MoaTrek Traveller Review – John & Jenny from Australia
- Last Updated: 22 Sep 2026
- Publish Date:
- Bonita
- NZ Senior Travel, NZ Travel Info, Our Guests, Video Reviews
Back after 53 years: John & Jenny’s New Zealand journey with MoaTrek
Some travel memories don’t fade – they simply wait.
For Australian John Rosenfeld, one New Zealand moment has stayed crystal clear since December 1972: New Year’s Eve in Queenstown, up at the restaurant you reach by gondola, looking down over the Remarkables.“It was New Year’s Eve… the restaurant above Queenstown… New Year’s Eve 1972… we… stayed there for hours and hours… looking down on the Remarkables – that was the absolute highlight of the trip.”
After a few years studying for his Bachelor of Chemical Engineering degree, John decided to take a few weeks off and treat himself to a MoaTrek New Zealand tour, producing lots of great memories including the New Year’s Eve moment.
More than five decades later, John returned to New Zealand – this time with his wife Jenny – travelling together on a MoaTrek small group tour for seniors through both the North and South Islands.
Why they chose MoaTrek again: “Guess what popped out of the computer?”
When you’re planning a major New Zealand holiday, especially a long-haul trip, the how matters as much as the where. John and Jenny had two clear criteria:
- A tour that covered both islands
- No large coaches
“We were looking for a trip that covered both islands and… we’re not keen on large coaches,” John said. “Looking at those two criteria… guess what popped out of the computer – MoaTrek! I’ve heard of that. I’ve been there. I’ve done it before. And, why not?”
Jenny says MoaTrek’s long history was part of the confidence factor. “When John told me he’d travelled with them… I went, ‘Well, if they can stay in business that long, they must be good’.”
MoaTrek is a New Zealand family business founded in 1971 and still owned by the same family today.
Small group touring for seniors: comfort, connection, and confidence
MoaTrek tours are designed for travellers who want the confidence of a well-organised itinerary, delivered at a relaxed pace, with an experienced Kiwi Guide taking care of the details.
For many senior travellers, the biggest benefits are simple:
- Small groups (maximum 18 travellers) – easier to connect, easier to get off the beaten track, no “big coach” feeling
- Expert Kiwi Guides who bring the landscape to life and keep the day running smoothly
- Everything organised – accommodation, activities, pacing, and logistics
John noticed the small group difference straight away, both times he’s travelled with MoaTrek. “It’s just the small group’s been great… you get to know everybody… it’s just really great.”
And Jenny captured what many travellers remark on after a few days on tour saying “One of the real highlights for me has been the small group of people… they were lovely people and it was just a delight to travel with them.”
From tents to hotels: “a real eye-opener”
John says one of the biggest surprises on this return trip was the accommodation compared with the early 1970s.
“Last time… it was tents and cabins at camping grounds… it apparently only cost $100 for… the entire tour, which I find hard to believe,” he says. “So obviously going in really nice hotels has been a real eye-opener.”
MoaTrek has evolved over the decades – while keeping what matters most: small groups, great guiding, and seeing New Zealand properly.
Their 2026 highlights: glacier, Milford Sound, and iconic New Zealand moments
On our Kakapo tour, days are built around the places travellers dream about for years.
John’s standout moments included a glacier experience by helicopter and Milford Sound. “Going up in the helicopter to see the glacier… to stand on the ice was fantastic,” he said. “Going to Milford Sound… a highlight of any New Zealand trip… [and] to allow us to fly back… flying was brilliant.”
Jenny’s highlights blended culture, nature, and memorable meals, “The highlights for me were the hāngī… the walk on the glacier… and… the small group of people… it was just a delight to travel with them.”
The Kakapo is MoaTrek’s 21 day North and South Island itinerary, taking in destinations including Milford Sound, Queenstown, Mt Cook, Abel Tasman, Tongariro, Rotorua, the Bay of Islands and a few more surprises, finishing in Christchurch.
Watch: John & Jenny’s end-of-tour reflections at Punakaiki
To finish their Kakapo tour, we sat down with John and Jenny on the beach at Punakaiki on the final night – a relaxed, end-of-journey moment that captures what small group touring is all about: the highlights, the comfort, and the people you share it with.
Thinking about your own New Zealand “trip of a lifetime”?
We hope John and Jenny’s story has helped you understand why travelling on a group tour in New Zealand is such a rewarding experience. From the ease of having everything planned, to the joy of meeting new friends, and the insider knowledge of a great Kiwi guide, it all adds up to a trip that’s easier, richer, and more memorable.
With MoaTrek, you can relax and enjoy the views while we take care of the details – from bookings to timing to making sure you don’t miss those hidden gems.
Take a look at our New Zealand small group tours here or get in touch with the friendly MoaTrek team today.
Remember, you might only visit New Zealand once (or twice like John!) – travel with experts who will ensure you love every minute of it.
- Bonita
- NZ Senior Travel, NZ Travel Info, Our Guests, Video Reviews
