-Day New Zealand Trip Shatters My Spending Expectations: Budget Travel Insights

Hey everyone, I’m back with an exciting update! In March, my husband and I took my parents on a breathtaking trip to New Zealand, and it was an absolute blast. Today, I’m thrilled to share our adventure, particularly focusing on the travel agency that helped us find a reliable driver and guide. This could be a valuable reference for anyone planning a family trip to New Zealand.

First things first, this is not a sponsored post, and no one asked me to promote them. I’m sharing this purely to help others who are looking for a trustworthy travel agency, as I did extensive research and comparisons before making our final decision.

When I first began planning, I received many kind recommendations from fellow travelers on Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book). We carefully compared each option, and after much deliberation, a friend who had visited New Zealand recommended a private customized car tour she had booked. After inquiring with the travel agency and finding their services to be top-notch, we decided to go with them 📝.

📮 Here are some tips on how we chose our travel agency, which I hope will be helpful to you all:
1️⃣ Before signing the contract, ensure the travel agency clearly lists all the services, including the car model and which attractions the tickets cover. Having everything in writing helps avoid any disputes if the agency later tries to shirk responsibility.

2️⃣ Prioritize travel agencies based in New Zealand that have a legitimate business license. Don’t hesitate to ask for proof of their credentials; a reputable agency will provide them without hesitation. If they make excuses, be cautious, as there might be something fishy.
3️⃣ When asking for a quote from the travel agency, be thorough.

Make sure you understand what is included in the price to avoid any surprises.
4️⃣ A high-quality custom travel service should offer flexible itinerary arrangements. This flexibility is crucial, especially if you encounter bad weather or feel unwell during the trip, as the schedule can be adjusted promptly, which is very considerate.

We planned most of the attractions ourselves, and the travel agency revised the itinerary four times for us. Throughout the trip, we never felt rushed like in a typical group tour. We explored Queenstown, Milford Sound, Fox Glacier, Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook National Park, and the enchanting Glowworm Caves. The driver and guide were incredibly responsible, always helping us with our luggage and ensuring we had a seamless experience.

On the day we left, my mom was truly reluctant to leave New Zealand. The driver and guide took us to a hidden gem restaurant he often visits. The roasted lamb chops, seafood platter, and creamy mussels were absolutely delicious. This meal was unforgettable, and we must give a big thumbs up to the driver and guide 👍.

I have to admit, though, that I couldn’t get used to the breakfast in New Zealand; some of it was just too hard to eat. Fortunately, the driver and guide took us to a place for noodles, and the taste of home was much better 😤.

The 12-day trip was filled with joy and unforgettable moments 😄.

Even though traveling to New Zealand demanded a significant amount of effort and resources, discovering a trustworthy travel agency made the entire journey incredibly rewarding 💖.
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I hope my insights will guide those planning a family trip to New Zealand during May, June, or July, helping you avoid unnecessary detours and connect with a reliable travel partner 🎉.

If you have any questions or need further advice, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below 💬. Wishing you and your loved ones an unforgettable adventure in this stunning country 🌅!