Private Guided New Zealand tours with an experienced local tour guide
Local expertise with a human touch
I am Terry Thomsen, and I am your local private tour guide in New Zealand.
- I drive/guide private tours for small groups, from one to 11 passengers.
- Deeply knowledgeable about the North Island and South Island of New Zealand, 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.
- The 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 and/or Fox Glacier
Longer itineraries include destinations such as Dunedin, Oamaru, Punakaiki, Abel Tasman National Park and Kaikoura.
Read about Private Guided South Island tours here
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
- Waitomo Caves
Longer itineraries include destinations such as Taupo, Tongariro National Park, Napier, Taranaki and Wellington.
Read about North Island New Zealand destinations here
Private guided day tours from Christchurch or Akaroa
When not guiding tours around New Zealand, I am available to drive/guide private guided day tours to the popular destinations in the Christchurch area.
The most popular private day tour destinations are
- Akaroa
- Arthur's Pass
- Kaikoura
- Mt Cook
- Hanmer Springs
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 relaxed 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.
Testimonials
Also see reviews for The Inside Story on Tripadvisor
'It's rare to find a knowledgeable guide who caters so well to one's interests; it was indeed a memorable day' - Mary Tang, Australia.
'This is the most relaxed and informative tour we've been with. I only wish we had more time to spend with you!' - Jean Y., Scotland.
'My husband and I were completely satisfied and enlightened with "The Inside Story" tour in Christchurch. We will recommend to others.' Suzanne and Alfred Baumann, USA.
'This was an exceptional tour that was well worth the cost! Very informative.' Daphne, USA.
'Terry is an absolute fountain of local knowledge and customs and is to be highly commended' Jennie, Devon, UK.
'Leisurely, interesting and informative tour with personable guide. Exceptional value' Brian and Marjorie, Harrogate, England.
'Terry's knowledge of the area, his attention to detail and friendly manner as a guide are well above the normal' Ric and Ailsa McDonald, Western Australia
'A well-organised, interesting and friendly tour with very comfortable transportation' - Andrew, Australia.
'Terry is very pleasant, knowledgeable and informative. We would recommend "The Inside Story" tours to anyone travelling in this area.' Sam and Debbie Chapin, USA
'Great trip, intimate atmosphere, all questions answered. Saw a lot, and could stop to take pictures' - Terry Cooper, USA.