Samoa has made a big impression on New Zealand couple Ross and Jane Gadsby who are first time visitors to the country.

Currently staying at the Taumeasina Island Resort, Mrs Gadsby told the Samoa Observer that they are enjoying the visit and every day they get to spend here before their return home.

They have both taken a break from work with Mrs Gadsby working as an accountant in New Plymouth, New Zealand while her husband Ross owns a firm called Janes Gallery Ltd.

“We come to Samoa for a holiday and mostly that we have not been in Samoa before, so we thought to come here and see what Samoa is all about,” she said.

“We have only eight days in Samoa before we go back to New Zealand.

“From the time we arrived it has been awesome and the people have been so friendly and kind."

She said her husband Ross also spent some time with the former All Blacks and Manu Samoa rugby player Va’aiga Tuigamala.

“On the day we arrive we wonder around the reception and saw is brunches and that he takes tours and then we call him and we went with him,” she added.

Mrs. Gadsby said Mr. Tuigamala was a great tour guide who took them around to the scenic spots of Samoa and her husband also played golf with him.

“He take us around the island a few times and he also took us to Savai'i Island and swim with the turtles also on the beach,” she added.

According to Mrs. Gadsby, the former rugby player showed them a number of tourist attractions in Samoa and they enjoyed his company and the experience.

One of the benefits of visiting Samoa is traffic is not heavy and the local people are very kind and friendly, she added. 

A visit to the Robert Louis Stevenson museum was also on the cards for the New Zealand couple, where they learnt that Samoa at one point in its history was under German government administration. 

The couple flew into Samoa on October 19 and return to New Zealand on Saturday.