Private Tours

[klo]

I'm having a more difficult time in trying to book private tours than in most places in Australia and New Zealand. For example, when the ship docks in Hobart, Grayline doesn't do the Russell Falls/Bonorong Wildlife park on the day we dock. Or a private company is quite expensive ($65USD per hour).

 

I'm looking for private tours in Melbourne, Hobart, Tauranga (Waimangu/Waiotapu). Can anyone give us the name and website of a reputable tour operators for these areas? Thank you.

[MVPinBoynton]

We just got back last week from our Diamond Cruise. We used Mount Classic Tours www.mctours.co.nz . They provided a wonderful private tour. We couldn't be happier with the comfort of the vehicle, the driver/guide's friendliness and knowledge of the area and amount of things we got to see and do while in Tauranga. I highly recommend them. We rented a van with two other couple in Hobart to go to the Tahune Airwalk and Bonorong. Due to the Australia Immigration check in, we didn't leave the ship till 10:00. The drive to Tahune took longer than we expected, so we didn't make Bonorong. In Melbourne we took a ship tour.

 

For most private tours, you will need to find at least one other couple to go with to make the price reasonable. But the experience should be a lot better than a ship tour.

[stebul]

There are many private tour operators in Tauranga. The following web site lists several:

 

http://www.middlenewzealand.com/

 

We used Touring Company NZ, and had a very good time. What I would recommend is that you ask the operators for a FULL list of activities available in Rotorua. This area has a highly developed tourism industry, so options range from scenic helicopter rides to luge runs down wide concrete sidewalks. The Maori Culture Center is definitely worth stopping at.

 

In Melbourne, I would consider the free greeter service (yes, free, it is offered by the city)

 

http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/info.cfm?top=264&pg=2318

 

We walked about the city on our own, but heard very good reports from others who used this. They were given a 4 hour personalized walking tour of downtown Melbourne.

[CAPinBoynton]

We have just posted an detailed review of our trip down under, at www.thepreismans.com It gives contact info about each tour we took, and the pictures show you exactly what to expect. I will also be doing an extensive EasyShare photo album with many more, larger pictures. When completed, you will find a link at the end of our review.

 

Enjoy---