New Zealand Luxury Vacation Review: Milford Sound, Auckland, Waiheke Island, Aoraki / Mount Cook

This was our third experience using a travel specialist through Zicasso. Having been a tour guide, I wanted an agent who understood my detail-oriented nature. Our tour operator not only arranged the entire itinerary I requested, but was able to set us up with private drivers and primarily private/small group tours at a more affordable budget than other agencies we considered. She responded to countless emails and questions I sent over a 10-month period. I believe the sign of a great travel specialist is their ability to handle things when glitches occur.

When we flew into Cairns, our driver informed us that both roads to Port Douglas were closed due to the Cyclone Jasper aftermath. We texted her and, within minutes, she had booked round-trip ferry tickets for us so we would not miss our excursions to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and visit the Daintree Rainforest with our Aboriginal guide.

There was another instance where a driver had not been updated with a hotel change, but we were able to straighten things out with a quick call since we had been provided with telephone and confirmation numbers for all tour companies.

Our travel agent's generosity should be noted as well. She treated us to dinners during our stay at Aoraki / Mount Cook and reserved ferry tickets from Auckland to Waiheke Island. All accommodations she selected were centrally located and beautifully appointed.