Private tour in Christchurch Dermot H

South Island 5 Day Tour with a Private Guide

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Hours icon 4 days 1 hour
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
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-
Hours icon 4 days 1 hour
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Dermot H.

4.9

Guide rating

83

Reviews

Tours delivered

3 hrs

Avg. response time

I am a Private Guide that offers Private tours specialising in the Christchurch and Akaroa area. I have been guiding visitors around the South Island since 1996. This is a remarkably diverse and beautiful island and I consider myself to have the best job in the world! I have travelled a lot myself and genuinely find visitors and their individual stories interesting. My aim is to offer a very personal small group tour which is flexible. . . . . and I hope fun. My most popular tour these days is from cruise ship visitors arriving at Akaroa wanting a Day Excursion to Christchurch and the local area in my 11 seater minibus. . . . . but I also offer tours up to 10 days long all over NZ to Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook, Dunedin, Queenstown, Milford Sound, the West Coast, Abel Tasman or any number of other stunning destinations. My passions are food, cooking, sailing and of course travel. As an ex- teacher I hope I can share with you a bit about the interesting human and natural history as well as the various cultures of this unique land. I am happy to run GEOCACHING TOURS for interested groups. . . . . . . . and have access to 22 / 33 seater buses for larger groups. Passenger Service Licence #0227492 with Private Hire Registration (both SPSL and LPSL), Drivers Licence (1,2,4,6 with Passenger Endorsement), member of the NZ Bus and Coach Assn and ProGuides NZ. Vehicle operates with Certificate of Fitness (renewed every 6 months) and Certificate of Loading (note: this is a legal requirement for tour operations in NZ). Red Cross Comprehensive First Aid Certificate. Bus and Coach Assn Public & Carriers Liability Insurance (Lowe, Scholum and Jones). Japanese Profficiency Test Level 3. Bachelor of Science (Auckland University), Diploma of Secondary Teaching (Christchurch), Cert. TESL (Massey Uni.)

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Dermot H.

Overview of your Christchurch tour

Did you know. . . ? . . . the steepest street in the world is in Dunedin (which also used to be the biggest city in NZ) . . . the fossilised forest in the Catlins existed with the dinosaurs 180 million years ago . . . Milford Sound is not actually a "sound" but a fiord Join me on this tour and let's discover the South Island together. . . . . I am a native "kiwi" who has travelled the world on land and sea. . . . and I chose this beautiful island to settle on some 30 years ago. I am passionate about history, nature and culture and invite you to join me exploring the lower half of the South Island taking in the most popular and magic locations like Mitre Peak in Milford Sound, and hidden gems like the seldom visited Catlin's Coast.

Your Christchurch tour itinerary

DAY 1 : Christchurch City tour. Chch-Oamaru (Victorian architecture and Steampunct art) - Moeraki Boulders - Dunedin. . . . 8-9 hours touring together. DAY 2 : Dunedin Tour. . . walk up the world's steepest street etc. . . Catlins Coastal Drive-Invercargill-Te Anau (6-7 hours driving, approx. 8 hours touring together) DAY 3: Te Anau-Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound access at Lake Manapouri-Queenstown (approx. 6 hours driving and lots of brief stops to take pictures and immerse yourself in nature) DAY 4 : Queenstown Day Arrowtown and Qtn Tour (Kawarau Bungy Bridge etc. ). . . 6 hour tour. . . free afternoon time if required DAY 5 : Queenstown , Airport drop-off (around 12 noon), guide drives back to Christchurch (7 hours. . . . you are welcome to travel back to Christchurch at no extra cost if your onward travel is from Christchurch) The itinerary can be adapted to traveller's interests: do not hesitate to contact me for a customized experience. . . . larger vehicle available if needed

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation

See "What's included"

What's included
Other: The services of your guide and transport are included. Our LTNZ licenced vehicle is a modern 2013 Toyota Hiace Minibus with 11 passenger seats and a microphone for commentary. We have air-conditioning and the seatbacks can be adjusted. The seat configuration is 2+1 passengers along the back two rows with 2 passengers per row in the front 2 rows. There is one seat next to the driver (great for those who love photography).IE from the rear 1+2,1+2, 2, 2 and 1 passenger seat (front). Single seats are 42 cm wide (approx. 14 inches) and double seats are 89 cm wide (approx. 30 inches for 2 pax) We are licenced to operate under both a SPSL (small pax service licence) and a LPSL (large pax service licence...over 11 pax) if needed. Our insurance is with Lowe, Schollum and Jones (including standard industry $10,000,000 liability insurance) and my vehicle is FULLY compliant to be operated on tours as required by NZ law (Certificate of Fitness AND Certificate of Loading). Your baggage is safely stored in a trailer unit.
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Your accommodation (I can recommend if I know your price range/requirements) and meals. Options 1,2 or 3 please pre-book and add to tour total 1. Airport "Meet and Greet" Christchurch International Airport....$120USD (group)...if day before tour 2. Milford Sound Cruise $100USD pp. 3. Doubtful Sound Real Journeys.....$220USD pp. OPTIONS (prices subject to change) such as : Skydiving (NZONE Queenstown $299/399/429, 9/12/15 k ft) Shotover Jet $129 A.J.Hackett Bungy $205 Skyline Gondola, Queenstown $44 Canyon Swing
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:

  • You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
Other details
Tour categories
Boat
Layover
City Highlights
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Day Trip
Tour reference number
47493
Languages
English
Activity level
Moderate
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Frequently asked questions

Who is this private tour in Christchurch best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for travellers who want to explore the South Island of New Zealand with a knowledgeable local guide. It's ideal for those interested in history, nature, and culture, as well as anyone looking to discover both popular sites like Milford Sound and hidden gems such as the Catlin's Coast. Families with kids will find it suitable, and it's also a great choice for those who prefer a moderate activity level.

Can this private tour in Christchurch be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 4 days 1 hour
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 4 days 1 hour
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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