"I found Serious Fun doing a search on the internet, along with another local company also doing trips throughout New Zealand. Since it was going to be my first trip to New Zealand, I really wanted to see the entire country, not just the North or South Islands. That is why I first liked the look of the Top-2-Bottom tour.

Serious Fun's website was very helpful and informative. The pictures were great! When I decided to contact Serious Fun about the trip, the first person I spoke with was Tony. He was very accommodating and extremely helpful during the trip planning stage.

Tony & Allison were very helpful in calming my fears
My biggest concern about doing the Top-2-Bottom tour was whether it was going to be too strenuous for me. Oh, and I was also worried I was taking too much luggage!

Both Tony & Allison were very helpful in calming my fears about the level of athletic ability required (or not) for the trip. Also, the packing list was very accurate and complete, except customs doesn't like to let through 'your favorite snacks!'. I was also assured the van would have room for my bags, and it did!

They even modified the trip to fit the desires of participants
Throughout the five month period from when I signed up until it was time to leave, Serious Fun kept in contact and always answered my questions about the trip cheerfully, even when they were asked repeatedly, just to be sure!

Serious Fun provided a detailed packing list and were very helpful with the portions of travel to New Zealand that I was responsible for myself. Any questions were were answered promptly and sometimes immediately! Serious Fun definitely did everything they could to accommodate any requests or needs.

Everyone was able to do what they enjoyed the most
Right from the beginning, I could tell we had an easy going group and guide - even when we arrived the first day without our luggage! There were 'no worries' about any problems that may arise.

Each traveler was a bit different, had different interests, but all of them were expecting the same sort of trip. With the variety of activities presented each day, everyone was able to take part in what they enjoyed the most.

Richard seemed to genuinely have a good time
Our guide Richard was wonderful. He dealt with the small group very well and was able to fix any problem. He was very flexible in what the group wanted to do, or what the weather would allow us to do and always had alternatives in mind. Richard seemed to genuinely have a good time with the group, and didn't seem like he just wanted to get through the day with all the tourists in tow.

I was able to choose what I wanted to do for the day, and the pace I wanted to do it at!
Overall, the trip was very good and my expectations were definitely surpassed! Most of the accommodations were spectacular, well beyond what we would have expected for the price of the trip, from their service to locations.

All of the activities showed the very best that New Zealand had to offer! Being able to choose what you wanted to do for the day, and usually the pace you wanted to do it at, made the trip even more enjoyable. Stopping for short hikes on the days there were long drives made those drives easily bearable.

Everyday was a new highlight! Every single person we met was extremely nice and very accommodating. It is just an absolutely beautiful country. We spent Christmas morning on the Queen Charlotte Sound and it was wonderful - I can't imagine a more beautiful way to celebrate the day!

I didn't want to return home!
When the trip was finishing, I didn't want to come home! Having seen the whole country, I am now planning on visiting several specific places which I want to spend more time in! I would definitely do another Serious Fun trip!

Arrive a Tourist :: Depart a Friend?
Absolutely! I am still in touch with the other members of our group!"