I won't be joining you for NZ in November because I did the tour in January this year. However, I loved it so much that I am doing it again in January 2025!

Looking at the itinerary on the website, the route around the South Island stage of the tour seems to have been reversed since I went. A couple of the hotels appear to have been removed, but the ones currently listed are all of the great standard. (Don't worry about packing a travel kettle - all the hotels have them)

You will all have an incredible time. The tour is full on but has a fantastic range of experiences and fabulous views. (It ranks in my top 3 Just You tours and I've been lucky to have done quite a few over the last 15 years)

My tips would be:

Definitely go for the helicopter ride to Mount Tarawera if you can. Several of our group who opted for the float plane option said they were quite jealous because we got to land on the volcano (with a brilliant guide from lovely team at Volcanic Air) while they flew over it, watching us!.

Similarly, the 'Grand Traverse' scenic flight over Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook is worth every penny - an absolute highlight of the trip for me.

It's not on the official itinerary but, if you are still staying at Franz Josef overnight, there is a small wildlife conservation centre, a 2 minute walk from the hotel, which has a lovely kiwi habitat. It's wonderful to see these very precious little birds up so close. From memory, I think entry was about £15.

On your free day in Wellington, don't miss the Gallipolli exhibition at the Te Papa National Museum. It was created with the Weta Workshop (who worked on the Lord of the Rings movies) and is very moving. It is also possible to book a tour to the Weta Workshop itself but you will need to do that online before you go because they book up months in advance.

If you do the Dart River Jet Boat safari (the longer of the two jet boat excursions), take a towel and something warm to put on at the end of it because the bus journey back to town is nearly an hour long and although the boat ride is exhilarating and the views beautiful, you will be wet and cold at the end of it! (You may also want to pack a waterproof pouch to hang your camera/phone around your neck in)

In Queenstown, the Walter Peak dinner cruise is an absolute must - the buffet at the Colonel's Homestead is probably the best meal of the tour.

Speaking of food, New Zealand has a 'cabinet culture' and everywhere you go you will find excellent, freshly made filled baps and cakes in chiller cabinets for lunches etc. (I became addicted to the 'Ginger Slice' while a number of my fellow travellers got hooked on the NZ 'Afghan Biscuit'.) They are also very big on hot pies of every conceivable variety. If like me you are 'fond' of chocolate, you will soon discover Whittakers and your friends will love you for ever if you bring them back a 'slab' of its Fruit and Nut as a souvenir :-)

Have an amazing time and, if you have any questions before you go, I'd be happy to try and help.

All the best

Mandy (username: MLB)