Vivien Kalvaria
North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo ▷
4.5/5
Our experience with Aroha and driver/guide Steve Popperwell was nothing short of exceptional.
Kudos to Veronika for customizing a truly remarkable three-week tour of both islands. The diverse accommodation, from five star hotels to a luxury stay at the spectacular Waitomo farm, a night at Okiwa Bay Lodge with its gorgeous views, numerous boutique lodges and historical homes, gave us intimate insights into Kiwi life and these genteel people. From kayaking in Golden Bay, river rafting on the Rangitaiki River, boating on Milford Sound, sandboarding in Hokianga to name some of the standout experiences, it was all-encompassing and highly memorable. Not to forget the food which I would award overall 4 stars and, on a couple of occasions, 5. We were three couples on this once-in-a-lifetime trip and our thanks to Steve for making sure all our needs were met, his flexibility in catering to all our whims and taking us off the beaten track on occasions showing us sights we would unlikely have found on our own, is never to be forgotten and much appreciated.