Aroha Tours put on a trip of a lifetime for us!

We went to amazing cities and and saw come incredible sights. I don't think we could have had a better tour guide and driver than Steve. He was immensely knowledgeable for all destinations we visited and went above and beyond to ensure we all had a enjoyable trip. I would like to thank Aroha Tours, Veronika and Steve for planning/organizing this trip. I highly recommend Aroha Tours.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2020

We had one of the most memorable vacations in New Zealand in October 2019.

We booked our tour with Aroha Newzealand Tours after a recommendation from a friend. They are extremely professional and understood our needs as a vegetarian family of 4 (with 3 members prone to travel sickness).

The15 day trip covering North & South Island was custom made for us with room for unexpected changes. Our special recommendations for Mr.Steve- an extremely knowledgeable gentleman, who ensured a stress-free vacation.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in October 2019

I had my destination wedding in Queenstown, New Zealand this year and engaged Aroha Tours to plan a tour for my guests from Singapore.

We are very impressed with the itinerary Veronika planned for us and the meticulous and thoughtful service provided by Steve, our tour guide. Our guests had a nice, relaxing and memorable time in New Zealand! All thanks to the impeccable service delivered by Aroha Tours. I have to say, this is the best tour agency we have ever engaged internationally! If you are looking for a superb, luxurious and relaxing vacation in New Zealand, look for Aroha Tours! They are the best! ❤️

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in May 2019

An amazing experience.

We first contacted Veronika 6 month ahead of our visit. Veronika made it all much simpler than anticipated. The planning process was simple. Veronika took the time to listen to us. She perfectly accommodated the criteria we provided her with, including budget, type of lodging and type of activities. Fast forward to February 2019... the visit in the South Island of NZ was absolutely amazing. We stayed in lodges that were unique and visited locations that were amazing. The locations, the food prepared for us in each location and the activities we participated in were all carefully selected by Veronika and were spot on. People likely visit the same locations but it is really all about how you get there, when you get there and everything that happens in between.

We have also greatly enjoyed the private guide that accompanied us throughout our stay. Zuzana was wonderful. Very knowledgeable and acomodating for all of our requests. Things change due to weather in a trip like ours and Zuzana, working with Veronika, was able to come up with ideas and alternative plans that proved to be great.

We recommend touring NZ with Aroha Tours and Veronika. I wish we could do it again next year.

Noa and Nir

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in February 2019

We were a party of two senior parents (me and my wife) three adult children and two daughters in-law and we had only eight days to try and see as much of New Zealand as we could.

At the minimum, we wanted to see Auckland and Rotorua on the North Island and Christchurch and Queenstown on the South Island. I also wanted our five children and daughter in-laws to experience a jet boat ride, a Maori cultural performance, wine tasting, a Lord of the Rings experience, punting on the Avon, some close ups of glaciers, plus whatever else could be crammed into the short time available. In the end, we settled on Aroha Tours, owned and headed by Veronika Vermeulen, a transplanted German who had fallen in love with the country as a young girl and decided to set up her outfit after having worked for several years in and around NZ’s travel industry.

Veronika was very conscious in making the tour private in the true meaning of the word. She suggested a private dinner cruise on Lake Taupo that turned out to be a great experience. She suggested a glow worm cave that was private and where we could take pictures – unlike the other group tour based glow worm tours – though we saw less glow worms than the more popular places. She also hinted that Maori cultural dinner performances were too touristy and she suggested an actual Maori greeting and dance on historical Mokoia Island.

My wife and I were impressed with Veronika’s quickness to suggest alternatives. It was Veronika’s responsiveness to our comments, questions, and suggestions that tipped the decision in favor of Aroha. She was also the first to come up with a complete first-draft itinerary which impressed me a lot. Looking back, we made a great choice – Veronika delivered on the promises and kept a watchful eye on everyone. I would without hesitation heartily recommend Veronika Vermeulen’s Aroha Tours for couples or families wanting a top-class private NZ tour.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in October 2018

Veronika helped us plan an amazing journey through New Zealand.

We had twelve days to spend in New Zealand and she organized a wonderful trip to help us get a flavor for what New Zealand is all about. We spent two to four days in four locations and from each spot we took in some great hikes, beautiful scenery, delicious food and great one off adventures. The accommodations were fantastic in all our stops. Andrew, our guide joined us after our initial three days on Waheike Island (where we zip lined, enjoyed a wine tour and took in Auckland for a day). With Andrew we were off to Taupo, Mt. Cook and Queenstown. We hiked, walked on glaciers, bungee jumped, tasted wine and had some great meals. Andrew was a pleasure to be with and he adjusted/added to our itinerary on the fly as options presented themselves or weather did not cooperate. We could not have asked for a better person to spend our time with in New Zealand. Thank you Veronika and Andrew.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2018

Our first trip with Aroha Luxury New Zealand Tours turned out to be a most wonderful experience.

We were a group of four who spent 11 days exploring both the North and South Islands. We had two guides, Veronika and Stephen, who became more than guides. They felt like traveling companions as we were personally guided throughout NZ. The itinerary we set during our planning of this trip was spot on and the flexibility we had each day to adjust times and locations as needed was a perfect combination of itinerary combined with flexibility. Our experiences were exceptional and both Veronika and Stephens suggestions for dining and unplanned activities really added value to our trip. I will strongly recommend Aroha to my fellow travelers here in the states who may be planning a NZ trip. As for my group, we all hope to get back to NZ and of course we would only use Aroha when we return....highly recommended!!

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in November 2017

with Chris as our guide.

Our family of three travelled for 14 days in the South Island

We enjoyed everything that Veronica had arranged for us. She planned an action packed trip that included a penguin tour, horseback riding, glow worm caves, hikes, a kayak tour, jet boat ride, Milford Sound and glacier visits. We sampled local wines and cheeses and saw spectacular scenery.

Our trip was very well co-ordinated. Chris knew exactly how long travel time would take and the best places to eat and drink. We did so much more than we ever could have on our own. He was so helpful and kind. Our 11 year old son adored him.

The accommodations were all unique with perfect locations. We really enjoyed Lakeside Villas in Wanaka and the Hapuka Factory. We appreciated the kitchen and laundry facilities available in all of them.

We found Aroha Tours on an internet search and were totally impressed with the honesty and quality of this vendor. Everything was exactly as stated and when one of our plan rides was cancelled due to weather our money was refunded promptly after we got home from New Zealand

We will remember our trip and experience forever. Many thanks!!

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in February 2014

I have traveled the world over and the the 14 days spent with Aroha Tours, was one of the best experiences of my life.

My wife Carolyn and I traveled with another couple around both islands. Aroha made all the arrangements in some fantasic lodges. Our guide, Veronika was knowledgable and was very accomodating when we made adjustments along the way. This was Carolyn and my second experience with Aroha. I would give them my highest recommendation.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in February 2014

My young adult daughter and I have recently returned from the holiday of a lifetime on South Island with Aroha tours.

Our guide Jurgen was absolutely brilliant throughout taking great care of us but was also most informative and entertaining on our travels.He related easily to both of us and we had a lot of fun. The whole programme planned by Veronika in Aroha suited our needs and the delivery of the holiday exceeded our expectations.We gained considerably from their local knowledge and we could never have achieved as much in our holiday time frame on our own.We plan to visit North Island in the future and would not hesitate to use Aroha again and would heartily recommend their services

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in February 2014