Anna
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South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Doubtful Sound ▷
Doubtful Sound Day Cruise
5.0/5
You often read about traveller's quandaries as to which to go for - Milford or Doubtful?
Without a doubt - Doubtful is our first choice. It costs twice as much but by the time you hit the open sea, you feel that you have had your monies worth with the return leg still to look forward to. The quality of the trip, the co-ordination of the various sectors, the free refreshments, on-going commentary - the whole lot was absolutely brilliant and highly recommended.
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North Island ▷ Ruapehu ▷ Tongariro / National Park Village ▷
Discovery Lodge
4.5/5
The Tongariro Crossing was one of our best days during our NZ tour (N+S islands).
Staying at Discovery Lodge (at the campsite) and using their early morning transport added to the experience. Watching the sunrise as we climbed the saddle, having the place to ourselves for the whole crossing and enjoying a beer at 2pm back at the site made the whole day absolutely brilliant.
Small improvements to the showers would earn a 10/10 for sure.
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North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Auckland ▷
Wilderness Motorhomes
5.0/5
We are big fans of review sites, never travel anywhere without first checking what the experience of others has been before us.
When researching campervan options we were bewildered by the choices and options, in fact within a 24 hour period once we were in NZ, we counted 28 different rental companies.
After reading Rankers, checking out the Wilderness website and emailing Amanda - we knew that Wilderness was for us.
Our first time ever in a campervan with a husband who is not too keen on camping at the best of times, we were nervous how it would all go. From the moment that Amanda welcomed us in Auckland to our return to Christchurch and meeting Robbie, the next 25 days were perfect in every way; back in London we can't believe how much we miss it and, wait for it, how claustrophobic we feel back home in our roomy house.
The van rides beautifully on the open road, up and down and around steep mountain roads. It is fantastically equipped with everything you could possibly need including ceramic hand painted mugs and glass wineglasses. The gas BBQ was used most days. There is more than enough fridge and storage space for groceries as well as space for our belongings. Sleeping was extraordinarily comfortable and roomy even for a tall couple (6ft2in+).
We tended to stay at campsites listed in the Hema mapbook (comes with the van). Each site has a communal kitchen and we invested in a washing up bowl and took advantage of the facilities which seemed quicker and easier than adding to the grey water in our van. We brought some fav DVD's with us but never had the time to watch them. The iPod plug-in was a great bonus.
This has been our best trip ever after 30 years marriage. We will return for sure and without a doubt will book a campervan with Wilderness. We can't recommend them enough. Out of all those other 28 rental companies, not once were we remotely envious.