S Schlesinger
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North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Auckland ▷
Ace Rental Cars
We rented a Toyota Camry from Ace Rentals at the Christchurch airport for fifteen days.
We specifically wanted a Toyota Camry as we knew this car would be big enough for our family of two adult children, my husband and myself and the too much luggage we had to bring with us on this vacation. Ace Rental picked us up at the airport and the car we requested was waiting for us. After minimal pressure to buy extra insurance (we declined), we were off. The car functioned beautifully for the entire fifteen days. We did check the oil and topped it off, but kept the receipt. Returning the car was quick and easy, we were reimbursed for the oil, and then driven back to the airport. We highly recommend Ace Rental Cars. It is the least expensive and the most efficient.
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South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Te Anau ▷
Fiordland Trips & Tramps
Trips 'N Tramps on their Great Day Out from Te Anau to Milford Sound was the highlight of our two weeks in New Zealand!
The drive was beautiful, and we got to enjoy the almost two hour trip because John drove the small but comfortable van. His tour patter was informative and engaging, with time for questions and quiet to enjoy the scenery. In Milford, we got on a blue "yacht" which motored into the sound. Milford Sound is spectacularly beautiful. The majestic mountains plunge straight down into the sea with one major waterfall taller than Niagra Falls. The boat cruises down the fjord to the open sea, where mollyhawks were circling. The on-ship lunch was fine, and coffee was available at no charge throughout the cruise. The cruise guide talked about the flora and fauna, but was not intrusive.
After the cruise we went on the optional half hour helicopter ride up the mountains (not included in the tour price). This was probably the biggest thrill of our trip and the closest our family got to participating in an Xtreme sport while in New Zealand! The helicopter landed on the top of one mountain on a glacier and the six of us passengers got off and ran around. The views were spectacular.
The afternoon promised four hour round trip hike up a mountain provided us with even more spectacular views. When we returned, John had made us all tea from the tea tree plant, which was delicious, as well as providing biscuits.
On the way back to Te Anau, John stopped several times to show us local sights, including the Mirror Lakes. At each stop we had enough time to really enjoy the views and to go for short walks. He was as pleasant and informative on our way back as he had been on our way out in the morning. At the end of the day, we all agreed that this was one tour that deserved its name: Great Day Out. Our entire family highly recommends seeing Milford Sound with Trips 'N Tramps, and we suggest you ask to see if John is available to be your tour guide.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Abel Tasman ▷
Kahu Kayaks
My family of four (husband, two adult children, myself) went on the Kahu Classic Marine Reserve Tour, the full day of kayaking on February 29th, 2009.
We had an absolutely incredibly wonderful day!!! Andy was a GREAT guide--with just the right mix of helpful information and silence (!) He also led us through some nice narrow passes and into a few caves, which was lots of fun. Of course, the highlight was seeing all the baby seals. I couldn't believe we could paddle right up to them, and they would stick their little noses out and stare at us. Their eyes are soooo big!!! The paddles in and out of the various bays were wonderful. Andy kept us moving at a good pace, too. We did not feel like we were wasting any precious time, nor did we feel remotely rushed.
The swim at lunch time was wonderful. The beach was beautiful, the water a lovely clear blue green. We really appreciated the effort Andy put in to make us all a hot drink as well. At the end of the day, the tide was right, so we paddled up the river for a bit of extra excitement!!!
On the way out in the morning to pick up our kayaks, Andy stopped the water taxi so we could all see a lone penguin on the water. He showed the same thoughtfulness throughout the day which is what made the trip so special. He also introduced us to George--now Georgina--the dolphin, who followed us in and then did a few jumps before she swam away.
Kahu Kayaks was recommended to us by our kayak tour guide in Kaikoura, and he was right. We are experienced sea kayakers, but our children are not, so this tour provided us with just the right mix and the best way to see the Marine Reserve from the water.