equipped and comfortable for our 3 week trip with no real problems.
I could nit-pick here, as it rattled a bit and occasionally cupboards would open up and spill their contents while driving down alpine roads, but it worked very well where it was important - the shower, toilet, dual-fuel hob, large fridge and comfortable bed made our stay very pleasant indeed. Once I'd got the seat adjusted properly it was very comfortable and easy to drive too.
The price was good as well, so what's not to like?
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South Island ▷ Kaikoura Region ▷ Kaikoura ▷
Whale Watch Kaikoura
On our trip all we saw was an albatross, despite the captain making several attempts to locate whales using his 'microphone on a stick'.
Howeer the tour was well organised, the on board commentary was interesting, well presented and informative, and the refund policy is very reasonable - we got 80% of our money back.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Tutukaka ▷
Dive Tutukaka
Well organised diving with the most humourous and entertaining safety briefing I've ever seen.
The crew were all friendly and knowledgeable and helped put us at our ease - despite the awful weather on the outbound trip.
the diving at the islands was excellent, however the tour claimed we'd also have time for snorkelling and kayaking, but this didn't really happen.
There is so much to fit in at the Poor Knights, and many activity choices. I am sorry you didn't feel like you had as much time as you would have liked. We spend about 6 hours at the Islands, but you can always come again the next day!!
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Hanmer Springs ▷
Backtrax Quad Bike Tours
Quite simply an awesome experience, and amazing value.
Their tours include a wide range of terrain and challenges including mud, trees, steep shale slopes, river beds and fast open gravel roads. The scenery is as astounding as it is remote, and a free photo CD with over 400 pictures - most of them taken by our two guides that afternoon - was an unexpected and cherished bonus.
Everyone we dealt with was friendly and professional, and as far as I can tell there isn't anything at all they could improve on (and I can be REALLY picky at times :).