Liz Neal

Liz Neal at Springboard Vacations worked closely with us over several months to help us select the schedule, locations and tours we preferred. She promised that everything would be of the best quality and on time. That is exactly what we got. Over a twenty-eight day trip we had about thirty-five different pre-arranged events (flights, tours, hotels, etc). Every one was right on time and as described.

Liz was wonderful. She booked me the most amazing tour in quick turnaround. I loved Australia and being able to see the different animals indigenous to the area was really neat for me. I loved sailing to the Great Barrier Reef, I could spend a whole week there. The sky tram and train rides were so much fun. I loved Sydney and the bustle of the town. The penguin parade at Phillip island was also a must see. My trip was packed full of adventure and fun. I will definitely use Kim Kim in the... read more

Liz was wonderful. She booked me the most amazing tour in quick turnaround. I loved Australia and being able to see the different animals indigenous to the area was really neat for me. I loved sailing to the Great Barrier Reef, I could spend a whole week there. The sky tram and train rides were so much fun. I loved Sydney and the bustle of the town. The penguin parade at Phillip island was also a must see. My trip was packed full of adventure and fun. I will definitely use Kim Kim in the future.

Hotel Review

Bay Village Tropical Retreat & Apartments

Cairns, QLD

Very neat space just outside of the city. Easy walking to the warf and night market. Birds and small animals are heard instead of cars and urban noise. The room was tidy and big for just one person. The fridge was nice for keeping my drinks cold. The restaurant was there and I had breakfast included which was very good. Including hot and cold foods.

Authenticity & Character

Great restaurant attached with authentic delicious food from Bali

Location

Away from everything, but not too far.

Staff

Very helpful with all questions

Cleanliness & Comfort

Homey feeling.

Activity Reviews

Sydney Guided Bike Tour - Shared Tour

Sydney

So fun. And not really too physically taxing. Great way to see the city and big sights. The rain was no fun, but we all laughed anyway!!

Quality of Experience

Personal attention and small group size.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Staff was very helpful. Guide grew up there so he knew his stuff.

Transport

I walked to get there.

Sydney Opera House Tour

Sydney

Cool rich history of the project and udon. It was fantastic to see it all up close.

Quality of Experience

Learning about the iconic place

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Everyone I’ve met has been helpful.

Transport

I walked to this tour.

Full Day Blue Mountains Hike the World Heritage

Sydney

Amazing trip into the blue mountains. The worst part was the drive, but the guide gave us some interesting information. The hike was amazing and a bit strenuous but not too hard.

Quality of Experience

Lucy was good the hike was fantastic. And I just love the mountains.

Food

The restaurant was a neat place rich in its own history. The food was good and filling. Nice choice

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guide was nice and explained a lot

Transport

Small group

Welcome to Cairns!

Cairns

My favorite city. But yes it’s hot!!

Quality of Experience

Small town. Lots to walk around and do

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Everyone I met was very nice

Transport

The airport driver included an extra tour of the town layout on the way to the hotel.

Full Day Marine World Outer Great Barrier Reef - to pontoon

Australia

Top ten best days I have ever had.

Quality of Experience

The crew was great. The places were beautiful. And everyone was nice and friendly.

Food

Good lunch on board.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Friendly and nice.

Transport

The fist driver didn’t show up. I was worried I would miss the trip. But a new driver came after a few calls and I made it.

Morning River Drift Snorkeling

Cairns

Canceled due to too much rain flooding the river.

Full Day Kuranda Rail & Skyrail

Australia

This was sooooo amazing. Both methods of transport were fantastic.

Quality of Experience

Seeing the treetops of the forest. Seeing the underneath thought the train.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

No one specific. But everyone was nice and helpful.

Transport

Getting to the place.

Full Day Phillip Island Tour with "Penguins Plus" Viewing

Melbourne

Such a unique and special treasure of a day. Seeing the animals would have been more fun if it wasn’t sooo hot, but again Mother Nature wins.

Quality of Experience

The staff at the penguins were great

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our small tour driver was very very nice. And knowledgeable.

Transport

Bumpy ride. But overall great

The most memorable places were Rotarua., Hobbiton, Queenstown and Wanaka. The hotels in Wellington, Queenstown and Christchurch were excellent. The Wellington hotel was outstanding. By contrast the hotels in Auckland and Rotarua were very poor indeed. Really not acceptable. The cultural evening in Rotarua however could not be bettered. read more

The most memorable places were Rotarua., Hobbiton, Queenstown and Wanaka. The hotels in Wellington, Queenstown and Christchurch were excellent. The Wellington hotel was outstanding. By contrast the hotels in Auckland and Rotarua were very poor indeed. Really not acceptable. The cultural evening in Rotarua however could not be bettered.

Hotel Reviews

Nesuto St. Martins Apartment Hotel

Auckland

The hotel lacked charm and comfort. It felt more like a cheap hostel. The rooms were not clean and were sparsely and awkwardly furnished. They also lacked natural light.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Sudima Lake Rotorua

Rotorua

The rooms were pocky and tatty. The breakfast was poor. The hotel staff were unhelpful eg I asked for advice as to where we might go to see thermal activity. There was no one at the desk who had actually visited any of the sites, so they gave me two leaflets but at least one of the places in the leaflets was closed. I was told that it was unlikely anyone would be there that day who could help. The lady I spoke to thought nothing of this. In the end. We want to the information centre which was excellent. At the very least the hotel could have recommended this.

Doubletree by Hilton Wellington

Wellington

This hotel was excellent in every way. It was stylish, comfortable and homely. The staff at the front desk were very welcoming and could not have been more helpful. It is one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in.

Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

Queenstown

This was a very comfortable and spacious hotel, in close proximity to the main town.

Distinction Wanaka Alpine Resort

Wanaka

An excellent hotel which was very well managed. The layout and provisions in the apartment itself could not be faulted. We felt very much at home and enjoyed eating in and making the most of the space.

Chateau on the Park - Christchurch, a DoubleTree by Hilton

Christchurch

A lovely hotel in a wonderful part of the city. Excellent breakfast.

Activity Reviews

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

New Zealand

Great fun and well organised.

Welcome to Rotorua

Rotorua

Te Po Combo - 90 Minute Guided Tour & Evening Experience

Rotorua

A real highlight. Fantastic guide, great food and amazing show.

Skyline Gondola Ride

Queenstown (NZ)

Full-Day Milford Sound Bus Tour

Queenstown (NZ)

Well organised. Good guide. The place is unforgettable and well worth the drive.

We went to five different places and everything from tours to accommodations was flawless. We had a wonderful time and I can’t say enough good things about Liz and KimKim. Thank you! read more

We went to five different places and everything from tours to accommodations was flawless. We had a wonderful time and I can’t say enough good things about Liz and KimKim. Thank you!

Hotel Review

Coco Mooloolaba

Mooloolaba

Amazing location, apartment and people. This was our favorite!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Full-Day Barrier Reef & Coral Cays Boat Tour

Port Douglas

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Blue Mountains Hike the World Heritage

Sydney

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full day Kuranda Rail & Skyrail

Port Douglas

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Trip was fabulous. We so enjoyed the natural and cultural beauty of the country, both the North and South Island. The drivers, guides and activities made the trip so enriching and comprehensive.
All hotels were excellent. We slept so well with comfortable and top rate beds and accommodations, and we had great views in all the important places, with spectacular views of Mt. Cook and also Auckland and Queenstown. We enjoyed all activities, particularly the range of activities. ... read more

Trip was fabulous. We so enjoyed the natural and cultural beauty of the country, both the North and South Island. The drivers, guides and activities made the trip so enriching and comprehensive.
All hotels were excellent. We slept so well with comfortable and top rate beds and accommodations, and we had great views in all the important places, with spectacular views of Mt. Cook and also Auckland and Queenstown. We enjoyed all activities, particularly the range of activities. Special mention regarding Chuki, the Maori guide to the Tarawera crater, Craig, the guide to Milford, and Stu, the driver guide to Kaikoura. Top-rated activities were being in, hiking and spending Christmas at Mt. Cook National park, Tarawera crater walk, despite terrible weather (the only bad weather day), swim with the dolphins (too cold for Jennifer but John enjoyed being in the water while Jennifer enjoyed from the boat), jet ski safari, Earnslaw SSS steamboat and sheep demonstration outing and renting/riding e-bikes in Gibbston Valley to ride along the Arrow river gorge and the wineries. Work staff in many locations was notably affected - restaurants opened short hours and sometimes only on certain days - we discussed with the locals who explain the confluence of factors emerging from Covid that resulted in the labor shortage. Aukland airport hotel was the only downer of a hotel really - it was New Year's Even and the place was mediocre and the eating/drinking options were not open. The trip was aggressive at the beginning and a little unsure about a few details initially because we had to be on target for making the schedule early in the trip, but everything worked out well and we communicated with both Liz and the in country support agent Sharon to ask a few questions and sort out a few minor details. Many thanks to Liz for all her hard work on the trip to provide a very customized and comprehensive itinerary. New Zealand is a naturally beautiful country with hospitable people and good food and coffee. We look forward to a future trip to Australia as well. Cheers, Jennifer Archer

Hotel Reviews

M Social Auckland

Auckland

Staff were extremely helpful in Jennifer obtaining her backpack from the uber and in preparing the special take away breakfast in the morning. Room configuration and room design was a little strange with the shower open to view from the other parts of the room.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Pullman Rotorua

Rotorua

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Rutherford Hotel Nelson

Nelson

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

It felt a little weird because we felt like one of only less than a handful of guests there and the restaurants and other parts of the hotel were not fully functional (probably due to the staffing shortage and the season). But is was a lovely top older hotel and had a washer and dryer which was much appreciated

Crowne Plaza Christchurch

Christchurch Central

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The room was small and only a single chair.

Hermitage Hotel

Mount Cook Village

Authenticity & Character

Location

Stellar view - one of the best in our lives

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa

Gibbston

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

The staff who were there were helpful and professional; there was clearly a staff shortgage as many of the operations were not opened or fully functional (e.g., dining capacity and other shop/restaurant venues) again due to staff shortages. Villas were top rate!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Sudima Auckland Airport

Auckland

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Auckland to Rotorua visiting Hobbiton

Auckland

Driver to Hobbiton was extremely knowledgeable and dexterous driving and imparting so much history and Maori tradition/history of the area to us passengers.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Tu Te Ra - Maori Cultural Dining Experience

Rotorua

An important experience to have to learn about Maori culture.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Did not care for the cheesy humor of the bus driver to the site

Transport

Half Day Mt Tarawera Crater Walk Experience

Rotorua

Tested my comfort zones but a really cool experience. Weather was cold, windy and cloudy/foggy but still a really cool experience. A little scary but having 2 guides was so important. We felt accomplished at the end.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Twilight Glow Worm Kayak Experience - 3 hour guided

Rotorua

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Beaches, Bays & Seals Guided Kayaking Trip

New Zealand

Quality of Experience

We enjoyed the kayaking but perhaps could have seen more wildlife or gone further.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Punting on the Avon

Christchurch

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

N A

Full Day Kaikoura & Swim With Dolphins

Christchurch

Beautiful weather on whole trip except the day in Rotorua and spectacular for day in Kaikoura. The volume and acrobatics of the dusky dolphins was so interesting to watch! We saw them jump and 360s in unison of the whole pod which was really unique and cool. Saw an albatross or 2 as well. John really enjoyed the in water activity. Water too cold for Jennifer, but enjoyed watching the dolphins from the boat. as much from the boat. Also driver stopped to see some more fur seals. Learned about the sperm whales from the movie and demonstration boards at the whaling outfit.

Quality of Experience

Food

It was Christmas Eve which made it hard I think - we did not recieve the afternoon tea or the wine tasting. We did have the lunch with tea or coffee at Kaikoura cafe.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Big Sky Stargazing Adventure

New Zealand

Was canceled due to the southern sky being obscured - although we noted that a good portion of the sky was clear. We should receive a refund for this activity.

Half Day Wilderness Safari - Jetboat

Queenstown (NZ)

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Really unique experience and love seeing Mt. Aspiring National Park.

Walter Peak Farm and Gourmet Barbecue Lunch

New Zealand

A must do activity in Queenstown.

Quality of Experience

Loved the sheep dog and sheep shearing experience particularly and the piano playing on the boatride back. Wish the sheep demonstration was longer.

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise from Queenstown (2 days, 1 night)

Queenstown (NZ)

The bus driver tour guide Craig gave us a special drive to Milford informing us about the history, geology, flora and fauna the whole way and stopping at a few special places, including the historic locomotive in Kingston. We had a special bonding with the 2 other couples that shared the bus ride as well. stopped at wildlife sanctuaries to see the extremely endangered Takahe birds along with the Kea, Antipides parrot, and Kaka. Another beautiful day, it was special to see the bottlenose dolphin pod and all the beec-tree covered fiords and water cascades and glaciers along with Tutoko and Mr. Meiner and other famous peaks. From the plan ride home were were able to see the vastness of the entire Fiordland National Park.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our family of 5 (including 3 sons ages 19, 17, and 13) had a fabulous Australian vacation over Christmas and New Years! Liz was instrumental in the planning, ensuring that we got to see all of the sights, but not over-scheduled. Highlights included: watching evening migration of penguins on Philip Island in Melbourne, visiting Bruny Island and MONA in Tasmania, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef in Port Douglas, and the Bridge Climb in Sydney. The trip culminated with taking in the fireworks... read more

Our family of 5 (including 3 sons ages 19, 17, and 13) had a fabulous Australian vacation over Christmas and New Years! Liz was instrumental in the planning, ensuring that we got to see all of the sights, but not over-scheduled. Highlights included: watching evening migration of penguins on Philip Island in Melbourne, visiting Bruny Island and MONA in Tasmania, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef in Port Douglas, and the Bridge Climb in Sydney. The trip culminated with taking in the fireworks and ringing in the new year in Sydney harbor. We all agreed that we can’t wait to go back to experience more of the wonders of Australia. Thanks, Liz for planning such a memorable trip for us!

Our travel agent, Liz Neal, helped us plan an amazing family vacation to New Zealand. We traveled to three different cities on both islands. Every accommodation, driver, and tour she booked for us were excellent, on time, and exactly as described. We had originally planned to visit the North Island only, but Liz convinced us to go to Queenstown also, and was her advice ever spot on. We had some tours in mind before we went, but Liz suggested a few others that were fantastic. We can't wait to... read more

Our travel agent, Liz Neal, helped us plan an amazing family vacation to New Zealand. We traveled to three different cities on both islands. Every accommodation, driver, and tour she booked for us were excellent, on time, and exactly as described. We had originally planned to visit the North Island only, but Liz convinced us to go to Queenstown also, and was her advice ever spot on. We had some tours in mind before we went, but Liz suggested a few others that were fantastic. We can't wait to go back someday!

Hotel Reviews

Heritage Queenstown

Queenstown

Stunning view, spacious accommodation, but a little far from town.

Authenticity & Character

Location

a little inconvenient getting to and from city center

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

QT Auckland

Auckland

Great location, very clean, but has a very specific boutique hotel vibe that was more geared towards adults than families.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Auckland to Rotorua visiting Hobbiton

Auckland

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Mitai Cultural Experience & Dinner

Rotorua

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Waimangu Valley Nature Walk & Lake Rotomahana Boat Cruise

Rotorua

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Half Day Glenorchy and Paradise Explorer

Queenstown (NZ)

Quality of Experience

Was expecting it to be more Lord of the Rings-based.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Tour guide was very friendly.

Transport

Very windy roads that easily cause motion sickness

Walter Peak Farm and Gourmet Barbecue Lunch

New Zealand

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private City Tour - 4 hours

Auckland

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Whale & Dolphin Eco-Safari

Auckland

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

90 Minute Weta Workshop Unleashed

Auckland

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The entire trip was just wonderful! It amazed us that each excursion was planned so far in advance and yet went off without a hitch. We were particularly impressed with the blue mountain guide, we learned so much. The other guide that was wonderful was our guide to the Daintree Rainforest. Greg was available to us all afternoon and there was no question that he could not answer. We loved the Sky rail to Kuranda and also the train back. The walking tour of Melbourne was terrific! We had one... read more

The entire trip was just wonderful! It amazed us that each excursion was planned so far in advance and yet went off without a hitch. We were particularly impressed with the blue mountain guide, we learned so much. The other guide that was wonderful was our guide to the Daintree Rainforest. Greg was available to us all afternoon and there was no question that he could not answer. We loved the Sky rail to Kuranda and also the train back. The walking tour of Melbourne was terrific! We had one excursion where the driver didn't show, but the kimkim team had us back on schedule within 2hours and that trip to Kuranda turned out to be one of the best. The fishing trip with an aboriginal native was a hoot and challenging. I wasn't able to catch anything with my spear. Having a light meal at his home was an honor.

Hotel Reviews

Villa San Michele

Port Douglas, QLD

We loved this place.

Authenticity & Character

Location

the tile floors, little kitchen and the balcony. Right one the main street of Port Douglas

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney

Sydney

More than we expected!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Clarion Suites Gateway

Melbourne

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

The entire staff was very helpful

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Sydney Opera House Tour

Sydney

What an amazingly place

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The guide was professional and knowledgeable.

Transport

Full Day Blue Mountains Deluxe Day

Sydney

Loved our guide, we learned so much

Quality of Experience

the guide made this so special

Food

the food was lovely and elegant

Guides, Drivers and Staff

same

Transport

same

Morning Lanes and Arcades Tour

Melbourne

This was a terrific tour

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

we walked to this excursion

Full Day Phillip Island Tour & Penguin Plus Upgrade

Melbourne

Frankly, this was too far a trip for the short time we had in Melbourne. We should have planned something closer

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

the driver needed more training, he made 3 wrong turns and was not very knowledgeable about the places we were going.

Transport

See above

Welcome to Port Douglas

Port Douglas

Our villa was amazing and Port Douglas is a delightful resort town.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Outer Reef Mackay Coral Cay

Port Douglas

This was an amazing trip. I only wish we could have snorkeled longer

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Aboriginal Fishing & Daintree Rainforest Tour

Port Douglas

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full-Day Kuranda Rail Gold Class, Rainforestation & Skyrail

Australia

Loved both the Skyrail and the train. Gold class was worth it.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our 17 night trip to Australia went very smoothly. We stayed in Sydney, Port Douglas, Adelaide, and stayed two nights while doing the drive of the Great Ocean Road. Then we spent four nights in Melbourne. Our travel specialist Liz put together a great itinerary that went very smoothly. We liked our hotels and we had no problems with our internal flights.

In Sydney we stayed at The Grace hotel which was excellent. It’s central location allowed us to walk to a lot of the attractions we... read more

Our 17 night trip to Australia went very smoothly. We stayed in Sydney, Port Douglas, Adelaide, and stayed two nights while doing the drive of the Great Ocean Road. Then we spent four nights in Melbourne. Our travel specialist Liz put together a great itinerary that went very smoothly. We liked our hotels and we had no problems with our internal flights.

In Sydney we stayed at The Grace hotel which was excellent. It’s central location allowed us to walk to a lot of the attractions we wanted to see. The staff was also very helpful and the room was fine. On our free day we took a ferry to Manly Beach. We caught the bus from there to the Spit bridge and then hiked the 10 km trail back to Manly beach that went along the water. It had spectacular views. That was one of the highlights of our time in Sydney.

Highlights included snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, Kangaroo Island (our guide Jo was excellent), and Phillip Island. It was topped off with a sunrise balloon ride over Melbourne which we highly recommend. I would also recommend seeing the Great Ocean Rd if you can. We stayed two nights between Adelaide and Melbourne. I think a third night would be good if you have the time.

Can’t choose just one place as they all were amazing!! Liz really did a fantastic job guiding us through when choosing what I thought would be the most interesting places for us. When we had questions Liz would get back to us in a prompt time period. We never experienced any bad tour guides along with our pickups. They were prompt every time!!!

Liz went over expectations from me when planning. She watched my budget but also was able to provide us great entertainment and adventure! read more

Can’t choose just one place as they all were amazing!! Liz really did a fantastic job guiding us through when choosing what I thought would be the most interesting places for us. When we had questions Liz would get back to us in a prompt time period. We never experienced any bad tour guides along with our pickups. They were prompt every time!!!

Liz went over expectations from me when planning. She watched my budget but also was able to provide us great entertainment and adventure!

Hotel Reviews

Auckland City Hotel

Auckland

Very polite and helpful! Room clean!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Scenic Suites Queenstown

Queenstown

Very clean and great location. Great Mountain View.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Bay Villas Resort

Port Douglas

Great, quiet place. Very clean and good location!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Vibe Hotel Sydney

Sydney

Great place and very nice and comfortable!!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Museum entry and 1 Hour Highlights tour

Auckland

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hobbiton Express - Full Day

Auckland

Auckland Walking Tour

Auckland

Views were great and guide was great as well

Walter Peak Farm and Gourmet Barbecue Lunch

New Zealand

Food and sheep dog talk was great. Beautiful views on ride over on steamer.

Half-Day Macetown 4WD Tour

New Zealand

Our guide Mark was phenomenal! Everything we could have asked for in a 4Wheeling adventure!

Skyline Gondola Ride

Queenstown (NZ)

Beautiful!!

Welcome to Port Douglas

Port Douglas

Glad we didn’t choose to go to a big city. Port Douglas is perfect for a few days!

Full-Day Barrier Reef & Coral Cays Boat Tour

Port Douglas

Wow! Exactly as they tell you. Guides were very informative and helpful.

Day Trip to Kuranda Village & Rainforest Tour

Australia

Beautiful scenery and enjoyed seeing the local animals! After an entire day the only thing we weren’t sure of was the actual train ride back. It was slow.

Full Day Mossman Gorge Adventure Day

Australia

Amazing adventure! Especially in the rainforest. We could have stayed all day!!

Morning Panoramic Sydney Sights

Sydney

Sydney Opera House Tour

Sydney

A must see!

Liz was a gem to work with. She was very attentive, responded immediately, and the chat system that all members of the tour participated in was wonderful. We had a great tour and loved all the excursions. read more

Liz was a gem to work with. She was very attentive, responded immediately, and the chat system that all members of the tour participated in was wonderful. We had a great tour and loved all the excursions.

My fiance and I visited Australia and New Zealand for about 1 month in August and Liz helped us plan an incredible trip. We would definitely use Kimkim and Liz's planning services again. Liz and her team were immediately available to us before and during the trip. When one of our excursions had a hiccup, Liz and co. worked to get us a refund and clarify what happened. They made us feel at ease. Liz also did a great job understanding what we wanted from our trip and helping to make that... read more

My fiance and I visited Australia and New Zealand for about 1 month in August and Liz helped us plan an incredible trip. We would definitely use Kimkim and Liz's planning services again. Liz and her team were immediately available to us before and during the trip. When one of our excursions had a hiccup, Liz and co. worked to get us a refund and clarify what happened. They made us feel at ease. Liz also did a great job understanding what we wanted from our trip and helping to make that happen, and the hotels/excursions she booked us for the most part were all what we were looking for. Our biggest piece of constructive feedback is in regards to domestic flights, which we asked Liz to help us with--even though we packed light, we still had 1 month's worth of things with us for our multiple domestic flights, which meant we had to navigate baggage/carry on rules for a lot of regional airlines we had never flown before. We did not know to pack a small, hand-held scale which would have been very helpful, so we recommend that anyone flying domestic flights do so. We also would have just wanted to pay more ahead of time and have more baggage allowance, but we did not think ahead to request this so had to re-pack our bags a few times to avoid some exorbitant last-minute baggage fees. I guess the best way Liz and co. could have helped us with this is potentially giving us some insight into what the rules for baggage are roughly for each of the domestic airlines we were to use, or clarifying with us how many bags we intended to have before booking our tickets. But we certainly learned from this experience as well.

Hotel Reviews

Harbour Rocks Hotel Sydney MGallery

The Rocks, Sydney NSW

Love the location and the service, front desk was super helpful

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas

Port Douglas

Found the location to be a bit too far from the city center; having to rely on shuttles was difficult. Room was a bit musty. Did love the patio hot tub though.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Ovolo Laneways

Melbourne

Absolutely loved this hotel

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Cumberland Lorne Resort

Lorne

Nice pool & work out room

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Southern Ocean Villas

Port Campbell

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Robe House

Robe, SA

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Atura Adelaide Airport

Adelaide Airport

So convenient that this was connected to the airport for our early am flight

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Browns Boutique Hotel

Queenstown

Good location, but felt uncomfortable wearing masks (owner made some comments about it) and the bathroom was difficult to keep dry (shower leaks around onto the floor in a large puddle)

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Rendezvous Hotel Sydney The Rocks

The Rocks

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Skyline Gondola Ride

Queenstown (NZ)

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Morning Lanes and Arcades Tour

Melbourne

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Phillip Island Tour & Penguin Plus Upgrade

Melbourne

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sydney Opera House Tour

Sydney

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sydney Guided Bike Tour - Shared Tour

Sydney

Really loved to see the city this way

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Climb the Harbor Bridge

Sydney

Consider doing a night time one instead for the view of the lights (we wish we would have done that)

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Blue Mountains Deluxe Day

Sydney

Was nice to get out to the Blue Mountains but this excursion involved a lot of sitting in a car, spending a few short moments at the nature look out sites. We wouldn't do this again, and instead would find some way to do a small hike instead.

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Welcome to Port Douglas

Port Douglas

Full-Day Barrier Reef & Coral Cays Boat Tour

Port Douglas

Really great, would do again

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Full Day Mossman Gorge Adventure Day

Australia

Loved this, highly recommend

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Full Day Yarra Valley Food, Wine and Wildlife Tour

Melbourne

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Milford Heli Cruise

Queenstown (NZ)

The helicopter company changed the type of tour we had and didn't tell us, but Liz and Southern World Tours were able to fix things for us to get our refund back. Other than that, the experience itself was amazing.

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Full-Day Jet-Boat Adventure & Funyak River Safari

Queenstown (NZ)

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Everything fell into place, plane and transportation and tours, loved Sydney and the harbor and went to a concert in the Opera House, got rain at Ulrulu but that was a good thing as multiple waterfalls developed across it’s face. The eucalyptus forest on the return from the great ocean road was like a jungle version of our redwood forests in No Cal
Great planning for a wonderful trip. Now we’re in NZ
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Everything fell into place, plane and transportation and tours, loved Sydney and the harbor and went to a concert in the Opera House, got rain at Ulrulu but that was a good thing as multiple waterfalls developed across it’s face. The eucalyptus forest on the return from the great ocean road was like a jungle version of our redwood forests in No Cal
Great planning for a wonderful trip. Now we’re in NZ

Loved our trip to Australia. My favorite was snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef. The colors were amazing and so was the boat ride to and from the reef.

I also enjoyed the Blue Mountain trip. Even though it was foggy so we couldn't see anything, our guide tried his best to find us a view, the weather just didn't cooperate. It just means I need to return sometime to actually see the mountains and Three Sisters. It was fun to see the Australian animals at the farm.

My least... read more

Loved our trip to Australia. My favorite was snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef. The colors were amazing and so was the boat ride to and from the reef.

I also enjoyed the Blue Mountain trip. Even though it was foggy so we couldn't see anything, our guide tried his best to find us a view, the weather just didn't cooperate. It just means I need to return sometime to actually see the mountains and Three Sisters. It was fun to see the Australian animals at the farm.

My least favorite excursion was the Sydney Harbour Cruise. We couldn't really hear what the guide was saying since their sound system was muffled. The lunch provided was also not very good. I feel like there has to be a Harbour cruise that was better than this one.

Overall, we are very happy with our trip and I hope to return to Australia some day.

Hotel Reviews

Rydges Sydney Harbour

The Rocks

Hotel is in a great location but is an older hotel. It was a clean but smaller room.

Authenticity & Character

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Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Pacific Hotel Cairns

Cairns

Authenticity & Character

Location

⁸

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel

Mascot, Sydney, NSW

Perfect location for flying out the next day. Very clean and nice room.

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Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Sydney Opera House Tour

Sydney

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Afternoon City Tour

Sydney

Definitely saw the Sydney highlights and very informative on the history of Sydney.

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Blue Mountains Deluxe Day

Sydney

This would receive 5 stars if the weather would have cooperated. The guide did an amazing job trying to find us a view. Unfortunately all we saw was a sheet of white fog. Also loved the stop at the farm where we were able to see the Australian animals.

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Sydney Harbour Discovery Luncheon Cruise

Sydney

Sound system was muffled so it was hard to hear anything the guide was saying. Food was also very poor.

Quality of Experience

Food

Better tasting

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Full Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Australia

Everything was amazing on this trip.

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Full-Day Daintree Rainforest Tour & 4WD Adventure

Cairns

Guide was knowledgeable and informative. However, the sound system in the bus muffled his voice so sometimes it was hard to hear him while in the bus.

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Had a great time in Australia and Kim did a great job.

We had an amazing time in Fiji, Liz really made the itinerary smooth and no-fuss. It felt very effortless to travel from each destination to the next so we were able to enjoy the trip stress-free. Thank you for planning an amazing trip for us, we are already excited to go back to Fiji! read more

We had an amazing time in Fiji, Liz really made the itinerary smooth and no-fuss. It felt very effortless to travel from each destination to the next so we were able to enjoy the trip stress-free. Thank you for planning an amazing trip for us, we are already excited to go back to Fiji!

Hotel Reviews

Matamanoa Island Resort

Mamanuca Islands, Nadi

This was my favorite hotel from our Fiji trip. The staff was amazing, everyone was so kind and went the extra mile to make us feel welcome. They got to know us by name and even remembered our preferences. We felt so sad to leave! The view of the beach was amazing, we spent every morning snorkeling. The reef is immediately accessible and visible, just 20-30 feet away from the shore. The feel of the hotel is extremely relaxing. There is one restaurant but the food is excellent, I never felt tired of the options because the menu changed everyday.

Authenticity & Character

The staff is so friendly! They take the time to learn your names and chat with you everyday.

Location

The island feels remote and private. It’s a quiet and relaxing location.

Staff

Enoke, Kevin, Bai, Naomi, Aquila, and so many others were all so special. They are extremely kind and friendly.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very clean, our room was spotless.

The Palms Denarau Fiji

Nadi

A good transit hotel, extremely close to the marina.

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Staff

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Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort

Sigatoka

As honeymooners, this resort was not ideal for us because it caters to families with children, but nonetheless the quality of our stay here was excellent. There’s plenty to do, the staff is excellent, and the Sundowner restaurant in particular has great food.

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Activity Reviews

Waterfall Tour

Fiji

We really enjoyed our first outing on our trip to Fiji! Our guide, Esther was so personable and kind. It felt like hanging out with a good friend. She was enthusiastic showing us around the village. Once we got there, we partook in a lava ceremony, then we did a horse ride to the waterfall. The trail was beautiful and we were able to swim in the waterfall for a bit. Esther personally made us lunch, it was so sweet of her! We really enjoyed this trip.

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Esther was amazing!

Transport

Tivua Island Day Cruise

Fiji

This cruise was so much fun! The crew was so talented and entertaining the entire time. They were high energy and very friendly. We arrived at Tivua and had our own little cabana to relax in, clear waters, and access to an open bar and snorkeling gear. My husband and I learned our first scuba diving lesson and it was amazing to experience the reef for the first time here. Highly recommend this cruise!

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Sunset Dinner Cruise

Fiji

The cruise and the crew were amazing, but the experience was a bit of a zoo. It was crowded on the deck and many of the people aboard were very loud and rowdy (not the crew, only the guests.) it wasn’t relaxing and hard to enjoy because of this. It was hard to enjoy the sunset because of how crowded the deck was. I didn’t like the dinner that was served, it was buffet food.

Quality of Experience

Food

I wish the cruise wasn’t so crowded. I didn’t enjoy the buffet food. It wasn’t a relaxing experience.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

My wife and I had a wonderful trip to Australia for two weeks. We did Sidney --> Palm Cove --> Byron Bay --> Brisbane and had a wonderful time in each place. Liz was instrumental in helping us plan where to go, booking lodging, and arranging for tours/activities in each place. We did a mix of tour activities (Great Barrier Reef, Blue Mountains outside of Sydney, Springbrook National Park outside of Brisbane, among others) and free days. For our free days, Liz had good recommendations for... read more

My wife and I had a wonderful trip to Australia for two weeks. We did Sidney --> Palm Cove --> Byron Bay --> Brisbane and had a wonderful time in each place. Liz was instrumental in helping us plan where to go, booking lodging, and arranging for tours/activities in each place. We did a mix of tour activities (Great Barrier Reef, Blue Mountains outside of Sydney, Springbrook National Park outside of Brisbane, among others) and free days. For our free days, Liz had good recommendations for other sights to see or places to eat. Particular highlights among the many things Liz arranged for us were the Aboriginal Fishing (crab hunting) on the mudflats north of Palm Cove and the Scenic Rim tour outside of Brisbane. Liz suggested and arranged for both of those, neither of which we would have thought of on our own. Working with Liz made everything quite easy on our end - the lodging was excellent, our rides to and from airports or activities were always right on time and very comfortable, and the planned activities themselves were always enjoyable. It was a great mix of big highlights we discussed with Liz with lesser known things that she suggested. She also worked well with us to make a great trip within our budget on relatively short notice (only a couple months) during a busy travel period.

Hotel Reviews

Spicers Balfour Hotel

Brisbane

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Pier One Sydney Harbour, Marriott Autograph Collection

Dawes Point

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The Reef House Palm Cove

Palm Cove

Great adults only hotel in Palm Cove with lovely rooms, lots of pools, fun activities (yoga, cocktail classes, etc.) included.

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Crystalbrook Byron

Suffolk Park

Beautiful hotel a little outside of downtown Byron with kitchenettes and a combo washer dryer. Really great place to relax by the pool, on the covered room patios, or the nearby beach, or in the beautiful forest on the grounds.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Beautiful hotel with lots of boardwalks through lush trees and plants.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Blue Mountains Deluxe Day

Sydney

Food

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Full-Day Aussie Outback Private Tour

Brisbane

Eco Tours Queensland was excellent. The scenic rim tour was beautiful with a great mix of sights, hiking opportunities, or beautiful drives. This is the kind of thing that would be very very difficult to do on your own given the back roads required to get to the best spots, but we had a lovely time with everything.

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Liz helped us plan an amazing 1 month trip to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. Liz and her team were always there to help and support while abroad and couldn't have been accommodating. They have personally tested all recommended guided trips and hotels as was apparent because all were first rate, including the drivers that transported us to and from the airports. I highly recommend Liz and her team to help you plan and execute your dream vacation, too! read more

Liz helped us plan an amazing 1 month trip to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. Liz and her team were always there to help and support while abroad and couldn't have been accommodating. They have personally tested all recommended guided trips and hotels as was apparent because all were first rate, including the drivers that transported us to and from the airports. I highly recommend Liz and her team to help you plan and execute your dream vacation, too!

Hotel Reviews

PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney

Sydney

Excellent property and perfect location for seeing all of Sydney’s wonders. Great breakfast and coffee each morning with very attentive service staff both in the restaurant and the front desk. Highly recommended.

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Pacific Hotel Cairns

Cairns

Good property in an excellent location.

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Garden Court Suites & Apartments

Queenstown

Modest apartment style accommodation that was very clean and in an excellent location with views of the “Remarkables” from the property. Front office was most kind and managed by a dear woman from Ireland.

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InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, an IHG Hotel

Natadola, Fiji

A true 5 star property with staff, views and food to match. All needs are immediately attended to with your happiness and comfort always in mind when dealing with the property staff. The food and beverage manager, Freddie, was everywhere and was always making sure that every meal and drink was served to perfection. Highly recommended!

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Activity Reviews

Morning Panoramic Sydney Sights

Sydney

Nice overview of the city ti get an overall feel of the city.

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Sydney Opera House Tour

Sydney

Great, insider primer on the Opera House that really helps to understand the significance of the building. Highly recommend instead of just relying on a tour book.

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Guides, Drivers and Staff

Full Day Blue Mountains Deluxe Day

Sydney

Excellent day trip with incredible scenery. Visited the “3 Sisters”, the Australian “Grand Canyon, Bridal Falls (for a hike.) Sunset champagne toast before heading back.

Quality of Experience

Food

Just a pick nick lunch, but was perfect for hiking.

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Tali Wiru Dinner

Uluru

Incredible cocktails and dinner overlooking Ayers Rock at sunset. Will definitely be a once in a lifetime experience. Highly recommend. Also recommend the “field of 50,000 lights” afterwards. Amazing beauty in the middle of a desert.

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Uluru Highlights

Uluru

Would highly recommend this visit deeply moving, beautiful work of nature. Don’t miss this if traveling to Australia!

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Evening Field of Light Star Pass

Uluru

Don’t miss this beautiful work if art in the desert!! The beauty, scale and surroundings will delight all your senses.

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Welcome to Fiji !

Fiji

Intercontinental Hotel was amazing as was the day River Safari to visit a local village and its warm and friendly people. Highly recommend the river trip to get a feel for the “real” Fiji.

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Welcome to Cairns!

Cairns

Beautiful tropical town which is a launch point for a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef! Si different than Sydney and Melbourne and gives a totally different perspective to tue diversity of Australia.

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Full Day Marine World Outer Great Barrier Reef

Cairns

A must do while in Cairns to see one of the natural wonders of the world. Fun boat ride to and from with good food, snorkeling and amazing sea life all around. Highly recommended.

Quality of Experience

Food

Buffet, but was good for what it was. Had to service the many people on the cruise, so it was a bit crowded on the platform.

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Full Day Outback Tasting Adventures

Port Douglas

Great experience to get to see another side of Australia. The “Tablelands” wee beautiful and rich with agriculture and the tastings were all well prepared and served with a wide variety of Australian cuisine. A great experience to see the true diversity of Australia.

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Half-Day Macetown 4WD Tour

New Zealand

Great four wheeler fun crisscrossing several rivers to get ti the location. Learned much about the development of NZ through the lens of the gold rush that helped settle the area. Panned for gold which was great fun!

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Skyline Gondola Ride

Queenstown (NZ)

Easy on and off and would highly recommend to get incredible views of the “Remarkables” as well as the lakes and surrounding areas.

Quality of Experience

Boutique Wine Tour - Half Day

Queenstown (NZ)

Total fun way to spend a day! Saw beautiful scenery and sampled great regional wines. Had a delightful lunch along the way. Highly recommend!

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Walter Peak Farm and Gourmet Barbecue Lunch

New Zealand

Wonderful way to spend a day! Delightful trip over on an authentic 1912 steamship with incredible scenery along the way. Gourmet lunch featuring local grilled meats and vegetables, served in a beautiful environment overlooking the water. Sheep dog exhibition after lunch was beautiful to watch and learn. Tour of the farm and interaction with the animals in a beautiful setting was a great way to end the day before heading back over to the town on the ship. Highly recommend.

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I can't say enough about my local specialist, Liz! She was wonderful to work with. Always responded timely, patiently answered my many questions, was full of helpful information and put together a wonderful itinerary. Our airline made major changes to our flight (mid flight during our first leg) and it was so comforting that Liz was working on all the many things it caused us to need adjusted. Really took the stress out of an already stressful situation. I look forward to working with... read more

I can't say enough about my local specialist, Liz! She was wonderful to work with. Always responded timely, patiently answered my many questions, was full of helpful information and put together a wonderful itinerary. Our airline made major changes to our flight (mid flight during our first leg) and it was so comforting that Liz was working on all the many things it caused us to need adjusted. Really took the stress out of an already stressful situation. I look forward to working with her on another trip in the future!

Hotel Reviews

The Reef Retreat

Palm Cove, QLD

Loved the Reef Retreat. Great location and loved the atmosphere.

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Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Clarion Suites Gateway

Melbourne

We were luck to have a corner room with all windows where we could see the River Walk. In the evening beautiful to look at. Only disadvantage was you can hear some of the street noise.

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Staff

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Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Surry Hills

Surry Hills, NSW

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Staff

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Activity Review

Full Day Silverswift Cruise - Snorkel Great Barrier Reef

Australia

Well run and very organized. Staff was lovely.

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Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport