Just Got Back: New Zealand

Carolyn Gorski, Corporate & Leisure Travel Agent

Where did you Just Get Back from? New Zealand – South Island

When were you in New Zealand? November 2016

Provide a 1-3 liner highlighting your experience: New Zealand is a country filled with breathtaking scenery, fresh air, and warm communities. It is also a place with more sheep than people! There is an outlet for every kind of traveler- adventure, fishing, cruises, hiking, foodies, and of course the wine!

Words to describe what you felt when you first arrived: Excited & joyous but at the same time concerned & nervous. The day we landed was the morning after the earthquake struck in the South Island.  The following day, we were supposed to drive through Kaikoura, the epicenter of the quake. Trent, from The Exclusive Travel Group, saved the day by re-coordinating our schedule to completely bypass the areas that were affected by the quake.

Where did you stay?

The Scenic Hotel – Auckland

Hotel Montreal – Christchurch

The Classic Villa – Christchurch

Eichardt’s Private Hotel – Queenstown

Dock Bay Lodge – Te Anau

Real Journeys Overnight Cruise – Doubtful Sound

The Spire – Queenstown

With whom would you recommend staying at this hotel / resort? 

The Scenic Hotel has a small kitchen, which is best suited for long stay travelers.
Hotel Montreal is great for couples and families- on a nice day you can play croquet on their greenery.

The Classic Villa is a boutique hotel with a warm feel as if you are a local- best suited for couples.

Eichardt’s has a friendly & sophisticated atmosphere with a great location for the outdoorsy travelers.

Dock Bay Lodge is perfect for more relaxed travelers and people making their way to Milford or Doubtful Sound. They prefer a quiet atmosphere with no young children.

Real Journeys Overnight Cruise is an amazing cruise that caters to couples, multi-generational families, and independent travelers. Amazing buffet dinner!
The Spire is a sister property to Eichardt’s, but a bit more modern.  Also- wonderful tub!

 

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Just Got Back: New Zealand

 

Mark Dorenfast, Corporate & Leisure Travel Agent

Where did you Just Get Back from? The North Island of New Zealand

When were you in New Zealand? November 2016

Provide a 1-3 liner highlighting your experience:The North Island of New Zealand greatly exceeded my (already inflated) expectations. It was more beautiful than I could have imagined with more activities and places to see than time would allow for.

I felt so welcomed everywhere I went that each place was like visiting close family.

Words to describe what you felt when you first arrived: After a 12 hour flight, I wanted to hit the ground running and go Go GO! As soon as I settled in for a morning coffee and fresh croissant overlooking the sunny, turquoise waters on Waiheke Island, that urgency all went away, and I immediately began to relax.

Where did you stay? I was constantly on the move and spent nights in Waiheke, Auckland, Tauranga, Rotorua, and Taupo.

Each accommodation was completely unique and totally immersed in its surroundings.

Delamore Lodge is inviting and chic, sitting on a bluff overlooking the ocean and neighboring vineyards.

The Sofitel Auckland is great for the sophisticated traveler in an amazing location in the Marina surrounded by fantastic dining options.

At Wildwood Lodge, you’ll fall as much in love with the natural wonders of Rotorua as you will with Cath and Simon, the owners.

The rooms at Solitaire Lodge have gorgeous views of the lake where you can boat, fish, kayak, and hike.

You can get lost in the woods for hours at Treetops (as I did) running into deer and goats before enjoying an exquisite dining experience.

Acacia Cliffs nestled above the enormous Lake Taupo is the perfect place to base yourself for days of water activities and heli-hiking.

With whom would you recommend staying at this hotel/resort? This type of trip would be wonderful for honeymooners, couples on a long holiday, and small groups of family or friends.Many of the accommodations are very small (4-7 rooms) and not appropriate for young children unless renting the entire property.

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Just Got Back: New Zealand

Lee Thomas, EVP ALTOUR, President of The Travel Authority

Where did you Just Get Back from? Queenstown, New Zealand

When were you in New Zealand? May 2016

Words to describe what you felt when you first arrived: When I first landed it almost felt like I just landed in a vibrant ski town that was full of life and excitement.

Where did you stay? Sofitel Queenstown Hotel

With whom would you recommend staying at this hotel? I would say that this hotel is best suited for people who love the outdoors. It had a great atmosphere that would be great for couples, and both small families and larger extended family. A very friendly, welcoming, & outdoorsy atmosphere that is sure to please all guests.

Tempt us- Name the most special place you discovered on this trip: One of my favorite activities that I was able to participate in during this trip had to be bungee jumping off the Kawarau Bridge, which is known as the world’s first bungee jump! They are also the only place in Queenstown that will allow you to do a tandem bungee jump — if you bring a partner that’s brave enough.

What’s the best time of year to go in your opinion? It really depends on what you are most interested in as they have all 4 seasons. I was there in May and the ski resorts were scheduled to be open soon. Mornings were chilly and the afternoons cool. I would suggest a little earlier in the year for water lovers.

Book your next New Zealand trip with Altour - Travel Companies Nyc.send us an email at contactus@altour.com and we’ll put you in touch with one of our travel experts!

 

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