Has anyone taken the Odyssey land tour to New Zealand? If so, what were your impressions and would you recommend this tour? I have only taken about six Rick Steves tours and been very happy with them. And two tours with OAT.
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
3026 posts
I have enjoyed 3 tours w/Odysseys (and 13 with RS).
I went to New Zealand earlier this year with a Rick Steves tour guide who runs tours in New Zealand. I was happy with the tour.
https://mondumo.com/
Posted by
Virginia, USA
6253 posts
I also took the Mondumo tour back in February 2024. I was also very happy with the tour. Colin Mair was my guide. If you look at the RS Monday Night Travel archive, there is a talk by Colin about NZ.
https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/travel-classes/monday-night-travel/new-zealand
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
7441 posts
We spent a bit over a month in New Zealand on a trip we planned and did on our own. I've seen a few tour itineraries, now, and they typically don't go to the places that I considered highlights. I looked at the Odyssey tour, and again, it didn't match with what I thought would be New Zealand highlights. I also just looked at the Colin Mairs' Mondumo tours and that tour comes much closer to what I thought was interesting in New Zealand. Plus, if you had extra time to tour a bit on your own, you could see more.
We've done one RS tour and a couple Viking cruises. We always arrive at least a few days in advance to acclimate to time and climate before the expensive tour starts. It is also a way to pick up places that we are interested in that the tour doesn't cover.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you for all the info. It is helping me make a decision as to what tour to sign up for. Everyone has been so wonderful in responding!
Posted by
Walnut Creek, CA
770 posts
Take a look at moatrek tours. Great customer service
They are usually booked solid but have openings in January .