Local owned immersive touring small groups

Private Discovery Tours is a locally owned Queenstown touring company specialising in bespoke private experiences designed to take guests beyond the obvious and away from the crowds. Through our exclusive agreement with Mt Earnslaw Station — a historic high-country sheep and beef farm — we offer private farm visits and guided access to the Mt Alfred Terrace walk, providing experiences unavailable to the general public.

Our core focus is private tours, thoughtfully designed to showcase the very best of the region. Each experience balances landscape, local stories, access, and pace — allowing guests to gain a genuine understanding of Queenstown and Glenorchy. We also operate a select number of shared departures, intentionally limited to just eight guests. Designed for 8, not 18 — because experiences change when numbers drop. It’s the feel of a private tour, shared with a few.

From historic Skippers Canyon to exclusive high-country access, guided hiking adventures and gentle scenic day walks, our experiences are immersive yet relaxed — more guide, less guiding.

Our vehicles are purpose-selected to suit the terrain and style of each experience. Our fleet includes a 13-seater Mercedes Sprinter, a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado for private touring, and a modified 4WD Toyota Hiace designed for larger groups accessing true backcountry terrain — allowing us to safely and comfortably reach remote roads and less-travelled locations.

Our guides are long-term locals who don’t fill seats — we host guests. Every journey begins with a simple question: “What would you like to get out of today?”

Private Discovery Tours creates refined, personalised journeys for travellers seeking authenticity, space, and a deeper connection to the region.