Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It’s the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you’re interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.

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32 Reviews

4.8 out of 5

Karen Morrow

Reviewed March 2025

A great trip!

This is a lovely, varied trip for someone who wants to see as much of this wonderful country as possible in a short time – with someone else doing the many hours of driving required, and with someone who has invaluable local knowledge.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to choose..as we loved many things, especially on the South Island. However, if forced, I'd probably choose our overnight boat trip on the Milford Sound Fjord. Its stunning, magical, and we were especially lucky as the sea conditions were such that we were able to go all the way out to the sea. Seals, a pod of dolphins, glimpses of penguins and even close ups of two albatrosses made this even more special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Summer was absolutely excellent. She was a very steady, safe driver. She prepared and organised well, was unfailingly optimistic and she had the most infectious laugh!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I'd advise that you go out a few days early to reduce jet lag as the 13 hour time difference is challenging! We also stayed an extra couple of days in Christchurch at the end. (If you do stay. I'd recommend you take the short bus trip out to the 'gondola' which gives you great views over the bay.) Don't travel to New Zealand for wonderful man-made views. There ARE very lovely buildings, but you'd see far more in most European cities and much of the country is low rise, often flat rooved, with shops akin to American 'units'. However! DO go for the never ending stunning, natural scenery, especially on the South Island. Mountains, fast flowing rivers, stunning coastlines... gorgeous! Also, the country is very clean and well maintained. Go equipped for all seasons! We had cold, windy weather and hot, 'tee-shirts' weather. It changes fast. I'd also suggest you take your own cutlery and possibly a plate. You buy a lot of your own lunches and, if you want to eat fruit and vegetables, then this is the time to do it. Food is good, but limited in cafes and restaurants. Restaurants serve salads but few vegetables and there was rarely fresh fruit in the hotels. The supermarkets are great though! Overall, an absolutely GREAT trip!

Rosemary Humm

Reviewed December 2024

Super Holiday

Trails of New Zealand is an excellent memorable trip. Wonderful scenery, great walks, very comfortable accommodation. Well-thought itinerary, good mix of driving interspersed with walks and other activities.

Most Inspirational Moment

Milford Sound - but be prepared for it to rain, the Abel Tasman coast walk and catamaran trip, kayaking on a tidal lagoon, jet-boating, the Tongariro Crossing and glacier walks.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mel was excellent. Great, efficient, knowledgeable and likeable guide, and also a very good driver.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a brilliant trip. If you have time, arrive a day or two early. We had a few days extra in Auckland and Christchurch. We spent about £1000 pp, mostly in cash, but a couple of venues took cards, not cash. There is a small surcharge for cards. Take a small rucksack / overnight bag for Milford. Poles useful for Tongariro Crossing (& optional Ben Lomond on Queenstown day off).

Keisuke Murata

Reviewed February 2024

Unforgettable trip

I enjoyed every moment of the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hiking in the Tongariro Crossing was fantastic. Landscapes throughout the trip was simply breathtaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent . The trip was extremely well organized. We were lucky to have a Maori origin guide/leader who gave us insights to the history of New Zealand. He adjusted itinerary flexibly according to the weather forecast so that we could enjoy key activities in good weather. He is knowledgeable in wild life and nature. He was an excellent driver and knew best restaurants in all destinations.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are looking for some serious hiking, this may not be suitable as most of hikes were very easy except for the Tongariro Crossing.

Ruth Townsend

Reviewed February 2024

ALN 240120

Great insight into an amazing country . We covered so much and saw some amazing sights. Some of the days were understandably quite long but unfortunately the transport ( i.e. the minibus) was not the most comfortable, my husband at 6foot 1inch was unable to fit his knees in between the seats and had to travel with his legs in the isle ( not the most comfortable of positions) also the air conditioning was not very efficient.

Most Inspirational Moment

Doing the Tongeriro crossing

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jeff was a great group leader. His knowledge and enthusiasm for New Zealand were second to none. He told us so much of the local culture and history, always making it really interesting. He also managed to try and plan the itinerary around a varied range of peoples abilities, requirements and the changeable weather conditions.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for long tiring days and changeable weather, but it is definitely a trip not to be missed

Phil Revell

Reviewed February 2024

NZ24

This was a really good trip to a stunningly beautiful country.

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to choose, but probably the Mount Cook glacier walk.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jeff was a good leader. Adaptable and resourceful with problems, knowledgeable and entertaining about the country and its culture.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take insect protection. NZ's only predator is the sand fly. Think midges on steroids.

Robert Pyner

Reviewed February 2024

Trails of NZ

This was an excellent holiday. There were some physically demanding elements but this was balanced by time to rest and relax. We saw lots of the regions of NZ. Jef, our guide, was excellent adapting the programme to meet our needs and the weather. He has a great deal of knowledge about NZ and Maori culture which he shared willingly.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hike in foothills of Mt Cook.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jef was excellent. He readily shared his extensive knowledge of the history and culture of NZ. He shared many aspects of Maori culture. At all times he was good humoured and patient.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be aware that there are some demanding hikes. These are optional but worth it.

Els Vercammen

Reviewed February 2024

Did not meet my expectations at all!

Trip notes are totally out of order: too much driving in bus to do the proposed activities.

Most Inspirational Moment

Not really any; New Zealand is a very beautiful country, but it misses culture, fine dining and good accommodation. Trip is far to expensive of what it actually had to offer. Some accommodations were below standard and really dirty.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bad; only interested in what he wanted to do, not following the trip notes at all

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not go there!!!

Reply from Exodus

We would like to thank you for taking the time to review your Exodus trip to New Zealand, Els, although we were incredibly regretful to learn that it didn’t meet your expectations in several areas. You will be aware, having travelled with us many times, of the role our leaders play in elevating our groups’ experiences in destination, so we are sorry you found yours to be so poor. Exodus requires all tour leaders to complete our online induction module and read our leader manual to ensure they understand the expectations of both Exodus and our customers, and our local operators supplement this with their own extensive training programmes. We can assure you that your leader completed all the relevant training ahead of your tour and we had every confidence in him to deliver your tour to a high standard. We are pleased to observe in other reviews that he was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and organised, although we remain apologetic that this is not reflective of your experience. We are further regretful that you felt your tour failed to capture New Zealand’s culture, food and quality accommodation, as this is not the type of feedback we expect to receive. As you may be aware, New Zealand is a particularly expensive country, with high operational costs, although we still feel our tour represents value for money due to the variety of activities it incorporates. In terms of fine dining, whilst this is available in the major cities, the hospitality industry in rural areas has been much slower to bounce back after the pandemic, which means that restaurant options are very limited. Though we recognise that not all the hotels will suit all our customers’ preferences, we are not aware of previous feedback regarding properties being unclean, so we were surprised to hear this. Nevertheless, we have shared your comments with the hotels directly to ensure any issues are rectified immediately. We realise this response cannot change the disappointing experience you had, but we do hope it shows that we have listened to your concerns.

Kelly Reid, Product Manager

Jo Revell

Reviewed February 2024

Spectacular scenery

We had a friendly group and a hard working, knowledgeable guide. It was a great holiday. The distances travelled caused some tiring days but the places we visited were worth it every time.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking long the coast in the Abel Tasman National Park then sailing back on the catamaran. Stopping off for a swim and then being accompanied by a school of dolphins too. Perfect.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jef was hard working and knowledgeable. He dealt with any problems promptly and efficiently to give us the best of times. He broke up the long journeys with plenty of short stops at places of interest or of great beauty. He amended schedules to take into account the weather to ensure we had optimum conditions for the activities planned. He sharedhis knowledge of Maori history and culture which was most interesting.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In areas where sandflies are endemic ensure you use an effect insect repellent or be prepared to cope with intense itching from the bites that can last for a week or so.

Fatema Jamil

Reviewed March 2023

Great overview

This was an amazing trip to see the highlights of new Zealand. It is full on with long driving days staying in a different hotel every 1-2 days. The walks are mostly short but there a few days of longer walks but these are optional (just don’t miss Hooker valley ) Unfortunately due to the weather we weren’t able to do Tongariro alpine crossing but instead walked to waterfall and lakes which was great

Most Inspirational Moment

It’s hard to choose but I think I would refine to 3: seeing a purple sunrise in Milford sound, hand gliding in Queenstown and the Hooker valley walk- but I don’t want to spoil your surprise.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had 2. Our first guide Duli, covered the North island. He was a great driver but left to feel self- guided at stops. A few of us wrote to exodus and we promptly had a change of guide. Peter was great, improving our experience. He appeared to know the South Island in great depth, choosing interesting stops en route. Whilst also not a hiker, he joined in with the group including for walks and appeared to enjoy himself.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don’t overpack! You really do not need shampoo/ conditioner (or maybe just a tiny bottle) as available in most the hotels. Laundry facilities (water/ dryer) are available in several of the hotels but limited by time to use them if you arrive late/ leave early. 5 days worth of clothing would be adequate including waterproofs! There are a number of very long drive days of 4-5 hours but this is interspersed with stops at interesting sites / beautiful scenery so really doesn’t feel arduous (except for driver)

Sandie Leeming

Reviewed December 2022

Full on trip

This was a fantastic trip where we saw so much . Not for anyone wanting to take it easy. Some fantastic sights great tour manager and lovely accommodation

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to pick one but my favourite day has to be the walk in Abel Tasman National Park and then the afternoon spent on a catqnaran sailing around Anchorage Bay. Lovely walk and beautiful weather for a sail.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Summer was a good tour leader. She was enthusiastic ,helpful, knowledgeable about the culture especially the maori culture. She was always fun to be around

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't do this trip if you want plenty of rest. There is a lot of walking involved and a lot of it uphill. There are some long days getting in not much before 7pm so be prepared for not having much time before dinner Otherwise just enjoy the amazing sights you will see and some great accommodation

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