Our journeys are created for adults (18+) who want to experience New Zealand with intimacy and depth. They are for travelers who value presence over pace, connection over checklists, and a sense of story woven into their days. Who they are not for: large groups, travelers rushing to see as many popular signs as possible, or any purely transactional trip. If you’re seeking meaning and refinement in your travels, you are in the right place.
Small group for us means groups are limited, with a minimum of 4 travellers to guarantee departure at standard listed pricing, and a maximum cap per tier (Premium, Luxury, Ultra Luxury) to preserve intimacy and exclusivity. (And maximum is 10 for Premium Journeys, 8 for Luxury Journeys and 6 for Ultra Luxury Journeys.) Personally for me, small group means intimate — like friends or families travelling together — which is why our minimum group size is 4 guests on all three types so Journeys.
A Journey is guaranteed with just 2 guests at a premium price. When we reach 4 guests, the standard listed price for that Journey kicks in.
Full flexibility for start date once a Journey is guranteed. Each Journey follows a carefully tested framework, but “fixed itinerary” does not mean rigid. Within the structure we design-in natural pauses, slower rhythms, and choice points — because travel should give you space, not pressure. You will find days balanced between curated experiences and moments to simply be present. It is how we make sure you return with memories that breathe, not itineraries that blur.
Yes. Any Journey can run privately for just your own party, provided you meet the tour tier minimum. In this type of Journey, if you would like the framework reshaped — a different flow, additional destinations, or unique requests — then we guide you into our bespoke design service. This way you can choose: the certainty of a refined South of 34° Journey, or the creative latitude of a fully custom one.
We design tours so chemistry is never left to chance. Groups are adults-only and ultra-small, with no mergers unless both parties agree. If a couple or pair does wish to join an existing booking, we first ask all travelers if they are open to it. Before confirming, we arrange a video call so everyone meets in advance and feels comfortable traveling together. And if you prefer not to merge, you always have the option to keep the journey private at premium pricing.
Because the fixed itinerary framework already carries premium planning, logistics, and service costs. We set the minimum at the premium price level to ensure the journey delivers full quality regardless of group size.
“No-mergers” means we will not force two groups together just to meet numbers. If your group meets the minimum at standard pricing, you will not be merged with another group without your agreement.
The difference lies in the level of exclusivity, service hours, accommodation standard, and additional private and/or unique experiences. Each tier shares the same small-group, curated journey backbone, but the depth and refinement differ.
Included are accommodations, transport, curated experiences as per itinerary, the services of your private driver-guide, and meals where specified. Each Journey page will clearly state what is included vs excluded. (All inclusions are clearly listed for each Journey in the its own page under “Inclusions and Exclusions” and you are welcome to download the PDF itinerary to print and read it at your convenience)
A fixed itinerary ensures every journey is crafted with balance, tested logistics, and story coherence. While the structure is fixed, we build in internal options so guests can choose between certain included experiences. ( After having designed over 450 custom itineraries for more than 1500 guests in the last 12 years, we found a common theme among our guests, which is the need for true and meaningful connections during their travel that added depth and sense of “exactly what we wanted to experience” from our vacation to New Zealand. So we took our learnings from this and said why not curate journeys that have the exact same intimacy and lifelong deep memories and offer this to discerning guests like your self to experience it without having to go through the back and forth through trial and errors to arrive at the same cuarted journey that is already been designed for you)
Because you are not just buying route, but the curated relationships, vetted experiences, timing, storytelling, and consistency. That intangible fabric is what sets the journey apart, not just the stops. (Yes it is true that your travel agent could try and replicate it. We have spent 12 years learning every detail of what discerning travelers want our of their vacation to New Zealand and we perfected each experience to resonate to your need for the authenticity and meaniful experience from your NZ vacation. This is hard for any one to replicate what we have learnt and the people we work with to deliver these extraordinary itineraries at the price we bring to you)
What you see is what I believe. I come from wanting others to see New Zealand as I see it — steeped in story, in local connection and a rich hospitable culture. We do not promise behind-the-scenes gimmicks. We curate experiences that align with treadable reality yet feel intimate. The small scale, the guide stories, the private options — all are real choices we make, not words for sale.
Many run by volume and mergers, or default to mass supplier contracts. I chose to build differently — off the main drag, private when possible, no forced scale. It’s a harder way, but the experience is richer.