Luxury New Zealand Trip Review: Christchurch, Twizel, Queenstown, Kaikoura, Lake Tekapo, Stewart Island, Ulva Island, Milford Sound

David and I were extremely lucky to have had Geoff of this travel company plan our 15 day itinerary in New Zealand, Nov 11 - 25. Our travel interests center primarily on nature, landscape and culture, and our early phone conversations with Geoff were extremely helpful in identifying areas of greatest interest. We talked to Geoff a few times going over an itinerary by email and phone that helped him create our trip of a lifetime vacation. Geoff’s own knowledge, advise and investigation for locations and experiences were amazing. Any sea animal, nature preserve, creature or bird we mentioned we would like to try to see were all worked into our inclusive, self-drive, private itinerary. Geoff and his wife, Libby were welcoming and helpful on our arrival in Twizel. Geoff gave us a great start and advice before we left and again whenever we needed it on our trip. David needed some minor medical care near the end of our trip and Geoff arranged and handled it both caring and professionally, which we knew he would. We drove the Southern Scenic Historical route which was fantastic. There was so much to see and take in at our choosing. Every small group excursion or tour we went on left us wanting to learn and investigate more on our own.

The accommodations Geoff arranged were exceptionally comfortable and beautiful. In addition, all of the staff we met were absolutely excellent and made sure that every need was met with genuine kindness and concern. When our luggage didn’t arrive with us in Christchurch one of the staff members at the hotel in Christchurch offered to pick it up the next day at the airport, because we would be out on an all day tour. Staying at the Lodge near Twizel was magical. Our bedroom opened to a pond filled with baby ducks, frogs and sounds that were delightful. One could have spent days there just watching the light and clouds change over the pond while in the background the Southern Alps lingered under the long white clouds. An entirely different memorable experience was our stay at the hotel near Dunedin where we dined at the Larnach Castle, while being able to tour the rooms and gardens. On Steward Island we stayed at a hotel, which were centrally located and easy to feel at home in. The Lodge was warm and inviting overlooking Te Anau lake, absolutely breathtaking. Lastly mentioned but not all of, the Hotel in Queenstown couldn’t make our final stay more accommodating or pleasurable when David was ill.