Customer Feedback
Nancy & Jamie Weeks, Jackson, WY
Joe Matulevich, Houston, TX
Lemon, Lake Charles, LA
Connie,
We had a fabulous time thanks to your meticulous planning. All the accommodations were great and your suggested activities were perfect for our style of travel. It's really amazing that you could fill our travel needs through a couple of phone conversations.
Thanks for providing us with a truly memorable vacation.
Jack and Debby
Matt Habeger Fri, 5 Nov 2010
Hi Connie -
I haven't yet had a chance to sort through all of our photos yet, but since you were interested in the penguin experience I started with Lake Moeraki/Wilderness Lodge. You can view them all our photos from the Wilderness lodge here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mhab12/sets/72157625320657558/
As for the experience - it was well worth the 30-minute hike from the highway. As I mentioned we did not go to Munro beach but another one of John's spots - about a ten minute van ride from the lodge.
For those not interested in an incredibly scenic beach or penguins, it might be a 'slow' endeavor as we did have to wait quietly on the beach, sitting or lying down for about 15 minutes before our first sighting. On the other hand, it was the highlight of Alison's trip and, for me, ranked right at the top with our helicopter flight at Millford Sound. I would highly recommend it. The beach is pebbles, not sand (see photos) and there are a few sand flies, however a little bug repellent keeps all of them away. As for the timing of the in/out of the penguins from the water, I am not sure that it is a once a day event. We saw several different penguins come and go (John counted about 20 I think). We went around 10-12 in the morning to accommodate another couple's schedule. In the end, it worked out perfectly. As long as your latest honeymoon couple is not completely opposed to being 'outdoorsy' - I would say seeing the penguins is a must.
To read more of Matt's trip please follow this link
Alice Habeger Fri, 5 Nov 2010
Thank you Connie...
Our trip was fabulous, one of our best vacations. It was adventuresome, we got exercise and got to breathe the wonderful clean air of New Zealand. It truly is a beautiful part of the world.
We totally enjoyed all our accommodations, from Daniel in Bronte, to John and Robyn in Blenheim, the cottage was so nice and the location excellent.
Our stay, and hikes, at the Lodge was so beautiful and we loved the penguins. Totally worth the hike over, around and down the mountain to lie in wait for the penguins. I≠m sure your couple will see them, as John knows how to scout them out. And then there was White Shadows. We truly saved the best for last!
Of course we all fell in love with Mike and Bill (and I think they enjoyed us as well) and their B&B was just fabulous!! Bill≠s appetizers and breakfast were just to die for and we enjoyed their company so much. We took them to dinner and in return they treated us like family. Truly an amazing location and experience. We have invited them to San Diego to stay in our condo on the 18th floor of a 22 story high-rise when they feel their life if too relaxed. Thank you again Connie. Alice
Mark and Cathy Pumford, Boyne City, MI
Hi Connie,
We just wanted to take a moment to thank you for all your help. Our vacation to New Zealand was magnificent !
You set us up in the nicest places to stay and we are grateful for all of your suggestions including the day trip up Doubtfull Sound which was well worth the time and money.
Cathy took about 600 pictures and will send you some in another e-mail.
We will reccomend you to our friends and family if any of them ever want to vacation in NZ !
Sincerely, Mark and Cathy Pumford
Al Fenstermacher - Irvine, CA
ConnieWe left with high expectations, but you exceeded them.
Thanks so much for making our trip special. The information you provided us, the directions, the unbelievable locations we stayed at and the people that worked there (not to mention the wonderful country and the special people that live there) made this a truly memorable trip.
Thanks again for everything; we hope to go back soon.
Tom Kaplan, Las Vegas
Hi mike!
Just a quick note as we depart qtown to say a huge thank you for arranging a spectacular journey through the so isle! All the accommodations, cuisine and hospitality were outstanding, and as were each town, activity and park. Stunning country.
We especially loved steve and jeanette bough & bob and anne haswell! Incredible facilities and terrific hosts. The breakfasts at arrowntown house were some of the best I have ever had!
Thanks so much again for arranging such a perfect trip!! We are now off to bora bora!
Marcia and Tom
Hi Karen,
We're finally un-jet lagged and want to drop you a note to thank you for your part in a SENSATIONAL trip. We're totally in love with New Zealand -- The physical beauty and the extraordinary warmth and happiness of its people.
Thanks again, and all best to you.
Marcia and Tom
Julia Bursell and Bill Schmidt, Sacramento, CA
Cristina:
First of all, we just want to express how happy we are with the
accommodations provided to this point.
We have been thrilled with the unusual and luxurious lodges in Twizel, Queenstown, Wanaka and Franz Joseph Glacier.
The icing on the cake is here at Wave Watchers Retreat. It is spectacular. The location is fabulous, and the cottage just perfect - thanks for the bottle of wine also - we'll make good use of it tomorrow.
We just have our fingers crossed for some sun. As you've probably been reading - if you keep abreast of NZ weather - it's been a cold and wet Spring so far. We've been lucky to have sun when we really needed it, as when we've been hiking or on the glacier trails.
Happy New Year!
Kenji Higuchi--Seattle, WA
Dear Connie,
For months I have meant to extend our appreciation for the arrangements for our New Zealand trip last fall. Every single accomodation was excellent and met or exceeded our expectations. Your attention to detail was the best travel support that I have experienced in over 1,000,000 miles of actual air travel throughout the world. We shall recommend you to our friends.
Kenji Higuchi--Seattle, WA
Carol & Bill Bagshaw - Santa Monica, CA
Jamie & Sarah Costello Las Vegas, NV
John & Tina Read - South Dartmouth, MA
David & Daniel Gewant - Lake Oswego, OR
