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Guest Comments
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Some comments from our previous guests:
Word of mouth has worked!! We gave our neighbour your brochure and she has just told me they have booked the 5 dayer walk.
Joanna & Grant, Auckland, April 2010
...a fantastic break it was in such perfect weather and one that will be remembered for a long time. Will be the 5 dayer next time! Best to you all.. for making a memorable weekend work so well.
Julian, Auckland, April 2010
We are really feeling the benefit of our beautiful stay in the South Island.
The highlight of the trip, naturally, was the magnificent Abel Tasman
National Park and the stays in the marine villas were brilliant...We enjoyed the beautiful food and all the care you took in making our trip safe and memorable. We wish all our friends could make the trip.
Mimi, Australia, April 2010
I had many concerns and reservations about this trip. The 'team' were excellent, supportive, caring and put no pressure on me. I more than achieved what I expected to. I have never kayaked ever and feel on top of the world. Thanks to a great team.
Anne Taylor, New Zealand, March 2010
Great trip - exceeded expectations. Represented the region, park and NZ very well. Guides were fun and well informed.
Tim Lee, New Zealand, March 2010
We had a fab 2 days and can't wait to come back!!!
Roz & Barny, Scotland, February 2010
Guide should be cloned and given to other tour groups.
Jack Kirsch, USA, Feburary 2010
This was a trip that had been anticipated for a number of years (on my "bucket list"). This has been one of the highlights of my life.
Fiona Sayes, New Zealand, March 2010
Excellent trip overall. The guides and staff at the lodges made everything a very personal experience - nothing was too much trouble. The food and the lodges were excellent. A wonderful experience.
Richard Money, England, March 2010
I had high expectations and they were met! Top trip - can't really fault it. I didn't have a reading light by my bed at Torrent Bay Lodge - but really, I quibble. Should be very proud - world class, both natural environment (pristine & spectacular), & the Wilson approach!
Sheridan Lee, Australia, March 2010
Good quality staff who show a real interest in the park & activities. Beautiful scenery along the coast walk - lovely clean water and no littering by tourists!
No name, Australia, March 2010
This was the highlight of our trip to New Zealand.
Kim & Scott, USA, February 2010
We have had a most memorable time in a truly special place.
Gardener, Northern England, February 2010
Last weekend...we stayed at Meadowbank. It was a most enjoyable, and a high quality experience.
Your staff... were excellent, not only in their willingness to please, but with their communications to all the guests.
The food and its availability were top quality, and the accommodation was superb. The stunning location was the icing on the cake.
In our view, Meadowbank is the 'Jewel in the Crown' of Nelson Tasman tourism and quite possibly for the South Island...We haven't stopped talking about it!
Thank you once again.
John and Sally Ann, New Zealand
Hello Wilsons!
We are now back in sunny springtime UK after a great trip to NZ and we'd like to say thanks.
We had a wonderful time on the walk and have a store of pictures and happy memories to enjoy. We felt priviledged to be able to stay in such stunning and historic accommodation - Awaroa is both beautiful and special (but you know that already of course). We walked with a great group of people and would like to say particular thanks to Sam and Marios who guided us with patience, smiles, and a real passion for the area and its history. Thanks also to the staff at both lodges who looked after us so well (special mention for Dale and her terrific cooking), and to John (the geologist) who not only explained Awaroa's history to us but also made us think about many much wider issues after dinner on our first night.
It was an experience to be treasured and we count ourselves lucky,
Thanks again
Rob and Barbara Slater, UK
I took my visiting ninety one year old Mother on the splendid new Wilson's Vista Cruise along the Abel Tasman National Park to Totaranui then back to Anchorage, where we enjoyed a Wilson's picnic.
The Vista was extremely comfortable, smooth and quiet. We sat on the open top deck to enjoy the wonderful views. There were clear commentaries in many places of interest ... All the facilities, coffee, picnic and service were first rate. People were reminded of their destinations and pick ups in a pleasant manner. The beach stops were so easy and efficient as people were able to walk on and off the catamaran without getting their feet wet...
We loved the whole experience with Wilsons on Vista. It was the best boat trip I have ever had into the Abel Tasman.
Christine Davidson, Motueka River Valley, New Zealand
I know that we completed a form at the end of our three day walking trip, but for me, it was inadequate. We hear a lot of negative press about our young ones today, but our guides seemed so young and yet were so thoughtful, kind and caring. Nothing was a problem, not even an elderly granny who was exceptionally slow going up hills. This was me and I came on this venture with a friend...on the understanding that I was not going to be able to walk the distances. ..I was made to feel part of the group regardless...
We appreciated the lodges, especially the historic Meadow Bank, the comfortable beds, the good food, the interesting lunches, but it is all the people that made the trip so successful and happy.
I would like to thank everyone again and wish everyone all the best for their futures.
Anne Day, New Zealand
How impressed we all were with the kayaking equipment. We have hired kayaks around here and in Tasmania and the extras that Abel Tasman provided were really tops - all weather tops - long sleeves, quick dry material which keeps the sun off, keeps you dry and warm if the weather turns nasty (which it didn't) plus a skirt held up with braces and then once in the kayak, it fitted over the opening all around you which prevented any water getting into the actual seat area - great invention. I also forgot to mention that we also canoed in the estuary behind Torrent Bay up to the waterfall which was positively serene and had a lovely swim and a water slide in the natural rock formation into the pool - WOW.
Chris J, Australia
Re: Vista. We praise all the crew and personnel for their outstanding professionalism and service. It was a pleasure to be on the cruise - and watch and enjoy every step of the process.
Carrol Clark, Queensland, Australia
We have just returned back home from a wonderfull trip throughout New Zealand. We will never forget our 3 days guided walk tour. An unique experience with a guide as Conny who had so much to tell about nature and all other things. Even before going to bed we enjoyed here bedtime stories. The food was great and so were the lodges. We have felt like being in heaven for 3 days.
All the best.
Arthur Moonen, Antwerp-Belgium
We were visiting our son in New Zealand in Feb 2007 and we had the most fantastic day trip in Abel Tasman National Park! It was the highlight of our holiday and we can't wait to visit again! The staff were all so friendly and helpful. Thank you all.
Eddie and Helen Welsh from England
Ray and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience, taking in the amazing scenery, beautiful beaches and wonderful flora and fauna. The hospitality at both lodges was fantastic and the food brilliant. But most important I want to emphasise how fantastic our two guides were. Both Emma and Jock were just brilliant. Their knowledge of the area and all that it entailed, their wonderful attention to detail, their insurance of our safety and especially their great sense of humour and fun. They were a delight to spend time with. They have given us everlasting memories that we will cherish forever. My memory is not too good but I will never forget this trip.
Thank you again to the company for a well organised trip.
Trish Lawrence from Australia
Hi there (Kia Ora)
I just wanted to send a wee note to say THANKYOU for a wonderful experience. The kayak trip was definitely a main highlight of my holiday.
Please pass on my thanks to Darryl and Garrick for their professionalism, enthusiasm and patience. And also a big thanks to the crew at Torrent Bay Lodge. The food was amazing (thanks Craig).
Karen Haggarty from Holland
We had a great time with the Beaches and bay day trip.
The guide was friendly, nice and professional as well.
The trip was amazing we saw islands, seals, fantastic lagoons so many beautifull places that we are sure we would not ever forget.
The weather was not so good, we had also rain but they provided us with all we could need to have a safe and pleasant trip.
We hope we have the chance to paddle with you once more.
Antonio Cicchitelli from ITALY
I know that I completed a Questionnaire on the 5 Day Guided Walk I did with Erin on 18th April, but I wanted to reiterate what an excellent job you are all doing with these walks. Everything was FANTASTIC & I do want to congratulate you on the great job that you are doing.
Not only was the Walk great, but so was the accommodation, meals and the staff were excellent.
Joy McKinstry from NZ
On Thursday of last week my husband and I caught the 9.40a.m. Vista cruise to Awaroa and we returned to Marahau by Vigour taxi at 3p.m. It was a wonderful day which we thoroughly enjoyed. All your staff were so pleasant,helpful and courteous which really added to our enjoyment. Thank you for such a great service. We will recommend your firm to any North Islanders we meet who are coming down your way!
Hilary and John Sussex from NZ
This note goes out to the staff of Wilson's Experiences who went out of their way to help my friend and I last month at the coastal track.
My friend met with a nasty fall at Bark Bay, and was bleeding quite badly. We did not have any first-aid kit with us, but were very fortunate that there were fellow hikers around who immediately came to our aid - and the staff operating the water taxis made great haste in getting us back to Marahau, right to our car on a beach buggy, and gave us directions to an emergency doctor at Motueka.
Without their efficient service, we would have taken much longer to get medical attention. So, to all the staff of Wilson's Experiences, our deepest gratitude.
Vicky from Malaysia
Wanted to let your organisation know just how much I enjoyed the 5 day walk that ran from 24th January. It had lots of elements that joined to make an unforgettable experience - fantastic scenery, wonderful lodges, an excellent guide in Aneika, pleasant walking companions and so on. But the icing on the cake for me was staying in lodges that were so personal, and especially at Meadowbank, where the Managers (John and Dale) were so welcoming, and there was such a wealth of social history. This was quite extraordinary, and very special.
Mayonne Coldicott from New Zealand
Returned from Nelson over the weekend and wanted to let you know what a wonderful time we had. Your guides "Whitey" and Genna were fantastic and great ambassadors for your company and for NZ as quite a few foreigners which made it such fun! Accommodation/food/wine all excellent
Andree Sabourin from NZ
Just wanted to say what a fantastic time we had. There aren't too many holidays where Mum, Dad and an eight year old boy all enjoy the same activities but your trip was just that. Our guides were thoughtful, knowledgeable and great fun. Your people at the lodges were great too.
We wouldn't hesitate to recommend one of your tours. Many thanks to you all.
Lynnette Hurley from NZ
It is with pride that we as New Zealanders experienced the Abel Tasman walks & kayaking with Wilson's...We considered that because we were reasonably familiar with the fauna & flora of the area that we didn't actually need a guide to take us through the walks ! - arrogant Aucklanders ? - and I thought I knew it all !! John Glasgow - his knowledge of the bush & region / his passion & untiring energy was exceptional...Garrick - the warm gregarious / energising kayaker - again nothing was too much trouble - always there to help. The food at both Meadowbank & Torrent Bay was outstanding - Lenni is such an artist with the food/ flavours...We have no complaints - A very professional programme executed with style, flair & the minimum of fuss. Value for money ? - A big yes for us...Congratulations to the management & staff - this was for us the best holiday.
Ross & Julie Averill from NZ
The 3 Day Kayak & Walk trip was everything I thought it would be and more! The scenery was spectacular, the wildlife abundant, the paddling fun and at times exciting. The lodge style accommodation was welcoming at the end of each day and our guide SALLY ROGERS helped to make
the trip a memorable one.
Sandy Hyland from New Zealand
We felt we hadn't quite captured the essence of your country, but we truly feel we have now.
TJ from Britain
Really appreciated your healthy approach to meals and in particular the vegetarian food.
D Davies from NZ
The coffee was exceptionally good at both lodges
Mary Kaplan from USA
Everything exceeded our expectations - in particular the hostess and the lodges.
P Sherwin from Australia
Fair dinkum! Karen, Stefan and Lucy were suberb hosts and NZ ambassadors. Yours is THE STANDARD for Tasman Tours.
Jim Shorr from USA
I want to thank you all for making my first trip to New Zealand so memorable...As a twenty-something who is used to doing things independently, I was a little unsure about taking a guided trip....Well, not only did I find all the details taken care of, I experienced a whole new dimension and context that I would have missed hiking alone.
Tinsley H. Davis from USA
I can't think of anything that wasn't top notch. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, the food was great and the guides really made the trip!
McFarlane family from Canada
Hi there, before I'm completely immersed back into the AK Corporate scene and my holiday becomes a distant memory, I wanted to drop you a note to praise your team for the great 5-day walk I, my Mum and niece completed last Saturday.
I'm not prone to waxing lyrical about these types of things however I would have to say that this experience stands out as one of the best-managed holidays I have ever had. From the beginning we were all made to feel
special, the reservations team were prompt and helpful, our guides were extremely kind, patient and knowledgeable and we always felt we were in very capable hands. The pace and length of each day was bang on, the off-day activities were fun and relevant, all the support staff were welcoming and the accommodation and food were outstanding.
I have already instructed my PA to research the viability of a mid winter break for my management team - so expect a call!
Cheryl Sziranyi from New Zealand
The mattresses on the beds were some of the best I have ever experienced - and not because I was so tired
Alex Familton from NZ
Scotty was incredibly patient with us during our first day's kayak experience when the weather was quite unpleasant and we had no previous experience in a kayak. There really wasn't anything we could fault.
The Abel Tasman National Park has some of the prettiest coastal scenery I've come across anywhere. Day after day of addictive loveliness that I am longing for more of.
Seeing the park from the sea on our first day added to the anticipation as the landscape unrolled. The lodge accommodation was almost too comfortable to leave every day. Then the food..... definitely the icing on the cake.
Thanks to the Wilson's team, especially John G. for bringing the history of the area to life and interpreting the natural environment with so much passion and understanding. Thanks also to the group I travelled with for some great company.
I will be back.
Robin Mills from New Zealand
There are, unfortunately, to few superlatives to define adequatley the quality of our experience in the Able Tasman National Park.
To John, Tim and Erin, our intrepid guides, thank you for amazing us and educating us in one of the worlds last treasures. To Craig, Anne and Jo, there are no finer hosts on this planet, your talents, though not wasted in the park, are sorely missed here. To The Wilson and Hadfield families, thank you for sharing a little of your lives and your homes with us.
To our fellow adventurers, Al & Jo; Jonothan; Robyn; Helen; Conrad, Byron & Clare; Mike and Stephen, the Osada's from Japan and finally, last but not least, Donna & Jo Jo, thank you for ensuring that our memories are there to ensure a lifetime of happy reflections.
to those kindred spirits contemplating this adventure... We urge you to procrastinate no more and guarantee you will not regret it!
Jeff & Jayne from Australia
I had the greatest time of my life apart from when I'm eating chocolate
Fanny hiphopstop from America
Guides were friendly, informative, professional and fun - struck the right balance between providing us with information and leaving us alone.
Ruth Mushin and Sam Helfenbaum from Australia
Exceeded my expectations. Thanks
Kevin Horsley from UK
Very friendly and caring guides - had patience for the slower ones
Kirsti Fenholt from Finland
An absolutely awesome experience from start to finish. The only bad thing was that it had to end. Thanks for everything!
Dennis Constantine from USA
We were very grateful for the staff's ability to deal with last minute changes to the schedule. Overall a great trip, highly recommended. Would love to return soon. Unforgettable. No complaints
Michael Larkin from USA
We had a wonderful time. Made feel very welcome. The children have learnt that walking is fun and rewarding and we look forward to more. The lodges were bright, clean and comfortable and full of fascinating memorabilia which made it all the more interesting.
Penny Parker from UK
The guides were outstanding. I felt it was too expensive BEFORE we went but I now feel that our family had an outstanding experience that was well worth the money. Very impressed also that you do not take advantage of the isolation and mark up the wine too much. I needed that wine at the end of each day.
Jay Creet-Shaw from NZ
we all had a fantastic time. Shay, Jules and Andrew were fantastic guides. I would love to meet them all again some time!!
Wow! I have never experienced such a professional, friendly outfit and can highly recommend it to everyone - even those with no or little bush walking experience. The lodges were warm and welcoming, the food fabulous and the park beautiful. Book now!
Melissa Mason from Australia
A wonderful opportunity to experience some magnificent NZ scenery. The beaches, water, rock pools, forest and ferns- their beauty and tranquillity were beyond my expectations. My walk has ended with a great desire to continue on, or to come back again and again. My heartfelt thanks.
L. Kershaw, from Australia
A thoroughly enjoyable experience that exceded our expectations by a very long way. Well done! Quality of guiding was the best I've experienced anywhere in the world. We'll be back again one day. Thank you.
L. Kershaw, Australia & A.Markus, South Africa
An excellent three days. The quality of the lodges and food was better than we had anticipated.
A.Barnes, England
John G. was incredibly knowledgeable and generous with nature information and history of the area- very eloquent. David L was charming, an excellent kayaker and very professional.
L. Levitan, USA
A wonderful trip. Excellent care of a not so young and fit traveller. Will recommend to my friends.
L. Birch, UK
It was a wonderful introduction to New Zealand. The guides were all very helpful, careful, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Thank you all.
Ross Patterson, USA
This is the MOST professional walk I've ever been on. Every aspect was well organized and enjoyable!
Many thanks.
I enjoyed myself and loved hanging around the lodge on day three. The guides were great!
A great three days. Staff, accommodation, and food were excellent. Staff were also very informative about flora and fauna on the walk.
As always the ATE (Abel Tasman Experience) was excellent. Nothing was missing in providing everything I could wish for (even the weather).
This was the highlight of our trip in New Zealand!
I will be recommending your company to my friends back in Ireland so expect more business from over seas!!! Thanks for a lovely five days.
Many thanks again for a well run trip. A lot of skill and effort put forth from all the staff. Would do it again in a heartbeat!
P. Hueston, Australia
We have been singing the praises of the park, the facilities and your staff to anyone who will listen, and hope to return one day. Thank you again. You gave us holiday memories to treasure.
Linda & John Farquharson, New Zealand
This was a superb guided walk with very friendly guides. We were also very lucky with the weather. I would recommend this walk to everybody.
Brenda Ross, England
What a great experience! The food was outstanding. Loved it all. Our guide was great: knowledgeable, fun and patient.
Aletha Petty, USA
It was a great trip. Guides were very helpful, knowledgeable and pleasant. It met my expectations and then some.
Janice Yeadon, USA
As New Zealanders we were proud to see these young people (staff) carry out their tasks in a polite, happy and efficient manner. Our first time to do a hike of any sort. A wonderful experience.
The staff were wonderful and most obliging. Nothing was too much trouble. A credit to your company : 5 STARS.
Donna Warren, New Zealand
Everything was well arranged and went smoothly. A very friendly and helpful team of guides.
G. Phillips, New Zealand
I was genuinely thrilled to be part of the walk, and I've done quite a few in many parts of the world. Very many thanks.
Steve Andrews, England
To stay in spectacular wilderness is special, but to enjoy luxury as well is a privilege. The interest was added to by the wealth of useful and relevant information from the guides, who also provided entertainment.
Sue Jenkins, England
We will definitely recommend this trip to any of our friends visiting New Zealand.
B. Chennan, England
Very well organized. Staff obviously highly trained. A very good atmosphere was created.
Jane Riedl, England
Great trip! The highlight of our holiday. Excellent guides- good balance of care and humour.
Gill Bone, England
Our three day walk more than lived up to our expectations. This was our first guided trip of any kind.
David Horn, England
Greg was an exemplary guide- sensitive, tolerant and flexible with a wonderfully understated sense of humour.
Sue, Australia
Our guides evening presentation on the family history took guided trips to a new level.
Nick, Canada
Hi Darryl
Just a quick note to say a huge thank you for what can only be described as an Abel Tasman Adventure! During our 3 Day Kayak & Walk Trip the guides were fantastic,you have a great team and an operation that works very smoothly indeed.
The product is perfect for the UK market and a core activity that Travel Agents here be featuring (most of them do already)- really interacting with the environment but then the luxury in the evening and the stress removed from having to sort out transport, food etc.. out yourself.
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to trial the product and I will ambassador it well in the UK.
Christie Lord, Marketing Manager, Tourism New Zealand, London
Hi there!
We're all safely back and dry - thanks for letting us take so much water from the Park! Seriously, Paul and Louise asked me to drop a line to say thanks so much for the great care you and your team took while we were in the Park. We had a seriously awesome time - Paul is going to be dining out on his eel story for some time, and I must remember to scan a photo for you!
Interesting to get their reactions as they spent time walking and kayaking - experiences like yours can actually be life changing! They've vowed to go home and do more hiking and exploring because they had forgotten how much fun it was.
For me, it was great to see how the Lodge product works within the park. I loved the fact that Wilsons kept turning up everywhere - the family aspect and personal interaction is a real buzz to those who are participating.
Can't think of any way of improving on it - just hope you're turning up with your paddle at Kiwilink to change a few American lives as well.
Jo Heaton, Trade Education Manager, Tourism New Zealand
What a fantastic breakaway. Total relaxation, Fantastic scenery, wonderful guides and hospitality at the Lodges! What more could you want!
Chris, Ian and Trehan from New Zealand
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