We really appreciate feedback from guests and are very responsive to suggestions. However many of our guests prefer anonymity and in many cases we do not seek testimonial comments and use discretion when it comes to publishing their comments. If you would like to provide a testimonial please email to rob@simplywild.co.nz
Rob put together an amazing five days experiencing Nelson and Golden Bay for our group of friends. Not only did the programme meet our budget, it exceeded our expectations.
The organization was superb, even when we had to change plans due to weather and despite being a physical test for some, encouragement, support and guidance was constantly given. Great work, Rob, Sue and Lew, keep it up and we all enjoyed your company. It is a pleasure to spend time, with people who are passionate in what they do!Debbie & David Andrews – Queenstown – October 2020
We all really enjoyed our six day trip and thought it was great that you were able to adjust it on the fly to suit the fitness level and fears of the group, and also the weather. Tasman Bay is a magic place, and we are keen to explore it more with Simply Wild.
Bruce & Karen Dalton – Auckland February – 2021
A super experienced team that have a very special playground
Brian & Charmaine Funnell – Auckland- February 2021
Hi Rob Wanted to provide you with this feedback, which hopefully will make you feel pretty chuffed – Jillian (Barrow) Uniquely NZ Seattle – “To our surprise our guide from Simply Wild (who happened to also be the owner) met us at the airport to give us an overview of what to expect the next day, what to wear, etc. He was a delightful man and a terrific guide. Both of the hikes with Simply Wild were excellent. Rob couldn’t have been any better a guide – and the lunches he provided (prepared by his wife’s restaurant) were fabulous. I have never before returned home from a hiking trip having gained weight! We highly recommend his company!”
Doug & Kathryn Hendrickson, Keith & Pam Browning – USA
We had a great day with Rob hiking a bit on the Queen Charlotte by helicopter and having lunch at the Bay of many Coves.He is a truly fine man and a pleasure to spend time with.
Jeff Serra – Austin, Texas
Hi Rob – Thank you again for showing us such a great time in New Zealand. We really loved every bit of our trip! We’re home now and settling back in.
It’s been so much fun telling all of our friends about our adventure and sharing our photos. If you have the chance, I’d love to see your list of travel book recommendations.
After visiting,I think they will be really fun reads. I hope you had a wonderful new year celebration with Sue and Tim! Sincerely,Ruth & Jeff Housenbold – San Francisco
Hi Rob- Many thanks again for all your kindnesses the past 2 days. It was a pleasure to meet you and to get a taste of your experiences at Simply Wild. We love NZ so we will be back!
Warm regards and we look forward to meeting Sue and Tim next time.Sam and Kelly Bronfman – San Francisco
Hi Rob, thanks for organising a great trip for us!
Rick & Shelly Kuhle – Arizona
Rob – Thanks for a wonderful day on the Heaphy track which we will long remember. We had planned to go to Broccoli Row tonight but learned that it closes at 4:30. Another time!
We’d be happy to pass along your contact information with enthusiasm to friends who may plan a visit. Hope your son has a fantastic five day adventure”!
Jana, Howard, Ira & Hannah Wolfe – USA
Abel Tasman – another winner! Our guide at Simply Wild (Rob) was amazing and knew just how far to push us in terms of energy and getting us to see park highlights. We were lucky with timing to experience both high and low tides, which was so neat.
Danny Quinn and Shaina Nishimoto – San Francisco
Good Morning there Rob – Just letting you know, I arrived back in the USA last night (Tuesday evening here), everything ok, no airport issues or missed flights or otherwise – :).Thank you again for a very wonderful time there. I will always cherish the memories of everything that we did from the helicopter flights, walking on Mt. Benson, the walk on the beach trail to the mountain biking and sea kayaking and everything in between. You so well planned and orchestrated everything perfectly!
Thank you for the maps and marking all the places we went – I have to plan another trip back there again soon! Say thank you to Sue for all her preparation, the appetizer and the dining on the yacht ( Sabatayn ) there that evening was perfect ! The setting being there on the water with the breeze after our long walk (10 miles) on the beach trail was sooooooo relaxing ! Thank you again & look forward to seeing you all again in the future! Sincerely, Richard
Richard Nehring – Utah
“Many thanks Rob. Amy & Mitch Merin passed on that that they had a fantastic day with you yesterday in Abel Tasman and are looking forward to the Mt Arthur day today. Their Travel Agent Linda is wonderful to work with and provides lots of good information to make it easy to help put great itineraries together. She is one of the hardest working Agents I know. Have fun today – rain or shine! –
Jillian (Barrow) Uniquely NZ Seattle
Hi Rob! – Thanks again for a superb day in Abel Tasman! You are a truly great guide! We wanted to see if you could remember the name of those thriller spy books you mentioned to Josh?? Hope you’re doing well!
Sayre Ziskin – San Francisco
Rob, We landed back in Chicago last evening. The day in Abel Tasman with you was absolutely spectacular, and the Opera in the Park concert was pretty special, not to mention the International Space Station zipping by.
It was very nice to meet Sue and Tim and for you to include us in your families plans that night. That night, Nelson brought it all! Wanted to thank you again, and let you know I’m starting the reading list. ‘Thanks’ again for your wonderful hospitality. See you again sometime. Be well ~ TomTom Shafer – Chicago
Hi Rob, Just a wee bit of feedback from our clients via their agent! The Bill family from Arizona wanted to pass on that they were SO impressed with the Simply Wild guides in Nelson! Might have been a highlight of their NZ trip-Best regards,
Fiona Lucich-Clark – Southern Crossings
Hi Rob. Thank you so much for your wonderful company, expert organisation and patient guidance over our three days in the Abel Tasman. You enabled me to do something I would not have done easily by myself and I found it an absolute pleasure.
Thank you again for a wonderful experience Rob. I loved it. I know you have many friends and an extensive business network but If there is ever anything I may assist you with in the future please don’t hesitate to ask. I would be very happy to return your generosity of spirit. Kind regards
Jasmine Cannon – Nelson
Dear Rob – Thank you (and your whole family!) for creating such a fantastic “last night” in your beautiful country. The food was amazing, the music was sublime, and the camaraderie that resulted from the perfect combination of food, wine and venue was acknowledged by everyone as the best possible ending to a glorious trip. Best regards
John & Stacy Yost – San Francisco
Hey Rob – thank you for an amazing day! You are a pro and hope to see you again somewhere soon. Bring your bride to AZ!”
Erin Dixon – Scottsdale – Arizona
We had the services of Rob and his team for three very different days – help hiking, biking, and a cruise on the waters! Each was conducted with considerable efficiency, great passion, much laughter, and overall attention to detail leaving us, the guests, the chance to just enjoy the experience. We cannot praise him and his team – Sally, Sue and Tim – too highly.
Richard Roberts & Andrew Courten – London UK
Rob designed a day especially for our family of 5 which included a private water taxi, kayaking with a guide and an unforgettable hike ending at a gorgeous eco resort! Our lunch on the beach was delicious and we had tea on a beach while kayaking. His knowledge of the area was unparalleled and he tailored the trip to our abilities, making it challenging but enjoyable. We recommend Rob and Simply Wild to anyone in the are to make a visit to Abel Tasman perfect!
Ann Shultze – Edina – Minnesota – USA
Am I the first one to write a review of Simply Wild? If yes it’s really an honor. Rob Douglas is one of the best wildlife guys I’ve ever met, experienced, knowledgeable and amicable. Also the helicopter service (helicoptersnelson.co.nz) he uses is very, very trustworthy). Rob took us for hiking trail in Nelson and explained about the history and the nature. What an enjoyable day we had with him.
Sakari Huovinen – Finland
Rob, just wanted to thank you and your team for our EPIC 21 day hiking trip throughput the South Island. We had a great time throughout the entire adventure. You, Emma and Tracy were awesome. Please feel free to use us as references if you need any.
Craig Coppola – Arizona
Again, thanks for such wonderful job in really making our NZ trip so enjoyable and memorable. And yes, I’m still eking out the last morsels of peace from the experience. Very much in the moment and not a day goes by that I don’t think of NZ, the beauty, fun, Emma, Tracy and you and wondering when I will be back.
Paul Braun – San Diego
Thanks, Rob, for your reading list. Andy and I will have fun exploring that. We had a great time with you both days and with Sally as well. You are an excellent steward of the beautiful region in which you live. We could easily have stayed longer to explore the Nelson area a bit more. Thanks again,
Betsy and Andrew Sands – New York
The entire Journey was fantastic, but especially the follow-through, service, and professionalism of Rob, Ash, and the entire crew. Eden House, the other properties, Andrew and other pilots, the execution of each activity, the extras such as dropping Ash and Gerry off to walk the Heaphy while Siamak was coptered to the hotel, etc. A simply fantastic experience from which we?re still physically recovering, but wouldn’t have changed one second.
Having been to New Zealand many times from Stewart Island to the sand dunes at the top of the North Island, the best travel experience was with Simply Wild Journeys. The professionalism, execution of itinerary in a seamless manner, selection of hotels, types of helicopters which adapted to each experience, guides (Ash couldn’t have done a better job), adapting immediately when plans were required to be slightly modified, and follow-through regardless of the situation makes Simply Wild Journeys definitely at the top of the tour operator list in the South Pacific. Thank you Rob and all!
Gerald Fuller and Siamak Gholami – Utah
Thank you for the fantastic experience! We loved every moment of it, every detail, every bite, and every bit of interesting, engaging and warm conversation. Thanks again
Tim, Julia and Thomas LaPine – Salt Lake City
I’m in love with your country, Rob, and I would like to say Thank you again for your wonderful hospitality and for everything you’ve done to help me understand and love New Zealand. Please pass best regards to Sue! Ciao! Yours
Igor Startsev – Moscow
The Journey at the Edge experience as a whole was amazing! I really enjoyed the variety and the uniqueness of all we did as well as the finer details like the outdoor meals and the transport between locations! We loved the accommodation! The personalized attention was a real treat! We really enjoyed the river rafting and mountain biking and kayaking. The meals on the yacht were a definite highlight and Milo was great! The Journey is something you absolutely have to do! A unique, personalized, friendly and exciting experience, catered to your own needs!” –
The Naude Family – Sydney Australia
Speaking for Randy and myself, we were mighty impressed by your attention to detail and desire to create exactly the experience we wanted – you are a terrific guide and we enjoyed our time with you immensely. The Nelson region ranks high on my list of favorite places – largely because of you and the itinerary you planned for us. Many, many thanks for your assistance in making our trip utterly fantastic!”
All the best, Ellen Freschauf – USA
Our group trip to the Marlborough Sounds was a fantastic experience for all concerned. It provided some very rare and special opportunities amidst some absolutely stunning scenery. Significant physical challenges and moments of exhilaration were punctuated with times of total relaxation, reflection and meaningful discussion. The luxurious lodgings and outstanding food were a brilliant way to finish each day. There will be many lasting memories and Rob, Sue and Emma, the guides from Simply Wild Journeys, could not have done a better job in their organisation and coordination of our group. They maintained very high levels of professionalism and safety standards but also ensured a fun and relaxed atmosphere. They clearly shared our values and appeared to enjoy our company as much as we did theirs. Likewise, all of their providers were great people. This was our third trip with Simply Wild and we look forward to the next one!”
Jason McMaster – Sydney – Australia
There were special moments for everyone on the team during the Journey. This environment provided everyone with unique insights on other team members. It has strengthened relationships and helped build great pride in the jersey.aspects of your organizing went without a hitch; every activity, every transport connection, every meal and most importantly, every individual that we came into contact with was absolutely first rate. From Milo and Kathy on the boat to your pilot Andrew, Josh the raft instructor and a host of other Adventure instructors whose names unfortunately escape me. We were impressed not only with their skill level and their very personal concern for our wellbeing, but also their easygoing and typical Kiwi friendly demeanor.
Tim McAleer, CEO, Tradies Group, Sydney, Australia
Exhilarating, breathtaking, comfortable, fun, dropping down into the unknown, all comforts taken care of
Joanne Easton, Wairepo House, Nelson
We had a brilliant trip with Simply Wild. The kayaking through crystal clear waters on a perfect day was an amazing experience. Viewing the seals and their pups playing in the sun and listening to the bird song from an island reserve was such a privilege. In all that we experienced we felt close to the natural world. Rob’s in-depth knowledge of the area and the environment through which we passed was top rate. The food was great and the walk over the hill presented us with fantastic views. We would highly recommend Rob and Simply Wild Journeys to anyone considering exploring the Abel Tasman National Park.
Cheers – Craig and Marie McNeill – Fielding
