LTKI
North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Turangi ▷
5.0/5
Me and my girlfriend booked a tour with Backyard Tours in January 2016.
The day we wanted to do the crossing, I parked our campervan on the "end" of it and took the tour bus to the "start" of the crossing.
The only problem was: My key broke off when I locked our van. I did not want to cancel the crossing, because we did not have much time left on our vacation and already waited a day for the weather to turn better,
but I also did not want to be locked out of van and having to find another place to sleep.
As the driver arrived, he asked me if everything was alright. I guess he didnt expect that I would tell him about all my misery, and how I should finish the crossing when we wouldnt even be able to get in our car after the long walk.
He told me not to worry, and that everything would be alright. He asked me for the number of the rental company, and contacted them by himself.
They said they would send someone to replace the key, and that someone would have to wait at the car.
The only thing the driver said was: "Dont worry, enjoy your trip! Well handle it."
And for real, they did!!
On the last few hundred meters of the crossing I was so worried we would have to break into our own van, or find another place to sleep, or whatever.
We came to the parking lot, and saw the driver sitting there, smiling, with a shiny new key in his hands.
We couldnt believe it, he was our day saver. Not only did he give us the new key but handed us a softdrink out of his cooling box ( though everyone from our group got one).
The key did fit perfectly. The driver had waited for the repair guys to arrive, handled everything with the rental company, we didnt even have to call them anymore.
If you dont only want to have a driver, but meet one of the kindest persons you ever will, take this tour!
PS: Sorry it took me sooo long to write this review. I am forever grateful and will never forget you guys. If there is anything I can do to express my gratitude, please let me know!