7,769 New Zealand Tour & Trip Reviews

New Zealand Tour & Trip Reviews

7,769 Reviews
4.6 out of 5
Excellent 5,689 Great 1,604 Average 218 Disappointing 100 Terrible 158
94% Recommend
Value
4.6 Guide
4.6 Activities
4.6 Lodging
4.6 Transportation
4.6 Meals
4.6

Editor’s Take

What to Look For in New Zealand Tour Reviews

Most trip reviews tend to focus on some or all of these 5 key areas, not all of which may be relevant to you: the tour guide, travel company, service level, country or countries traveled in, and the trip itinerary.

Remember, just because you see a 1 star review doesn’t necessarily mean that person disliked the country.

Many tours in New Zealand are adventure based, so a sense of safety, guide knowledge and competence are very important factors for reviewers of New Zealand tours.

Even though New Zealand is quite small, it can be easy to try and cram way too much into the tour itinerary - including quite long drives to get from place to place. Be sure to read the itineraries for New Zealand tours carefully to get a sense of the transportation time, and number of days spent in each place. If you’re looking for a slower pace, you don’t want to be disappointed!

When reading New Zealand reviews, it’s also important to bear in mind that tours of New Zealand often include Australia as well. For those travelers who have to travel a very long way to get to the Oceania region (which is most people!), this can be an excellent way to maximize your vacation time.

However, it also has the potential to feel like you barely skim the surface of what these incredible countries have to offer. Negative reviews may have been hoping for a more relaxed pace, and ended up feeling hectic the whole time instead.

Accommodations in New Zealand are usually up to westernized standards, with plenty of amenities available. If you are camping or staying in small towns, of course, expect to deal with some factors like wildlife and weather.

If you want a professional take on traveling in New Zealand, see the Travelstride new Zealand Guide »

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Tour Reviews

L

Does Not Recommend

In een week tijd zijn 2 maiden calls… December 2023

1.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Guide 1.0
  • Activities 1.0
  • Lodging 1.0
  • Transportation 1.0
  • Meals 1.0
In een week tijd zijn 2 maiden calls door HAL geannuleerd wegens operationele problemen. Deze zijn vervangen door een fjord cruise zonder enkele vorm van compensatie. Als we kosteloos hadden kunnen annuleren dan hadden we dit momenteel zeker gedaan.
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DO

Does Not Recommend

Wij zouden een restitutie krijgen ivm December 2023

1.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Guide 1.0
  • Activities 1.0
  • Lodging 1.0
  • Transportation 1.0
  • Meals 1.0
Wij zouden een restitutie krijgen ivm. foute in rekening gebrachte kosten. Na enig heen (en weer??) gebel en na 4 x mijn boekingscode doorgegeven te hebben kreeg ik ,na dreiging met maatregelen, ineens een telefoontje uit Seattle. Was niet thuis. Na twee dagen een bericht van hun bank, HSBC dat ik mijn bankrekeningnummer moest doorgeven (hoewel ze dat uiteraard al hadden). Dat moest via een door hen aangegeven link omdat het anders niet 'veilig' zou (kunnen) zijn.De link werkte niet! Rotterdam (opnieuw) gebeld. Ik moest maar contact opnemen met seattle.Uiteraard geweigerd. Tel. doorgeven kon niet 'ivm. veiligeheid' Waarom? Ik had eerder al 3 keer mijn nummer opgegeven via de mail. Tenslotte maar gedreigd met juridische stappen. Ineens zou service zijn best doen om e.e.a. te achterhalen. Zijn dit bekende vertragingstaktieken van HAL.? Cruise was prima, I Administratief is die fa. een bende! Ik wacht nog steeds.
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PK

Does Not Recommend

Uitstekende cruises maar waardeloze… December 2023

1.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Guide 1.0
  • Activities 1.0
  • Lodging 1.0
  • Transportation 1.0
  • Meals 1.0
Uitstekende cruises maar waardeloze klantenservice, bereikbaarheid, website, app.

Deze keer direct geboekt bij HAL en daar nu al spijt van. Totaal niet bereikbaar (chat is dicht, telefoonnummer is 1.80 eur per min en geen email). Website en app zijn zeer buggy en het online betalen geeft alleen maar foutmelding. De uiterste betalingsherinnering ontvang je drie dagen na de datum...

De andere reviews geven hetzelfde beeld. Volgende cruise maar weer via een agent of een andere maatschappij.
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JB

Does Not Recommend

ONE STAR IS TOO MUCH December 2023

1.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Guide 1.0
  • Activities 1.0
  • Lodging 1.0
  • Transportation 1.0
  • Meals 1.0
JOINED THE WESTERDAM ON THE 25TH OF NOVEMBER.

ON THE 26TH.WE WENT TO A SHORE EXCURSION MEETING IN THE THEATRE. WE WERE INFORMED THAT A SHUTTLE BUS, WOULD BE PROVIDED. TO A SHOPPING CENTRE. ON OUR FIRST STOP.
WE HAD BOOKED A CRAFTCENTRE AND SHOPPING TOUR, THAT DAY.
WE TRIED TO CANCEL THE TOUR BUT THE TOUR WAS THE FOLLOWING DAY. 48HOUR DEADLINE APPLIED.


WE WENT ON THE TOUR.
1ST STOP.
NOT MY WORDS. THE GUIDES WORDS. "A FLEA MARKER". SOME PEOPLE, US INCLUDED, DIDN'T GET OFF THE BUS. I NOTED TWO PURCHASES. FILTHY PLACE.

2ND STOP.
A SHOPPING CENTRE. WE HAD 60 MINUTES TO SHOP. EVEN IF YOU ONLY SPENT TEN MINUTES IN EACH SHOP. THAT'S 6 SHOPS TOTAL. NO TIME FOR ESCALATORS, FINDIND SHOPS, TRYING ON CLOTHING AND WALKING BACK TO MEETING POINT.

3RD STOP.
HUGE TWO SIDES OF STREET SHOPPING CENTRE. ONCE AGAIN, ONE HOUR TO SHOP.
I POINTED THIS OUT TO THE GUIDE, GUEST SERVICES AND FINALLY, THE EXCUSIONS DESK. THE ALLOTED TIME WAS SUFFICIENT TO THEM.


ON THE 4TH OF DECEMBER, WE WENT ON THE ART AND CRAFT SHOPPING.

AT THE SECOND STOP, THE CRAFT SHOP. THE BUS CLIPPED THE ENTRANCE PILLAR. TAKING OUT TWO WINDOWS, COVERING MY WIFE AND SEVERAL OTHERS IN GLASS. THE SLITHERS OF GLASS WERE STICKING TO THE SUNTAN LOTION.
SEVERAL PEOPLE FILLED IN AN ACCIDENT REPORT AT THE SHOP.

WE RETURNED EVENTUALLY TO THE BOAT, ON A NEW BUS.

WE LATER RECEIVED A LETTER.

AS A GESTURE OF GOOD WILL, THE EXCURSION FEE WAS BEING REDUCED BY 50%.

MY WIFE AND I, WENT TO THE EXCURSIONS DESK.
I POINTED OUT. THAT (HAL) HAD A DUTY OF CARE,TO IT'S PASSENGERS. SOMEONE SHOULD HAVE MET US ON ARRIVAL ON BOARD. ASKED IF EVERYONE WAS OK. BUT NO, WE WILL THROW SOME MONEY AT THEM AND THEY WILL HOPEFULLY GO AWAY.

I DON'T WANT YOU MONEY (HAL), HOW ABOUT SHOWING YOUR PASSENGERS THAT YOU CARE. YOU LET YOUR PASSENGERS AND YOURSELVES DOWN. BIG TIME.

WE DON'T INTEND TO GO ASHORE ON THE REMAINING DAYS.

SHAME ON YOU.
NOT EVERYTHING IS SOLVED WITH MONEY.
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ECA

Does Not Recommend

Head of Customer relations is unprofessional December 2023

1.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Guide 1.0
  • Activities 1.0
  • Lodging 1.0
  • Transportation 1.0
  • Meals 1.0
When the head of guest relations named Brett Swofford won’t even bother to answer your concerns but chooses his secretary to do his dirty work.
We came down with COVID just prior to embarking and canceled so as to not infect the crew and passengers
They would have preferred we had sailed instead by refusing to grant us any kind of credit toward a future cruise
This is a company and Management who only cares about filling rooms and not the welfare of the passengers.
As this was our anniversary cruise we took our losses and booked our next cruise with Cunard instead
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L

Recommends

Confidence with ACIS December 2023

5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Guide 5.0
  • Activities 5.0
  • Lodging 5.0
  • Transportation 5.0
  • Meals 5.0
I have been traveling with ACIS for almost 20 years, and I have yet to be disappointed! From the planning stages to the actual travel abroad, the ACIS team is attentive, knowledgeable and helpful. Traveling with them, I know that the entire experience, from excursions to food to hotels, will be top-notch. I love that there are always little surprises along the way, too….some little cultural experience or bonus stop that adds to an already amazing itinerary. I have traveled once with a different company, and that experience proved that you get what you pay for! With ACIS, I can rest assured that my group will walk away from the trip feeling happy with their investment.
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M

Does Not Recommend

Worst cruise line December 2023

1.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Guide 1.0
  • Activities 1.0
  • Lodging 1.0
  • Transportation 1.0
  • Meals 1.0
Worst cruise line, worst customer service, this cruise line does t care about the passengers. Save your self a headache

TC

Recommends

New Zealand Uncovered November 2023

5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Guide 5.0
  • Activities 5.0
  • Lodging 5.0
  • Transportation 5.0
  • Meals 5.0
Was great. Saw many great views. Well worth the money.

WT

Recommends

Kiwiana Panorama End ZQN November 2023

5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Guide 5.0
  • Activities 5.0
  • Lodging 5.0
  • Transportation 5.0
  • Meals 5.0
Trip was awesome. Great culture, nice people. Trip crew was excellent! (Brit W, Pat & Lewis/Louis)
Really fun add-ons (white water rafting, canyon swing, etc.)

ND

Recommends

Kiwiana Panorama End ZQN November 2023

5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Guide 5.0
  • Activities 5.0
  • Lodging 5.0
  • Transportation 5.0
  • Meals 5.0
Our trip manager was amazing, organized, and really fun to be with. The activities we did were very awesome, especially the dolphin encounter in Kaikoura, and the Hobbiton experience. This tour is definitely recommended for those who want to experience both islands
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AE

Recommends

Sweet As South November 2023

5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Guide 5.0
  • Activities 5.0
  • Lodging 5.0
  • Transportation 5.0
  • Meals 5.0
The best thing I’ve ever done!! Queenstown was amazing and I did bucket list activities like bungee jumping and the canyon swing! My trip manager Brit was incredible and I can’t thank her enough for being so fun, organised and lovely! Went by myself but met some of the best people ever and I’m still in contact with them!
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hMP

Does Not Recommend

Geen HAL Gift Card te gebruiken voor… November 2023

1.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Guide 1.0
  • Activities 1.0
  • Lodging 1.0
  • Transportation 1.0
  • Meals 1.0
Geen HAL Gift Card te gebruiken voor een cruise!! Wanneer je dit meldt, word je continue alleen maar om de oren geslagen met algemene voorwaarden. Dit is arrogantie ten top. Klantvriendelijkheid en flexibiliteit komen niet in woordenboek voor. Het is ook duidelijk geen kwestie dat het niet KAN worden opgelost, maar de WIL ontbreekt eenvoudigweg.

Beter om je geld ergens anders beter te besteden, dat scheelt een hoop ergernis!!
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DB

Does Not Recommend

Waardeloos te bereiken, info slecht te vinden, boeking niet te beheren November 2023

1.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Guide 1.0
  • Activities 1.0
  • Lodging 1.0
  • Transportation 1.0
  • Meals 1.0
Waardeloos te bereiken. Telefoon wordt niet opgenomen en chat en het Amerikaanse nummer zijn niet bereikbaar gedurende normale Nederlandse tijden.
Je moet wel heel veel moeite doen als je voor een groep wilt boeken en informatie nodig hebt.

Uiteindelijk heb ik boeking zelf maar gedaan, maar geeft het beheren van de boeking en het betalen alleen maar problemen. Ben er meer dan een ochtend mee bezig geweest.

De cruises zijn geweldig, maar alles eromheen vind ik ronduit slecht geregeld, en dat voor zoveel geld. Het is dat ik het mijn kinderen had beloofd, maar dit was mijn laatste boeking bij HAL
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LC

Recommends

New Zealand Uncovered November 2023

5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Guide 5.0
  • Activities 5.0
  • Lodging 5.0
  • Transportation 5.0
  • Meals 5.0
I've already told you why. Stop sending these "reviews" to complete

CC

Does Not Recommend

HAL's unexplained account charges. November 2023

2.0
  • Value 2.0
  • Guide 2.0
  • Activities 2.0
  • Lodging 2.0
  • Transportation 2.0
  • Meals 2.0
After completing a trans Pacific sailing we were finally able to see our final bill when we got home to discover we had been charged for dinner in specialty restaurant the day be fore we disembarked & $200.00 for "Sale of General Supplies" the day we disembarked. After numerous phone calls & 10 days, we will be credited for the restaurant charges but the $200 is still unclear. So, more phone calls & hopefully we'll know in a few days what the charge is about. I don't know how one charges General Supplies on the day they disembark & are off the ship by 08:00. As a Canadian, I have found it almost impossible to find someone to communicate with at HAL. I am very doubtful that we will ever sail with them again.

As others stated, room stewards & other staff are great; the shops are a total rip off as are the excursions. I won't even start about the crazy internet daily charges!

Finally, this is the 21st century...I booked the cruise & used my credit card number yet everything was presented in my husband's name!!! I had to set up an account in his name so I could see our account charges once we got home. Had I not done that I would have never found the charges I've had to dispute as they weren't there the night before we left the ship. So beware & check your account very carefully before you get off the ship.
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Items 1 to 15 of 1014 total

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