About Real New Zealand Tours:
We are local, "Kiwi" - South Island based try us you'll like us AND you'll meet us!
We offer Self-drive (rental car hire) or Private driver (fully guided) tours or Escorted Coach (full daily commentary) - all with customised all inclusive itineraries.
With over 30 years' of Tourism Industry experience our dedicated team of hardworking and passionate local based Kiwi staff offer you peace of mind as we plan together your trip of a lifetime.
- New Zealand is "the world in one" you will not be disappointed
- Real New Zealand Tours aspire to awaken your senses, inspire you, and by experiencing our tours - give you a new lease of life full of incredible Kiwi memories
The Maori Koru design you see on our website is very spiritual and is inspired by the New Zealand native fern fond unfurling as it grows. It represents peace, tranquillity, personal growth, positive change and awakening. It is also associated with new life and harmony, or anyone starting a new phase of their life.
Meet our team -
Geoff - Director, owner, founder, leading guide
I have been involved in Tourism in New Zealand since August 1992. I am a past member of the Canterbury Tourism Council where I represented the local Adventure Tourism Industry operators. I'm extremely passionate and caring about what I do in life, and together with awesome fellow Kiwi staff, promise to give you the very best vacation experience possible while you explore our beautiful land, Aotearoa - New Zealand. On a personal note - I am a past competitor in our famous "Coast to Coast" Endurance Race - World Championship event and have competed in numerous Marathons and Multi-sport races. I absolutely love our world - famous great outdoors, our majestic mountains, beautiful lakes and rivers, fiords, glaciers, ancient rain forests, golden sandy beaches, our unique Maori Heritage and much more. I always feel privileged to be able to share with others New Zealand’s beauty and uniqueness - and look forward to meeting you soon.
Libby - Tour Director
I am often described as a bubbly person who has a passion for life. I was born and educated in the UK, graduating from Newcastle University with a BA Hon Degree in Archaeology.
I started my career in the UK managing hotels and restaurants, but when we had a young family we decided it was time for a total life change. We set up home in North Cyprus and managed a local village restaurant and bar, plus bookshop and small tour company called Adlib Tours. Our tagline was “interesting places in the sun”. We specialised in authentic village visits, local crafts, local food and drinks, and celebrating local festivals with friendly Cypriot people.
In 2014 it was super exciting when I met Geoff - because suddenly, the world became a much bigger place for me! With Geoff’s huge passion for all things “Kiwi” - I have now spent the last few years living and exploring stunning New Zealand. We are excited to be able to share our passion with you!
Gitti - guide
Kia ora, my name is Gitti, I am originally from Munich in Germany and spent my younger days travelling the world looking for the perfect place. In 2007 I arrived in New Zealand and my search came to an end, I had finally found what I was looking for... God's own country. I had the desire to share this love of New Zealand with others and became a tour guide. I am passionate about New Zealand's pristine nature and the people who live here. I like the small and personal tours which give me the opportunity to provide my clients with an experience rather than just a ticking off sights, and I prefer to go off the beaten track, and see and feel, the real New Zealand. I look forward to meeting you soon!
Baz - guide
Born in New Zealand, I am very passionate about this country and love the great outdoors, be it in the mountains or on the sea. I have been involved in marketing for many years and now I am guiding and driving, helping visitors to truly enjoy our stunning scenery, history and heritage. I am keen to show you what this fantastic country has to offer. I live in the beautiful coastal town of Kaikoura.
Tim - guide
I have been guiding in New Zealand for over 20 years. A traveller at heart with a joy of exploring and sharing New Zealand with guests, I am a keen cyclist, paddle boarder, hiker and photographer. In the quiet season, you will find me visiting my granddaughters in Bali or cycling somewhere in Asia, Australia or Europe.
Sharron - guide
I was born and raised in Rotorua where my paternal grandfather was, in the 1940s, a driver/tour guide. His most famous client was Eleanor Roosevelt! Before I left school I was working after school and during the school holidays for an architectural draughtsman. On leaving school I continued my career as an architectural draughtswoman until 1990 when I made a huge career change and became a tour guide. I have never once regretted my career change and I continue to take great delight in showing visitors around New Zealand.
Ian - guide
I live in the small beautiful Central Otago village of Arrowtown, famous for its gold mining heritage. I am a keen outdoorsman. I have lived in Fiji and the UK, and I am widely travelled but insist that New Zealand has scenery and activities second to none. With 26 years of tourism industry experience, I do know where the finest flat white coffee and muffins are to be found! When not guiding South Island wide, I am either exploring the roads less travelled in my motorhome, or I am indulging in my passion on the racetrack with a classic sports car.
Mark - guide
I am fluent in English and Spanish. I work hard to be a truly professional guide at all times. I go "the extra mile" to ensure every guest is having the very best experience possible every single day. I truly love every minute of every tour. It gives me enormous satisfaction to see happy visitors to our beautiful land. I am a very proud Kiwi and look forward to meeting you soon.
Back in August 2017 Mark, and Baz, admirably helped to rebuild access to the top of the South Island (after an earthquake 12 months ago) north of Kaikoura (Marks old hometown). This work involved major reconstruction of Highway 1, Well done to Mark and Baz. Click here to read an article about Mark "Christchurch Man Moves To Call Kaikoura Accommodation Home".
