![Lake Pearson reflection. Between Christchurch and Arthur's Pass, South Island, New Zealand](https://theinsidestory.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Lake_Pearson_reflection.jpg)
Terry Thomsen: Your private tour guide on the South Island of New Zealand.
- As the author of a book about the native animals and plants of New Zealand, my guiding services are ideal for visitors with an interest in natural history.
- Deeply knowledgeable about the South Island, I listen to what you want and design a tour itinerary carefully tailored to your time and interests. You can visit New Zealand’s top destinations, as well as charming and beautiful places off the beaten track.
- My tours are suited to you if you wish to see the best sights, walk in beautiful places, stay in the best accommodation for your budget, eat well, and gain a wealth of insights into New Zealand’s nature, history and people.
Read more about me here: Your Private Local Tour Guide in New Zealand
Private guided tours of the South Island, New Zealand
As I am currently based in the South Island, I have many proven South Island tour itineraries, mostly starting and finishing in Christchurch.
New Zealand’s South Island is a feast of mountain scenery, lakes, rivers, glaciers, forests and fiords. With charming towns and farmland thrown in.
Almost all itineraries include these major scenic destinations:
- Lake Tekapo and Aoraki/Mt Cook
- Queenstown
- Wanaka
- Milford Sound
- Franz Josef Glacier
Longer itineraries include destinations such as Dunedin, Oamaru, Punakaiki, Abel Tasman National Park and Kaikoura.
![Hooker River footbridge and Mt Sefton, Southern Alps. Hooker Valley Track, Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. South Island, New Zealand](https://theinsidestory.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_8115-1024x683.jpg)
Touring in the North Island, New Zealand
The North Island has diverse attractions.
It has beautiful coastlines, lush forests, thermal areas and volcanoes, a rich Maori culture, and the diverse city attractions of Auckland and Wellington.
Even a short visit to the North Island can include:
- Auckland
- Bay of Islands
- Rotorua and lakes
- Waitomo Caves
- Hobbiton and Hamilton Gardens
Longer itineraries include destinations such as Taupo, Tongariro National Park, Napier, Taranaki and Wellington.
![Lady Knox Geyser at Waiotapu thermal area. Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand](https://theinsidestory.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IMG_1013-Waiotapu-Lady-Knox-Geyser.jpg)
Private guided day tours from Christchurch
When not guiding tours around New Zealand, I am sometimes available to drive/guide private guided day tours to popular destinations in the Christchurch area.
The most popular private day tour destinations are:
- Akaroa
- Arthur’s Pass
- Kaikoura
- Aoraki / Mt Cook
- Hanmer Springs
Read about day trips from Christchurch here
Why tour with The Inside Story?
I work with you to design a tour itinerary tailored to your interests.
Whether you like to take short hikes, learn about New Zealand nature, participate in adventure activities, or just want to see the best sights, I plan the right tour for you.
You may choose to stay in hotels, motels, apartments, B&Bs or luxury lodges. Most destinations have a mix of these.
The touring style is informal but always professional. I know the best stops along the road, and we make whichever stops you like.
As we go, I provide insights and stories about the wild New Zealand landscape, its unique plants and animals, the Polynesian Maori people, the pioneering European settlers, and contemporary events and culture.
![Sheep herded along road, Southland, South Island, New Zealand](https://theinsidestory.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IMG_3828-sheep-on-road-in-Southland-cropped.jpg)