allesca
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South Island ▷ Stewart Island ▷ Halfmoon Bay ▷
Rakiura / Stewart Island Ferry
Very interesting commentary along the coastline gives a real insight into the varied and busy history and present day acitivites of the Island.
The walk on Ulva was interesting and the guides were well informed but the chance of seeing birds are severly hindered by the chatter of the group along the way. But well worth doing the tour.
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South Island ▷ Kaikoura Region ▷ Kaikoura ▷
Whale Watch Kaikoura
We were lucky and saw 2 sperm whales on the surface for 5+ minutes each, then the spectacular dive, and just caught the dive of a third; whale sightings had been rarer in the previous few days.
The trip is a must-do in Kaikoura. Very well run: comfortable vessels, very professional crew, expert whale spotters and commentary as well as lot of information en route about other marine life and whales in general. Friendly and helpful staff at the visitor centre and on board all clearly enjoy what they do.
Kia Ora - so great to hear that you had an memorable time with us. We are truly blessed to have such beautiful marine life live off this coastline. Feedback from our customers is always appreciated, we hope that you are able to sail with us again one day. Thanks again
Lisa - Marketing & Communications
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Banks Peninsula ▷
Pohatu Penguins
A real privilege to get a close-up insight and understanding of the work being done to protect these endangered penguins and to see them in their natural habitat with a minimum of human interference.
It's all about the penguins.
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South Island ▷ Kaikoura Region ▷ Kaikoura ▷
Maori Tours Kaikoura
Interesting, informative, entertaining and fun.
What more can you ask? Fascinating perspective on Maori culture, historic and modern, all told with respect and humour. Thanks for an excellent afternoon.
Thanks heaps for the great review Allesca - we're pleased you enjoyed the day.
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South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Doubtful Sound ▷
Doubtful Sound Day Cruise
A great day out.Went on the small boat cruise so an early start (06:30) and a peaceful trip across Lake Manapouri then over the Wilmot Pass to Doubtful Sound.
The Breaksea Girl takes a maximum of 20 people and is a wonderful friendly way to see the Sound. Full marks to Harry for his information about what we were seeing and to Demelza for producing such great food. If you can't do the overnight trip, then this is the one to go for.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Akaroa ▷
Akaroa Dolphins
Great boat: small and comfortable with knowledgeable, hospitable and friendly crew.
Lots of dolphins in the harbour on the day we went and I'd rather have spent more time with them than going right out to the harbour entrance,but probably others on board would have complained if they'd missed that. Home-made cookies a real bonus!
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Picton / Marlborough Sounds ▷
Beachcomber Fun Cruises
Excellent trip.
Really good information from the skipper and the scenery is fantastic. Seeing dolphins on the way back were a bonus. Nice vessel, well-equipped and comfortable. Highly recommended.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Banks Peninsula ▷
Eastern Bays Scenic Mail Run
What a great way to see this section of the Banks Peninsula.
Robin, the postman, has a wealth of experience and knowledge of the area and clearly enjoys sharing it with his passengers. Spectacular views all the way and much easier to appreciate them as a passenger than as a driver. The picnic along the way is an added bonus and the stops at places of interest make for a great tour.
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North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo ▷
Ernest Kemp
Very interesting 2 hours.
Skipper gave lots of info about the Lake and the various places along the shore. The carvings are well worth the trip and it is always good to be out on the water.
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Rotorua ▷
Mitai Maori Village
Interesting, informative, entertaining.
Compere/MC is excellent. The arrival of the waka is really well done. Maori culture is well explained and the performers seem to be having a good time. Authentic feel and the food was very good. Much better than other similar events.
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Tarawera ▷
Buried Village
The museum and exhibition is really good: super pictures and explanation of what happened.
The excavated houses are OK and give an idea of the extent to which houses were buried but it's not clear how much reconstruction there has been.
Thought it was not good value: $20 would have been a fairer price and might get more people through the door. While I was there, 2 lots of people came in, looked at the price, and left.
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Rotorua ▷
Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Fascinating place.
The self-guided walk is excellent: lots of information, good path and viewpoints. The Lake Rotomahana cruise is not worth the extra money; could be half the time. Overall I thought it was expensive, maybe worth $50 for the 2 rather than $77.
Hi Allesca, We're glad that overall you enjoyed your self-guided walk through the craters of Waimangu Volcanic Valley. The Lake Rotomahana cruise is a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the lake and its creation, while viewing its beautiful environment and separate geothermal system. We're confident the price is reasonable and not out of line with similar cruises throughout New Zealand.
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Coromandel Town ▷
Hike & Bike Coromandel
Did the all-day Coastal Walkway Tour, which includes a bus to the north of the peninsula, a 7.8 km self-guided walk then bus back to Coromandel Town.
Excellent day out. Guide was very informative about things along the route, explained the walk clearly and gave us each a map of the route. Provided a picnic before and after the walk. Don't see how it could have gone any better. A nice touch is that the guide waits till all walkers have gone past the first hilltop, about 15 minutes into the walk, to make sure no one wants to turn back.