New Zealand Trip Review: Mt. Cook, Milford Sound, Hiking, 10-Day Tour

Review by traveler

Jayson C.

12.15.2023

General Info

Traveler Review

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

New Zealand

Your overall comments on the trip and the travel company:

The Zicasso travel partner provided a custom trip that hit all of my requested North and South Island "must-see" places and experiences. The drivers were always punctual, informed, flexible, and friendly. The hotels were all spot-on regarding their locations and quality. By design, we followed a packed itinerary that got us to the desired opportunities and still allowed us time to relax and recharge when needed. The tour company did an awesome job getting all the various destinations strung together for an efficient and awesome trip. I would have given them five stars were it not for the monetary hassles associated with rebooking and ultimately refunding the excursions that were canceled due to weather.

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

The Hooker Valley hike to see Mt. Cook close up was a surreal experience. Despite the wind and throngs of other hikers, we got the special time we wanted on our own at the terminal lake to soak in the majesty. Similarly, Milford Sound, although shrouded in cloud and rain, was unique. Even the entry and exit area around Homer Tunnel to Milford from Queenstown was amazing in its own right.

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

Our intent was to go in November to avoid the worst of the crowds and still get around to all the places we wanted to see. However, the weather grounded our planned helicopter and plane rides around the Franz Josef, Milford Sound, and Mt. Cook areas.

Travel Company Comments:

Dear Jayson,

I wanted to follow up on your comment posted with Zicasso. First of all, I would like to thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to post your positive review. I appreciate your feedback regarding both the highlights and the somewhat negative aspects.

My wife (our Tour Director) and myself always strive to provide the very best experience possible for all our clients and take negative comments very seriously.

With all and any cancellation of any activity and or attraction while touring beautiful New Zealand - say helicopter flight for example - it is usually because of poor weather conditions and around your safety!

We always wait until the client's trip has been completed before making any refunds - simply because there could be more than one!

We are totally dependent on our suppliers and providers - to when they refund us, then the same day we refund our clients - always.

Jayson, once again, thank you for traveling with us and posting your review. It is very much appreciated.