Steven and Mandy wanted a holiday that offered a variety of experiences – stunning scenery, incredible wildlife, wonderful hotels and real adventure. Gina put together an extraordinary journey through two countries that neither of them will ever forget. Here’s their story…
Singapore
We arrived in Singapore in the early morning and upgraded to a suite at our hotel to get some rest before checking in properly – well worth it.
The two Singapore hotels were magnificent. We particularly loved the Capella where we were upgraded to a fabulous villa. Our room at the Fullerton Bay overlooked the bay and the Marina Bay Sands complex – simply stunning.
Auckland and the Coromandel
The Auckland Sofitel was very nice for an inner-city hotel – the staff were particularly helpful. From there we headed to the Coromandel Peninsula where Lonely Bay Lodge was very comfortable and the manager, Ann, was delightful. She gave us excellent advice about local activities and restaurants, which was invaluable given some rainy days.
Highlights included the Cathedral Cove Boat Tour and walks around Ha Hei – beautiful coastline and well worth the time.
Rotorua
Rotorua On The Point was excellent – a splendid view of the lake from our room and a very good restaurant. The staff were brilliant at helping us book excursions.
The experiences here were extraordinary – Te Puia, the Waimangu Valley Walk and cruise on Lake Rotomahana, and the magical Redwoods Nightlights and Glow-worm Tree Walk were all outstanding.
Tongariro and Wellington
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing was genuinely challenging – billed as medium-high fitness but we discovered afterwards it is considered one of the world’s ten most challenging treks. We are experienced walkers and fit for our early seventies but after five kilometres, with the terrain becoming significantly steeper and more difficult, we made the sensible decision to turn back. The long drive alongside Lake Wakatipu more than made up for it with breathtaking views throughout.
Wellington delivered some of the most moving experiences of the trip. Te Papa Tongarewa and the Gallipoli exhibition were deeply affecting. The Zealandia Night Tour was extraordinary.
Marlborough
The ferry crossing from Wellington to Picton through the Queen Charlotte Sound was a highlight in itself – wonderful scenery throughout.
The Marlborough was magnificent. Personal welcome, a completely free minibar and free cocktails every day. The restaurant was great in terms of food, location and atmosphere. The Marlborough wine tours and the Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum were both brilliant.
The South Island
River Birches Lodge was magnificent – we effectively had a bungalow to ourselves. Owner Jason was very helpful with local restaurant suggestions.
The nighttime Stargazer Experience in Twizel was unforgettable. The drive through the South Island was breathtaking throughout – the long road alongside Lake Wakatipu offering views that stopped us in our tracks. Wanaka also offered stunning lake views and excellent restaurants.
Fiordland
The Milford Sound experience – coach, cruise and then flying back by light plane – was one of the absolute highlights of the entire trip. The scale of the fiords from the air is something that simply cannot be described.
This was a holiday of a lifetime. New Zealand is an extraordinarily beautiful country with everything from alps and glaciers to volcanoes and lakes. And amazing plants and wildlife. The itinerary created by Beaver Travel was perfect for us, with a mixture of very comfortable and welcoming hotels and lodges.
Several places gave us a special welcome pack (wine or champagne) because of our anniversary – which was very nice. The Rees in Queenstown had a different take on the welcome gift – a bag of nuts! It made us smile.
In addition to eating in some of the hotels, we experienced some fantastic restaurants – our favourites included Sails in Auckland, KaiZen in Cooks Beach, Mercury Bay Winery, Hare and Copper in Turangi, Kika and Bistro Gentil in Wanaka and Botswana Butchery in Queenstown.
Overall, it was the best holiday we have ever had. We made fantastic memories. We can’t stop talking about the experience.
Thank you for organising it for us.
Steven and Mandy
