Archer Tours
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5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles356 reviews
Excellent
343
Very good
9
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
3

Michael K
Louisville, KY7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
This is an all time favorite tour. Jim Archer knows the Maori culture and he is well respected among the Maori Cultural Center (Te Puia in Rotorua) staff. He gave us a refreshing education on Maori symbolism in their carving, weaving, music and rituals. I say "refreshing" because he was never long-winded and remained interesting throughout the day. He was familiar with the Geothermal Valley and its ever-changing image. The science of the geysers and practical uses of their heat were easy topics for Jim to explain. His easy-going demeanor and sense of humor added to a perfect day.
Written 27 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Michael Thank you for your review, it is always lovely to hear how much travelers enjoy their tour with me. I think I have the best job in the world. I meet fantastic people from all over the world, drive them around my small corner of Paradise and talk to them all day. Oh I also show them very interesting sites and teach them a little about my Maori culture of course. Plus it is also fun hearing about your part of the world and the things you get up to as well. Take care of yourselves during this Virus pandemic. Jim Archer
Written 29 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

bredon
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
Jim Archer was an amazing guide. We saw the Maori Culture Center and it's school for those learning the culture and crafts. The Geo-thermal valley was incredible with its many geysers. Jim recommended a local lunch dish with chicken, corn, stuffing and sweet potatoes. It was delicious. We loved his sense of humor. In reply to his jokes, our comment to him was "your poor wife". Thanks for showing us your culture and a spectacular day!!!
Written 23 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you bredon52 for your review, it is always a fun day for me to show our overseas guests around my small corner of Paradise. I am so please you enjoyed your day. I hope you are both well and are able to escape from this lunacy the world is going through at present, hopefully someone will find the right answer soon. We are in complete lockdown here in NZ so my "poor wife" has me all to herself for the next month. Thank you again, stay safe out there. Jim Archer
Written 24 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

jcw2393
15 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
We highly recommend this tour to the Maori Culture Center. The geo-thermal valley was fascinating, but for us the highlight was touring the Cultural Center and seeing the students there at work. We got our only look at kiwis there also! You’ll be happy with this tour!
Written 15 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello jcw2393 Thank you for your review. I agree with you 100%, the geo-thermal valley certainly is fascinating with the steaming geysers and boiling mud pools but the Maori Cultual Centre at Te Puia is always a highlight for my visitors. Here I can give you an understanding of my culture, show where we came from and explain to you how we adapted once the English arrived 1,000 years after we settled here. You get to take part in a traditional Maori welcome to the Marae, (village courtyard) watch an excellent Maori performance of traditional song and dance, plus visit the carving and weaving school to watch the students learning their craft. I believe this is the best place in New Zealand to learn about our Maori culture and to discover how we have become the best multi-cultural country in the world. Thank you again for your review, I a so pleased you enjoyed your tour with me. Stay safe around this world wide virus. Jim Archer
Written 29 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

oreotawny
London, Canada69 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
There were 4 of us travelling together and we were met with Jim at the cruise ship in Tauranga and travelled with 4 others in a small van. Jim was very informative, answering all our questions, pointing out interesting sights with a great sense of humour. We stopped at the beach at Papamoa and wondered how we could move there. In Rotorua Jim's tour of the Maori culture Centre was exceptional. He made sure we were all looked after and that we saw all the sights, mud pools, geo thermal pools and geysers. We saw the ceremony and performance of traditional Maori dancing and singing, wood carving, crafts and gift shop. Jim has personal knowledge that he relayed to us. Our stop at Capers restaurant was very good. Jim showed us around the town of Rotorua and made sure we were back in time for the evening. We would definitely recommend having Jim Archer as your guide.
Written 9 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello oreotawny Yes Papamoa Beach is a beautiful beach and quite often my passengers ask me if we really do need to leave it. However many people tell me that the highlight of their tour is their visit to Te Puia, the Maori Cultural Centre and geo-thermal valley because they learn so much about my culture, where we came from, how we arrived in New Zealand, how we adapted to the country and climate and also how we adapted once the English arrived here 1,000 years later to become the best example of a multi-cultural society in the world. I am so please you enjoyed your tour and I agree 100%, Small Groups are the way to go. We get to move around much quicker than large bus groups do, it is much easier for me to talk to you all and much easier for you to hear my explanations as we walk around. Plus I get to hear your stories, of your adventures and families. Thank you so much for your kind review. Jim Archer
Written 29 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Scott A
Cary, NC40 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
Our excursion with Jim Archer is a great reminder of why small private tours are such great values. We certainly had a full day as promised with visits to Rotorua and the Maori Cultural Center. Possibly the best part of our trip was our conversation with Jim about the people, history, and natural attractions that abound along the way. It really was more like a conversation than a lecture. Jim is of Maori descent and offered his special insight about his native heritage. We also had a nice lunch in a small cafe in Rotorua with Jim. The small van was clean and comfortable. Jim was a safe and professional driver. This was the first shore excursion in our cruise from New Zealand to Australia and it proved to be a great experience. Thanks very much to Jim for a great tour and for being an outstanding guide. Sincerely, Scott & Neal from North Carolina
Written 4 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Scott and Neal Thank you for your kind review. Yes this tour is a full day, usually departs around 8am and gets back to the port around 4pm. depending on what time your ship docks of course. Plus of course there are never more that 11-passengers at any one time, unless of course you have a large group of friends who wish to travel together, then I have access to a larger vehicle. I do like to keep my tours casual and friendly, so I don't like to keep talking non-stop just for the sake of talking. I am not a lecturer so casual conversation goes down much better I believe, plus this encourages you the passenger to get involved by asking questions and giving your opinions. So as well as you learning about my culture and the New Zealand way of life, I get to learn about where you come from and how you do things in your part of the world. I have a pretty cool job, driving around talking to people all day long. Thank you again for your kind review. Jim Archer
Written 29 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Bob A
5 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
This was a nice day spent and worth your time- the tour operator was great as well. I would suggest this trip to learn about the culture and see the hot springs
Written 1 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello rma7477 Thank you for your review, it is always a pleasure explaining to visitors a little of my Maori culture, plus the geo-thermal valley is certainly a very interesting place to visit. I hope you enjoyed your cruise around this beautiful country and enjoyed any other Shore Excursions you did. Jim Archer
Written 29 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

JoVancouver
Vancouver19 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
We did a full day tour with Jim and a small group of fellow passengers from our cruise ship. As we drove towards Rotorua, Jim made a few stops at points of interest and gave a thorough commentary about the area and New Zealand generally as we continued on the journey. The highlight was the touring of the geothermal valley and the Maori village. We were treated to a fabulous performance of traditional Maori dancing and singing.
It was a very full day and most enjoyable. Thanks Jim!
Written 20 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello JoVancouver, thank you for your wondrful review. I am so pleased you enjoyed your time with me. I believe I have the best job in the world, I get to meet wonderful people and take them to wonderful places. What could be better than that. Thank you again. Jim Archer
Written 1 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

keith022015
Luton, UK8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Booked this trip prior to cruise & so glad we did had a fantastic experience with our Maori guide Jim . A great & informative day out highlighted by our visit to the Maori culture centre / Geysers & mud pools ! Maori greeting & ceremony is in the tour & is well worth the experience in all a great day out . Small group makes the day perfect (7) A must tour to take when in Tauranga!
Written 6 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Keith02, thank you for oyur review. I am so pleased you enjoyed your tour, the Cultural Centre certainly is a great place to visit. Small group tours are definately the way to go, my van is licenced to carry a maximum of 11-passengers so my groups are never too big. Thank you again. Jim Archer
Written 1 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

David A
Palm Desert, CA6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
This was an outstanding tour. We got to see a kiwi bird, walk a beautiful beach, see a great show and the geisers. Highly recommend. Perfect host.
Written 22 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Davida, thank you for your review. I am very pleased you enjoyed your tour and that you saw our Native Kiwi Bird. Because they are very rare and they are nocturnal birds, they are kept in the dark so it is always exciting when you actually see one. You say the perfect host, it's because I always get the perfect guests on my tours. Thank you again. Jim Archer
Written 1 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

NativeCA4
Los Altos, CA2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
We had a group of 8 that toured New Zealand’s south island with Jim (of Jim Archer Tours) for 10 days in December 2019, and we highly recommend him! Jim was knowledgeable and flexible, and we felt well taken care of from our first contact through our last day of travel. The overall cost was reasonable and much less than another tour we were considering.

During planning, we told him some of the places we wanted to see, and he put together an agenda with those and more. We later changed some details, and he happily accommodated us. Jim took care of all lodging and transportation, and even tickets for activities we needed to purchase in advance, making everything worry free. A week before we arrived, a mudslide took out the road to Franz Joseph, so he re-routed us to stay at Lake Tekapo (a gorgeous lake). If traveling on our own, we would not have known until we got to the road closure!

We had 10 wonderful scenic days traveling the south island. The van was comfortable, the sites were amazing, and Jim was friendly and flexible throughout. By the time we got come, we were already talking about someday returning to see the north island – with Jim as our tour guide.
Written 20 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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ARCHER TOURS (Hamilton) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go