North Island Birding and Wildlife Tour

We've always liked to develop our own itineraries when travelling - but often start our research with what's on offer... We were attracted to the bird watching and wildlife self-drive itinerary but wanted it longer and to take in the whole of the East Cape of the North Island.

Amelia Riwai was fantastic: she drafted some suggestions, found appropriate accommodation and activities and tweaked as we made suggestions. We ended up with a two-week trip from Auckland to Wellington with time to revisit places and explore others from our whistlestop tour many years ago. The trip was terrific. We were met at the airport - and given that it was late at night and Auckland waterfront was being renovated, the ease of being taken straight from baggage claim to reception was excellent.

We thoroughly enjoyed Hauraki Gulf and the day trip to Tiritiri Matangi Island - excellent. Our hybrid car was ready and waiting, easy to drive and very economical on fuel - plus free hotel parking in Wellington because of its energy status. All accommodation was as expected - we had opted for a combination of 3 and 4 star - but we probably could have made use of an Esky (or Chilly Bin) for transporting odd bits of fruit, orange juice etc. as we moved between rooms that allowed for some self-catering.

Every tour went ahead as planned and we enjoyed the variety.  We will definitely use First Light Travel when we do a long stint in the South Island 

Thank you, Amelia and staff.

Anne and Robert Williams - Australia