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We just got back from the most incredible trip to New Zealand! Jean-Michel and his team helped us plan a trip for my father’s 80th birthday. We were traveling with 6 people from 13-80 years old & they did a great job finding activities that we would all love. We had only 9 days so we stayed on the west coast of the South Island, and there was plenty to explore. We started in Te Anu at the Fiordland Lodge and loved the beautiful lodge and surroundings. We hiked, went fishing, and explored Milford Sound by boat. The scenery was beyond breathtaking everywhere we went!
Our next stop was Queenstown and we stayed at the historic Eichardts Private Hotel. We had a lovely wine-tasting day in Central Otago with the best guide and driver (Beau Rapley) and our daughter even went bungee jumping from the Kawarau Bridge. She loved it!! The city of Queenstown & surroundings were great — plenty of walking trails, gardens, gorgeous lake and mountain views. Not to mention great food and wine!
The last place we visited was Wild Earth Lodge in Makarora. It was the most serene and beautiful little inn run from the home of Pete and Janine. They took great care of our whole family & cooked the most delicious meals! We spent our days there hiking to the Blue Pools and having some relaxing down time. We also had our most exciting day — a helicopter tour over Mt Aspiring National Park, a hike through Siberia Valley, and a thrilling jet boat ride back down the Wilkin River.
The whole trip was outstanding and we wouldn’t have been able to do it without Jean-Michel’s team. The organization and planning was top-notch! Ellen even helped us switch a couple days around when one of our kids woke up with a terrible migraine. We were able to switch activities to another day and get into our hotel early, where Pete had prepared a nice dark room. We are so thankful!
We just returned from 10 days in New Zealand at the end of January and Jean-Michel and his team planned an absolutely amazing trip for us. Jean-Michel quickly helped us hone in on a plan and some key properties, then Fabienne worked with us to get all of the details in place and arrange amazing activities. Both of them helped us secure some of the last rooms available at stunning intimate lodges, and put together helicopter adventures, wine tastings, and phenomenal local guides that really made the trip special for us. There’s no way we would have been able to find all of the locations and activities that Fabienne lined up for us, and we felt like we saw a lot more of the South Island than we would have on our own. We’re already plotting when we can return, and fully intend to let Jean-Michel and Fabienne help us again when we’re back in New Zealand.
We worked with Jean-Michel’s team to plan a belated honeymoon. This was our first time working with a travel specialist on any trip and we couldn’t have been more pleased. With only information about our top “priorities” and budget, Lizzy worked with us over the course of several months to craft the perfect itinerary. Once there, we were able to do everything we wanted to, while visiting multiple cities, all with seemingly no effort on our part. By staying at multiple locations, we were able to visit many regions and Lizzy and team arranged for easy transportation between all locations. Jean-Michel’s team had the connections, recommendations, and national network to help us craft the ideal 15 day itinerary. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a luxury trip, crafted to your preferences.
Our 2019 trip to New Zealand was postponed a full year after a family member accident 4 weeks before our planned departure. Kim on Jean-Michel’s team successfully secured re-bookings for 2020 without any cancellation fees – this was not easy and involved tireless effort on her part.
We couldn’t have been more pleased with our vacation, albeit one year later. It is not easy planning for New Zealand, as there are so many places to go and not nearly enough time. And, of course, it’s not easy to take a trip back due to the long distance involved.
Kim provided excellent guidance so that each stop and property were unique, with varying activities and vistas. Activities included a special hands-on day with a Maori native, a wonderful boat trip in Abel Tasman park, a fabulous ATV excursion to a sheep farm outside of Queenstown and a fishing excursion in Te Anau. When the weather didn’t go our way and our helicopter ride was cancelled (twice) Ahipara was totally connected.
During the planning process (extra long due to the re-scheduling) Kim left on a year-long maternity leave and Lizzy assumed responsibility for our itinerary. Like Kim, she was knowledgeable, responsive and a delight to work with.