One Week South Island, New Zealand Itineraries

My husband and I went on a wonderful trip to New Zealand visiting both North and South Island. The trip was originally planned for 2021 but had to be postponed until this year. I prefer working with an agent, and Lindsay from our travel agency was extremely responsive, offering helpful options and suggestions. Even though the time we spent on the North Island was right after the torrential rains, we modified the itinerary to spend four days in the Taupo area and two days in Rotorua.

We hiked in the Tongariro National Park and part of the Great Lake Pathway, sailed to view the Maori Rock Carvings, and visited Orakei Korako geothermal pools and Huka Falls in the Lake Taupo area. In Rotorua, we relaxed in the mineral pools of the spa and enjoyed the indigenous Maori experience at Te Puia.

The next 12 days were spent on the South Island where we had sunny and warm weather! One of our favorite places was Abel Tasman Park where we went kayaking and hiked the beautiful Coast Trek. We continued our adventures with a memorable heli-hiking experience on the Tasman Glacier in the Mt. Cook region, followed by visiting the unique blue penguins and Royal Albatrosses on the Otago Peninsula and enjoyed a hike and cruise on the famous Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park.

We ended our journey with three days in the Lake Wanaka area where we kayaked, hiked, and visited some of the region's famous wineries.

The trip was well planned. The response from Zicasso’s travel agency was prompt and helpful while planning and during the trip.

Our driver/guide was awesome; very knowledgeable in all aspects of travel and photography, well mannered and very helpful.

The ferry from Wellington to Picton was in awful condition. Most of the toilets did not work and the scenery was nowhere near as profound as described by the agency.

The three nights in Queenstown for senior citizens like us (65+) was too long if you are not into bungee jumping, rafting, kayaking, etc. Instead, it would have been nice to spend a day or two in a place like Wanaka, or one night in Te Anau near Milford Sound.

While the train trip from Greymouth to Christchurch was great and scenic, the agency should have booked the seats on the left side (facing the front of the train) as most of the nice views were on that side.

The hotel in Christchurch was way below the four- to five-star accommodation requested by us.

Overall, however, we had a great trip!

We have been fortunate and blessed to travel the world and have used Zicasso to point us in the right direction. This travel company is among our top three; no, make that number one; the best travel agency we have worked with on all accounts.

Our agent and her team hit a home run. From the drivers and local guides to the food choices, experiences, lodging, and delightful and professional expertise shown to us, all of our expectations were exceeded. Truly, they care about making a traveler feel so very welcome, and the sheer beauty of New Zealand was only surpassed by the warm, kind, joyful, and loving people.

There were so many instances in which we had to pinch ourselves to make certain the magical journey was real. From the most delightful, delicious, and charming dinner with a magnificent Māori family, to the helicopter ride to Mount Owen, the boat trip to Abel Tasman, our Milford Sound boat ride, the Weta Studios, the magnificent lodging in Rotorua, and personally meeting our agent during our stay in Nelson, our two-week journey kept building more and more cherished memories. As it turned out, one of my friend’s daughters is studying in Christchurch, and after viewing our itinerary and speaking with another team member of the company, he and his wife have decided to explore other parts of New Zealand using this exemplary, professional, and probably best, detailed-oriented company.

We want to personally thank our agent for her marvelous suggestions, arrangements, and positive, charming, professional, and gracious personality. You truly created a most memorable trip experience that will not be forgotten and will always be appreciated.