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Meet Joni, one of our travel experts for New Zealand.
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Born in the Southwest, raised in the Northwest, I have called the South Pacific home for over 30 years. I founded J2 Travels in the late 1990s to share our knowledge with other like minded travelers – remembering always, that the joy is in the journey. I currently live on Maui, I'm endorsed by IATA, and am a member of the Fiji, Tahiti and New Zealand Tourism Boards.
Testimonials from Joni's clients:
"I want to say a big THANK YOU!! We had the most amazing time on our trip. Everything was wonderful. We absolutely loved Queenstown. We took the bus out to Milford Sound and then took a helicopter back as you suggested. It was raining the whole way out there but then the rain disappeared so we saw so many waterfalls it was breathtaking! We also went horseback riding in Glenorchy (well, I did – Pete got sick!) and that was amazing. The drive out there was beautiful and the ride itself was really fun. We tried to go skydiving but unfortunately it cancelled twice because of the winds. We also went jetboating,and spent a lot of time in the restaurants and bars in town. We then spent a few hours in Nelson and went out to Bleinhem for a day and did some wine-tasting, which was a lot of fun. When we were in Motueka we spent sometime relaxing and then did an 8 hour kayak/hike through Abel Tasman, which was truly amazing…and tiring! We spent a lot of our time in Rotorua just hanging out at the hotel and relaxing because it was just so beautiful, but we did go to hell’s gate which was really neat. In Auckland we spent a day walking around and then played golf one day. We also went to dinner at the Mudbrick restaurant in Waiheke which was great.
And on to Fiji...it was amazing! We loved Tokoriki. It was a beautiful spot and the Fijian people that worked there were so warm and friendly. The honeymoon bure that we stayed in was absolutely amazing, and we spent a lot of time just hanging out in our plunge pool. We also went snorkeling a few times, which was great. The food was also really good. As for the seaweed, there was definitely a fair bit of seaweed around and a slight smell of it, but it really wasn’t a big problem. After the first day we didn’t even think about it. I would definitely recommend Tokoriki to others, and would love to go back someday.
Thank you again for all of your help. We will definitely let our friends and family know how great you were when they head off to NZ / Fiji!
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- Megan & Pete
Testimonials from Joni's clients:
"We had a fantastic time in Fiji. Qamea was particularly wonderful-rustic, authentic, beautiful, and communal. Staff members were incredibly friendly and always very accommodating. Namale was spectacular and definitely more upscale. Our bure was so elegant and we had a private deck overlooking the ocean that was phenomenal. We appreciated the remoteness and feel of Qamea over Namale, however, so we were delighted to have been there longer. I would certainly recommend Qamea to anyone traveling to that area of the world.
Thanks again for arranging this remarkable trip. It was incredibly unique and one we will remember always. We're both grateful to you.
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- Naomi & Matt
Testimonials from Joni's clients:
"The Four Seasons Maui and your recommendations for the other island resorts we visited were wonderful. The Four Seasons Maui is impeccable, as we also enjoyed the Halekulani on Oahu and the Hyatt at Poipu on Kauai.
Thank you so much for your attention to detail, your availability every step of the way planning our honeymoon and assisting our guests. Your surprise gifts to us and our guests were extra special touches, and I can't rave enough about you. Even through the most stressful times I endured, you always kept your calm and made sure we were taken care of. You went above and beyond for us, going to the Four Seasons to take pictures of the construction before we got there for the wedding so we would be prepared, calling around to local stores to help me find items for gift baskets, giving us the scoop on where to shop, eat, etc.-all in such great detail as well!
You really are a true, experienced travel agent that doesn't just book trips, but travels to and knows the areas and resorts in which you book your clients and you become a trusted friend. It is with the utmost gratitude we write this in appreciation for everything you did to help make our honeymoon dreams come true for us and our guests.
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- Michelle & Scott
Testimonials from Joni's clients:
"We are now home and slowly acclimating to reality. We had the most fabulous time on our holiday and want to thank you for seeing to it that every little detail was well planned, organized, and executed. We feel you really listened to our desires and planned "THE PERFECT" holiday...thank you so very much. We will definitely call you again and have recommended you to several of our friends. It is obvious that you really know both New Zealand and Fiji as I'm sure you know the other locations you book for your clients, I especially liked how you found locations that were less "touristy" and more reflective of the countries we were visiting...just as I requested. Thank you!"
- Randy and Teresa
Testimonials from Joni's clients:
"Kurstan and I had the most amazing time on our trip to Maui. The wedding went off without a hitch, even though when we arrived at the house that we rented for the occasion there were hurricane strength winds. They died down in just enough time to get the flower circle in a perfect place overlooking the ocean and everything went according to plan. The ceremony was thoughtful and such a happy time for us as well as Kurstan's mom and Jack who seemed pleased with the arrangements as well.
As for the honeymoon, that was a vacation of a lifetime. I have never been as happy as I was on this trip. The hotel was lovely and the service was fantastic. Our room was more spacious than I imagined and the view was breathtaking. The hotel itself was beautiful from the lounges to the restaurants to the pool area to the beach. The beach was the best that we saw on the island.
Also, Joni, you were so helpful in getting everything arranged with us and Kurstan's mom. It was difficult for us not having ever been to Maui figuring out where to stay and what to do, but you were more than helpful in making this a trip that will be remembered throughout our lives. What a way to start a marriage!
And, thank you for the champagne you sent to our room upon our arrival. It was such a great way to start our trip.
Thank you so much for everything, and we'll definitely contact you for any help we need with travel in the future.
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- Heather & Kurstan
Testimonials from Joni's clients:
"Lisa and I had a magical experience at Qamea and everything was wonderful! You prepared us perfectly and all the details were worry free. We had a beautiful sunny day outdoor wedding in Michigan and then whisked away to paradise.
Thank you does not fully communicate our appreciation and we will be sending you referrals at every opportunity. We will be in touch soon and again, sincere thanks and warm regards!
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- Scott & Lisa
Testimonials from Joni's clients:
"Hey Joni! Thanks so much for checking in. We had an awesome time! Best vacation ever!! Would love to talk with you about everything, let me know when is good for you? We really want to go back, maybe in a few years.
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- Traci
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Rangitaiki Scenic Rafting
![Rangitaiki Scenic Rafting - River Rats Rafting & Kayaking.]( "Rangitaiki Scenic Rafting - River Rats Rafting & Kayaking.")
Grade 2
Enjoy spectacular scenery with cascading waterfalls tumbling into the river, beautiful forest views and sheer rock gorges clad in native bush.
Ideal for families or those looking for a more relaxed rafting adventure, the Lower Rangitaiki Scenic trip offers gentle rolling rapids that never rise above Grade 2.
Located approximately 45 minutes from Rotorua, the Lower Rangitaiki Scenic Raft Trip starts at the base of the stunning Aniwhenua Falls, opposite the Aniwhenua Power Station.
The Lower Rangitaiki Scenic Trip takes around 1 ½ hours on the water but you should allow around 6 hours in total, including travelling to and from Rotorua. Complimentary pick up is available from your central Rotorua accommodation or, if you prefer, you can meet us at River Rats Base in Murupara.
* A picnic style lunch is provided on this trip
* Children 5 and over are welcome
* Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult
* Large groups can be taken by arrangement - please contact us for details
* Any pickup will be approximately one hour before the trip time
* Cost: $NZ125.00 per adult, $NZ85.00 per child under 16 (valid till October 31st 2011)
Lower Rangitaiki Grade 2 Trip Time:
11.30am at our river base or around 10.30am from Rotorua
We provide:
* Safety Helmets
* Lifejackets
* Wetsuits
* Polar Fleece Tops (weather dependent)
* Spray jackets (weather dependent)
* Wetsuit Booties
* Food and Drink
* Hot Shower
You need:
* Swimsuit
* Towel
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Overview
We, Justin and Joann Hutton, owners and operators of River Rats, wish you an exhilarating and memorable adventure with us. We are committed to providing a safe and happy environment for both our staff and customers.
River Rats are members of the New Zealand Tourism Industry Association and Justin has served 5 years on the executive committee of the New Zealand Rafting Association, 3 of these as chairman.
Our Mission
"Our mission is to provide our clients with a thoroughly professional and friendly service while enhancing the wealth of experience of clients and staff alike. By taking the utmost pride in everything we do we will ensure that River Rats becomes acknowledged as the premier provider of quality recreational and tourism products which are in keeping with the continued well being of our natural environment."
Qualmark
River Rats are proud to be a Qualmark approved operator. Qualmark is jointly owned by Tourism New Zealand and the AA. They provide an independent quality audit of the entire business.
Rotorua Sustainable Tourism Charter
River Rats are foundation members of the Rotorua Sustainable Tourism Charter. The charter is a step by step approach, working to achieve environmental, social, and financial sustainability in local businesses.
Justin has served as deputy chair of the charter management committee.
Safety
Safety and attention to detail are a priority here at River Rats. An absolute commitment to safety by everyone who works with us has allowed us to achieve the lowest risk assesment rating in New Zealand in our annual audit by New Zealand's Maritime Safety Authority.
Guides
All River Rats rafting expeditions are led by an N.Z.Q.A. (New Zealand Qualifications Authority) qualified Senior Guide who has excellent knowledge of weather interpretation and risk management. All River Rats guides hold a New Zealand raft guide award, current first aid and swift water rescue qualifications. On the Kaituna River, all trips have two guides per raft.
Each River Rats raft guide is trained to the highest standard and is assessed before being allowed to work commercially. Each guide and driver has a detailed knowledge of the areas and activities encountered in our tours. They are motivated, enthusiastic individuals who add a wealth of personal experience to their detailed training to ensure you have a stimulating and enjoyable adventure with us.
Rafts and Equipment
River Rats provides top quality rafts and equipment that meet or exceed required safety standards. Each well maintained raft is in excellent condition and undergoes a warrant of fitness inspection on an annual basis.
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