The Karapiro Cruiser can cater for a whole range of different functions. Here are some of our customer's testimonials.
We have recently taken two groups of Auckland Senior Citizens on the Karapiro Cruiser for the two hour lunch cruise. The cruise was a delight, the commentary was informative and the lunch spread was varied. The overall experience was one of good value and proved to be the highlight of our 2-Day tours to the area. We will definitely be cruising on Lake Karapiro in the future.
Karen Geater - SHIP 'n SHORE Tours and Cruises Ltd
July 2011
Bay Tours and Charters has used the services of Karapiro Cruiser on two occasions recently for our Tour Club group of senior citizens. On both occasions, Sandy and Mike provided great flexibility to cater for our numbers and ensure everyone was comfortable and safe. The morning tea (which is important to our customers) was superb, with fresh chocolate cake and hot tea or coffee.
Mike's commentary was extremely interesting and informative, taking in the highlights along both shores, and pointing out the various wildlife and activities en route. All in all, a great experience, and one that we and our customers will continue to enjoy.
Craig Marsh, Director, Bay Tours and Charters.
February & November 2011
Dear Sandy & Mike,
On behalf I would like to thank you for the Hilda Ross ones who came yesterday. "We all enjoyed our time in your boat and your hospitality".
Yours faithfully
Elsie & Len Jackson
Hilda Ross Retirement Village - September 2010
"PERMISSION TO COME ABOARD SIR"
I am speaking on behalf of all of us from Ngaruawahia Friendship Club who thoroughly enjoyed our trip with you and the two ladies yesterday Wed 3rd March 2010. Your hospitality and food were very much appreciated. Thanks ladies for waiting on us folks up top. One complaint, I myself would have loved to have gone further, perhaps next time. It was lovely to see the young ones enjoying themselves on the lake. Aren't we blessed with some lovely spots around the Waikato.
Once again many thanks.
Merle Bartley - March 2010
Ngaruawahia Friendship Club
The Branderson Homes social club has held its Christmas function several times on the Karapiro Cruiser, and everyone has enjoyed being the guest of Mike and Sandy Mckenzie.
The hospitality shown by Mike and Sandy is "second to none" with no request being any trouble to them, despite the wide range of ages and personalities, within our group.
The food from the buffet menu we select is always beautifully presented and tastes even better - nobody ever leaves Mike and Sandy boat hungry!!!!
The Karapiro Cruiser is equipped with every convenience, including a very well stocked bar, with Mike providing very good entertainment through his sound system or the band he can arrange.
The cruise we embark on takes us down the lake towards Arapuni, and from there down to the Piarere Reserve. The scenery is awesome in this area, and more enjoyable with a quiet drink, as Mike skippers the boat through some areas that can't be seen from any roads.
We would recommend Mike and Sandy and their Karapiro Cruiser to any organisation wishing to have a brilliant function at any time, but particularly a Christmas "do", as the weather improves and the advantages of "daylight savings" start to kick in.
Thanks again to Mike and Sandy,
from Steve, Kim and the team at Branderson Homes.
Steve Brown - November 2009
Branderson Homes
Dear Sandy,
Our cruise on Wednesday was very,very enjoyable and for me the "icing on the cake"was the delicious Gluten-free food provided.
It was such a treat to be catered for and I would like to congratulate and thank the Caterers involved.
Yours sincerely,
Sheila Waymouth
East Hamilton Probus - November 2009
We have twice now had our "Christmas" staff function, with over 20 people, on the Karapiro Cruiser and everyone has thoroughly enjoyed the day. There is plenty of space, the time frame of the cruise is perfect for us and the meal is awesome. Some people look at the scenery, some just socialise. No doubt we will do this again as it is easy to book, and such a no-hassle option to entertain.
Judy Walworth - April 2009
Liquorland
I celebrated my 40th birthday on the Karapiro Cruiser and it was the most wonderful way to celebrate. The atmosphere was amazing, the venue just perfect and Sandy & Mike were the best hosts and ensured that we all had a great time ... would love to do it again for hubby's 40th :o)
Sandra (Tirau) - March 2009
40th Birthday Party
Hi Sandy and the crew - just a quick email to say a big thank you for last Thursday - what a beautiful day you put on for us!!
Wonderful cruise, excellent food and friendly staff, who could want more.
Kind regards
Trish Grantham & Century 21 Management & Staff
PS - Trust you ladies enjoyed the Helicopter ride!!
Trish Grantham - May 2008
Century 21 Management & Staff
If you haven't expeienced the Karapiro Cruiser yet......hesitate no more !
The food is great, the hosts are brilliant and the cruise along the river is magnificent.
I can't wait to find another excuse to use the Karapiro Cruiser for another function.
Robyn Schuts - March 2008
Hens night
Thank you for a wonderful afternoon on Friday - the whole staff thoroughly enjoyed it, it was an excellent afternoon and the food and service was great.
Sharyn Mudgway
Catholic Diocese of Hamilton - March 2008
We loved the trip! Wicked food! Your staff rock. Thanks guys.
Fleetcare Forklifts - February 2008
An awesome way to celebrate Christmas with our staff. Great meal and well organised/set up cruise.
Grant Wills
Preston Wills Ltd - December 2007
Awesome night, great food, great service and loved the loo with a view! Merry Xmas.
Tirau Vet Centre - December 2007
Really great cruise and yummy food. Excellent hosts. Thank you.
Ammie McHardy
Nelson - August 2007
The Ngogotaha Probus Club would like to thank 'Karapiro Cruiser' for such a wonderful day.
We as a club would recommend this cruise. The hospitality and food are excellent.
L Boult, Secretary
Ngogotaha Probus Club - March 2007
The Karapiro Cruiser has been one of the most enjoyed outings for my residents.
Very comfortable and the service by the skipper(Mike) and his lovely wife (Sandy) were a talking point for all of us on our way home.
The food that Sandy served up with tea and coffee was extremely enjoyed delicious and more than generous amounts.
Mike does a wonderful commentary on all the sites along the Karapiro.
Over 130 of my residents have boarded the Karapiro Cruiser in groups of 25 and they all wish to do it over again.
If any other retirement villages fancy giving their residents a most wonderful outing I would have no trouble in reccomending this to you.
Yours sincerely
Ronny Taane
Village Activity Coordinator, Hilda Ross Retirement Village
Hamilton - March 2007
The members of the 'G & T Group' all want to thank you for your friendly and helpful hospitality on board your 'river-cruiser' yesterday. We all enjoyed it very much and wish you all the best in the future as you expand your patronage and business.
Margaret Miller
C/- G & T Group - November 2006
Just wanted to say what a wonderful night we had with you on 15 November. The food and atmosphere were amazing and everyone had such an great time. We have told many others about our wonderful evening and have encouraged them to get a group together or consider you for any upcoming events they may have. We certainly have no hesitation in recommending you to others.
Karen Buysman
The New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants
Branch Event's Co-ordinator - November 2006
On behalf of the organising committee it's my pleasure to thank you in writing for the wonderful cruise our class of '66 from Putaruru High School enjoyed at Labour Weekend. I'd like to echo the testimony already given by Gareth Morgan. It was a great trip manned by a fantastic crew!!
Suzanne Thodey
Class Reunion Organiser, Putaruru High School - October 2006
I would just like to thank Mike & Sandy for the wonderful cruise they provided for our travel club on the 19th October. The lunch was absolutely delicious, the facilities on board superb and the fabulous scenery of Lake Karapiro just made our day. I had so many members ring & compliment them for the trip, we have booked another cruise with them in March 07. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone wanting a day out on the water. It was a fantastic day!
Kathy Taylor, Director
Pacific Green Tours, Tauranga - October 2006
'Being familiar with this section of the Waikato River when I was growing up in Putaruru and we'd come out here for picnics, it was exciting to think that as part of the 40 year celebrations of our 3rd Form Class, we were to be on the lake again. The Karapiro Cruiser provided the ideal way to revisit some of the old haunts, see how much the shoreline's changed, while all the time being able to natter to schoolmates about the old days. The boat provides a quiet platform from which to enjoy the river, the lunch was tremendous and we could easily have spent another 3 hours just cruising, looking and talking. A memorable day and certainly a great facility on the river.'
Dr Gareth Morgan
Gareth Morgan Investments Ltd. - October 2006
"I have been meaning to write to you ever since March 11th when we had our great dinner cruise. We really want to congratulate you on a wonderful presentation. Everything was just superb and the boat is just amazing. All our family, young and old thought it was 'awesome'. We have told a lot of people about it so do hope you get some spin off. Thanks again for a memorable 80th birthday."
J and I Donald - March 2006
'Fantastic hosts, fantastic food and an excellent atmosphere. Judging by how much fun our team had, I'd recommend the Karapiro Cruiser to anyone wanting a great staff function.'
Land Info Net - July 2006
"I can highly recommend a cruise on this up to date comfortable vessel with its friendly and proficient crew delivering great customer service, delectable food, a wide range of beverages and even music of your choice!
The Xmas themed dinner cruise on a beautiful summer evening was particularly enjoyable. The buffet was superb and included all the festive trimmings.
Don't look past the Karapiro Cruiser when planning your next staff function, family celebration or get together with friends."
Heather Hagan
Te Awamutu - March 2006
"Campus Creche used the services of Waikato Action Tours Ltd for our 2006 staff retreat.
Sandy was wonderful to deal with when setting up the evening and never got sick of my phone calls.
We had an excellent evening, cruising down the river on a boat that was fully equipped to provide a very pleasant experience, even for people who are not comfortable about travelling on water.
The staff were experienced, fun and very approachable. They actually made the evening even more enjoyable.
The food was plentiful, well presented and enjoyable to eat.
We would certainly use this company again and have recommended their services to other people."
Shelley Dick
Assistant Director - March 2006
"We are happy to provide a testimonial for Mike and Sandy of Waikato Action Tours Limited.
We held our Xmas party on the Karapiro Cruiser in December which was a very memorable occasion and was one of our most successful social events.
Mike and Sandy provided a friendly atmosphere, great service and made us very welcome. The boat is very well appointed and we were lucky enough to have a perfect night weather wise, so were able to enjoy being up on the top deck, enabling the scenery on Lake Karapiro to be taken in.
The buffet dinner was tasty, prepared and displayed with care. The ambience of the meat cooking on the barbeque was great. The variety of food was of a high standard and catered for all.
As our company employs a mixture of ages, this type of venue catered for everyone's needs. It kept our staff together, which made the evening a great success.
From cruising to dining and dancing this one-stop venue has it all. We happily recommend Mike & Sandy's Karapiro Cruiser."
Gus Wackrow
Director, Wackrows Joinery - December 2005
