Waterfall flowing down a mountain cliff into a lake with snow-capped peaks and forest nearby. Credit: Altitude Tours

About us

We are Discover New Zealand, a team of local travel specialists based in Wānaka. We plan tailor made New Zealand holidays for travellers who want their trip to feel well paced, well supported and worth the investment.

Sailboat with two people on a lake with mountains and sunlight in the background Credit: FinWoods

Our Story

We know New Zealand well, not just the headline stops, but the stays, routes and experiences that make a trip work properly in real life.

We started in 2004 at a kitchen table, and that hands on approach still shapes how we work today. We take the time to get the details right, building itineraries that are thoughtful, road tested and tailored to the people taking them.

As a Fine Tours Group company, we combine local expertise with a trusted network of operators across New Zealand, so every itinerary is planned properly and supported from start to finish.

Our approach

We start by understanding what you want from your trip, what you’re excited to experience, how you like to travel and the pace that suits you. From there, we create a fully tailored itinerary shaped around you, bringing together the right places, experiences and timing to create a once in a lifetime journey that feels easy and natural from start to finish.

Our people

Our team knows New Zealand from different angles. Some of us grew up here. Others arrived while travelling and never quite left. Between us, we have spent years exploring the country, staying in the places we recommend and experiencing New Zealand the way our travellers do.

When you plan with us, you work with one dedicated travel specialist who brings the whole trip together for you. That means clear advice, smart recommendations and one team taking ownership from the first conversation to the day you return home.

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Meet our local travel specialists

Meet the people behind your itinerary. We help shape your route, recommend the right places to spend your time, and make sure the whole journey comes together in a way that suits how you like to travel.

Talk to a travel specialist

What our travellers say

Hear from travellers who have explored New Zealand with us.

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“Really, the whole experience was amazing. Having everything organised for me reduced stress. Many of our accommodation rooms had fantastic views!”

Diana & Maurice

“I had so many wonderful surprises, I didn't realise New Zealand was so beautiful and had so much to offer. Thankfully Emily-Rose guided me through all of my tours and adventures & did the most amazing job. So grateful to her & the company.”

Arlene

We work with trusted operators across New Zealand

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Ngai Tahu Tourism logo Credit: Ngai Tahu Tourism
Team walking in Saint Bathans. Credit: Neve Faed

Want to join the team?

We are based in Wānaka on New Zealand's South Island, and we are always keen to hear from people who care about travel, detail and genuine local knowledge. If you love shaping great itineraries and helping travellers get more from their time here, we would love to hear from you.

Partner with us as a New Zealand operator

We work with operators, guides and stays across New Zealand that we know and trust. If you offer a thoughtful, well run experience that suits our travellers, we would be glad to hear from you.

Tour bus driving on road through grassy valley with mountains and cloudy sky Credit: Real Journeys
Humpback whale tail splashing in ocean water near coastline at sunset.

For travel agents

If you are a travel agent looking for local support with New Zealand bookings, nzsidekick is our trade-only platform for travel professionals. It gives you access to customisable itineraries, fast quote support, and a trusted local team to help you book with confidence.

All itineraries are 100% customisable, giving you the flexibility to tailor each trip to suit your client. By joining nzsidekick, you can manage everything in one place, with the ability to search, quote and book across our full portfolio in New Zealand.

Travel with care

We support the Tiaki Promise, a nationwide commitment to care for New Zealand. It’s about respecting the land, sea and culture, travelling safely, and leaving places as you found them, so they can be enjoyed for years to come.

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Credit: Graeme Murray

Qualmark Gold accredited

We’re proud to hold Qualmark Gold, New Zealand’s highest tourism accreditation. It recognises businesses delivering outstanding experiences while meeting strong standards for sustainability and responsible travel.

Planning New Zealand but not sure where to start?

Download our New Zealand travel guide for practical advice on where to go, how long to spend, and how to plan a trip that feels well paced from the start.

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