Company Name - Taupo Private Transfers Ltd/Greenfernz Ltd.

Principal Guide - Alistair Tod

Services

• Premium Transportation Services

• Tour Arranging

• Private Guide Services

New Zealand is one of the world’s most interesting places to visit because of its exotic landscapes, interesting people, and commitment to maintaining a balance between development and environmental preservation. It is no wonder that numerous movies have been filmed there using the country’s mountains, fjords, volcanoes, and lakes as a backdrop for epic tales.

With only five million people scattered around the cities, grasslands, and farms of the vast North and South Islands, it is important for travelers to develop a clear itinerary and use a travel service that can navigate the highways and byways of New Zealand and knows the special places which capture the unique spirit of the countryside. Taupo Private Tours and Transfer led by Alistair Tod has developed a professional team of drivers and guides that provides premium transportation services for family travelers and small groups seeking to enjoy the sites and special experiences of New Zealand.

Tours, Sites and Activities

Taupo Private Tours is based in the central part of the North Island which lies close to top attractions and is near to the gateway cities of Auckland and Wellington. One popular area serviced by the company is the Taupo and Rotorua region. Lake Taupo is a volcanic lake formed because of huge eruptions which have taken place there over the past 300,000 years including one in 200 AD which devastated the North Island and changed the world’s weather. Today, the region has stunning landscapes and geothermal attractions. One is the Waimungu Valley volcanic park where guests can spend three hours walking through above ground volcanic formations, watch geysers, and enjoy a boat cruise that include views of silica formations and the remains of the once world-famous Pink and White Terrace hot springs. Another special place to see near Taupo is the Huka Falls where huge volumes of water shoot through a narrow channel over the falls creating a spectacle that can viewed from a bridge above or from a jet boat or river cruise below. The traditions, culture and cuisine of the Maori culture can also be experienced in a variety of ways near Taupo including at the Whakarewarewa Village complex or Te Puia Cultural Centre in Rotorua.

Other popular destinations can be reached with a three-hour drive of Taupo. First, the Tongariro National Park provides a stunning outdoor experience for people who can manage the twelve mile walk and climb across the hillsides, lava fields, volcanic craters, and emerald lakes of the world-renowned Alpine Crossing. Others will just enjoy views of the three volcanoes in the area which tower over the landscape and look at pictures of recent and past eruptions. Second, the Waitomo Caves walks provided exclusively by the local Spellbound Tour and Waitomo Ruakuri Tour companies not only involve an underground walk-through stalagmite and stalactites beneath the hillside but feature unique glowworms which light up the caverns and streambeds of the attraction. Finally, Auckland is a modern city to visit with a maritime tradition that has attracted ships and settlers for hundreds of years and takes pride in its winning America’s Cup sailing vessels.

Some guests come to the area seeking a particular type of experience. One special tour offered by the company is a nationwide transportation and guide service for golfers. That tour involves playing the country’s prominent golf courses in locations north of Auckland, Taupo, Napier, Wellington, and Queenstown. Other special tours focus on ladies’ groups seeking a thermal spa and relaxation retreat and skiers who want to experience the slopes of the volcanic Mt. Ruapehu. 

Mr. Tod works with his clients to arrange a tour plan which provide an in-depth experience and the opportunity for personal interaction with local people. He says: “Authenticity is key to our approach along with the finely tuned knowledge and experience of our guides. We think they are the best available and we always try to offer something which the mass commercial operations cannot so our guests receive a personalized and private experience.”

Background and Experience

Mr. Tod grew up in Scotland and had the opportunity to travel extensively prior to moving to New Zealand. He received a bachelor’s degree in Business Management specializing in Hospitality and Tourism, and then worked in the IT sector before becoming involved in arranging tours and starting his own guide company in 2012. New Zealand has strict legal and compliance requirements which apply to guides and drivers. All four of the Mercedes vehicles and vans in the company fleet have received special commercial certificates and all four of the company’s drivers/guides undergo regular police and medical checks to maintain their passenger endorsements.

The soul of New Zealand often touches people in a very personal way. People are exhilarated by experiencing elements of the Maori culture and rituals such as participating in a “haka” which is posture dance involving foot stomping, rhythmic chanting and facial gestures or a “hongi” greeting of traditional nose touching. Others are surprised at the delicious “hangi” feast where meats, potatoes and vegetables are buried and cooked in a large pit oven.

Mr. Tod relates that every day something new happens. One day a young family touring Taupo was only interested in feeding hundreds of ducks on the lakefront with their young son. On another day, a prominent Hollywood actor who had booked an extensive tour with the company spent much of one day carving a “waka” display with a Maori carpenter.

My Family's Experience

We spent five days on the North Island several years ago and arranged our itinerary in collaboration with Taupo Private Tours. Alistair was our driver, guide, and advisor on this trip. He picked us up at the airport in Auckland and accompanied us to most sites. Our main stops included Huka Falls, the Whakarewarewa Maori Village, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, the Waimungu Valley volcanic park, and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. At Tongariro, Alistair set me up with an experienced Maori hiking guide. He spent the entire day hiking with me and inspired me to complete the challenging hike before enjoying a nourishing meal.

Since our itinerary required several hours of driving each day, Mr. Tod looked for opportunities for us to stop at places along the way that he thought would be of interest to us. On the first day, we stopped at the Karangahake Gorge, known for its beautiful scenery, abandoned gold mines and rail tunnels, where we viewed the gorge and learned about the 19th century gold rush that brought settlers to various parts of New Zealand from around the world. We also stopped one evening at Mount Maunganui on the Bay of Plenty to enjoy the beach and a quiet meal.

You just never know what is around the corner in New Zealand. While driving through the mountains to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, we spotted a strange hill in the distance that seemed to be covered with snow. Up close, we found out it was one of the numerous pastures in the countryside where thousands of sheep grazed throughout the day. Another day, Alistair dropped us off by the Lake Taupo and we were surprised to find a park there full of gigantic fir trees like California redwoods.

Our tour ended when Alistair dropped us off at a waterfront hotel on the harbor in Auckland. He told us about some of the nearby restaurants and sites which we visited the next morning before flying off to Australia with the memory of the many spectacles of New Zealand in our hearts.

Contact Information
Taupo Private Transfers Ltd.
alistair@taupoprivatetransfers.com
+64 21 489 976
Proficient in English

Notice: The information provided in this profile are true and accurate to the best actual knowledge of The Traveling American. However, my family's experience with the particular guide or company profiled here may not reflect the experience of other travelers using these services. Travelers should rely on their own judgment and information in retaining any guides or drivers mentioned on the website.