Australia & New Zealand Travel Review: Melbourne, Queenstown, Glenorchy, Nelson, Winery Visits, Jet Boat Ride, Helicopter Tour

Review by traveler

Jamie Y.

3.13.2023

General Info

Traveler Review

Which Country (Countries) did you visit on this trip?

Australia

New Zealand

Your overall comments on the trip and the travel company:

Our trip was very enjoyable despite the weather not fully cooperating with our plans. Karen and the travel team were easy to contact both prior to our departure and whilst in transit. The local guide experiences were the highlight of our time in both Australia and New Zealand and I doubt we'd have been able to coordinate those without our travel company's help. We were truly able to relax and enjoy exploring without feeling too rushed. Certainly worth the effort to travel the distance and hope to return someday.

What were the most enjoyable or memorable parts of your trip?

The local guide experiences were easily the highlight of our time in Australia. Our guide in Melbourne gave fantastic insight into the neighborhoods of Melbourne, showing us street art that was off the beaten path and samples of the local delicacies and markets. Then a trip to the wineries of the Mornington peninsula was wonderfully peppered with stops at scenic overlooks and the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Park. It was a great balance of urban, scenic, animal, and food activities.
In New Zealand we had the opportunity to go on a helicopter tour in Queenstown and it was spectacular. The weather was doubtful at times but they were able to find a window for us to go up. The sights are one of a kind and to see The Remarkables in that fashion was breathtaking. We also highly enjoyed the jet boat ride in Glenorchy as it was a very unique way to travel. We did get rained on for part of the excursion, but the captain did a good job keeping us entertained.

If you could take your trip again, what would you do differently?

I think we would break up our time a little differently if we were to repeat this trip. While 3 days was a good amount of time to explore Melbourne as a city, I think 5 days would have allowed for more excursions into the surrounding area. Also, given that it was unseasonably cold and rainy while were were there, 5 days may allow more time for the city to shine (literally). Nelson New Zealand was a very different, relaxed pace and honestly could have been more enjoyable had the weather cooperated. Our 2 days were marred by rain and clouds so while I would skip this area next time I acknowledge that it has a lot of potential for relaxing outdoors. Finally, Queenstown New Zealand was a very beautiful place but we were a bit limited without a car. Our booked activities were fantastic, but we could have explored further out and filled our afternoons/evenings a little more with better transport.

Travel Company Comments:

Dear Jamie,
We were delighted to assist you with your Australia and New Zealand honeymoon and by enlarge, feel your review represents our intention for your time with us. A few responses, however, follow.
We were given a very short timeframe of 10-days to deliver this vacation to Australia and New Zealand and while generally, we would avoid committing to a trip to both countries with a length of less than 14-days, I understood your steadfastness in your desire to visit the two countries within your 10-day period.
The inclusion of Melbourne (and the Greater Victoria region) was suggested as we felt this location would assure you the most ‘Australian’ experience while staying mindful of easy flights in and out, and a somewhat relaxed encounter with one of Australia’s most diverse locations. Had we included 5-days in Melbourne, this would have pushed the trip length beyond what was possible for you.
In Queenstown, you note you were limited without a car. During our trip planning phase, it was noted that your distinct preference was that you do not drive, hence, a rental car was not a consideration. If indeed, you changed your mind on this whilst in Queenstown and had communicated this to us, we would have presented some options for rental vehicles in the region.
Lastly, the overarching theme of your review is the weather. Whilst February and March are traditionally our mid-late summer months, it is crucial for anyone planning a trip to Australia and, more importantly, New Zealand, to understand that our weather throughout the year is changeable and unfortunately, this is something we have no control over.
Thanks so much and it was a pleasure to help you both with this special vacation.
Warmly,
Karen