"Sometimes you can wait ages to get a reply from companies
Like all the others, I found Serious Fun over the internet. However, Tony, and Serious Fun were the exception. He was prompt and efficient, which in turn gave us a good feeling about the company, that it was well organized.

Serious Fun's website was very informative
It was good to be able to see the guides and learn about them - it gives a more personal touch. I found the information on the website very useful indeed and its always good to read previous travelers comments about the holiday.

Exploring the "real" country, this is what the tour offered
I had heard the South Island was spectacular, and because we only had a short time to spend in the country, I felt this was the part I would like to start off with.

It was my first trip to New Zealand and obviously I wanted to see as much as possible in two weeks that I had available for a holiday. Although I was concerned that two weeks isn't a long time to travel such a long way and spend time touring, you feel you may be either rushed around and not have enough time to appreciate what you are seeing, or that you might not get to see all the things that you want to see.

I liked the variety that the Best of the South Island tour offered. When Hazel rang me to tell me about the holiday and read the schedule out to me, I think by about day 3, I was saying "I want to go!"

I liked the fact it wasn't a huge group
My first impressions of the group were good. It was a big group, again making it more personal and I think everyone felt more part of it all. The other travelers were fantastic, they were both couples and were lovely. I would say they were very similar people to myself.

Mark loves his country and made sure we all shared that
Mark was the best guide ever! He organized everything and made sure it all ran smoothly. He answered all our questions and he contributed to making it the holiday of a lifetime. Thank you Mark! You definitely enhanced our experience of New Zealand.

The only word that escaped my mouth was WOW!!
I saw everything I was hoping to see and more. There were many highlights, but I think the best would have to have been the afternoon of Day 2 on the Routeburn Track - the scenery was out of this world. I felt like I was in Middle Earth. I think the only word that escaped my mouth was WOW!! I also liked the rainforests, and the visit to the Rob Roy glacier. It was all amazing.

The accommodations were amazing! I loved them all. They were all so different and again that helped to make the holiday a once in a lifetime experience. From the hotels to the overnight cruise, all were exceptional and had their own character.

I think Serious Fun got the balance just right
Overall the trip was fantastic - thank you very much! The activities were perfect - I think Serious Fun got the balance just right. They were up to standard on all counts and once again they were all so different.

In my opinion I got everything out of the holiday that I wanted. I wouldn't change any of it!

It was quite sad when we had to say goodbye
It certainly is true of Serious Fun - Arrive a Tourist :: Depart a Friend. At the start of the trip were all strangers, but by the end of it we were old friends. Everyone's personalities were different and this helped make it such fun.

When Mark took us to the airport and we all had to say goodbye, it wasn't just departing from fellow travelers, it was more like departing from old friends. We have all swapped addresses, so hopefully will keep in touch.

The trip has made me feel so positive and really lifted my moods
Two weeks after returning home, I feel amazing and am still on such a high. It was the most amazing holiday, all helped by the effectiveness of Serious Fun. Every time I show my photos I re-live all the experiences over and over again. It has made me feel so positive and really lifted my moods.

I WILL be returning to New Zealand - it really is a beautiful country. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to see this."