14 Day Self Drive Tour of the South Island

“All in, it was a fantastic holiday, made possible by The Road Trip team. Our 14 days self drive was relaxing, the guide book made everything easy, checking in was easy at every motel, the recommended photo stops were spot on, the restaurants/cafes were good. All the motels were great, with fantastic views and well equipped. We really had a great time in beautiful New Zealand- most beautiful country in the world!! Below are a few pics – we even saw a family of seals sunning on a rock during the Milford Sound Cruise. The view just outside the balcony of The Alexis Motel in Queenstown is stunning! My most loved photo is the one taken of the Mirror Lakes- the reflection is so beautiful! Would highly recommend The Road Trip to all planning a NZ holiday- eight thumbs up from us 4 ladies! Thanks to all for making this trip possible.”

Wai Ling and group – from Malaysia and Australia
9 Day Guided Tour of the South Island

“I truly enjoyed the trip! Some of the highlights were:

(1) Crown Range – we got to see a rare sight: SNOW!
(2) Te Anau Glow Worm Cave
(3) Milford Sound – an amazing boat ride
(4) My most favourite moment of all: QUEENSTOWN – all the adventure activities that I got to do!
(5) Glacier Boat Ride

Actually, not only those mentioned, I pretty much enjoyed everything in the trip.

Well, taking a private tour was so much better than being with a large group of people. There was no need to wait for anyone. It was all set by our own pace, own targets. It was pretty free and easy, no restrictions here and there so, it was all cool (:

Alex is an excellent guide. As he has plenty of experiences, he is very knowledgeable on the places we went to (to my surprise because not alot of guides know their things well) and attentive not only to details, but also to our needs especially of my mother’s. He regularly checks on the weather to see if it would affect any of our activities and if it does, he takes the initiative to discuss it with us and provides alternative options for us to consider. He really thinks of things ahead which is really good and I really appreciate that. The trainee guide, Bruce, as well is pretty accommodating and tried to make us feel comfortable especially my mother since they are both similar in age. I hope Bruce was able to learn a few things from the trip with us and put them in practice with his future trips haha (:”

Raihan Ahmad – Singapore
Fiordland Great Walks Luxury Escape

From a couple of very grateful Kiwis, a big thank you to Jeff & his team; Zac, Ro & Andrew for guiding us so expertly throughout our three ‘Great Walks’. We enjoyed listening to your interesting stories, having some good laughs & the overall tramping experience. Thank you for looking after everyone so well, with the reward of wholesome lunches & hot drinks at the summits, as well as providing comfortable mini coaches that were always on time. We are in awe of our beautiful country and people. Thank you.

To our Lodge hosts Andy, Deni, Christina, Chef James & breakfast hostess, we enjoyed that you had time to share your conversations with us, & for the thoughtful consideration you gave to our luxurious accommodation, spas & divine dining experiences. You are wonderful hosts all round!

Kindest regards

Sheona & Rick Veacock
Bespoke New Zealand Self-Drive Tour

First of all, this trip was amazing. Absolutely, unbelievably wonderful! Thank you so much to everyone who was involved in putting it together over the past four years. The amount of patience and kindness that this company has shown me as I made decisions only to turn around and unmake them, or otherwise make your lives more complicated than it likely needed to be, means more than you could know. So thank you so much once again!

Kaitlyn Caines
Gibbston Valley Wine, Dine & Cycle!

I’d like to say a huge thank you to Alex & Mel who I had most correspondence with. My whole experience with the Road Trip was great communication via emails and I had our itinerary and was very excited to be off to do the Gibbston Valley Wine, Dine & Cycle for my 50th birthday. the cycle experience was amazing and I think it could get addictive!

Gibbston Valley Lodge is beautiful and the villa was outstanding and wonderfully appointed. The views and scenery were truly beautiful and the food at the lodge restaurant was some of the best food I’ve ever tasted!

Jo Twohig
New Zealand North and South Guided Tour

My husband and I had such an amazing and memorable experience in the beautiful country of New Zealand for our honeymoon!!! Alex took great care of us as he was putting our itinerary together and he was so coherent to our needs and what we were looking for. He blessed us with the best of the best in every town we stayed in and the communication between us was awesome, especially with the time difference!

Alex set us up with our amazing tour guide with Dianne…. SHE WAS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!!! She took great care of us every single day….showed us the in and outs of every town we visited…brought us to less touristy parts so we could get away from the busy-ness. She was so informative and passionate about everything! So many laughs….I felt like my husband and I actually gained a friend everything went so smoothly.

It was so sad to say goodbye and leave this beautiful country….we seriously had such a remarkable time. A trip of a life time that we will forever remember. I would be lying if I said my husband and I didnt shed a few tears on our last night.

My only wish is that we can travel the rest of the world through ” The Roadtrip”. Great family owned business, thank you for everything

Amber & Tyler Larson
New Zealand North and South Self Drive Tour

I cannot tell you how much we enjoyed our trip. The ability to organise our own itinerary and then to have you assist with all the bookings and accommodation was fantastic. We had a wonderful time.

I asked for a variety of places to stay and that was great but every place you booked perfect for our needs. Even the 3 stars was lovely and we always had a view, even when we least expected it. It was good to have washing facilities available as well. I especially loved the Fiordland Lodge but on our next visit I think I want to stay in Milford Sound.

The activities were well organised, the only thing we can’t control is the weather, but all went smoothly and our refund was promptly given so thank you for that.
It was so easy to work with you all and I really appreciate it when you responded to emails and any concerns I had.

I would and already have, recommended you to anyone wanting to explore New Zealand.

Thank you for the ideal trip.

Cara Love
New Zealand North and South Guided Tour

Everything went better than we could have imagined. We had a wonderful trip, truly a once in a lifetime experience. Even the weather was way better than we anticipated!

And our guide Jonty was outstanding, he went above and beyond on every level.

We miss New Zealand already…

Barbara Johnson - March 2024
Oamaru Weekend Getaway

“Just letting you know we had a fabulous time in Oamaru. Pen-y-Bryn is just superb and the hospitality by James and co is absolutely second to none.”

Keely Maule + Partner – Kiwi Couple - November 2022
Stewart Island Escape

Fabulous journey to Stewart Island
Every thing went really well from the lodge to the Ulva island to the fishing
We did go on the kiwi experience in the Sunday night. Mind managed really well and I have to say if anyone else asks
It’s easy to manage nothing too steep and beach walk easy.
The team were magnificent
Nothing was too much if an issue or problem.
Amazing journey.
Stewart Island Escape

Yvonne Boyes - March 2022
Real NZ Discovery Expedition

We had a wonderful trip!

Totally recommend the Real Journeys Discovery expedition to all new Zealanders!

The trips and trips team were wonderful and very helpful/obliging, lovely lunches, great staff and would recommend.

The Fiordland lodge was fantastic, beautiful site. Staff were excellent, with lovely breakfasts every morning.

Shame there is only one option for dinner, but do understand with less people that maybe all they can do.

Easy process of booking with you too.

Ann Bennett - February 2022
Milford Sound Wilderness Escape

Just a brief note to say thanks for planning a great road trip! We really enjoyed our stay at Fiordland Lodge and will definitely go back, and also the overnight cruise on Milford was really nice. Dealing with your company has been a breeze – great itinerary, easy to book and very helpful and responsive. Andy Cunningham also commented how good it was to deal with you.

We are keeping a watch on what else you have in your future itineraries.

Andy Wilkinson - February 2022
Abel Tasman Tramp & Kayak

We did the Abel Tasman Tramp and Kayak in early February. We absolutely loved it. The organisation of everything was great. Took all the hassle out of it for us as we had never done it before. The accommodation was very nice and having the packed lunches daily was so good. Having everything booked for us like the accommodation and water taxis was fantastic. We changed the water taxi booking one day by email and it wasn’t a problem. Communication was top notch. Unfortunately we couldn’t do the kayaking due to the weather but we were given lots of notice so could plan other things. Highly recommend using these guys for your trips.

Tony & Maria Barnett - February 2022
Abel Tasman Tramp & Kayak

Thanks so much to your team. They were superb. The entire trip was carefully planned and orchestrated. We had the best time

Libby Trafford - February 2022
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Escape

Hi , we had a lovely trip thank you. the Fiordland lodge was lovely, enjoyed the hot tubs and the view of the lake. Loved the doubtful sounds trip. we haven’t stopped telling people about it since we have got home. We couldn’t fault anything. From the staff on the boat, the meals on the boat, the view from the bus trip, the ferry ride over there to the fiords. The sounds are the most beautiful place in New Zealand. Would recommend this trip to anyone. Regards Adelle and Mike

Adelle Brunton - February 2022
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Escape

Our trip was great!! The Fiordland Lodge was beautiful! Our room was clean and comfy! The staff were amazing and so helpful and knowledgable of the surrounding areas. The food was exquisite and the hot tubs!!… say no more we used them each day. Then the Fiordland Navigator again the room was clean and comfy. With only 12 people on board it was easy to move around and keep physical distance. Again the food was amazing and of course the scenery!!

Kay Backhouse - February 2022
Abel Tasman Tramp & Kayak

We booked a trip though The Road Trip New Zealand to hike the Abel Tasman for 5 days.

The booking process was very straight forward and communication well with us prior to our arrival .

What a stress free trip we had, with pickups on time , accommodation outstanding just what we asked for , hikes very clear with the guides and our packed lunches we great .

Would highly recommend and we would certainly book though them again.

Vickie Cameron - February 2022
Central Otago Ultimate Trails

We had a great time with The Road Trip. Organisation of bikes, superb accommodation, great pick ups when completing our riding for the day.

Cycling Journeys well planned so that the the second and third days were slightly easier. have no trouble recommending this company

Sandie Knowlson - February 2022
Lake Pukaki Snow & Soak

Hi Guys – just a quick note to thank you for putting together this wonderful trip. Every part of it was amazing and I would highly recommend this trip and you guys to all who will listen

Thanks again and I will be in touch in the coming months about our next trip.

John Greenacre - January 2022
Aoraki Wilderness Escape

We throughly enjoyed our trip to Mt Cook, it exceeded our expectations.

Our room was perfect, had heaps

Space and the most magnificent view of Mt Cook Aoraki.

We found the Buffet at night had lots food choices and the fresh seafood was unexpected.

We had no problem organising additional activities and the guides on the tours were brilliant. Our flight around Mt Cook was upgraded and hard to explain how the experience was, mind blowing!

We have done a few Road Trips now with another coming up in March and have found them value for money and would definitely recommend them.

Sharyl Lea - January 2022
Queen Charlotte Sound Escape

We were very happy with our trip. The accommodation was delightful. The staff were all very pleasant and our rooms extremely comfortable and clean. The meal menu offered good choices and the breakfasts in particular were magnificent, very generous and beautifully presented ideal for those setting out for a day of walking on the Track. Thank you

Tony & Shirley-Anne Withers - January 2022
Lodges of the South

Great trip lovely accomodation and really appreciated the extra information provided.

Angie Lotter - January 2022
Lodges of the South

-The quality of your accommodation and experiences and the level of service received

The Fiordland Lodge was good but Stoneridge was exceptional in every way – especially the quality of accommodation and service.

-How valuable the travel guide prepared by The Road Trip was for your trip

Travel guide provided was valuable and updated when needed. Directions to the accommodation were clear.

-The ease of The Road Trip’s booking process

The booking process was excellent as you considered our needs and the ongoing communication kept us informed.

-Anything else you’d like to add!

Thank you for your efficiency, prompt communication and flexibility when dealing with our changing bookings because of covid travel restrictions. We had a great trip and would not have considered that itinerary if you had not presented it to us. Great to know that The Road Trip focuses on quality accommodation.

All the best for 2022 and we look forward to using your services again.

Sungeeta Singh - January 2022
Central Otago Cycle & Vine

The trip was amazing!!! Couldn’t have been better. Loved the accommodation- we felt like royalty! Shruti was amazing and helpful.

The Lake Dunstan cycle was out of this world and loved it, although I would not do it again!

I am scared of heights!

Jacinta Chow - January 2022