Testimonials
Mike and Sylvie Derrick
John Banham
Tina Halstead
Jacqueline Stevens
Sara Georgeson
Maureen Dodson
Mike and Sylvie Derrick
Hi Diane and Frank
We arrived home in the UK pretty jet lagged, to the COLD!!!!! Journey went well. Everyone went out of their way to help us.
Already I have enquiries for your web site etc. so fingers crossed.
I have burnt some pictures on a CD which I will be forwarding you.
We bumped into our next door neighbours in Christchurch, completely by accident. Our other close friends were staying in the same hotel as they were. So quite a reunion.
You seem to have given Tina a taste for extreme sports!!! I am wondering where she will head next Abseiling down the Grand Canyon? I have emailed Jim but have not heard from him. He left for the airport about 8 hours before his flight!! I assume he wanted to be sure not to miss it. We came back to a thick blanket of snow. Where Jim lives there have been several heavy snowfalls this week..
Finally I would like to say that we really enjoyed our holiday. It goes without saying that you provide an excellent service, and opens up opportunities for the disabled which would otherwise not be possible. Thank you so much. As for your country, the scenery is mind blowing.
Take care and best wishes and remember us to Kas.
Sylvie
John Banham
Dear Frank & Diana
Arrived back in the UK safely after the best and most exciting holiday that I have ever had. The only problem the 24 days went too quickly. I will never forget the adventures that we had, such as the whale watching, the jet boat ride, the flight over a glacier in a small aeroplane to Milford Sound . To and from the boat trip, viewing yet more beautiful scenery, the waterfalls, dolphins, seals and orange breasted penguins, not forgetting the evening voyage on the vintage steam ship on lake Wakatipu Queenstown to Walters Peak, where we had one of the many good meals, followed by the sheep dog handling and shearing demonstration. One meal that comes to mind and the experience, is the one at the Maori village near Rotorua.
I would like to congratulate you both for planning such a great tour of the beautiful north and south islands of New Zealand. What’s more I want to thank you both for how you conducted the tour, and took care of the party.
It was fun from beginning to end, beyond my expectations - being a wheel chair user.
I am so glad that I was able to achieve a life long ambition to see New Zealand, which Kiwi Accessible Tours made possible.
I will be back - best wishes John (Banham)
Tina Halstead
Dear Frank
Thank you for giving me a brief interlude in my life adventure.
You have created memories that will last me a lifetime and you have restored my faith in the male of the species.
I will treasure the time we have spent together and wish you well for the future.
I hope you enjoy the cd's as they are two of my favourites.
All my luv
Tina.
Jacqueline Stevens.
Frank and Diane
Just returned from collecting John Banham from Heathrow.
I would like to thank you for making his holiday so successful. I have to say I really thought he may have taken on more than he could cope with. He is in great spirits although very tired from travelling and time differences.
He really sang your praises and said that you both made the holiday what it was and hopes you continue to build it up and he has the chance to return. All his comments about the places he visited really made feel I should overcome my fear of flying and come over to see for myself. We are going to have a viewing of all his pictures etc. in a couple of week (all your handy work I gather) and I'm looking forward to that.
Once again, Thank you for taking such good care of John. John said he will be in touch soon.
Regards
Jacqueline Stevens.
Sara Georgeson
I had a week's leave available in the first week of July 2007 as I was going from one job to another, so decided to take a holiday in the South Island. I hadn't seen much of the South Island so I was keen to pack in as much as possible! I contacted Frank and explained that I use a motorised wheelchair and wanted to keep the accommodation costs down as much as possible... he had about five weeks to organise an itinerary... he rose admirably to the challenge.
The travelling party comprised of my friend Adrienne, my caregiver Maire, myself (and Frank). The journey began with an early rising to catch the Ferry to Picton. It was pouring with rain (well it was the middle of winter) but at least it was a smooth crossing. We then travelled to Nelson via Queen Charlotte Sounds Drive which was just gorgeous. On the way we stopped and collected mussels off the rocks (well I directed), which Frank cooked in white wine that night for dinner. It was our good fortune to discover that Frank is also a Chef!
The next day we went over the Takaka Hill. We stopped and Frank and Maire went on a tour of the Ngarua caves while Adrienne and I sat in a little shop enjoying the view and finding out about the region. The rest of the day consisted mainly of driving and sightseeing, going right around to Farewell Spit. Day 3 we spent looking around Nelson including a stop at the H�glund Art Glass Centre, and the World of Wearable Arts and Classic Cars.
From Nelson we went down the West Coast to Greymouth. The drive down the West Coast was spectacular! Stops included a seal colony and the Punakaiki pancake rocks. The next day we watched with fascination and admiration as a carver worked a piece of greenstone. Then it was off to Christchurch over the Arthur's Pass. The scenery was stunning! Our stop at the viaduct lookout was entertaining with the cheeky keas performing well for their adoring fans.
By the time we got to Christchurch our group was pretty tired so instead of having another day of travel we changed plans and spent the day looking around Christchurch (shopping of course!). Our itinerary (and Frank) was flexible so that we were able to decide day by day what activities we want to do and where we wanted to stop.
After a pleasant day in Christchurch (albeit that the weather was wet and bitterly cold) we made our way north via the east coast. When we got to Greta it was snowing and as I hadn't been in snow before we all piled out on the side of the road for a brief play. The snow made the area look really beautiful, just like a Christmas card! Next stop was Kaikoura (somewhat brief as it was very cold and wet. We did get to see another colony of seals where Frank and Maire got up quite close to them.
Our final stay was in Blenheim. The day was beautiful... clear and crisp. Just right for going to a market and having a look at the shops. Then it was off to a couple of wineries, having lunch at one... sitting in front of an open fire... ahh! This was topped off at the chocolate factory before finally heading back to the ferry for Wellington.
I find it difficult to get a holiday because of transport issues and needing personal care assistance. Frank made things very easy for me, organising the itinerary and accommodation. He gave suggestions of things we might do (and our group had ideas too). If we spotted something on the way that we were interested in he happily stopped. Above all, Frank was great fun to have as our travel guide and companion. I certainly would not hesitate to go with Frank again, and highly recommend him to people who need support to go on holiday!
Thanks Frank
Maureen Dodson
Hi Diane and Frank,
Thank you for making our trip to N. Z such a success and enabling us to visit venues we would never have got to otherwise. Also for your patience and energy. We would not hesitate to recommend you. You will be as relieved as I am to know that Patrick had a new watch for his birthday !! Hope to see you again.
Yours Maureen.