Kōwhai Journeys

Full-day private tours, your own vehicle and driver.

Private day tours from Auckland and Christchurch, driven at your pace. We handle the road, the parking and the timing; you decide how long to stay. Attraction tickets are booked separately so you only pay for the transport you need.

Private day tours

Hobbiton Movie Set from Auckland

A private day out to the rolling green hills of Matamata, with time to explore the Hobbiton set at your own pace.

Full day · approx. 8 hours · from $490 per vehicle

Waitomo Glowworm Caves from Auckland

Underground rivers, limestone chambers and a ceiling of glowworms — a full private day through the Waikato.

Full day · approx. 10 hours · from $546 per vehicle

Waiheke Island Wine Day

A relaxed private day on Waiheke — vineyard stops, coastal views and a driver who knows the island roads.

Full day · approx. 8 hours · from $450 per vehicle

Bay of Islands and Hole in the Rock

North to Paihia for a full day of coastal scenery, island views and the famous Hole in the Rock.

Full day · approx. 12 hours · from $690 per vehicle

Rotorua Geothermal and Maori Village

Steaming pools, redwood forest and a cultural stop — a full private day through Rotorua.

Full day · approx. 10 hours · from $644 per vehicle

Coromandel and Cathedral Cove

White sand, a famous rock arch and the quiet roads of the Coromandel Peninsula.

Full day · approx. 10 hours · from $490 per vehicle

Akaroa & Banks Peninsula

A full private day over Banks Peninsula to the French settlement of Akaroa, with harbour views and the Hilltop lookout.

Full day · approx. 8 hours · from $450 per vehicle

Arthur's Pass & the Southern Alps

A full day into the Southern Alps via the Waimakariri River and the Otira Gorge, with alpine walks and kea country.

Full day · approx. 9 hours · from $520 per vehicle

Lake Tekapo, Church of the Good Shepherd & Aoraki Mt Cook

A full day through the Mackenzie Basin to turquoise Lake Tekapo and the Mt Cook viewpoint, with the Southern Alps on every side.

Full day · approx. 12 hours · from $690 per vehicle

Waipara Valley Wine Trail

A relaxed private day through North Canterbury's Waipara Valley, with three or four cellar doors and a long lunch.

Full day · approx. 7 hours · from $450 per vehicle

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools

A full private day from Christchurch to the Hanmer Springs thermal pools, through North Canterbury farmland and the Waiau Valley.

Full day · approx. 8 hours · from $490 per vehicle

Kaikoura Whale Watch

A full day up the coast to Kaikoura for the whale-watch boats, with the Seaward Kaikoura Range behind you.

Full day · approx. 10 hours · from $590 per vehicle

Christchurch City Highlights

A half-day private tour of Christchurch: Botanic Gardens, the Transitional Cathedral, the Gondola and Sumner beach.

Half day · approx. 4 hours · from $290 per vehicle

Kōwhai Journeys · Auckland & Christchurch · willymbello@gmail.com · 029 045 60926