New Zealand Self Drive Tour Reviews

First Light Travel was excellent to work with. We travelled during the Christmas to New Year's holiday time period where 3 night minimums were common but they found nice, clean lodging for us that met our itinerary that was less than the 3 nights. They made a lot of thoughtful recommendations for our trip regarding things we might be interested in, once we had discussed things we thought we might like to do.

Susan & Martin Hammock (USA)

We used First Light Travel because we didn't know much about New Zealand and wanted to make this vacation memorable without the frustrations of booking places, cars and excursions on our own. We had an amazing time and truly feel as though we have a true flavor of what New Zealand has to offer. From Waiheke to the North Island and then the South Island, we made our way to many interesting and breathtaking places.The experiences were incredible and the guides were extremely informative. I would head back in a heartbeat! This was one fo the best vacations my family has ever had.

Greg, Kelly, Wyatt & Calista Poulos - USA

We are so overjoyed that the stars aligned and that Amelia was on holiday in the Bay of Coves, a place I was calling long distance just because I fell in love with the pictures while reading about it. So I called and spoke with Grahame who runs the Bay of Many Coves with his wife Kim and daughter Maddie. Grahame put Amelia in touch with me and that was it. Amelia chatted with me about the things we wanted to do on the14 nights we had set aside. She met and exceeded each expectation. Each place we stayed from The Light House Lodge in Tutukaka - still one of my top 5 favourite places so far!! The owners make you feel at home with a overly warm pool and the best breakfast ever!! We love this special place... We snorkelled at poor Knights Island with an amazing GROUP OF STAFF. The captain took the sailboat into a cave a giant one and stopped the boat. he took out a wooden flute type of thing and began to play. I cried it was so beautiful. The trip was amazing we snorkelled two spots sand saw loads of creatures we do no see in Hawaii it was magical. then on to the Duke of Marlborough in Russell a short ferry ride so charming. Rich with history and old but refurbished rooms that kept the old charm on the waterfront. Wonderful restaurant for breakfast lunch or dinner. Then the next day on to the Bay of Islands on a 42 fool Yacht Vigilannt The beautiful sailboat was just amazing. There were only 10 guests on the boat and it was just amazing. From here were drove to Auckland and took a flight to Wellington for one night and I must say Wellington is an amazing city! The next morning we caught a Ferry To Picton in the South island where we were met by a small water taxi to my 2 of my favourite 5 spots... these are not in order of favourite its too hard to choose as they all so unique and have their own charm. But the Bay of Cove is well there are not words. It private peaceful and GOD is good to have saved this special place in the world. The Restaurant and staff are amazing!!!!!! We kayaked and saw so may birds fish and a playful seal. We love The inn Keepers and well be back!! Next stop back to the ferry for our rental car for the Journey we are so glad that we took in the end.. Kaikoura! There was a devastating earthquake the year before so the rod was closed. Amelia warned me the road it closed what is typically a 2 hour drive will be much longer.. It was all said and done about 8 but work every turn and bump.... When we got the the Tree Houses in Kaikoura I cried. It was beyond words. There was the best dinner writing for us but the room was so amazing there was a small wood burring stove and Christmas music playing it was our 25th Wedding anniversary and it was pouring rain the next day so we stayed in bed and enjoyed the farm of animals on the property from Sheep to Deer to Chicken and Pigs and Rabbits. The next day we drove to the city Kaikora that had the devastating earthquake last year the seabed rose 8 feet. They were happy and grateful for the tourism. The got us next to two spam whale on Whale Watch Kaikoura what beautiful boats and seeing those whale so close another cry.... THE Staff and food at THIS RESORT IS NOTHING SHORT OF AMAING!! We all be back. Next stop Christchurch to the most amazing first-class hotel The Geroge... They knew we missed out animals and they left me a stuffed bear named George. The room was just beautiful overlooking the park and the weeping willows and river another of my five favourites.. From here we hopped on the Tranz Apine Train ride for a 4.5 hour amazing adventure through Arthurs pass, rivers waterfalls animals snow capped mountains and so much more. The train was so clean and smooth and the scenery was beyond belief. This is a must do!. Our next stop WAS Greysmouth for a rental car to drive to Franz Josef Glacier! The Te wane Forest retreat. I had said I would never go on a helicopter but once there we decided to take a helicopter to the glacier and they let you get out and take pics. It was amazing.. Our last drive was to Queenstown. It felt like Switzerland meets the sea. We stayed the St Moritz another one my favourites. We were supposed to go to Milford Sound but the trip was cancelled so we spent the day in the magically city. They had music in the park and loads of cool booths. It was stunning. we had a long lunch on the bay and just enjoyed the beauty of all that we had seen. Two weeks is not long enough I am not sure there is never enough time to really see this amazing country filled with warm happy people, one more beautiful sight then thee next. We laughed so hard each time we heard round about coming and finally figured out the secrets. Driving on the left side of the road is scary and fun. We will miss New Zealand and can't wait for the next trip. I would use Amelia with First light Travel without a doubt. Amelia you are great at what you do you made our 25th Anniversary the best and more then we ever dreamed of...

Love Jamie and Eileen Falahee – Hawaii

Because of at First Light Travel, our 2-week honeymoon to New Zealand was seamless. We didn't have an issue with any booking and it was like she read our minds when booking all accommodations and activities for us. The mix of high adrenaline activities like bungy jumping, mixed with a fun afternoon of sipping wine while biking through Marlborough was the perfect mix for us. We never would have been able to see and do as much as we did in 15 days if it weren't for her.

I would highly recommend First Light Travel if traveling to NZ, you will not be disappointed!

Courtney Ruscin & Matthew Hengemuhle - USA

From the first email I sent to Shelley, she was prompt and very patient in answering my questions and setting up our itinerary for us and we exchanged a LOT of emails! Our whole trip was smooth from the transfers to all the accommodations that we had and the car rentals. I highly recommend Shelley and First Light Travel for any trip to New Zealand. We had a fantastic holiday in this beautiful country and went home with some great memories.

Thank you Shelley and First Light Travel!

Kareena Mirpuri - Phillipines

Was a trip of a lifetime, all our expectations were met, had a great time, food was awesome and First Light are great people to work with. Along the way we met many great people from all over the world. Milford sound boat was nice. Elm tours was very accommodating, fun people, very thoughtful, and great tour.

As Sam Neill (who is a Kiwi) said in the NZ movie The Hunt for the Wilderpeople....it's fantastical! A very magic place indeed.

Erv and Marianne Kanieski

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

Hi Kasey,

We had a wonderful experience, everything went very well, with all arrangements complete and right on time. In all, a trip of a lifetime and it was very complete and well planned. Congratulations to you for such a thoroughly thought out trip. When I download the pictures from the camera I will send you some of the great ones. Feel free to use any of this info as you choose.

Philip Tower & Roberta O'Connor - USA

We had an amazing day with tour guide Debbie, who drove us through the Waiheke island, showing us the most beautiful spots.

Also we did two wine tastings at very special wineries and an olive oil tasting, which all were very good and interesting! Debbie welcomed us when we arrived with the ferry and was from the outset on very interested in us and gave us a very special experience, explaining everything you want to know about the island and more.
Before we knew the day was over, but it was for sure not our last visit to Waiheke Island.

Martina, Stephanie and Jordi