New Zealand Self Drive Tour Reviews

Four of us just returned from a 3 week trip to the North and South Islands of New Zealand . First I must mention what a beautiful country New Zealand is, from its breathtaking landscapes ,the vibrancy of the communities and the friendliness and warmth of the people. Learning about the Maori culture was a highlight of the trip.
While researching travel agencies I settled on First Light Travel.It was important to me to use the expertise of a local agency if possible . First Light Travel more than exceeded our expectations. I worked with Marcella Johnson. She was very professional, available when needed, and very instrumental in helping me set up our itinerary. She worked well within my budget. We chose to have private drivers on each island which made it possible to concentrate on just having fun without having to worry about the logistics of driving . Not only did they drive us from one place to another ,they made sure to recommend scenic stops, as well as places for lunch they thought would be of interest to us. Everything went off without a hitch. The hotels, as well as the tours she arranged were exceptional. Marcella helped us to choose activities that met all of our needs.
I (and my family) would highly recommend a trip to New Zealand, and in order to have the best experience possible you should contact First Light Travel.

Recently returned from a fabulous trip to New Zealand. We chose First Light Travel to put together our trip, as they had great reviews. Marcella did a great job working with us to include as many nature related experiences as possible and advised us on best time of year to travel. In all, we spent about 5 weeks visiting both islands. This included a two day trip to Stewart Island staying in a beautiful Boutique Lodge. Probably the best holiday we have ever had. We loved New Zealand; the people; the food; the cities and the wonderful scenery. Great variety in what we saw and the time spent in each location suited us well. All the hotels/accommodation were excellent. Easy driving and good roads. Certainly this holiday exceeded our expectation. Thank you Marcella!

For first time New Zealand visitors like us, having Jasmin Cinel from First Light make all the arrangements made everything so much easier. The website has excellent itinerary recommendations, and Jasmin worked with us to refine our own tour, including airport pickups, rental car, accommodations and all activities. I am certain we would not have seen or done nearly as much without her help.

We had 10 days, New Zealand was on my bucket list. We love the sea, the mountains and culture and history when we visit places. I called Micala and thats what i told her. She put together an itiniary that was just about perfect for us. big planes little planes, trains, automobiles, busses, boats, jet boats. steam ships, helicopters, we did it all. Of all the places I have been this is one that I would definitely return to and trust Micala to put together another amazing experience. Everything was a logistical masterpiece. everywhere we went they were expecting us, drivers were waiting, pickups on time, lodging arranged. Travel can be stressful and this was not that at all..

Taking a trip so far from home with just myself and my 10 year old daughter was a little nerve wracking. Gina and the team at First Light Travel were amazing before and during our travels go out my mind at ease. Everything was thoroughly planned out with downtime built in. The detailed itinerary was the best, I was able to have a piece of mind in knowing I didn't have to stress about where to stay and how to get there. 10 out of 10 experience.

Please list any activities that you loved: Bush & Beach Best of Both Worlds City and Nature Tour, Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton Movie Set, Elite Adventures Eco Thermal Park Tour, Kiwi Hatchery, Te Po Indigenous Evening. Agrodome Farm Tour

Heidi tailored our short stay (not nearly long enough) in NZ according to our interests, budget and mobility issues. She was so great to work with! I highly recommend using First Light Travel! Thanks again Heidi!!

We had a wonderful trip to New Zealand. First Light Travel were excellent in planning our itinerary, arranging accommodation and activities. Kirsty Marriott. was responsive and helpful at all times. We were very satisfied with the accommodation and activities planned  We would have no hesitation in using First Light Travel again.

There wasn’t one thing I would change about our itinerary except maybe to extend our trip another month as we didn’t want it to end

Our trip was wonderfully organized with excellent attention to details. The activities that were chosen were generally excellent and a lot of fun.

All the staff and employees at hotels were excellent. Very welcoming and helpful. Church Hill Boutique Lodge was beyond our expectations! Proprietors were very accommodating and chef was outstanding. Dinner was the best food we ate on our trip. The trip was very good value.