Holiday Reviews
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same trip can have different views!
Read our review policy
Heaphy Track hiking trip, independent reviews
 Reviewed 10 Mar 2007 by Wendy Grace |  |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was a truly wonderful experience with many highlights, but seeing the rare Blue Duck close up in it's natural environment was very special. I also loved being in the company of people from around the World who were passionate about the environment.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I would advise people doing this trip to pack lightly as advised by the operator because it is hard work carrying a heavy load up and down the hills.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The guides, Bill and Andy displayed excellent knowledge of both flora and fauna, history, geography and environmental issues. They encouraged us to participate in protecting the environment both locally and globally. They employ people locally and support local businesses. They are able to recommend other attractions that we could visit.
4. Any other comments?
I would give this trip a 4 star rating and will be traveling with this operator in the future. Many thanks to you all for helping me find this holiday.
| Reviewed 23 Dec 2007 by Peter Ladd | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The variety of scenery and flora encountered over the duration of the 5 days of the walk.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Cater for all weather conditions. I only acquired wet weather gear for this trip and was so thankful that I did.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Having people go on this walk is assisting the conservation initiatives the tour operator and DOC are doing to eradicate introduced species.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A great experience particularly with the tour operator passing on so much information about the geography, flora, fauna and history. Would have missed so much if I had done it independently.
| Reviewed 3 Apr 2005 by Dr Barbara Radcliffe | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I am particularly interested in botany and ecosystems. I was delighted to find that the guides were highly skilled in the interpretation of NZ plant communities, ecological interactions, and the relationships between flora and fauna (both native and exotic).
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make sure that you organise your own breakfast on the first day. With a 6:30 am pickup, I assumed that some sort of breakfast would be provided. It was not.... If I had known this, I would have made appropriate arrangements.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Impacts on the environment were appropriately managed. The tour company contributes to the improvement of biodiversity in Kahurangi National Park. Taking part in the walk would assist them to carry out these activities.
4. Any other comments?
I will (and have already) recommend it to friends and colleagues. Please note that for a ***** rating I have to compare the experience to projects that I have undertaken, activities which have included radio tracking mountain lions (and patting one while under the influence of an anaesthetic) and counting elephant seals on the beach in the Falkland Islands).