Travel Styles

When it comes to exploring the stunning landscapes and captivating culture of New Zealand, you have several options for touring. New Zealand Private Tours offers a range of experiences to suit different travel preferences, ensuring that your vacation is tailored to your specific needs and desires.
At New Zealand Private Tours, we understand that everyone's needs and preferences are different. That's why we offer the flexibility to combine any of these touring options to create your perfect New Zealand vacation. Whether you envision a private tour in one region and a train journey in another, or a mix of small group tours and large coach travel, we can customize your itinerary based on your wish list.
So, whether you desire the exclusivity of a private tour, the camaraderie of a small group, the convenience of a large coach, or the romance of a train journey, we have the options to cater to your preferences. Choose the style that suits you best, or let us help you combine different tour options to create a truly unforgettable New Zealand vacation.

Private Driver/Guide

For those seeking an intimate and personalised experience, our fully guided private tours in luxury European vehicles provide the ultimate sense of exclusivity. You will have the undivided attention of your knowledgeable and professional guide, who will customize the itinerary to your interests and pace. Whether you want to delve into Maori history, hike through national parks, or indulge in local cuisine, our private tours offer flexibility and a high level of comfort.

  • Your Exclusive Private Driver/Guide

    New Zealand Private Tours will provide you with your own exclusive-use vehicle and experienced driver/guide to accompany you on your customised journey of New Zealand.

    Pros

    • Your exclusive Driver/Guide gets to know you and your travel style.

    • You can plan each day with the input of your exclusive Driver/Guide as they know the distances and road condtions.

    • Because they get to know you they have great recommendations for restaurants and scenic locations based on your wishes.

    • Same tour vehicle.

    Cons

    • Least cost effective option.

    • New Zealand has strict laws around Driver/Guides working hours including set days off so there are limited hours per day they are available.

    • As New Zealand has many different regions Driver/Guides tend to be experts of their own regions rather than country wide.

  • Private Day Driver/Guide for Different Locations

    New Zealand Private Tours will provided you with a different local expert Driver/Guide in each region you visit on your New Zealand Vacation.

    Pros

    • More cost effective than a exclusive private Driver/Guide.

    • Your day tour is planned in advance so you get to enjoy the highlights of the region, however can have changes to suit your wishes on the day.

    • Each Driver/Guide is a expert in their own reigns.

    • You get to meet different passionate local Driver/Guides with their own unique guiding styles.

    Cons

    • Each different Driver/Guides have to get to know your travel style.

    • Different tour vehicle for each region.

    • When you finish your day tour or reach your destination this is the end of the Driver/Guide’s service.

Independent Coach and Small Group Day Tours

If you prefer the company of like-minded individuals, our small group tours are an excellent choice. Limited to a small number of travelers, these tours provide a more intimate setting while still allowing for camaraderie and shared experiences. With a dedicated guide leading the way, you can enjoy the benefits of a group tour without sacrificing the personalised attention that makes your journey special.
For those who prefer a larger group dynamic, our large tour coaches offer a comfortable and convenient way to explore New Zealand. These coaches are equipped with modern amenities, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride. With an experienced driver and an expert guide on board, you can sit back, relax, and take in the breathtaking scenery without worrying about navigation or logistics.

  • Independent Coach Tours

    Independent coach touring is great way to exploring New Zealand. With transportation included and no need to worry about driving or sticking to a pre-planned coach tour, these tours offer flexibility and convenience.

    Pros

    • Great cost effective option for people who don’t want to self-drive.

    • Modern comfortable coaches with good leg room, aircon, and complementary wifi. 

    • Services most of the popular tourist locations in New Zealand including Queenstown, Rotorua and the West Coast.

    Cons

    • Set schedule, normally with early starts

    • Limited commentary, photo stops and comfort breaks.

    • Only stop at set locations so transport has to be arranged to accommodation

  • Small Group Day Tours

    Small group day tours offer a unique way to explore New Zealand. With small group sizes, and local passionate local guides these tours are designed to provide a comfortable and relaxed option that can also be used as transport between destinations.

    Pros

    • Great cost effective option for people who don’t want to self-drive.

    • Local passionate Driver/Guides who are experts on their region.

    • Most small group tours include visiting an attraction like Milford Sound, Hobbiton Movie set and Mt Cook plus include photo stops.

    Cons

    • Set schedule with no flexibility to change the tour

    • Traveling with other people not in your group

    • Some only stop at set locations so transport has to be arranged to accommodation.

New Zealand’s World Famous Rail Journeys

If you appreciate the romance and charm of train travel, our train tours offer a unique way to experience New Zealand's beauty. Situated in comfortable and scenic carriages, you can watch the landscapes unfold before your eyes as you traverse the country's diverse terrains. Train travel evokes a sense of nostalgia and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the ever-changing scenery while enjoying the comfort and luxury of our carefully selected trains.

  • Tranzalpine Rail Journey

    Explore the Southern Alps aboard the TranzAlpine train - one of the world's great train journeys, covering 223 kilometres (139 miles) one-way and taking just under 5 hours. The TranzAlpine train travels coast-to-coast through the 'Great Divide' and the indomitable spine of mountains that partitions New Zealand's South Island. On the east, enjoy relaxing in the garden city of Christchurch and horse trekking into the mountains from Springfield. On the west, experience the tranquillity of Lake Brunner and venture into glacier country from Greymouth. At the centre, explore some great NZ mountain hikes at Arthur's Pass.

    Information

    • Christchurch to Greymouth (revesable)

    • Journey time 5 hours one way

    • Six Stops

    • Scenic Cafe

    • Open Air Viewing Carriage

    • Audio commentary

    Cons

    • Does not run everyday

    • Need to book well in advance

    • Need transport if returning to start location otherwise another 5 hours on the return train

  • Coastal Pacific Rail Journey

    Join one of the most picturesque journeys on New Zealand's railways. Throughout this scenic experience, you will meander along the Pacific coast between Picton and Christchurch. The Coastal Pacific train takes you along rugged coastlines, across remote beaches, between mountains and sea, on a timeless journey of breathtaking beauty. Explore the stunning Kaikōura Coastline, famous for its marine life and whale watching. Voyage through the vineyards of Blenheim, dripping with New Zealand's premium crop. Canter amidst the idyllic Canterbury countryside to the Garden City of Christchurch.

    Information

    • Picton to Christchurch (reversable)

    • Journey time 6 hours

    • Schedule lines up with Cook Straight Ferry

    • Three Stops

    • Scenic Cafe

    • Open Air Viewing Carriage

    • Audio commentary

    Cons

    • Does not run all year round

    • Need to book well in advance

  • Northern Explorer

    Explore the rural heart of New Zealand's North Island on this epic 648km journey from Auckland to Wellington by train. The Northern Explorer train connects multi-cultural Auckland with our bustling capital, Wellington. With unique blends of international prestige and local culture, both are excellent places to start or finish your adventure. See the scenic wonders of Middle Earth, soar over towering viaducts, across the high plains of the volcanic plateau, and beneath three mighty volcanoes.

    Information

    • Auckland to Wellington (revesable)

    • Journey time 11 Hours

    • Nine Stops

    • Scenic Cafe

    • Open Air Viewing Carriage

    • Audio commentary

    Cons

    • Runs every second day

    • Runs in the daytime with no sleeper car

    • 11 hour journey can feel very long