Christchurch luxury tours · private South Island journeys
One guide,
the whole journey
From Christchurch to Queenstown and the length of the South Island, the same expert guide stays with you from start to finish. No handovers. No strangers.
Why it matters
The same trusted guide, from the first morning to the last
On most multi-day journeys you are handed between a string of drivers and guides, a new face at every leg, retelling your story each time. We do it differently.
With Canterbury Trails, one expert travels the entire way with you. They learn what you love, read the weather and the mood, and quietly shape each day around you. By the time you reach Queenstown, they feel less like a guide and more like a friend who happens to know every road south.
OneGuide, start to finish
30Years guiding
4.9Google & TripAdvisor
GoldQualmark rated
“The South Island, unhurried and entirely your own.”
Where we travel
Private journeys, the length of the South Island
Christchurch is our home, but our private journeys reach Aoraki Mount Cook, Queenstown and Central Otago, Fiordland, the West Coast glaciers and the Marlborough wine country, all with one guide, the whole way.
Christchurch to Queenstown via Aoraki Mount Cook
The signature journey south, past the turquoise lakes and the Mackenzie Country.
Multi-day South Island journeys
Two to four private days taking in Mount Cook, the glaciers, Queenstown and Fiordland.
Akaroa, Arthur’s Pass, Kaikoura & Waipara
Our private Canterbury day tours, each guided start to finish.
Aotearoa Luxe
Our most exclusive private experiences across New Zealand.
Bespoke itineraries
A journey designed entirely around you, anywhere in the South Island.
What our guests say
Rated 4.9 on TripAdvisor, from over 550 guest reviews
“Ollie was a fantastic guide, the exact combination of informative, entertaining and patient.”Nick H, April 2026 · TripAdvisor
“Wonderful experience. A beautiful drive to Akaroa and Banks Peninsula, with multiple dolphin and whale sightings. A gorgeous day.”Carole G, May 2026 · TripAdvisor
“We were met right on time by Dave, our guide and driver for the day. Knowledgeable and good humoured, he shared history and interesting facts along the way.”TripAdvisor guest, April 2026
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Do we have the same guide for the whole journey?
Yes. That is the heart of how we travel. One expert driver-guide stays with you from the first pickup to the last drop-off, even on multi-day journeys to Queenstown and beyond. No handovers, no new faces.
Are your luxury tours private?
Yes. Our luxury touring is private, for your party alone, and tailored entirely to you, your interests and your pace.
What vehicles do you use?
A predominantly Mercedes-Benz fleet, including new luxury Sprinters with individual reclining leather seats, and two zero-emission Tesla vehicles.
How far can you take us?
The length of the South Island, from Christchurch to Queenstown, Fiordland, the West Coast and Marlborough, as a single day or a multi-day private journey.
What is included in a private tour?
Typically hotel pickup and drop-off, a premium vehicle, an expert driver-guide, curated stops and commentary, selected activities such as a wine tasting or wildlife cruise, and a quality lunch. Exact inclusions are confirmed with your itinerary.
How long are the journeys?
Single-day tours usually run seven to ten hours. Multi-day private journeys range from two to four days or more, taking in Aoraki Mount Cook, the West Coast glaciers, Queenstown and Fiordland.
Can you tailor the journey to us?
Yes. Every itinerary is shaped to your interests, pace and party, including dietary preferences, accessibility and special occasions such as anniversaries or proposals.
How do we begin?
Tell us what you would like to experience, or let your guide design the journey around you. Every itinerary is shaped to your party.
Plan your journey
One guide. The whole South Island.
Tell us what you would like to experience, and we will craft a private journey around you, guided start to finish by one expert who knows every road south.
Email info@trails.co.nz · Phone +64 3 384 6148
