New Zealand Self Drive Tour Reviews

We would HIGHLY recommend First Light Travel!! Kasey did a superb job at putting together a first class trip throughout New Zealand! She was able to understand our requirements and organized a spectacular trip for us, all within three weeks notice of our requested travel date. She was always very prompt at responding to our communications with her, and everything she arranged for us went far beyond our expectations!!!

Yosef & Audrey Amzalag - USA

We enjoyed a trip of a lifetime! We put our trust in First Light Travel to build us a personalized itinerary that took us to the best spots in NZ with at a relaxed pace so we had time to enjoy our beautiful surroundings. 

We wanted a moderately active holiday and we really enjoyed the activies that were planned along the way- biking, hiking and kayaking. We stayed in beautiful accommodations and enjoyed meeting so many warm and friendly Kiwis. We came back to Canada with a huge smile and wonderful memories of our time in this beautiful country!

Kathy Hilsenteger - Canada

What a delightful holiday. Our travels were wonderful and Todd & I could not have been more pleased. He wants to move to New Zealand. Of course, just spending so much time with my son who I've not seen since August was very special. The accommodations were all very good with the only glitches being the Belle Vista motel and the unfortunate cancellation of our flight to Milford Sound due to weather conditions. We fell in love with Queenstown. All the vendors you used were terrific. Though we had many hours of driving, the scenic beauty made it worthwhile and I don't think I would change a thing. Thanks for all of your assistance. It was a special treat to meet you as well. I will definitely refer friends to you and encourage them to travel to your marvelous country. 
All the best, 

Mark Perelmuter & Todd Perelmuter USA

We just returned home yesterday as we continued our travels on to Melbourne after leaving New Zealand. Our time on the South Island absolutely exceeded expectations, from the phenomenal natural beauty of the country to the amazing activities, complimented by the warm hospitality of everyone we encountered - starting with you! I'll complete the survey and forward photos. I regret that we didn't have the opportunity to meet you so that we could personally thank you. Of course, I won't hesitate to refer family and friends to you for their travel planning to New Zealand.

phenomenal

Kindest regards,

Naomi, Michael & Tracy Nakata USA

We were truly blessed to have Jo Taylor handle our arrangements, because there is so much about New Zealand that we didn't know. Add to that the earthquake, and we really felt fortunate to have all of our changes made by a professional person, in short order. Another benefit relates to the attractions and lodgings matching or surpassing our expectations. We went on a glow-worm tour by Waitamo, where we were the only customers on the tour. The guide had worked at the larger place, and his family started their own company to provide more personal service. To add even more to that, the farm that we stayed at had their own glow-worm site, where we walked down a short path, to see them on our own. We had a marvelous time, with the great beauty of New Zealand, the warmth and friendliness of the Kiwis, and having so many details sorted out by Jo. Thanks so much for all that you did!!

Diana & Tom Knodt - USA

Hi Amelia! 

I tried uploading this on the feedback form and it said the file was too big…if you need/want more pics I’m happy to send, but here is a good group shot from the trip. We loved every minute!
Thanks,

Marla Finley - USA

First Light Travel gave us the vacation of our dreams. We knew that winter was not the best season to plan sightseeing in New Zealand, that we had limited time, and that we were making things awkward with requiring a trip to Napier (wonderful town) to see family, and having our daughter join us for the last 4 days, but Shelley was up to the task! She created the kind of trip that we will be boring our friends with for years! 

The country of New Zealand does a pretty good job of stealing your heart without too much help, but Shelley added the experience by finding tours that were run by locals, often smaller operations, that really added the personal touch. The innate friendliness of Kiwis themselves makes you feel like a continuously honored guests, but the vendors chosen by Shelley and First Light added layers of professionalism along with local Kiwi charm - and the beauty of going off-season meant that we often had the guides to ourselves. Shelley even made a point of my awkward diet, and not once was I made to feel as if it was a problem. Little touches like having soy milk in the fridge at the B&B makes all the difference! We will be recommending First Light Travel - and using them again ourselves - for years to come!

Bridget Bryson - United States

Had an awesome trip to NZ! Chrissy did an awesome job helping me put together itinerary and making all the necessary arrangements. Everything went without a hitch! 

Thanks a million!

Celine Yeo - Singapore

Thank you First Light Travel! We loved our trip, can't wait to return.

Jodi Ishii - USA

I could not have asked for an easier, more thorough and professional travel planner than Frist Light and Jo. All of our wishes for our trip were covered but as we travelled we only wanted to be able to spend more time in some of our destinations. So, take as much time as you possibly can since there is so much to enjoy and the beauty of each area unique. Jo handled some changes we needed to make with ease and was available if we had needed her after we arrived in New Zealand. I worked in the travel business for over 20 years and usually plan our trips myself but since this trip was on rather short notice I turned it over to First Light. Jo arranged some fabulous excursions and accommodations that I am sure I would not have been aware of - Absolutely fabulous!

Roth Family - USA