Testimonials – 2016

14 Day Self Drive Both Islands Tour – Group of 6

“We have a fantastic time in NZ, thanks to The Road Trip! I have to say self-drive in NZ turns out to be easier than I initially thought and the 8-seater vehicle was the perfect size for our group, spacious enough for all of us and our baggage. All accommodation turned out to be great – nicely and adequately furnished and conveniently situated, the group’s favourite being the Ocean Resort at Whitianga where we had a plenty of room and the kids had a blast at the heated outdoor pools. The recommended dining places and photo stops by you guys have also proven to be very helpful indeed – thanks! We also thoroughly enjoyed the booked tour activities especially at Hobbiton, Tamaki Maori Village, Waitomo Glow-Worm Caves and the Queenstown rafting. The booked dinner we had at Stratosphere Restaurant, Queenstown was fabulous. We were very happy to spend our last night in New Zealand with the spectacular sunset views of Queenstown, image of which I’m sure will be etched on our memories for a lasting time. Thank you for recommending and booking this too! The itinerary, provided maps, recommended walks and guides was generally very well-planned and very informative, however we were not able to complete some of them due to time constraints. We also tweaked the itinerary slightly – we went to Wanaka lavender farm instead of Puzzling World, which turned out to be very enjoyable as well. =) All in all, we are very grateful to The Road Trip for the amazing experience that we have in NZ, and we will not hesitate to recommend your service to our friends.”

Emily Chung – Singapore, December 2016

 

14 Day Private Guided Both Islands Tour – Group of 2

“Alex was a great guide couldn’t have asked for better. Horseback riding and river rafting were the highlights.”

Angela Hoover – USA, December 2016

 

15 Day Self Drive South Island tour – Mother and Daughter

“Our trip was fantastic! Everything flowed nicely. The instructions for the extra walks, scenic walks and lookouts etc were right on the mark and were easy to understand. Unfortunately we didnt get to see everything – not enough time…Will have to come back another time – yeah! Our favourite accommodation was – as you said ‘ Dusky ridges in Te Anau , the Classic Villa in Christchurch & the Alpine View in Wanaka. We would thoroughly recommend and hope to go back there ourselves one day.”

Trish and Amanda Cameron – Australia, December 2016

 

8 Day Privately Guided South Island Tour – Group of 8

“NZ is amazing!! We loved every part!! But I guess the best would have been the surprise snow. We were disappointed that we could not do the star gazing or are the glaciers due to the bad weather and rain.”

May Kong and Family – Singapore, November 2016

 

18 Day Self Drive North & South Island Tour – Couple

“Thanks for a great trip. The train ride was great as well as the ferry to the South Island. It was worth the wait and I am glad I did not fly. The cruises at Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound were good but the weather was not. We left Queenstown a day earlier then planned due to rain and stayed at The Hermitage at Mount Cook . That hotel and location I would recommend and the weather was better. We booked a Premium room and had a great view. Also because we missed out on the Kaikoura whale watching we went to Akaroa and went on a Dolphin trip which was very good. We saw lots of playful dolphins. Weather was cool and wet much of the time so we may have to go back when weather is nicer, maybe March in some future year.”

Richard and Wanda Labelle – Canada, November 2016

 

6 Day Private Guided South Island Tour – Group of 1

“My trip to NZ wasn’t Amazing it was EPIC!!!!!!!, more than I could ever imagine! every where that Matt took me was so outstanding. Most of all was my guide Matt Rushton, he made my trip EPIC!!!!!!!!!!!!, he went out of his way, every minute, every hour, EVERY DAY who does that, Only The Road Trip, and Matt, (I bet all your guides are like that). Janelle thank you for going out of your way to helping me your so awesome! Please use the photos that Matt took, I am no good on the computer when it comes to attaching pics. I chose the best of the best , There could not be any one better than The Road Trip. I will definitely be back to NZ, I’ll let you know, my farm stay was amazing, my river rafting was out of this world!!!!, I LOVE NEW ZEALAND!!!! I hated to leave. Also Janelle, the icing on the cake was what Matt did for me, finding a outstanding Tattooist for me to give a traditional Maori tattoo, a silverleaf fern with a meaning so intense that it makes every one cry and myself still. I am so happy to post on face book, to let the world know about the “The Road Trip”. Thank You from the bottom of my heart!!!!”

Suzanna Pierce – USA, November 2016

 

8 Day Private Guided South Island Tour – Group of 8

“My extended family of 8 had a very wonderful and memorable 1st time vacation in NZ South Island from 14th to 23rd Oct 2016. NZ indeed had too much to offer….. From my first point of contact with Chris and later Alex, Janelle, Amy in your website via email, I can ‘smell’ that Road Trip can deliver the goods professionally. Through several emails and queries, I know my family will be having a good time with all arrangement being well taken care of by Road Trip while we are in NZ. I reckon the warm hospitality the moment we stepped out of Christchurch Airport upon being fetched and greeted by ‘Constantly’ Constance (as what my little boy nicknamed her due to her continuous professionalism, punctuality and promptness in arranging our daily schedule). She is a great guide, helpful, down to earth, respectful and importantly a great driver too. She shared and showed us a few good ways of NZ driving culture along the unending scenic 2100km that we had covered. She is always a safe and skilful driver manoeuvring the vehicle around mountainous terrain that we are not used to. Along the journey we got to know a little bit of her background that she writes and direct films…. saw her in You tube too. All the best to you Constance in pursuing your passion and dreams. You have been great with us. Kudos. The planned accommodations and places of interest were just stunning and very comfortable. The Shear-Vue Farmstay was our highlight. The big farm, barn, sheep, cows, chicken and their farm life shared by the host were indeed memorable and personal. The Dobbs family were just awesome. We do not have any big farms back here in Singapore. Lamb and beef can only be visible in the fridge and supermarket. Their hospitality was certainly very warm, kind and overwhelming. They were very respectful in serving us with our Muslim dietary requirement. The Dobbs family and farm stay got our 2 thumbs up. Thanks to Julie for the memory and best of health and wealth to her family. Heli Ride over the mountains was another awesome experience. The weather was cloudy and raining on our first few tries on different locations. But being Constantly Constance, she finally managed to get us on board on our last try in Queenstown. With good weather, we managed to land on Mt Luna and managed to grasp and play with the snow for a good 10 minutes and that was the very first time in our life walking on the snow too… LOL. The rest of the planned accommodations, activities and site seeing were just stunning and we were loving it. Bungy jumping was finally materialised only with with bungy watching…. LOL. Edgewater and Punga Grove got our 2 thumbs up. I intend to return and stay there a couple of nights in the near future. The kind NZ population, perfect cool weather, beautiful botanical gardens, endless mountains, lakes and streams, relax and scenic train ride to Arthurs pass, endless farms, sheep, cows……really mesmerised us that NZ had proven. The sweet New Zealand experiences brought by Road Trip made us want to return in the next few years’ during winter or spring season. My appreciation to the Team in Road Trip for making my family vacation in NZ a sweet success that we treaured. We are okay for Road Trip to publish our pictures and this mail in your website. My son will be posting more pictures in FB soon. I attached several pictures in this email. Thank you again NZ and in particular the Road Trip Team . God Bless.”

Mohamad Salleh Manit and Family – Singapore, October 2016

 

13 Day Private Guided South Island Tour – Group of 2

“Jim and I wanted to extend our sincerest THANK YOU’s for a wonderful trip to New Zealand. We are a little late getting our information back to you as we were also making the US move from Hawaii to Virginia so its been a bit hectic. We haven’t even had a chance to do anything with all of our spectacular photos. We wanted to say that we will write something on facebook as well but overall the trip was so perfect. Zeb was the perfect guide for us. I’m not sure how you pick the guides or match them up but I will say he was the perfect amount of there when you needed him and yet allowed us to have our own vacation as well. He was overly helpful in so many ways…the driving just seemed minor by end because his endless knowledge as well as willingness to work with what we wanted out of our trip was unmatched. He took extra trips up and and down mountains just to ensure we got the photo or the video we desired. He gave us options for more scenic paths from point A to point B and he managed to keep us entirely ontime without rushing us or making us feel like we were on a timed trip. It was just perfect for what we needed. Accommodations were great and were above what was expected at each location. The tours recommended and attached to the itinerary were great. The food in New Zealand was spectacular and we were able to always find what we wanted. The best food was at an new unknown location in Franz Joseph called the Snakebite Brewery and one day one at this little bar in Lake Littleton (or Littleton town). I am sure Zeb will have that on his future list. We could always find coffee and the breakfasts at the hotel were always on time and fine for what we needed to start the day. Our favorite attractions were the Heli-Hike at Fox Glacier and the Canyoning at Lake Wanaka. It was cold in October but something that should be on everyone’s list for sure. The observatory tour was very well done and we are glad we were able to fit that in. I’m also very happy that Zeb knew to take us to the hike where you could see Mt. Cook int the Lake. I think the next part we liked the most was the hiking, side trips and all the availability for photo graphs. Ironically the least liked location was Milford Sound. I can’t even believe I am saying this but I think I expected more and it was a boat ride with a pretty questionable kayaking tour in the middle. If I had any advice for future tour participants it would be to try to not overthink it and let The Road Trip plan the whole thing and then make “on the trip” changes based on what you want. We added some tours that were not on the original itinerary and I would have not done them if I had known and I feel like The Road Trip knew, but that was on us. Thank you again for a wonderful tour and an even better tour guide. Zeb made the trip what it was.”

Amanda and Jim – USA, October 2016

 

8 Day South Island Private Guided Tour – Group of 5

“We had the most amazing family holiday ever! Thanks to Matt for being so attentive and creating so many great and memorable experiences for my parents. He is so knowledgeable, always coming up with ideas and recommendation spontaneously according to weather conditions. We would not be able to see all these breathtaking views without him. Importantly, thank you Matt for demonstrating the perfect bungy jump for us. Matt, great job!”

Fay Chong and Family – Malaysia, October 2016

 

Exclusive 8 Day Privately Guided Tour – Group of 2

“We had a wonderful journey around the Southern island with Alex and planned by Chris. We are very pleased with all we saw, happy with the experiences we gained and joyful with the memories we now own. You really live an exceptionally beautiful country! Alex made the quite long trip easy, safe and so pleasant and all was so well planned and organized. If you ever need our recommendations e.g. for Europeans we would be happy to advice everyone to turn to The Road Trip!!”

Tuula Tamminen and Group- Finland, October 2016

 

5 Day Private Guided Tour of Both Island – Group of 6

“It’s been a while since we are back from the trip but I still think about it. such sweet memories. The trip was amazing and Alex was beyond perfect. Such a great tour guide. He was very knowledgeable and took very good care of us. I felt really at home and didn’t wanna leave honestly. I came back home realizing the 5 days trip was actually too short and I’m planning to come back one day. 5 days are definitely not enough in a country as beautiful as NZ. The hotels chosen by The Road Trip was simply the best. They had the most amazing view. And honestly everything was just beyond perfect. We were very happy. Thank you soo much Janelle for helping me with the arrangements and everything. Alex really knew the best spots for photos! You guys are just simply amazing. Such a great tour company which I will definitely recommend to others and personally deal again when I’m visiting NZ in the future. Keep up the good work! Thank you soo much.”

Sheha Omar and Family – Malaysia, September 2016

 

South Island Private Guided Tour – Group of 6

“All of the group enjoyed the trip immensely. We saw the things we expected to see and as an extension saw things that enhanced our experience. Our accommodation and meals supplied were excellent throughout. The benefit of a guided tour verses self drive was undeniable and allowed everyone to experience the scenery without having to wonder about the road and where we are going to next. The size of the vehicle was also good as it gave us room to move. My personal highlight of the trip was the Banbury mine tour in Denniston. This was amazing. To hear first hand hand what it was like to work in the mine and what the life was like in those days was an eye opener. To experience the mine shafts and the atmosphere inside the mine was an addition that we probably would not have done on a self drive mainly because of the weather. The other attractions were also great and the talk with a 3rd generation Mitchell at the Mitchell’s gold mine was also good. Trish also found her roots in Greymouth. The group was also impressed with Dave who was never late. He also improvised well for our dinner and breakfast in Westport. As the trip went on Dave although always polite and helpful, mellowed a bit and seemed like he was enjoying the trip as well, hopefully that’s true. Dave also made sure that we had help for our person with mobility problems on boarding and disembarking on the Bluebridge. This was much appreciated. Just one little downside. Our accommodation in Greymouth although great for most of us, caused a bit of a problem for the person in our group with a walking stick, as our rooms were on the first floor and there was no lift. The stairs also only a hand rail on one side, both would have been better. As I said only a little downside and we got over that, slowly…… This was the only problem we had with accommodation. Accomodation great, meals amazing. I will be asking for a quote for a further trip shortly. This is an accolade in it’s own right.”

Bev Talbot and Friends – New Zealand, September 2016

 

10 Day South Island Self Drive Tour – Group of 2

“The best decision that I’ve made for this trip was to book it with The Road Trip. The route maps and notes given to us was so detailed! Definitely exceeded our expectations. There was not a boring moment as there are so many suggestions and things to do along the drive. Our only regret is that we can’t afford to spend more time in NZ as we had to head home and back to work. The highlight of the trip was that everything is a highlight to us! Deeply appreciate it when some of the accommodation served us complimentary bottle of wine because they knew before hand that we were on our honeymoon. We loved everything from the whales and seal colony in Kaikoura, hot springs in Hanmer Springs, Heli-hike at Franz Josef, waterfalls in Milford Sound, Glow Worm caves in Te Anau, Stratosphere restaurant and having Ferg burger for lunch while overlooking Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown Garden, majestic view of Mount Cook, to the farm stay with Julie and Tony (They were wonderful host!). NZ is really beautiful, truly every corner is scenic. Thank you so much for your assistance when we ran into some hiccups at Hokitika. It is assuring to know that you are there to help us. In fact, I love NZ and you guys so much that I’ve recommended some of my friends planning to visit NZ to book their tours with you! Hopefully we would be able to visit NZ again in the near future and we will definitely engage The Road Trip again. Thank you and take care!”

Ang Chang and Quek Zhi Lei Kimberly – Singapore, September 2016

 

5 Day South Island Privete Guided Tour – Family of 3

“We had a fabulous time, Matt was an absolute star! Really helpful and knowledgable, always coming up with ideas of what we could do and managing to fill our time really well. Having a good sense of humour was a plus! We thought that the areas of Wanaka and Queenstown were, as the English would say, gobsmackingly beautiful, and hope to return one day to see the rest of the island. Seeing Mount Cook poking through the clouds was stunning, looking down from the gondola at Queenstown at the vastness of the panorama was breathtaking and fighting off the Kea’s from eating our food at Franz Joseph was so amusing. Really, I don’t think that we could have done better or had a better guide.”

Jenny Smart and Family – England, September 2016

 

15 Day North & South Island Self Drive Tour – Group of 2

“I can’t begin to express how amazing our trip was, and of course thanks to the road trip team who made our trip easy and possible. The choices of locations, activities and accommodations were beyond fantastic. The self drive trip was great but mostly challenging, especially driving up the mountains and taking high roads in different weather conditions, however, the scenery was breathtaking, especially routes recommended by you. It was easy to drive with GPS and we’ve made it to our destinations without getting lost or having to ask for directions. We’ve never imagined to see such beauty, the kind of beauty you see on postcards. And the people were very kind and helpful everywhere we went. Some of the highlights of the trip were Waitomo Glowworm Cave, Hobbiton, Te Puia in Rotorua, Whale Watching in Kaikoura, skydiving in Queenstown and our one night stay on a farm in Te anau. We wished the trip was longer than two weeks, but we are definitely going to do another road trip in NZ in the future. I am sure NZ still has more to offer, and I definitely recommend this trip to everyone. Thank you for making our trip such a memorable one.”

Lulwa and Her Mother – Bahrain, September 2016

 

2nd Guided New Zealand Tour with The Road Trip – Group of 11

“New Zealand is absolutely beautiful! This year was our second visit to New Zealand with The Road Trip. We thought that the trip this year wouldn’t get any better than last year and seeing the same thing twice would be just dull and not as exiciting. We came there surprised that in fact what we see this year was different and equally amazed us. The variety and diverse nature, like sand dunes and etc, that we get to see in New Zealand brought us to a whole new different experience, which I think is worth it to go twice. Aside from the breathtaking view, the friendly attitude of the local people and the delicious food are another reasons that makes our trip very satisfying. Thank you for thoughtfully planning our itinerary as all left us speechless. Alex has done really wonderful job! I believe our trip woldn’t have been that great without professional tour guide, such as Alex. He always wants to to do his best to take us to see beautiful places and gives us the best service. Alex has been very patient and flexible with us. We can stop on the way, spend some times for taking pictures. This private tour of Oeij’s family trip has been really enjoyable and relaxed for everyone of us. In Bay of Islands, my children really wanted to go to sand dunes. Alex tried to make booking, but they had to leave very early the next day. That was a little bit hard, because we were still jet lag. But then Alex offered to drive us there and to Cape Reinga as well. It was really long trip . Thank you so much, Alex. So we all one whole family could enjoy going and playing at the sand dunes and visiting Cape Reinga. Those 2 places are actually out of the original itinerary. We went swimming with dolphins tour, but it has turned into whales watching. I really believe that it’s God’s miracle that we were able to see 3 whales and hundreds of dolphins, playing, swimming, and ‘dancing’ very close to our boat. Absolutely amazing. Hopefully we can go to New Zealand again someday. Again, thank you for your professional guide in helping us to create beautiful memories on this trip.”

Soesanti Oeij and Family – Indonesia, July 2016

 

Private Guided South Island Tour for 3

“We are back in the US and I just wanted to take a minute to say thank you for the wonderful tour you provided. What an amazing week we had with you. You made New Zealand a special place for us with your enthusiasm and knowledge. We really appreciate everything you did for us and your willingness to share your beautiful country with us for a short time. I am looking forward to sending clients your way. I know you will make me look like a genius for finding them the perfect tour guide! If your travels ever bring you to Kentucky, please contact me so I can return the hospitality.”

Sherry Riggs – U.S.A. July 2016

 

Private Guided 14 Day New Zealand Tour – Group of 8

“We had a SPLENDID trip!! Everyone in our group gives the tour 5 STARS! Our guide, Zeb, was terrific. He was very knowledgeable, personable and an excellent driver. Zeb was very good-natured and accommodating to our special requests. New Zealand is a beautiful country and the Kiwis are exceptional hosts. All of our activities not only met our expectations, but exceeded them. The sky of the southern Hemisphere is different than our own. I want to add that we loved the farm stay. The families of Julie and Jane was delightful and we also give them 5 STARS. We will definitely recommend you and Road Trip to our friends and we all hope to return.

Our 2 week trip to New Zealand was excellent! Our group was comprised of 8 world travelers who worked with Zicasso agent, Shannon Buchanan, to plan our itinerary with Road Trip. We booked a van and driver/guide to explore both the North and South Islands of New Zealand. Our guide, Zeb was wonderful. He was knowledgeable, good-natured, patient and accommodating to our special requests. The most enjoyable or memorable part of our trip I think was our farm stay which was an outstanding experience. The two host families were most hospitable and we loved spending time with them at home and on the farm.”

Sand Warren – U.S.A. July 2016

 

New Zealand Wide Guided Tour – Tour for 2

“We had a very wonderful time during our stay in New Zealand. It was a great experience for both of us. The lovely wide-open spaces, beautiful lakes and snowy mountains were just breathtaking. We were a little disappointed at not being able to see more snow but overall, we are very happy with the trip to NZ.”

Cecelia & Eric William – Singapore, June 2016

 

Private Guided South Island Tour – Tour for 2

“Now we are back home safely, we can sit and reflect on the incredibly magnificent two weeks we spent in your magical country. Words cannot describe how grateful we are for your company. You were more of a friend than a tour guide. Your knowledge about the places we visited and your willingness to show us more has left an indelible impression on us. The last week in the North Island went well. The train ride from Christchurch to Picton was comfortable and beautiful , absolutely beautiful scenery. Wellington was a very pleasant surprise and very active. Instead of driving to Tongariro, we decided to take the train and after two nights at the Chateau we continued by train to Auckland, a truly cosmopolitan big city without the craziness of big cities. Again, my mother and I would like to say thanks again and extend our invitation to visit Oman when ever you have the time.”

Issam Al Jamali and Masooma Macki – January 2016

 

Private Guided Tour of the South Island – Family of 4

“On behalf of my family, I would like to thank you so much for providing us a very enjoyable journey across the South Island. We must admit the scenery is really amazing and spectacular. New Zealand is a very clean and safe country to visit and the New Zealanders are very friendly and hospitable. Our tour guide Mr. Matthew Osborne was really a great person who has very broad knowledge about New Zealand and very friendly & helpful. Our daughter loved him. We strongly recommend him to your other clients. Last but not least, the Jones family were all very amazing and hospitable. They welcomed us with perfect meals and drinks and certainly the farm tour of theirs. Our children were very excited to feed the sheep. We really hope to enjoy your services again when we come back to New Zealand in the future.”

Edward Santoso and Family – Indonesia, July, 2016

 

New Zealand Self Drive Tour – Group

“The Road Trip team were fabulous from start to end. Even from the beginning the team was meticulous in designing our itinerary to fit our expectations and needs. The recommended sights, food and walks were excellent and the beautiful scenery of the country at every corner makes it extra special to do a road trip at our own pace and time. It was a pity we could not finish all the listed recommendations provided by The Road Trip but I guess that’s an excuse for a round 2! Thanks Janelle, Alex, Chris and The Road Trip team for being a huge part of our experience in NZ. Appreciate it.”

Hao Feng and Group – 2016

 

Exclusive 7 Day South Island Self Drive Tour – Family of 5

“Hi The Road Trip! Hello Alex! Well, the family and I are back in the tropical paradise we call home – the Philippines. Boy, is it hot here! 30 deg C. haha. We would like to thank you and your group for putting up a challenging but doable and a definitely unforgettable itinerary. We travelled 1700+ KMs through the south island. Took off from Christchurch and crossed the finish line at Queenstown on a 7 day self drive adventure. Alex personally met us at the airport and made sure we had the van, the GPS, our luggage, snow chains, and the indispensable A4 THE ROAD TRIP ITINERARY/BIBLE! Thank you Alex. My initial challenge of driving on the left – “correct” side of the road was anxiety-filled the first couple of days, but became almost instinctive as the journey trodded on. In fact when we got back to Auckland, we rented a small car and drove to Hamilton, haha. The driving was, for me, my highlight. Where I am from, we share the road with slow pedicabs and the road hogging jeepneys. That relates to travelling 90KMs in almost 2 hours! What a respite driving on NZ roads – 130+KMs in 90 minutes! The roads were in very good condition and safe! Directions and signs clearly marked and easy to decipher. The scenery – beautiful, pristine, just like a postcard. Snow capped mountains 360 degrees. Vast fields with sheep, cattle, deer, and the occassional llama. On our morning drive from Te Anau to Milford, we witnessed a most beautiful “white” scenery in Eglington Valley. The valley floor, the trees, bush were all frosted and white. The mountain range rising behind the valley also slightly frosted at its foot but snow capped at the top. It was surreal. Dreamy. It was as if Gandalf the White had just crossed the plain and cast a frosted spell on the place. Stunning. We had to stop even if the outside temp was 0 to -1C! I also commend the Road Trip for putting us up in fantastic accommodations. From a B&B with our own aunt Noni of the Classic Villa in Christchurch, the plush apartment of Edgewater in Wanaka, to the stunning view laden suite of Peppers Beacon in Queenstown. My kids are always the picky ones when it comes to places to stay. With where you put us up – nada a complaint! Unfortunately, with the “hectic” schedule, we didn’t enjoy them much. *sigh* We’d get in from the drive always past 7pm and leave the next day before 9am to run to the next destination. The itinerary was a challenge. We tried to take in as much of what the “BIBLE” suggested we see and do. But alas, having to cover long distances between destinations (500KM in one day between Kaikoura and Frans Josef!) and having to make it in time for the booked tours, we had to choose to make sure we do and see the major attractions and make the additonal stops to coincide with eating 🙂 and restroom breaks. But we did THE MUST DO’s and they were great! You guys were right. 7 days isn’t enough. We’ll do the 10 next time!!! haha. Oh, and another thing. We did not anticipate the shorter daylight time of winter. So the days started later and the sun set much earlier. It was beginning to get dark a bit past 5pm. Next time — we do the trip in SUMMER! So, would I recommend a self drive! BIG YES! I’ve joined bus tours and I never FELT I was involved. My being able to drive the tour on my own has given me the opportunity to put more meaning into the travel. It was not just the destination – t’was the JOURNEY! For some of you reading this write-up, contemplating on doing a self drive tour with The Road Trip, think no more and just do it! These guys are great. A BIG THANK YOU again ROAD TRIP. We all agree, we had a blast!”

Pamela Marchadesch and Family – Phillipines, May 2016

 

13 Day North & South Island Private Guided Tour – Family of 3

“Firstly, our great appreciation to The Road Trip team of Chris, Alex, Zeb (Our Cool, Professional and Dedicated Guide), Reservation Team (D’Arne Haines) and Accounts Team (Amy Evans) for making our journey of sightseeing and exhilarating activities in New Zealand a hassle free, seamless, transparent, completely relaxing and satisfying experiences. New Zealand is indeed a magnificently beautiful and panoramic country. Of all the private and group tours that we have taken in other countries, this is exceedingly the best and most memorable private tour conducted by The Road Trip for my family. Zeb has been terrific with ever steady hands on the wheels to ensure road safety throughout the journey without any incidences and he possesses sound knowledge of history, culture, food and value for money venue to purchase Manuka honey and non tourist sight attractions, in particular his intimate familiarity with South Island. He is also resourceful as there were occasions that we could not stick to the scheduled activities due to bad weather or time constraint, he would have something interesting up his sleeves such as bringing us to other spectacular sightseeing attractions and activities as replacement to continue our adrenaline journey. One classic example was his perseverance in making the skydiving materialized for my daughters at Glenorchy which was on the second last day of our tour. Without hesitation, we would recommend The Road Trip to our friends who love to travel.”

Matthew Ho and Family – Singapore, April 2016

 

9 Day Privately Guided South Island Tour – Group of 3

“Our guide Matt (Rushton) was fantastic! His recommendations were spot on and we had a fabulous time in the South Island. 9 day trip seems so short. Thanks Matt, for being such a great guide. All we had to do was sit back and enjoy the moment.”

Liew Su Lyn and group – Singapore, March 2016

 

15 Day Privately Guided Lord of the Rings Tour – Family of 4

“The tour with Matthew was spectacular, probably even better than we thought. We had a pretty aggressive itinerary and Matt (Osborne) was able to make it all work. He was incredibly prepared in locating all of the often obscure filming sites so we were able to move to each of them much more quickly and efficiently than we could have on our own. Plus, we were able to spend as much time as we wanted at all of the sites, an important point to people as thorough as we are. As some of the filming locations were difficult to find even with the guide book, I would suggest that you document Matt’s first-hand knowledge of the filming sites so that other guides can easily locate these sites on future tours. Matt was an excellent and safe driver with incredible endurance. We would never have been able to do all that driving on our own. He was also incredibly resourceful and knowledgeable. His familiarity with restaurants and shops allowed us to eat wonderful, local specialties and purchase locally made crafts for some great gifts for family back home. When presented with requests of an eclectic variety (such as helping us locate a Blackcaps banner or a metal Kiwi lawn ornament), Matt was able to deliver. Because of Matt’s extensive knowledge of culture, history, politics, geology, economics, and cricket, we also came home with a great appreciation for New Zealand as a whole, not just the filming sites. Altogether, Matt gave us a trip that was memorable, breathtaking, interesting, enjoyable, and, most importantly, our own. Thank you to you, Matt, Hannah, D’Arne, and Amy for a truly wonderful experience. When we return to New Zealand, and we will definitely be back, we will be sure to hook up with you again.”

Bill Anderson and Family – USA, February 2016

 

12 Day Privately Guided Tour – Group of 4

“Thank you very much for the most enjoyable tour of your wonderful country! To say that we loved it is an understatement. It was superb and Alex Jones did a lot to make it happen. He is intelligent, knowledgeable, considerate, polite, careful and tireless person and on top of all this, just the nicest guy with a great sense of humor!
I do not know where you found him, but he deserves a raise!! Thank you again. I gave the most glorious report about you to our local travel agency specializing on Australia and NZ, Discover Down Under.”

Boris Dranzin and group – USA, February 2016

 

Best of Both Islands Exclusive 17 day Self Drive Tour – Couple

“My wife and I just finished 17 days in the N and S islands and with the guidance of The Road Trip we had a wonderful time. Their professionalism and commitment to helping us experience the full spectrum of vistas and hair pin turns throughout the to islands made for a wonderful vacation. The difference in a self drive tour has to be that they know the good places and have cultivated relationships that make for very positive experiences. New Zealand is a wonderful country and New Zealanders are wonderful people. We have been on a very wide variety of trips and this has to rank as one of the top three experiences up with Australia and China. Thanks Chris and Hannah for making it all possible.”

Mike and Karen Teeley – USA, January 2016

 

Testimonials 2015