Frequently Asked Questions
Private Tours & Custom Itineraries in New Zealand
Planning a private New Zealand holiday can bring up a lot of questions, especially if it is your first time visiting. Below you’ll find answers about how our custom tours work, what we arrange, how pricing is prepared, and what to expect before and during your journey.
Our goal is to make the planning process clear, personal and stress-free.
About New Zealand Private Tours
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New Zealand Private Tours is a New Zealand-based travel planning company specialising in custom multi-day itineraries, private driver-guided tours, self-drive holidays and luxury travel experiences throughout New Zealand.
We are based in Queenstown and work with travellers who want a personalised itinerary rather than a fixed package. Our team helps plan the route, accommodation, transport, touring and experiences to suit your travel style.
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Yes. We are based in New Zealand and have first-hand local knowledge of the destinations, driving routes, accommodation and experiences we recommend.
Being based here means we understand the distances, seasons, regional differences and practical details that are important when planning a smooth New Zealand journey.
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Most of our itineraries are custom-made. We do have sample itineraries on our website, but these are designed as starting points rather than fixed packages.
Your final itinerary can be adjusted around your dates, interests, group size, accommodation preferences, travel pace and budget.
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No. We can arrange a range of travel styles, from comfortable 4-star accommodation to premium hotels and luxury lodges.
Some guests want a relaxed private driver-guided journey with boutique hotels, while others want high-end lodges, scenic flights and exclusive experiences. We tailor the itinerary to suit the traveller.
Planning Your New Zealand Itinerary
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The process usually starts with an enquiry, followed by a phone or Zoom consultation so we can understand your travel dates, interests, budget and preferred travel style.
We then create a personalised itinerary and quote. Once you have reviewed the plan, we can refine the details before confirming the arrangements.
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For the best choice of accommodation and experiences, we recommend planning as early as possible, especially if you are travelling during the busy summer season from December to March.
Luxury lodges, boutique hotels, Milford Sound experiences, scenic flights and popular activities can book out well in advance.
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New Zealand may look small on a map, but travel times can be longer than expected due to mountains, lakes, winding roads and scenic stops along the way.
For a well-paced holiday, we usually recommend at least 10 to 14 days for one island, or 16 to 21 days if you want to experience both the North and South Islands.
Shorter itineraries are possible, but we may suggest focusing on fewer regions so the journey does not feel rushed.
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Yes. Many guests come to us with only a few ideas, such as Queenstown, Milford Sound, Rotorua, Aoraki/Mt Cook or wine country.
We help shape those ideas into a practical route, taking into account your travel dates, pace, interests and the best way to move around New Zealand.
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Yes. Our sample itineraries are designed to give you ideas, but they can be changed.
We can add or remove destinations, adjust the number of nights, change accommodation style, include private touring, add scenic flights, or create a slower-paced version depending on your needs.
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Yes. We can design itineraries around interests such as food and wine, nature, walking, fly fishing, golf, gardens, wildlife, photography, Māori culture, luxury lodges, family travel or scenic touring.
Tell us what matters most to you and we will shape the itinerary around those priorities.
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Yes. We can create family-friendly itineraries with suitable accommodation, activities, driving distances and downtime.
New Zealand is a wonderful destination for families, but it is important to plan the route carefully so children and adults both enjoy the journey.
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Yes. Many of our guests are mature travellers who want comfort, support and a well-paced itinerary.
We can include private driver-guides, shorter driving days, quality accommodation, scenic touring, easy walks and experiences that suit your level of mobility and preferred pace.
Before You Enquire
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It is helpful to include your travel dates, number of travellers, preferred travel style, accommodation level, places you would like to visit, special interests and approximate budget.
The more we know at the start, the easier it is to create a suitable itinerary.
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No. Many guests come to us with only a general idea.
We can help recommend the best route based on your timeframe, interests and travel style.
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Yes. A phone or Zoom consultation is often the best way to talk through your ideas and decide whether our service is the right fit for your trip.
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We offer personal, New Zealand-based planning with local knowledge, carefully designed routes and support while you travel.
Rather than selling a fixed package, we help shape a journey around you — your dates, interests, comfort level and preferred pace.
Private Driver-Guided Tours
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A private driver-guided tour includes your own vehicle and driver-guide for selected days or for the full journey.
Your driver-guide looks after the driving, route planning, sightseeing stops and local commentary, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about navigation or road conditions.
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Yes. We can arrange a private driver-guide for the full itinerary or for selected parts of your journey.
Some guests prefer a fully guided experience from start to finish, while others combine self-drive sections with private touring in key regions.
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Yes. Depending on the itinerary, we may use different trusted local drivers or guides in different parts of New Zealand.
This can work well when combining the North and South Islands, or when your itinerary includes flights between regions.
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Vehicle type depends on the group size, itinerary and travel style. We use comfortable modern vehicles suited to private touring, including premium vans and Mercedes vehicles where appropriate.
For smaller groups, we may use luxury European-style vehicles or premium vans. For larger groups, we will recommend a suitable private touring vehicle.
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Yes. For some South Island touring, we can arrange premium vehicles with a higher level of comfort, including luxury Mercedes Sprinter-style touring vehicles where available.
These are ideal for long scenic touring days such as Milford Sound, Aoraki/Mt Cook or multi-day South Island journeys.
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It depends on your travel style. A private driver is ideal if you want to relax, enjoy the scenery, avoid long driving days, and benefit from local knowledge.
Self-driving can work well for confident travellers who want more independence and flexibility. We can help you decide which option suits your trip.
Self-Drive Itineraries
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Yes. We can create self-drive itineraries with accommodation, route planning, suggested stops, selected activities and travel support.
A self-drive itinerary gives you more independence while still benefiting from expert planning and local guidance.
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Driving in New Zealand is generally straightforward, but visitors should be aware that many roads are narrow, winding and scenic. Travel times can be longer than expected.
In New Zealand, we drive on the left side of the road. If you are not comfortable driving in unfamiliar conditions, a private driver-guided tour may be a better option.
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Yes. This is a very popular option.
You may choose to self-drive between major regions, then include private tours in places such as Queenstown, Milford Sound, Rotorua, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Marlborough or the West Coast.
Accommodation
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We can arrange a wide range of accommodation, including boutique hotels, premium hotels, apartments, luxury lodges and special stays in scenic locations.
The accommodation style will depend on your budget, route and preferences.
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Yes. We can include New Zealand luxury lodges as part of a custom itinerary.
Luxury lodges are ideal for guests who want exceptional service, fine dining, privacy, beautiful settings and a slower, more personal style of travel.
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Yes. If you already have a preferred hotel or lodge, let us know and we can try to include it in the itinerary.
If you book your own accommodation separately, this may change the type of planning or support we can provide, as we will not be managing those bookings directly.
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No. We generally do not book Airbnb properties.
Airbnb bookings usually need to be made by the person staying at the property, and the service is different from booking hotels or lodges through travel partners. If you choose to book your own Airbnb accommodation, we may only be able to provide touring or transport services around those arrangements.
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If you are booking accommodation yourself, we may not be able to provide detailed recommendations or take responsibility for the quality, location or suitability of those properties.
When we arrange the full itinerary, we select accommodation we believe works well for the route, travel style and overall experience.
Experiences & Activities
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We can arrange a wide range of New Zealand experiences, including private tours, scenic flights, wine tours, wildlife encounters, Māori cultural experiences, guided walks, food experiences, boat cruises, rail journeys and nature-based activities.
The experiences included will depend on your interests, budget, season and itinerary.
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Yes. Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most popular scenic experiences, and we can include it in several ways.
Options may include a full-day private tour from Queenstown, a tour from Te Anau, a scenic flight, a fly-cruise-fly option, or an overnight cruise depending on your itinerary and budget.
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Yes. Milford Sound is spectacular in wet weather, as rain creates hundreds of temporary waterfalls down the cliffs.
Cruises usually operate in rain, and the weather is part of the Fiordland experience. However, flights are weather dependent and may be cancelled or changed if conditions are not suitable.
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Yes. Scenic flights can be included in many areas, including Milford Sound, Queenstown, Aoraki/Mt Cook, glaciers and other scenic regions.
Flights are weather dependent, so we always recommend having some flexibility where possible.
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Yes. New Zealand has excellent food, wine and produce experiences. We can include wine touring in regions such as Central Otago, Marlborough, Hawke’s Bay, Martinborough and Waiheke Island.
We can also suggest restaurants, local food experiences, farmers markets and special dining options where appropriate.
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Yes. We can include easy scenic walks, guided day walks or more active hiking experiences depending on your fitness and interests.
Popular walking regions include Queenstown, Fiordland, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Abel Tasman, Rotorua, the West Coast and the Queen Charlotte Track.
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We can help include Great Walk experiences where suitable, but availability can be limited and some walks require advance booking.
For guests who do not want to complete a full multi-day hike, we can often include shorter guided walk sections or scenic alternatives.
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Yes. Wildlife experiences may include penguins, albatross, dolphins, whales, seals and native birdlife depending on the region and season.
Kaikōura, Dunedin, Stewart Island, the Catlins and parts of the South Island are especially good for wildlife-focused itineraries.
North Island & South Island Travel
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This depends on how much time you have and what you want to experience.
The North Island is known for Māori culture, geothermal activity, beaches, food and wine, islands and cities such as Auckland, Rotorua, Napier and Wellington.
The South Island is known for mountains, lakes, fiords, glaciers, wildlife, wine regions and dramatic scenic touring.
If you have enough time, both islands can work very well together. If your time is limited, we may suggest focusing on one island.
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Popular destinations include Auckland, Rotorua, Taupō, Napier, Wellington, Marlborough, Abel Tasman, Kaikōura, Christchurch, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Queenstown, Wānaka, Fiordland, Milford Sound, Dunedin and the West Coast.
The best places for your trip will depend on your interests, season and travel pace.
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Yes. Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s best bases for private touring, scenic flights, wine, adventure, lake and mountain scenery.
It also works well as a base for visiting Milford Sound, Glenorchy, Arrowtown, Wānaka, Central Otago wine country and other South Island highlights.
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Yes. We can help with combined Australia and New Zealand travel planning.
This may include cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns or Perth, as well as regions such as Kangaroo Island, the Great Barrier Reef, the Red Centre or Tasmania.
Best Time to Visit New Zealand
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New Zealand can be visited year-round, but the best time depends on what you want to do.
Summer, from December to February, is warm and popular. Autumn, from March to May, is beautiful for colours, wine regions and more settled travel. Winter, from June to August, is ideal for snow scenery and skiing in the South Island. Spring, from September to November, brings fresh landscapes, waterfalls and fewer crowds.
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The busiest period is usually from December to March, especially around Christmas, New Year and school holiday periods.
If you are travelling during this time, we recommend planning early.
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Yes. Winter can be a beautiful time to visit, especially in Queenstown, Wānaka, Aoraki/Mt Cook and other alpine regions.
Some roads and activities may be affected by snow or winter conditions, so the itinerary needs to be planned carefully.
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New Zealand weather can change quickly, especially in mountain and coastal regions.
It is best to pack layers and be prepared for sunshine, wind, rain and cooler temperatures, even during warmer months.
Pricing & Quotes
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The cost depends on your travel dates, number of travellers, accommodation style, transport, private guiding, domestic flights and experiences included.
A private driver-guided itinerary with premium accommodation will cost more than a self-drive itinerary with comfortable hotels. Luxury lodges, scenic flights and exclusive experiences will also increase the overall cost.
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A budget helps us design the right style of itinerary from the beginning.
New Zealand has a wide range of accommodation and touring options, and prices can vary greatly. Knowing your preferred budget helps us avoid suggesting options that are either too simple or too expensive for your expectations.
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Our quotes are usually presented as a complete land arrangement, which may include accommodation, private touring, transfers, domestic transport and selected experiences.
We do not provide a line-by-line supplier cost breakdown, as many of our travel partner rates are contracted and confidential. However, we are always happy to explain what is included and adjust the itinerary to better suit your budget, accommodation style or travel preferences.
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International flights are usually not included unless specifically stated.
Most guests book their own international flights, but we can help plan the itinerary around your arrival and departure dates.
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Domestic flights can be included when needed, especially when travelling between the North and South Islands or covering longer distances.
Domestic flights may need to be paid in full at the time of booking.
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This depends on the itinerary and accommodation.
Some luxury lodges include meals, while hotels may include breakfast only. Certain tours and experiences may include lunch or dinner. We will explain what is included in your personalised itinerary.
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Selected activities and experiences can be included in your quote.
Some activities may be listed as optional if they depend on weather, personal choice or availability.
Booking & Payment
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Once you are happy with the itinerary and quote, we will confirm the booking arrangements and request a deposit.
After confirmation, we begin securing accommodation, transport, touring and experiences.
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Yes. A deposit is required to secure your itinerary.
The deposit amount can depend on the itinerary, travel dates, accommodation and supplier requirements.
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The final balance is normally due 70 days before travel. The exact payment date will be outlined in your booking confirmation and payment terms.
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Payment details will be provided when your booking is ready to confirm.
Card payments may incur a processing fee depending on the payment method used.
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After your deposit is received, we begin confirming the main arrangements for your itinerary.
Closer to travel, you will receive your detailed travel documents and access to your travel app, including itinerary details and important contact information.
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Changes may be possible, depending on availability and supplier conditions.
Some changes may result in additional costs, especially if accommodation, flights, private touring or experiences have already been confirmed.
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Cancellation terms depend on the suppliers and services included in your itinerary.
We will provide booking terms before confirmation so you understand the conditions that apply to your trip.
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Yes. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance.
Travel insurance should cover cancellation, medical needs, delays, missed connections, lost luggage, weather disruption and supplier cancellation conditions.
Travel Documents & Support
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Yes. Once your itinerary is confirmed and ready, we can provide access to a travel app with your itinerary details, contacts and key travel information.
This makes it easier to keep your travel plans organised while you are in New Zealand.
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Yes. We provide support while you are travelling in New Zealand.
If something changes during your trip, such as weather affecting an activity or flight, we can help guide you through the next steps.
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Most information is provided digitally through your itinerary and travel app. If printed documents are required, please let us know during the planning process.
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Many New Zealand activities, especially scenic flights and outdoor experiences, are weather dependent.
If an included activity is cancelled by the operator due to weather, we will follow the supplier’s cancellation and refund process and assist where possible with alternatives.
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Yes. We can suggest restaurants and dining regions based on your itinerary.
However, we generally do not make restaurant bookings, as many restaurants require a deposit, credit card details or a confirmed booking time.
Entry Requirements & Practical Travel
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Visa and entry requirements depend on your nationality and passport.
New Zealand Private Tours does not arrange visas or immigration paperwork, so we recommend checking the official New Zealand immigration website before booking your travel.
Please make sure all required entry documents are arranged before you depart.
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Entry and health requirements can change, so we recommend checking current New Zealand government travel advice before departure.
New Zealand Private Tours does not provide immigration, visa or medical advice.
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We recommend packing layers, comfortable walking shoes, a waterproof jacket, sun protection and clothing suitable for changing weather.
Even in summer, evenings can be cool in alpine and coastal areas.
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New Zealand can be suitable for travellers with limited mobility, but the itinerary needs to be planned carefully.
Please let us know about any mobility requirements early in the planning process so we can recommend suitable accommodation, transport and activities.
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New Zealand is generally considered a safe destination for travellers, but normal travel care is still important.
We recommend keeping valuables secure, following local advice, driving carefully and having suitable travel insurance.
Still Have Questions?
Every New Zealand itinerary is different. If you are unsure where to start, tell us your travel dates, interests and preferred travel style, and we’ll guide you through the next steps.