New Zealand Self Drive Tour Reviews

Our vacation was perfect from beginning to end. All pick up and trips are always on time, guides are very knowledgeable to a point of information overload that we truly appreciate and enjoy. Every new town and city are so different and gets better everytime we move. From city to geysers and mud pools, to hobbit town and glow worms, to the Alps and beach and whale watching. We thank you Deb Evans for making an itinerary that included all our wish list. The only hiccup was the milford sound flight back to queenstown and the helicopter glacier tour that was cancelled due to heavy rains. This was truly a dream vacation. Again thank you.

Eden Altamirano and Raymond Warno  - USA

Everything about our New Zealand vacation, starting from our decision to use First Light Travel, was just perfect. We went back and forth with Shelley several times to create the perfect itinerary for us, which includes lots of activities as well as several days or parts of days for us to discover our own adventures. This was the perfect way to go, because all along the way we met the most friendly people who recommended other activities, sights, and places to check out. New Zealand is by far the most beautiful, friendly, welcoming, and activity-filled place I've ever traveled.

My husband was initially reluctant about not planning our own trip, but as soon as he realized that he could still be as involved in the planning as he wished, he realized how amazing it would be to have all our reservations made and paid for up front. And from the moment we left home, everything was easy and taken care of, and we could just relax and enjoy being on vacation.

We fell completely in love with everything about New Zealand, and can't wait to go back (and of course to have First Light Travel plan everything!).

Alex Suchman and Alexander Trempe - USA

Hello Michelle,

We have arrived safely this morning at around 6 am, Manila time and I am back at my office at 9 am. On behalf of Lizagay, Judy, Rosa and Ana, I would like to say thank you very much for the itinerary and the accommodations you picked for us,

It was the experience of seeing so many sheep, cattle , deer and alpacas, even the kiwi bird and kea bird ; to see glaciers,  mountains, mountain ranges, fields, waterfalls and geysers makes my nine days special. The Hobbiton, Glowworm Cave and Milford Sound will be have a special place in my heart.

I will start saving money so that one day I can return to your country this time with my family.  Meanwhile, I will tell my friends and recommend First Light Travel to be their guide in visiting New Zealand and its people.

More power to you and Elizabeth and the rest of First Light Travel.

Keep in touch.

Lalaine Guerra -  Philippines

My family spent 4+ weeks this past August exploring the North Island of NZ, the very northern part of the South Island (Abel Tasman NP), with 10 days on the East coast of Australia. First Light Travel was very very patient with our requests and really shaped our trip into a logistically approachable and sane journey: so much ground to cover! And with an 11 and 13 year old in the mix. We were self drive outside of the major cities, and they offered us unique accommodations along the way, with lovely hosts who really made the trip feel grounded and intimate.

Kelly Miller & Stephen Carter - USA

My wife and I traveled New Zealand (South Island) for our honeymoon. Melissa, our service executive at First Light was super helpful right from the beginning, accommodating all our requests. The trip was super smooth with all event centre’s and hotels being pre-aware of our arrivals.

The beautiful country and a great itinerary made our honeymoon a perfect one! :)

Rajkumar Chandrasekaran & Sasirekha Mani - India

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

My wife and I had a great trip to the south for 2 weeks, we enjoyed every bit of it! Big thanks to Dawn, our coordinator, for her fabulous planning for our trip. It was hassle free, packed with variety of activities we get to do and space for us to explore. And the pace was perfect for us. No stress! Thanks for making our trip a pleasant one. We love NZ!

Koh Tuan Hong & Fu Qixin - Singapore

And it’s a wrap! We’re finally settled back in Hong Kong. Thank you Shelley for the great assistance to experience the beautiful South Island of NZ. Every place has its own character. This trip was definitely one for the books. Our daughter misses the ski field already while we will miss the steaks and freshly brewed beer ?. We would not have done it without you.

Hope to be back and do North next time. Driving the roads of NZ in a right-hand drive vehicle wasn’t difficult after all.

Christopher, Maria and Megan Abella - Singapore

We are glad we found Shelly as our Consultant, she is fast and immediately put together a proposal based on our details. We were about to finalize with another company and we were glad that we decide to take a alternative proposal for comparison at the last minute. We found the proposal from Shelly was much more competitive and included many activities that were just add-ons at additional cost in the other proposal. The rental car provided was also of a higher grade from a better company. The itinerary was well prepared and instructions very clear that we didn't have a clarification or questions, during the entire trip. We were never late or missed anything. All accommodations chosen were well suited and centrally located. We take this opportunity to thank Shelly and First Light Travel for a great vacation and memories. We hope to visit NZ again soon and will be in touch and recommend to our family and friends.

Anish Soman, Reyna Pereira and Abigail and Reuben Anish

Dubai

Hello Michelle - Thank you for checking on us !  We have just arisen from a 15-hour sleep! Yesterday's 36-hour flights/layovers schedule was something of an ordeal for two old fossils like us!  We will take this opportunity to thank you most appreciatively for all your efforts to make arrangements for us during our short stay in New Zealand.  Every one of the hotels and attractions/amusements vendors had our names in their computers and ALL went slick as silk.

Michelle, everything you arranged for us was most pleasurable and, again, flowed smooth as silk....thanks to your very diligent and professional efforts on our behalf. 

Kindly,

Ann and David McIntire - USA