Arrive as a guest, stay as a local!
From stockyards in the high country to remote coastal inlets and
island communities, Driftwood Eco Tours connects you to the
people and places that make New Zealand truly special.
Canterbury High Country & West Coast
6-day tour
Journey with us through the Canterbury and West Coast regions in the South Island, NZ
Crossing the main divide of the Southern Alps, we'll experience an incredible diversity of landscapes, which is only matched by the range of classic Kiwi characters that we meet along the way. ​Plus, you'll get to experience the iconic Tranz-Alpine railway, one of the world's top train journeys.
From the high-country farms of Canterbury to the rugged beauty of the wild West Coast, this tour gives you a chance to relax, enjoy the scenery, and hear the stories that make this part of New Zealand so special.​
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Tour Dates
​15 Feb - 20 Feb 2026
1 Mar - 6 Mar 2026
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Group Size: 6 to 8
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​Price: $5,490 p/p (twin share) or add $500 to have your own room (single supplement)
Chatham Islands
8-day tour
Discover RÄ“kohu / Wharekauri Chatham Island and Pitt Island, NZ
Rugged natural beauty meets rich cultural history in one of New Zealand's most fascinating destinations.
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Teamed up with local experts, you'll have the best opportunity to spot pelagic birdlife and enjoy unique flora. Then, at the end of the day, enjoy the generous hospitality of your hosts in their home overlooking the sea.
Staying with the locals allows us the privilege of private access to some special corners of the island. You'll be immersed in the fascinating stories behind the historic sites and geological wonders, told by the very people with strong connections to the island.
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Tour Dates
​20 Nov - 27 Nov 2025
12 Mar - 19 Mar 2026
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Group Size: 10 to 12
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Price: $6,990 p/p (twin share) or add $800 to have your own room (single supplement)
D'Urville Island
6-day tour
Experience Rangitoto Ki Te Tonga - D'Urville Island, located in the Marlborough Sounds, South Island, NZ
A once-in-a-lifetime trip to D'Urville Island, in the remote reaches of the Marlborough Sounds. Travel by private 4WD vehicle over private farm roads, on a ferry vessel through the infamous waters of French Pass and in a floatplane for a stunning overview of the island and its surrounds.
Try your hand at fishing for Blue Cod, and watch for Dolphins, Fern Birds and endemic King Shags as you explore the beautiful coastline.
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And along the way, make the most of connecting with the locals, to hear stories from life on the island, and the history of bygone days.
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Tour Dates
25 Jan - 30 Jan 2026
15 Mar - 20 Mar 2026
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Group Size: 6 to 8
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Price: $6,990 p/p (twin share) or add $130 to have your own room (single supplement)
Molesworth & Rainbow High Country
6-day tour
Visit the iconic Molesworth & Rainbow Stations, located in the Marlborough and North Canterbury region, South Island, NZ
The Molesworth Station is New Zealand's largest high country farm. Covering almost half a million acres, it is roughly the size of Stewart Island.
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Traverse the breadth of this vast landscape, visiting family vineyards, historic sites and get a glimpse into what working the land here really means.
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From the green forests and blue waters of Lake Rotoiti in the north, to the golden hues of autumn in the high country. Join us for a unique perspective of this iconic landscape, and meet the friendly farmers and locals who bring it to life.
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Tour Dates
​8 - 13 Mar 2026
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Group Size: 5 to 8
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Price: $5,390 p/p (twin share) or add $750 to have your own room (single supplement)
St James Horse Sale
4-day tour
Be a part of the biennial wild horse sale at St James Station, North Canterbury, South Island, NZ
This unique sale is only held every two years; don't miss your opportunity to be a part of this very special event.​
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To begin, we'll tour through the high country landscapes to build an appreciation for what makes this event so iconic. Along the way, we'll connect with the local farmers to learn about their lives and meet their magnificent working horses, many with the St James bloodlines.
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Then at the sale you can immerse yourself in high country culture while mingling with horse lovers from all over the country.
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Tour Dates
​January 2027
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Group Size: 6 to 8
Private Tours
Fully customised, private nature & heritage tours
With our local connections and tour expertise, we can tailor a private tour just the way you want it.
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Maybe you have a particular interest or region that you'd like to concentrate on, or perhaps you'd like more space and privacy, so you can enjoy your experience at your own pace.
Whether it's a special tour for one, or a private group, we'd love to talk about how we can make it a reality.
As many days as you need
Independent Travel
Personalised itineraries for you to explore our amazing country on your own
If you want to explore the country before or after one of our tours, we can help make it easier.
​Co-owner Maree Carson has over 20 years experience as a travel agent, and our expert guiding team has a vast knowledge of our country. Together, we can create a personalised itinerary to suit your interests, and take care of booking your transport, accommodation and activities.
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We'd love to hear how we can help you.
Journey on your own timeline
