Travel Review: Luxury Australia and New Zealand Vacation by An Expert Agent - Qualia on Hamilton Island, Blanket Bay, etc.

Review by traveler

John S.

2.28.2011

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:

A wonderful itinerary with the right mix of locations, good number of days at each spot, perfect activities, on-ground logistics were all great. Only snafu was a very poorly handled trip insurance situation by the travel agent (we booked trip and bought policy after being assured in emails and on the phone that we had "cancel for any reason" insurance, but on closer inspection, that was not the case) and we spents months trying to sort it out before the agent involved left the company and the owner took over. We never did get back to our original coverage, but thankfully, we didn't need to use the insurance.

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

All three resorts we stayed in were world class fantastic! Qualia on Hamilton Island, Australia, Wolgan Valley in the Blue Mountains of Australia, and Blanket Bay near Queenstown, New Zealand. Sydney was wonderful as a destination, although the Intercontinental Hotel was just okay, except for the perfect location, steps from Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens and the Opera House. The most memorable moment on a splurge, once-in-a-lifetime 30th Anniversary trip was the helicopter trip to Milford Sound, New Zealand on Over The Top helicopters. Seeing the waterfalls, glaciers and surf up close was fantastic--great pilot!

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

Only a few little things not worth mentioning. It was a great trip. I HIGHLY recommend Australia and New Zealand if you have the time--wonderful, friendly people; awe-inspiring scenery, flora and fauna; great meals; no third world security or heath issues; exotic, other side of the world feel without the risks.

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