Fiji, Solomon Islands, Australia, New Zealand and Vanuatu
"Thanks for all your help in making our trip to Fiji, Solomon Islands, Australia, New Zealand and Vanuatu a wonderful experience. I don't see how things could have been any better. The Bilikiki experience was outstanding. I will be reliving those great dives for years. The contrast between the WWII wreck dives and mother nature covering the ugliness of war with beautiful coral community jewels glistening in the sunlight is a lasting impression. That is the greatest diving that I can ever hope to experience. The gentleman that met us at the Brisbane Airport to give us all our vouchers, maps, etc. was quite helpful, as was the car rental agency. Binna Burra was fabulous. Didn't see any koalas, but saw our first wallabies. We met a gal there that, with her boyfriend, wined and dined us around Brisbane rather than let us stay in a motel on a Friday night. I can't thank you for planning that, but you did put us in the right places at the right times to make that wonderful experience happen.
The Farmstay and B&B in the Northland were perfect. The Kauri Museum and giant Kauri trees were impressive. A highlight was getting to paddle the big war canoe and learn about the Maori culture. The leader did a fantastic job. It was kind of him to call the B&B in Christchurch prior to our arrival to let them know that he had mistakenly kept the B&B voucher. The Auckland car rental agency was also quite helpful. I only got one warning, but no ticket, from a nice policeman that saw me drive on the wrong side of the street heading back to Auckland and took pity on the dumb American driver. We really enjoyed the APT tour; very small group, lovely people, fantastic tour director and bus driver, and super meals and optional excursions.
Without a doubt, New Zealand offers great natural resource diversity and beauty within short distances. It is a compressed jade-green jewel with snow-capped mountains, Pacific Ocean, Tasman Sea, beautiful lakes and interesting agricultural regions and friendly folks. Great white wines, but I gave up trying to find a good red wine. We could not get over how beautiful Eliza's Manor On Bealey in Christchurch was. What a fabulous place to spend our last night in lovely Christchurch. We are most pleased with all that you did to make this a very memorable trip. Well done, Kirsten!"
Roger and Sandy- October 2008
