My husband Mike, and teenage children Nick and Karla and myself decided to take a well earned rest touring the South Island of New Zealand over Easter 2010. When doing research I came across the website http://www.firstlighttravel.com/. Thank goodness I did because as I result I met via email with Laureen. From the first contact, Laureen could not have been more helpful and patient. No request or change ever seemed too much for her (although I am sure she raised her eyebrows a few times when seeing my email address come throughJ). Laureen was always very professional and more than willing to assist with suggestions based on information that I provided her. I could not recommend Laureen or First Light Travel more highly. There customer service is impeccable and I will be using them again when we visit New Zealand again. .
Denise Donati - Managing Director, Fertility Solutions Sunshine Coast and Bundaberg QLD Australia - June '10

Top notch problem free travels, Verity took exceptional care of us! Accommodations, recommended travel venues were great fun and very interesting. First Light Travel made our first visit to New Zealand easy, stress free and lots of fun!
Steve and Margo O'Keefe - USA - May '10

This was a trip of a lifetime for us. The incredible beauty of the country was almost spiritual and the kindness, helpfulness and good humor of the people will forever be remembered. We never had a negative business or personal interaction. Every prepaid accommodation and reservation was organized and met with good will. We had our favorites - including The Rees Queenstown, The Moorings in Wanaka and Robertson House in Rotorua. Most all transportation was timely and convenient. Only took Bill a couple of days to get used to driving on the OTHER side of the road. Thank you so much for helping us make this amazing dream a reality.
William Paterson and Sandra Brown - USA - May '10

From day one dealing with First Light Travel was enjoyable. They worked hard to make this just the trip WE wanted. We had no problems with any of our activities or accommodation and it was so helpful to have them all arranged and pay for in advance. I could not have plan this trip with out their help.
Anne & Ken Moore - USA - April '10

Our Austalia and New Zealand trip arranged by First Light Travel was fantastic - could not have been better. Our consultant, Chrissy, was prompt and thorough during the design of the trip. Our itinerary was very helpful. The lodging and transport arrangements made by First Light were all seamless - we had no problems of any significance and were pleased with all accommodations.
Susan and Steve Maxwell - USA - March '10

We had never been to New Zealand and were looking for an overview, sampling a range of activities (including things we had never tried before)and locations on both the North and South Island.  We had a month and we needed all of it!  First Light arranged an enormous variety of activities ranging from our familiar golf, biking, and  hiking to the unfamiliar caving and jet-boating and lots in between (scuba diving, sailing, white water rafting, glacier climbing, kayaking, cruising, wine-tasting, exploring volcanoes by helicopter).  A true whirlwind.  We learned that there were some new things we loved and other things that were good to do once!  We had a wonderful time---and are determined to travel to New Zealand again.
Brenda Piampiano - USA - March '10

In the UK we were planning our holiday through Trailfinders, when they were unable to place us on a 2 week tour of NZ. This was the best thing that could have happened as I found First Light Travel on the web and Shelley was able to plan a brilliant active itinerary which met all of our needs. Initially a 'full on hoilday' was offered but when I said that I was 65 not 35 a less adventurous but still challenging plan was produced.It was so much better having our independence to enjoy NZ through engaging in very full varied days of activity,including 4 tramps, as opposed to sitting on a SAGA tour. The small group guided walks that Shelley included were amazing and the guides were excellent--especially Routeburn and Lake Rotoriti.

In summary we are so grateful to FLT for arranging such a tremendous NZ experience. Shelley met all of our needs --even providing a mobile and the quality of service offered surpassed anything that we have experienced in the UK. As this appears to be a national characteristic I would expect a home win in 2011 and Shelley deserves a Wedding bonus. We are passing on details of FLT to anyone thinking about visiting NZ .
Richard Jenkin - UK - February '10

It was really a pleasure dealing with Kelly, as I've said, more like dealing with friend than a travel service.  We thoroughly enjoyed our NZ experience, and will definitely recommend 1st light to any friends who may be travelling to NZ.  Thanks for your help and support.
Lesley Wicks - Canada - February '10

A fantastic stress free way to plan your holiday. Letting the people with the knowledge stear you in the right direction to make the most of you stay in New Zealand. We had a fantastic time and did some amazing activities we would not have thought of doing. We stayed some some lovely accomodation in picturesque settings.
We will definately be using first light travel again on our next trip to New Zealand.
Tanya Tokarczyk - UK - February '10

First Light Travel must surely rank as the most professional tour organiser that we have encountered, especially in the area of specialist tours.
David Marshall - Australia - January '10

The 2 day walking and 2 day kayaking trip was fantastic. Everything First Light travel organised worked as planned. The guides were very professional and knowledgable and really made the trip a memorable experience.To walk 15 klms then arrive at first class accommodation and then enjoy a gourmet 3 course meal was great. Highly recommended.
Graeme H Williams - Australia - January '10

First Light Travel are a great company to deal with. They demonstrated first class local knowledge, tailored an itinerary around our young family and delivered to our expectations. A a bonus, Mirjam was a pleasure to deal with, quick to respond and provided some creative options. We have always planned our own holidays in the past. My experience with First light travel and our New Zealand holiday changed my view on how I will plan in the future. Well Done. ( Thanks for your help Mirjam).
Neil Highfield - Australia - September '09

What I liked best about First Light Travel was the responsiveness of the agent I dealt with, Laureen. That and her professionalism. Highly recommended.
Lynda Little - USA - July '09

Shelly did a great job of setting up a holiday that was exactly what we were looing for. She was able to create an example itinerary that gave us great ideas for activities and then was very flexible to change it around. She was also there to help when things changed during the trip. I would definitely recommend First Light Travel to first time New Zealand travelers.
Clint Vallandingham - USA - June '09

I tried several tour companies, travel agents, and websites to try and build the perfect trip. All the other options required us to do activities or trips on their departure schedule. Chrissy from First Light worked with us to build our perfect trip. We sent her a list of activities and places we knew we wanted to see and based on the things we said we liked to do she built a full trip along with suggestions for the rest of our trip. There were so many things we hadn't even thought of. It was so great to see a company that gave you several options and was willing to tweak the trip to fit your needs perfectly. We changed our minds on activities a few times and Chrissy was always happy to make the changes.

I never once doubted the trip would be amazing. And we were right. The trip was perfect. The accommodations were fantastic, the tours and activities were perfect, and the information they gave ahead of time to prepare and pack were great.

If you are traveling to New Zealand and don't want to travel with a bus full of 50 people or want to completely determine and personalize your trip this is the place. It was also about a 1/4 of the cost of the preplanned non flexible trips to New Zealand. We were very happy have already referred a friend here who also loved the service and the trip.
Kassena Hillman - USA - April '09

Shelley at First Light took all the worry out of our trip to New Zealand! Her helpful and very quick answers to questions allowed us to plan a wonderful vacation that included all the sites and activities we wanted with time to visist friends as well! She even found a B & B in Takaka that ought to be in the Lonely Planet guide book! It's quaint, has a creek with eels who come when they put out food, and an outdoor bathtub (modern indoor plumbing also for each room as well). All of our hosts and accomodations were exceptional. We were welcomed and enjoyed our time in South Island. Thankyou Shelley and First Light.
Glenda Scudder - USA - April '09

After months of work by Mirjam our Itinerary ran to 19 pages !
Every single booking for accommodation, hire cars, bike rides, even lunch at Herzog ran to plan with no hitches.
We will be back and we will be using First Light Travel again. Thank you.
David Moore - UK - April '09

This was an exceptional trip. Our interactions with Chrissy Sun were great. She was exceedingly knowledgable and helpful. All of her recommendations, both activities and accomedations, were excellent. I would highly recommend her and your organization for anyone traveling to New Zealand.
Scott Melnick - USA - April '09

Our 2-week driving trip through NZ was a "trip of a lifetime". What made it so enjoyable was that everything went very smoothly and according to the very detailed itinerary and activity schedule that Verity worked out for us. It was extremely helpful and efficient to have all the vouchers to hand so that we did not have to think about arrangements for accommodation or most of our activities. This left us worry-free to take in and revel in the extraordinary natural beauty of NZ. This is the first time I have ever done a trip with a customized itinerary - I'm sold!
Ann Robertson - Canada - April '09

I think the greatest testimonial that I can give is that you are exceptionally professional in everything you do. I will use your company again on my next visit to New Zealand and will ask you to quote for my flights from UK which where booked long before I was introduced to First Light Travel.
Colin Simpson - UK - March '09

The itinerary you prepared for us was perfect! We were able to see and do about as much as humanly possible while in New Zealand for three weeks. In essence, every day was an exciting adventure. No doubt based on your experience your itineraries have been well thought out, tested, and experienced. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR A WONDERFUL TRIP WE WILL NEVER FORGET...
Jim & Linda Ziola - USA - March '09

Your company made our first visit to N.Z. a "journey of a lifetime" and - no doubt - with these experiences it will not be our last stay. Starting from your first suggestions to the final itinerary it was an always inspiring cooperation that led to a trip off the tracks. Thank you! .
Ursula Grafeneder - Austria - March '09

Laureen was extremely helpful. She answered all of my questions in a timely way, gave me great suggestions for activities in the Queenstown area, arranged for my accomodations there as well as travel to Wellington. All were done both economically and within my budget. Her follow-through was great. I felt well taken care of.
Bryna L. Cytrynbaum - USA - March '09

Laureen and First Light Travel set up a perfect trip. It was everything I hoped it would be. Exceeded my expectations - thank you! I was coming from Afghanistan on R&R and had some adjustments on travel dates that I could not control. I was fully confident that First Light would take care of my trip.
Karen Meeker - USA - March '09

Thoroughly enoyed our visit to New Zealand; once in a life time experience. FirstLight Travel did an excellent job in arranging the Milford track walk, domestic air transportation within New Zealand, hotel accommodations and dinner cruise in Auckland.
Michael - USA - March '09

We had good dialogue with Chrissy during the planning of our vacation. She got to know our likes and dislikes, and then she recommended things that were suited to us. In the end, it was great to have everything planned in advance, her recommendations were excellent, and we would not have changed anything. Everything went according to plan and we had a terrific vacation !!
Sharon and Brian Ironside - Canada - February '09

Drafting of the itinerary with First Light Travel went very supple as we were promptly provided with detailed information and alternatives as required. The actual activities and accommodation were of a good standard and enjoyable. We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday on the magnificent South Island.
Kevin - Singapore - February '09

My two brothers and I had limited time to spend in Australia/New Zealand and we wanted to fit in dives on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Milford Track in New Zealand. I corresponded with your group only by e-mail and you worked with us to fit those two goals into our plans. Furthermore you added other events that made the trip seem longer and very enjoyable. I would use your group again without hesitation. Chrissy Sun was my correspondent with your group and she did an outstanding job.
Ray - USA - February '09

I usually book all my own travel on line, but having approached First Light Travel, they proved to be very efficient, were extremely competitive and more than willing to alter suggested itineraries and change vendors to meet my budget. The Travel Consultant, Laureen worked with me to provide everything I wanted to enable me to have the holiday I wanted. Thanks!!!
Cheryl McMurray - UK - February '09

Awesome vaca!!!! Kayaking the doubtful sound was like being inside a giant pop-up book.... soooooo beautiful! Every activity booked was with the best possible company. First Light Travel made our vacation stress free and we were able to just enjoy ourselves rather then try and decide what we would do next. Thank you Verity for the vacation of a lifetime!
Kara - USA - January '09

I had no idea some of the activities in New Zealand and First Light put together the activities that I really would enjoy. It would have been very difficult for me in the US to call New Zealand and organize a schedule for our trip.
Audra Burns - USA - January '09

First Light Travel really took the time to find out what I wanted to do on my Holiday and made it work into a perfect price range. Since I was traveling from USA, I was extremly unfamiliar with New Zealand. Our service agent Laureen went out of her way to keep in contact and provide wonderful information to make my Holiday a true life time expereince.
Michelle Dujardin - USA - January '09

We had a great time, just like last time everything went off like clockwork. Mirjam did a great job in assessing our needs and finding the right accommodation and activities that suited us. Costings were competitive and arrangements made within the timeframes promised.
We would highly recommend her and First Light to our friends, and when we again visit NZ we will be using them.
Kevin & Karen King - Australia - January '09

I would highly recommend FirstLightTravel for booking vavations in New Zealand. They were very thorough and helpful with answering all our questions. It was the most enjoyable vacation I have ever been on. New Zealand is a wonderful place to vist!!
Gordon Edwards - Costa Rica/USA - November '08

Chrissy Sun provided excellent service, she had great ideas for activites appropriate for family travelling with 3 children and everything worked out perfectly.
Joelle Grober - Luxembourg - September '08

First Light Travel came recommended through friends and FLT didn't disappoint. We booked our 10-day excursion on very short notice with a desire to see quite a bit of NZ's South Island. FLT's prompt response to our enquiry and knowledgeable suggestions made it possible for us to experience all we had hoped without months of advance planning. It was one of our least stressful, most enjoyable trips in years.
Kristen - USA - June '08

We had a thoroughly enjoyable vacation. Verity did an excellent job of choosing the perfect accommodations for us and all excursions were top notch. When we made a change of plans mid vacation, Verity took care of needed changes and our trip continued without a glitch.
Marty Mueller - USA - May '08

I couldn't fault the service one ounze. Everything was 100% accurate - No minor mishaps and accomadated for last minute changes in the itinerary whilst travelling.Very friendly service and it made the journey for us hussle free! Many Great memories to treasure of New Zealand..... Many thanks Laureen!
Mrs J Hammond - UK - May '08

Without knowing anything about New Zealand, First Light Travel put together a wonderful trip that we were able to see and do things we would never have been able to do without their guidance.
Tom North - USA - April '08

I loved driving, it was definitely an added adventure/activity for the tour. I was able to stop as I wanted, left when I wanted, etc. I may have met other people on the tour, but I met many people along the way being on my own as well.
Sue Thorsland - USA - April '08

Laureen was fantastic to deal with. Very helpful and friendly!! She helped make our trip incredibly memorable and stress free!
Lisa - South Africa - March '08

It was a wonderful experience all the way around! I had a great time!!
Marge Rausch - USA - March '08

The over all expience was WONDERFUL. We had a great time and we are so very happy we were able to do this trip. The hotels and Bed & Breakfasts were great. Some of the local vendurs were surprised that people fromt the U.S. used a New Zealand Travel Agent.
S. Kim Modrow - USA - March '08

We had an amazing time in New Zealand and everything First Light, in particular Verity's input, was first class!
Barbara Liddle - UK - March '08

Special mention must go to Verity for her help and organisation of our trip. Everything went very smoothly as planned, thank you. We were very impressed also with the Marborough Sounds Adventure Company and our 5 day Freedom Walk, everything worked out "just right" and after the sometimes tough hills, we were well rewarded with stunning views of Marlborough Sounds.
Keith & Jackie Ridout - Australia - February '08

Given my short lead time, peak season and the time needed to research it all myself, using your service saved me a lot of stress. My consultant [Verity] took the worry off my mind. I had to trust her judgement, and she delivered.
Richard Juneau - USA - February '08

I thought we would be catching our own fish for dinner and living off berries and nuts, sleeping on cots. This was living like a king. Everything was exceptional and I would not hesitate to do it again in a heart beat!
Cyndi Wisner - USA - May '07

Just thank you so very much for your attention and helping me visit your glorious country. I want to move there! The people are so very kind and helpful. The scenery was breathtaking.
Christian Dimery - USA - July '06

Before we left on our Pacific Escapade tour my wife Phyllis asked "Why are we going to New Zealand?". I responded "Because it's one of the greatest places on earth.". After visiting your magnificent country she agreed 110% with me.
Everything about your tour was first-rate. The small size of the group, the wonderful people we met, the sights, the accomodations were all spectacular. Everything went off without a hitch. From our arrival to departure we were treated as people and not members of a group. From my first conversation with you I felt we were in good hands.
Once again I would like to thank you for all your assistance in making our trip so enjoyable.
Toby and Phyllis Geller - USA - January '05

Well we're now just about recovered from the jet lag - we actually managed to get up at a normal time and stay awake all day yesterday, so I thought I would drop you a line to say a big thank you for our trip. We had an absolutely fantastic time and experiences loads of new things while we were there.

All of the accommodation was excellent, particularly our little house in Tutukaka and the log cabin on the Coromandel.

Diving was absolutely brilliant with good viz and loads of fish. We were well looked after by all operations. On Poor Knights, we managed to get out to the pinnacles on the last day and dived tie dye arch, so overall I think we did all the key sites there and really enjoyed them all.

Anyway, once again many thanks for all your arranging and the quality of the service you provided. It made our holiday go really smoothly and we will remember it for a long time I'm sure. Attached are a few pics just to show what a good time we had.
Ann and Pete Church - UK - February '05

I just wanted to tell you that we had an awesome time in New Zealand and Fiji...well, with what you booked for us...my goodness we did some extreme things and we were like, "are we really going to do that???" Rachel and the family in Te Tiro were really nice and it was really beautiful up there!!... Everything was great.. We really enjoyed the backpacker experience in Kuata and Manta Ray in Fiji....I can't believe you booked the Nevis for us!!! I thought it was going to be a normal bungy...134m...that was high!!! But it was absolutely worth it!!! Thanks for everything. Our experience in New Zealand and Fiji was unforgettable!
Thanks,
Melissa Fittoria - USA - July '06

I have now returned to the UK got over the flight and I hope you have received back the Road Map which was very useful and now considerably more dog eared. The holiday was super and every thing you did for us was great I would certainly pass on the recommendation to others. Positive feed back 100%
Roger and Susie Hurst - UK -April '05

Our trip to New Zealand was a life-changing experience. We saw so many wonderful sights, met so many wonderful people and enjoyed so many wonderful activities. First Light not only did a superb job in planning our trip with us, but also saved the day more than once when weather and circumstances decided not to cooperate. Thanks, guys! You're the best!
Beth and Chip Haldane - USA - October '03

We feel very fortunate to have found first light travel as i don't think we would have achieved such a good holiday that was exactly to our requirements. All the accomodation was superb and excellent value. Thankyou for ensuring car parking was available when we had the car, e.g. wellington and dunedin in particular.

We appreciated the map you loaned us for the car, we wouldn't have managed without it! and the car company made life easier by collecting us and taking us to our next destination.

Thanks again for making our holiday the once in a lifetime trip, we really appreciate all your help and patience (especially when i kept bombarding Brent with all my questions!!).
Louise and Mark Farrow - UK - February '05

We loved the country and think that our itenerary was perfect for what we wanted..... A truly spectacular trip that we are highly recommending to our friends.
Boykin and Jennifer Robinson - USA - February '05

I found Kirsty Morrison more than helpful and very professional in all aspects. The service given exceeded my expectations I was very impressed. Due to the planning and the lay out of the itinerary it greatly assisted me in having a trouble free enjoyable holiday in a foriegn location.
Scott Borland - Australia - February '05

Brent/Nigel/Kirsty - thank you, thank you, thank you. Five weeks escape that I sorly needed and loved. Happy memories to treasure forever. What am I doing next time?.
Adam Luck - UK - November '04

We would not have had the same experience or have been able to accomplish so much in a month if it had not been for Kirsty's help and organizing everything for us! It was awesome! We would definitely recommend First Light Travel to anyone.
Cassie and Brian Bounds - USA - November '04

Brent, the trip was absolutely fantastic. Chinar and I had a great time and we were sorry not to be able to thank you in person.... All in all, one of the best trips we've ever had. Thanks a lot for your help, and good luck in the future.
Marc D'Silva and Chinar Banerjee - India - November '04

I enjoyed planning the trip and personal feeling of service, reliable work of Brent.IM service was exceptionally useful. The South island is so beautiful, we loved every minute of it!!!The scenery is breathtaking and we cannot wait to return back one day.
Tamara Vesel and family - USA - September '04

This trip has been fantastic!!! Thank you so much for everything. Erin and I both agreed that you somehow tapped into every interest we could have had. This country is unbelievable and you are our new favorite person for making this so perfect.

Thanks again for everything Brent! This trip was exactly what both erin and I wanted. It exceeded our expectations and we couldn't be happier!
Katy Fitzgerald and Erin Niebling - USA - September '04

Just a short note to thankyou for an excellent holiday. It really was the trip of a lifetime. This is largely down to your excellent planning, the accomodation was first class and choice of destinations couldn't have been better.

Thanks again for a holiday that we will never forget.

We are already saving for our next trip!
Gavin Cass and Carol Jones - UK - July '04

I just wanted to say how much we enjoyed our holiday and thanks for your help in arranging some fantastic venues and trips.

The kayaking in Marlborough Sounds was excellent and Lochmara Lodge is definitely on our plans for the next trip out! The car hire and ferry worked out fine - all the motels were of a really high standard and in the right places. I would recommend your company to anyone coming out - thanks for adding so much to our third fantastic trip hope it won't be too long until we are out again!
Jane H and family - UK - April '04

This trip was absolutely amazing. New Zealand is such a beautiful country, the pictures we took don't so it justice! Everything you booked went off without a hitch, the only way it could have been better was if Cyclone Ivy had stayed away :-) All the accomodations were great, overall, centrally located and convenient to everything.
Nikki Brockhoff - USA - February/March '04

Overall, both and Elisabeth and I are excited about our whole trip. What a beautiful country and nice people! We have had an excellent time and were lucky with the weather. We both think that we will be back... one day.

First Light Travel has done a great job in the preparation, suggestions and service before our trip and also during out trip. Our vacation in NZ has been just fantastic. The FLT support helped a lot to this experience.
Richard and Elisabeth Straub - Switzerland - January '04

The Executive Summary would be: Absolutely wonderful. New Zealand is beautiful beyond compare. Every inch looks as though it has been caressed by a giant hand – it is unlike anything we have seen before. Everywhere we went the service and attention were impeccable. In short we had a fantastic time.
Imelda and Graham Warren - Australia - January '04

Looking back on it, I had the most wonderful action-packed adventure holiday and would have no qualms about travelling on my own in NZ again! It was a great introduction to your beautiful country and the diving exceeded all expectations. Diving in NZ is a well-kept secret in the diving world! I hope to be back before long.
UK - January '04

Tough to mess up such a superb product as New Zealand but this was the holiday of a lifetime. Your country is the most beautiful place on earth and the culture and people sensational. I'm now trying to convince my family to immigrate there! Certainly First Light Travel from my initial enquiry through the return flight was instrumental in helping this occur. I have nothing but high praise for your company, its representative and the calibre of service provided.

First Light Travel and especially Nigel should be congratulated on the sensational experience we all enjoyed. I would not hesitiate in a second either recommending First Light to anyone else contemplating a trip to New Zealand or using your services again when we return. Thank you all from Marilyn, Megan, Hannah-Lee and me for the trip of a lifetime.
Gordon, Marilyn, Megan and Hannah-Lee Shank - Canada/USA - December '03/January '04

The holiday was brilliant – many thanks for your advice and help – we are not used to using travel agents so much but you added real value to our holiday. Our Christmas Newsletter has a big bit about our wonderful NZ holiday - if any of our friends/relations talk ask about going, we will certainly recommend you
Jim and Kaye Farmer - UK - November '03

The whole experience was fantastic, especially the diving. I can't get over how many fish you have and that your wrecks still have portholes and things attached to them! I thought it was great how you managed to pack so much in without it all being too much of a rushed itinerary.
Gary and Louise Vale - UK - November '03

Cheers for an awesome trip. We had heard and read so much about New Zealand, but never expected it to be so amazing and the people so friendly. You hit the nail right on the head with your suggestions and the plans you helped us make. You really made it so easy for us that I can't thank you enough. We would happily (and most certainly will) recommend you to our friends.
Pete and Jenny Nash - Canada - September '03

What an absolutely brilliant time we had. Thanks so much for the huge effort that you put into planning our honeymoon. It truly was the perfect vacation. We'll be back!
A & F Thomson - USA - August '03

We both want to thank you for planning our trip. We will happily recommend you and First Light for friends!
Johanna Hedenquist and Tobias Petersson - Sweden - August '03

Fantastic. Its impossible to imagine anything like NZ. You guys are doing the best in tourism. Perfect service and more than that GOOD FRIENDS !!!!
Thanks!!!
Leo and Sabrina Chaves - Brazil - September '02 and March '03

Everything I asked for I got so I only have positive things to say about you guys. I had my best vaccation ever so thanks..........
Andreas Schaubach - Sweden - March '03

The level of service from Brent and his team was simply exceptional and the flexibility was the best I have ever experienced. They jumped through hoops to give Ciara and myself the best holiday experience we have ever had.
Keep it up we plan to be back.
Chris and Ciara Rogers - UK - January '03

It was very good diving at good dive sites. The best with everything was the small dive groups.The feeling was to have a private guide in wonderland.
Marcus Bodin and Karin Lofgren - Sweden - December '02