5 Stars (32 reviews)
Our family vacation on the South Island was fabulous! Here are some specifics:
The itinerary was well-thought-out, as we drove in "Bill" the bus for only relatively short spells at a time before arriving at an interesting spot to hike, explore, picnic, etc. Never was there a spell where we sat for more than 1.5 hours or so.
"Bill" the bus was a very comfortable ride, by the way, allowing us to sit with a variety of people or even alone. The bus held 20 or so, and we were only 12 in number plus our two guides. The windows are large, allowing for expansive views of the beautiful New Zealand landscape. We towed a trailer behind us for all of our luggage and food, so we were not sitting amongst or climbing over luggage or supplies.
Our guide Claire was an excellent driver, and we felt very safe with her at the wheel.
The variety of experiences was exceptional! We visited four national parks. We hiked 10 miles roundtrip to a glacial lake at Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park. We hiked amongst sheep and cows (within just a few feet of us!) at Mt. Aspiring National Park and stayed overnight in a classic NZ "hut." We visited a wildlife preserve where we saw the nocturnal kiwi, we saw Fox Glacier; we spent several days in lovely Queenstown, canyoning, luging, and river rafting; we visited Puzzling World and found our way out of a very puzzling wooden maze. Our guides engaged our children in the building of a driftwood fort on a beach on the Tasman Sea. Our youthful, energetic guides also engaged all of us in playing "Go Home, Stay Home" amongst giant boulders and bravely accompanied our children into the cold water of a cave, where the children spied an eel! We also visited a sheep farm, where the kids took their turn trying to herd the sheep into a corral, learned about sheep farming and the dog's commands, and tried their hand at shearing a sheep.
The food was delicious, fresh and plentiful. Whether prepared for us by our guides Claire and Mel, or served to us at a restaurant where reservations had been made and service was quick, the food was uniformly excellent. Snacks were always available on the bus. We were very well-fed!
Our guides Claire and Mel were EXTRAORDINARY. We also were joined by a guide Steve for our hike in Mt. Aspiring, and he was equally AWESOME! Their sense of fun, their youthful energy, and their competence in managing the vehicles, preparing food, mobilizing the group, keeping to a schedule, etc. impressed us daily. Their knowledge of all things NZ, their ability to engage our children in fun, tossing a rugby ball or playing hangman with dry erase markers on the windows of the bus, made our trip the success that it was. We LOVED them!!!!
New Zealand Family Vacation, March 2017
Michelle, United States
5 Stars (191 reviews)
The trip was delightful. The guides were knowledgeable, informative, and went above and beyond. The local folks were very friendly. The group was enjoyable. The landscape can't be beaten for its beauty. The hikes were varied and scenic. The food was excellent. Even the weather cooperated (just a few sprinkles two late afternoons). Lodging quality varied from good to excellent (to be expected in rural areas). The only downside was the omnipresent sandflies - but, I gather they are part of the New Zealand experience.
Milford Track Adventure, March 2017
Wendy, United States
5 Stars (540 reviews)
This was a great trip. The fact that New Zealand's South Island is a wonderful, breathtaking place may have made the guides' jobs easier, but both they and my fellow travellers made this a very enjoyable and memorable vacation.
In particular, the two days spent flying into, hiking through and up the Siberia Valley, the overnight stay and the hike and jet boat out made the trip a "must do". The wild, untouched, glorious beauty of it all is more than I can put into words. I have already recommended it to other friends planning to visit kiwi land.
Classic South Island Adventure, March 2017
Miles, United States
5 Stars (922 reviews)
After being on a Galapagos trip I thought I knew what to expect! Galapagos was amazing too but this trip was an experience in itself!! Every hike was an adventure and the rewards for getting to the top were a treasure to be seen!! A huge thanks to Rachel and Gary for their knowledge and everything they did to make this trip incredible!
Ultimate South Island Adventure, March 2017
Kathleen, United States
5 Stars (540 reviews)
Many thanks to Steve (awesome guide) for this memorable experience. I loved every minute of it - a true adventure. I've fallen in love with the New Zealand 'hut' experience and the magical world this open you up to.
Classic South Island Adventure, March 2017
Pamela, Canada
5 Stars (377 reviews)
It was a fabulous trip. Arturo is a very considerate, competent, and creative guide with a wonderful sense of humor.
Patagonia Hiking Adventure, March 2017
Kate, United States
5 Stars (540 reviews)
The Tui trip was a perfect way to see parts of New Zealand on a short time frame. I was concerned traveling by myself, and this trip was the perfect way to do it. Between the the most spectacular scenery, the knowledge of the guides, and the varied and incredible itinerary, this really was the trip of a lifetime for me.
Classic South Island Adventure, March 2017
Rosie, United States
4 Stars (377 reviews)
Amazing experience with our North American friends. The photos never did the views justice. Around every corner there was another beautiful lake, another awesome glacier or forrest. Truly a land of contrast on our road trips. Cynthia was an incredible guide and she went out of her way to accommodate everyone. I won't forget this adventure!
Patagonia Hiking Adventure, March 2017
Anne, New Zealand