Guest Comments

As we have recently opened we have also included some comments that we received from guests we hosted in our previous tourism adventures.

Kiwi yachties in Newport. John and Amanda with Chris Bouzaid, Penny Whiting and others.

Kerry King
Rhode island
Phoenix Italy
“Amanda is a gourmet chef- I gained 8 pounds in “delight” this week.”

Here we are dining (again) at Millbrook, Queenstown after a round of golf with Amanda and John

Kim Kavin
Travel Writer/Photographer for Power and Motor Yacht magazine
“They take the job of making all their guests happy quite seriously-in my case that included a peek at the birthdate on my passport and then suprising me with a birthday cake and a lovely shell necklace during my first night aboard….”

George Isdale
Past Commodore New York yacht Club
Owner of MY Phoenix
“The best crew any owner could ask for. Thank you for all the wonderful times, food and friendship.”

" Hell, here is me, an Amrican, trying to play cricket at Queenstown Country Lodge. John, I need a pinot"

Tony McQuilkin
Sales Manager Real Journeys
Turkey
“We are walking off the boat feeling a million dollars!”

Amy DeSart

"One of the most incredible places I have ever stayed at."

Thanks Amy for being the first person to book into Queenstown Country Lodge.....what a great photo....6 friends and our pet lamb Mac!

Kirstie Bedford
International Media Advisor- Tourism New Zealand
“There was one thing that really stood out and made the experience (Overnight cruise on the Navigator in Doubtful Sound) particularly memorable and that was Skipper John….he was informative and professional.
I would love for him to meet every international journalist we send to New Zealand. It really was nice to meet someone so passionate about what they do.”

Mary
New York. Guest onboard MY Phoenix… Greece
“John, your sailing skills have impressed me, not to mention your vast knowledge of many subjects and the spirit of learning that fuels your pace makes one believe that you will never out grow life.
Amanda, your cooking has been a real treat, more delicious than ever expected----done with such easy and enjoyment but your big heart shows through everything. This is what I will remember more.”

Paul Norris
Area Manager Real Journeys
“John would be one of the best examples of a nature guide we have in New Zealand. His ability to relate to people of all ages and nationalities and his ability to get all people involved, as well as making time to treat everyone as an individual, are skills few people have.”

John, son Simon and Paul about to head off to the Ashes test in Melbourne. (cricket)

Ron Boss
Rhode Island MY Phoenix Croatia.
“Wonderful humor and hard work with a smile-deepest new friendships, Amanda and John you are tops-Thanks.”

Sue, John, Ron, Marg and Candy enjoying cocktails.

Dr Gerry McSweeney
Wilderness Lodges New Zealand
Past president Forest and Bird New Zealand
“They were both enthusiastic and skilled at managing our international guests who have high expectations for nature discovery and luxury accommodation, cuisine and wine. A key to the success of their hospitality and management strengths was their infectious enthusiasm. This meant that although the guests came as strangers, they virtually always left as friends and in many cases that personal relationship has been maintained.”

Trip Advisor

On our Home Page there is a link to comments about Queenstown Country Lodge on Trip Advisor. Please go and have a look. We have been thrilled by these positive words from our guests since we opened. Here are some headlines ........

"Best Holiday Ever."

'Like staying with friends."

"One of the most incredible places I have ever stayed at."

"Entertaining hosts, luxury accommodation and very family friendly."

"5 Star luxury, service and food."

"Superb environment, spacious and luxurious room and very warm hospitality."