New Zealand Self Drive Tour Reviews

Michelle was fabulous! She was prompt, attentive, clearly communicated, and when our Heli Hike at Franz Josef Glacier was cancelled due to bad weather, she made sure we received our refund, and she gave us timely updates regarding road closures due to construction and bad weather. And when I left my ipad at the hotel in Mount Cooke, Michelle gave me valuable information about a bus route that would leave Mount Cook in time to get to our next hotel in Christchurch. Because of this, the bus driver arrived later that same day in our new city with my iPad! Michelle is a gem, make sure you don’t lose her!!!!

Linda and Bruce Shore - Canada

First Light Travel did an amazing job! They took the time to understand our wants, needs and abilities as well as our budget. They planned out our whole itinerary. Hotels, transfers, excursions and car rentals (31 vouchers in all). We were expected and welcomed in every one. Thank you to Jo and Suzie for making our New Zealand experience everything we hoped it would be.

Gary & Nancy Houghton – Canada

My husband and I are experienced travelers and I typically do all the travel planning and booking for our international trips. We are comfortable with public transportation and negotiating our way around new cities. However, anything that I could have planned would not be in any way equivalent to the experience we enjoyed in our 3 1/2 week tour of Australia planned by FIRST LIGHT TRAVEL. Not only did they help us select tours and accommodations that we wouldn't have known about, but they were there when there was an unexpected change in itinerary or when we had any questions or concerns. I would recommend them to anyone who is traveling to Australia or New Zealand.

Joan and Dave Kaderavek - USA

We totally enjoyed our wonderful adventure in New Zealand. Everything went to clockwork and we were very impressed with the cars, itinerary, and accommodation. The prescribed activities were particularly good and the details/travel times given on our itinerary were very accurate.

Martin & Helen Clarke - England

Chrissy, our consultant really listened, offered lots of helpful information suggestions and advice. We were impressed from the get go when she called us to chat about what we were interested in and how she could help. After several itineraries and conversations, the perfect plan was in place. Chrissy was never far away and we felt totally supported before we headed to the airport and flying back home to the Yukon. The system of a detailed daily itinerary and vouchers was easy to use and worked perfectly. Accommodations were top-notch and suited us well. We would certainly have no hesitation in recommending First Light Travel and when we return to explore the North Island..we know who to call!

Cathi and Grant Dunham - Whitehorse Yukon

Thank you, for all your help in organizing our trip to your wonderful country. The itinerary you created for us was an excellent balance between scheduled activities/"must sees" and unscheduled time. We saw a great deal and got a good sense of New Zealand from all the places we visited.

Jean, Mark & Emily Greaves - USA

Hi Amelia

Just wanted to check in and send you  big thank you for the tour you arranged. It has been amazing so far and even the weather has been in our favour with most days being lovely and sunny. Been very blessed so far which has made it even more special. Also have attached a couple of pictures and just wanted to thank you for making that possible.

Will always be a special place for us now!

All the best

Ross McPhillimey & Pia Smithers – United Kingdom

First Light Travel was hands down the best company that I have ever worked with! They were so accommodating to every email. They called me several times on their dime just to get to know me and my holiday desires better. They worked with me countless hours to develop the perfect itinerary. Their services didn't cost us a penny! They even mailed us our itineraries in addition to emailing them and had a bag of maps for us at our accommodation in case our GPS didn't work. If you are going to Australia or New Zealand, and you don't use First Light Travel, you are nuts.

Joelle Moorman and Dylan Cullimore - USA

Our first (and definitely not last) trip to New Zealand was amazing and working with First Light enabled us to tailor the experience to our preferences. Coordination and communication were pleasant and efficient. We enjoyed all of the recommended sites in the itinerary and driving ourselves from each location enabled us to pace ourselves well and even visit some really fantastic points of interest we would otherwise not have discovered if we had taken a standard tour group. The timing of our vacation was also ideal due to the great weather conditions and uncrowded locations/sites. We will definitely be back and also recommend First Light to friends and family that want a great NZ experience to last a lifetime.

Johnson & Regina Go -  Philippines

Because Shelley was so thorough in putting together my itinerary I was able to see everything I wanted to see, and much more. Shelley would suggest activities to add and I am glad I did. I was never disappointed. It was an exceptional experience in both New Zealand and Australia. I was very pleased.

Jim Geiger - USA