New Zealand Self Drive Tour Reviews

First Light Travel made all the arrangements for our trip of a life time. The 26 day self drive itinerary was custom made to suit our interests and budget. Planning started several months ahead of our journey, communicating with Narissa to prepare a fulfilling itinerary. We started in Christchurch, working our way through the spectacular coast, mountains and lakes of the South Island. We took the ferry to Wellington and completed our North Island journey in Auckland as summer waned into autumn. The trip offered such variety in activities and excursions, the only thing we suggest is adding a few more days, as there is so much to see and do.

Rick and Eileen Bentley - Canada

I first came across First Light Travel when I started researching itineraries for my trip to New Zealand, at that time I was planning to book everything myself. However, their Journey to a Southern land was almost perfect for me so I contacted them and with a few minor adjustments, I was all booked and ready to travel. 



From the moment I landed at Auckland airport until the moment I departed the whole trip apart from being PERFECT went like clockwork. The organization was amazing, all connections, check-ins and day trips went exactly to their prepared plan. I was hugely impressed with the organization of my trip. And, when I had a fall whilst out hiking, Michelle quickly cancelled one long hike for me (with a full refund) and altered one other excursion that I couldn't take part in due to my injury (with the difference in price being refunded)



I had the time of my life and cannot wait until I can come back to New Zealand.

Adele Kitsanelis  - Greece

First Light Travel provided me with a very reliable, accurate, interesting, stress-free itinerary that was more than my expectation. Thank you First Light Travel and the agent who gave me good information and advice!!

Kazuie & Yuki Nagano - Japan

Hi, Sofie! I hope you are well.

I know this is UNFORGIVABLY late, but here are some photos from the trip Jessica Barrett and I took to New Zealand that First Light Travel booked for us in 2017. We had the absolute BEST time doing all things Lord of the Rings related. We cannot wait to come back, now that our journey is a few years behind us. Please feel free to use these photos as you'd like!

All best,

Jessica Barrett & Katie Moran

Hello fellow travelers! My name is Richmond, I'm from Indonesia. Me, my sister and a friend went to New Zealand and were looking for the best scenic holiday with a little bit of exercise in the process. So, we decided to combine a relax holiday and hiking. We found First Light Travel and made a contact with their travel consultant, Kasey.

Shortly, we had the best time in New Zealand! Everything was as expected, even more! Local guide were all wonderful, all locations were gorgeous, and top-notch services!

Keep up the good work!

KIA ORA!

Richmond Lesmana – Indonesia

Very professional services with all aspects of the trip being, accommodation, transport and activities well organised flowing seamlessly. We took a suggested destination itinerary from the First Light website and matched it to an activities package suggested in another itinerary and consultant Melissa Rauner made it all fit within our suggested budget.

Steven & Lorraine & Kalon Lange - Australia

First Light Travel did an amazing job preparing the itinerary for our visit to New Zealand. Traveling from Auckland to Queenstown, we were able to experience the highlights of the country in a comfortable, relaxed manner. The trip was completed without a hitch. I highly recommend First Light Travel for anyone planning to visit New Zealand.

Kia Ora  - We appreciate you!

Catherine & James Greene – Unites States of America

"Wow - New Zealand was everything promised and more! Beautiful verdant countryside, towering mountains, a spectacular and often rugged coastline that changed continuously, unique wildlife, and above all, friendly, approachable people. We were able to pack so much into our trip due to Shelly from First Light Travel, who listened carefully to us in the planning phase, offered suggestions, and then crafted a combination of commercial tours and private driver/guides that satisfied all our wishes.  In four weeks we covered the whole length of the country: from the Bay of Islands on the North Island to the little-known, but spectacular and untouched Stewart Island in the far South. Stewart Island was a very special place. We traveled home with a great appreciation for New Zealand’s culture and unmatched beauty, and came away with memories that will last a lifetime.

To get the most out of a trip to New Zealand, we strongly urge using in-country agents like Shelly who can use their experience to minimize disappointments that can sometimes result from self-planning, and assure that one’s desires can indeed come true."

Peter and Ellen Barnett - USA

If you are a fan of Lord of the Ring movies, this is the trip for you. Actually got to see the country of New Zealand not just the cities on the coast. We loved the country and getting to meet the locals.

Jimmy and Donna  Mullins - USA

Spot on Jo Taylor! We loved every day of our 2 week trip - getting better with each new day. Lord of Rings fans - we were so impressed with Norm at Waitomo Glow Worms Cave Tours, Kate at Hobbiton, Shane with Pelorus River Kayak, Michael with Hassle- free tours and the crew at Real Journeys in Doubtful Sound. We got to meet real Kiwis— so proud of their beautiful country, eat authentic Maori Hangi meals and sit in relaxing hot spring spas. One-stop vacation shopping! This company will not disappoint!

Mary, Monohon & Lance Humphrey - USA