We travelled to Australia and New Zealand in Sept of 2018 and for the second time (2009 to Australia and World Masters Games in Sydney), we were delighted to use Go Walkabout as our trip planning specialist.
Dianne had every detail mapped out and given to us, both online and in hard copy formats, making transitions seamless. This particular trip took us from Gold Coast to Uluru in the heart of Australia. There we were accommodated beautifully, with the highlights being the small group tours which were intimate, informative and very memorable. A bus trip north to Alice Springs led us to a history of Outback settlement, including the darker aspects, a good balance and again appreciated. All of our guides were again top notch. School of the Air and Flying Doctor Service were excellent.
Flying into Adelaide, Dianne booked us into a very central hotel, which was eminently walkable to attractions like the Adelaide Zoo, Botanical Gardens and shopping district. Best of all was our 2 day foray to Kangaroo Island where we were booked into a Homestead, a definite must revisit! The Kangaroo Island tour was again an intimate and incredibly informative day trip. We’d love to spend more time at the Homestead with Lynn and Graham and their wonderful farmstay…best.food.ever!
Without a hitch, we were then off to New Zealand and met right on cue with our hard copy itinerary. Auckland was pleasant, the best being Waiheke Island. Absolutely stunning place, would love to stay there if we return. Even though we’re not much for winery tours, it was fun to meet with Ananda Tours and go to a Canadian owned winery, Peacock Hills. Great lunch stop and wonderful ferry ride.
Our car self tour took us to TeKuiti Farmstay where Helen and Dek shared great company and stunning vistas, beautiful enough to make your heart smile. They gave us great pointers for places to enjoy as we drove to Rotorua, where we were housed in a fascinating Art Deco hotel. The highlight, a great find by Go Walkabout, was the in-depth small group Maori Tour!
Our return towards Auckland led us to the Hobbiton movie set ( great fun!) and the absolutely stunning Chestnut Lane Cottage in Matamata.
There wasn’t a single hitch in the entire itinerary, which included multiple flights and tours. As in 2009, Dianne Hall and Go Walkabout planned a trip for us that made us feel well supported, cared for, even. Her recommendations for stops and points of interest were spot on. We would absolutely recommend GoWalkabout for your travel planning. No doubt, we will be visiting the region again and will go directly to Dianne for her expertise and efficiency.
Thanks for helping to make lifetime memories, Dianne!
All the best,