Hi Kim, Thanks so much for a totally awesome trip. We really enjoyed it . I haven’t got onto Trip Advisor yet but here is a ‘rave’ that you can put on your website or whatever. Kind regards Robyn and Paul Martin (Catlins 2 Day Tour Jan 2021)
‘We would thoroughly recommend using Iconic Tours. And here’s why... Last week we visited the Catlins with Kim from Iconic Tours. The Catlins had been on our bucket list for some time but we had never managed to get there until now. We had heard accommodation and cafes were in short supply down there and we wanted to ensure we didn't miss any highlights so we opted for a tour instead of self drive. Kim collected us from the airport in a comfortable air conditioned sedan and drove us into the city, pointing out places of interest as we went. He did a brief tour around the city centre, took us up to our accommodation in Roslyn and waited while we dropped our bags off, then dropped us back at the i- site. We spent the next 3 days exploring Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula which we really enjoyed. But the best was yet to come!
Kim is a great driver and guide and he packed a lot into our 2 day Catlins tour, while never rushing or hurrying us. He is knowledgeable and articulate with a keen interest in the history of places and the local flora and fauna. As he was doing the driving we were able to sit back and relax and enjoy the scenery, and no need to worry if we had missed a turn off or if the road or a café were closed – he had all the local knowledge to adapt if necessary. But here’s a tip- allow 3 days , there is so much to see and do.
He drove us down unsealed roads that we wouldn't have ventured on and the sights at the end were remarkable. We had walked the length of Cannibal Bay, admiring the sea lions basking on the sand and were about to head back to the car when Kim spotted a dark shape in the water . It was a huge sea lion swimming into the shallows, then walking up the beach and flipping onto the sand. Awesome. That was a highlight for us as was standing on the beach at Curio Bay in the dusk watching a lone Hoiho penguin make his way up the beach towards his nest. Our breakfast at the Tumu Toka Curio Bay cafe and our dinner at the Niagara Falls restaurant were culinary standouts. Superb service and delicious food.
When we arrived at our beach front unit Kim brought in a platter of cheese and crackers and a bottle of bubbly to share with us as we reviewed the day. We then had a short rest, dinner then another visit to the beach to wait for the arrival of the little Hoiho, the rarest penguin in the world.
Covered in the price of our tour was our accommodation at Curio Bay (which was a comfortable studio unit right on the beach) plus morning teas, lunches and a cooked breakfast and museum entries etc, plus of course a driver/guide. Kim managed to pack in a tremendous amount of things each day from walks through native bush to see amazing waterfalls, seeing the petrified forest and visits to museums to watching fur seals on the rocks.
Kim also does Stewart Island tours and we've got that in mind for the future as we couldn't imagine a better tour guide. And the Catlins? Pristine, uncrowded, an awesome experience.’
Hi Kim, I didn't get to say Thankyou for being the best Tour Guide ever with your extensive knowledge of the area, the Castle, the plants, the birds, the animals etc etc etc. We all agreed that You are the Best and your Passion for Life & what's in it made our trip soo much more interesteing & Fun!! Also thanks for your help & encouragement to make the 3 hour walk possible!! :) And last but not least for your Scottish Welcome at the Castle. You must be Very Proud of your Family?!! I hope your new venture for Farm Visits comes true for your all. Many THanks again from Alli xx
Allison Liggett (Stewart Island 7 Day Adventure Jan 2021)
Kim, we have gotten almost back to our routine a week after getting home. The wonderful vibe from the trip is still with us. Sounds like you have been busy (which is a good thing) and no doubt you have been making groups of people very happy. Sending some pictures that we really liked. We are glad we got the shot of you and Matt together. Take care and we will try to keep you posted on our meanderings, and when we get ready for another round down under.
Jeff and Devonna Miller (Stewart Island 5 Day Tour 2016)
