About Us
Your very own private
New Zealand tour guides
Your local guides and hosts, Brian Lucas and Paula Sinclair offer completely customized New Zealand South Island tours for those looking for an authentic, unique guided experience, yet still wanting to see the highlights and beauty of New Zealand’s South Island.
How we travel
We take pride in our deluxe, customised tour vehicles. All vehicles feature a high level of comfort, space and unique features that are fully compliant with New Zealand’s transport regulations as administered by New Zealand Transport Agency.
On board, we carry a full set of South island regional maps, binoculars, a selection of NZ reference books, bottled water, tissues, mints and nibbles. The vehicles carry first aid kits and fire extinguishers, and feature individual high backed seats with seat belts and air-conditioning. Luggage is carried separately in luggage trailers, we do not carry luggage in the cabin.
The rear of our vehicles are fitted with a cabinet which consists of a slide-out serving tray, refrigerator, drawers that hold mugs, wine glasses, drinking glasses, plates and cutlery.
For that something extra special, we serve delicious picnic morning and afternoon teas with New Zealand cookies, coffee and tea selection. We also serve New Zealand wine with NZ cheese, crackers and Paula’s homemade fruit pastes.
Vehicle safety and maintenance
Safety is paramount and one of the biggest safety components in the tours we provide are our vehicles. All of our vehicles are inspected constantly and are regularly serviced to meticulous standards by an independent certified mechanic.
We operate a “preventive maintenance” program, replacing any worn part with manufacturer’s original parts. The vehicles are also rigorously inspected every six months under the New Zealand Transport Agency legislation to ensure that they meet required safety standards.
Over 27 years of experience creating
extraordinary and tailor-made tours
Wildsouth Discovery specialise in creating South Island tours that are extraordinary and tailor-made to the needs of the discerning traveller. Excelling in hand-crafted, privately guided tours, guests come with us for authentic interactions and exclusive adventures that are carefully designed to fulfil their South Island dreams.
Using our own fully customised tour vehicles, we are your own private guides and exclusivity, flexibility and your safety are of the utmost importance to us.
As locals, we will show you special places, favourite photo spots and the splendid isolation and serenity New Zealand’s South Island has to offer. Whether you travel as a couple, with family, with lifelong friends who share your inquisitiveness about the world, or whether you travel to mark a milestone in your life, you can expect to return from your journey spellbound at the beauty that New Zealand will bestow upon you.
Attention to detail, expertise in the provision of top service combined with our knowledge of the culture, wildlife and history ensure that our guests get to see and experience the South Island differently. This means you will create life-long memories and stories to share with family and friends.
Our travellers
Our travellers are typically retired or semi-retired, active and usually well-travelled people generally aged 40 and over who desire to have a truly New Zealand experience. The common characteristic though is that they all seek involvement in experiences that combine natural world viewing, soft adventure, New Zealand cuisine and top-notch comfort.
The guests that we guide and host travel as singles, couples, families, small groups travelling together or special interest groups. Some take our suggested tour options while others prefer to create their very own custom made tours designed to meet specific desires.
This is our first NZ trip. We had a private Arthur’s Pass tour with Brian and Paula. They were timely, knowledgeable, funny and gracious and our experience was fantastic. When you are in the Christchurch area this is the place to go for a memorable private tour. We absolutely loved it
“Brian and his wife Paula gave us the best tour we’ve ever had. Not only did they know facts about the area they took us places a regimented tour wouldn’t. They even took us to a Harley dealer before the end of our day! A picnic in the hills with cheese, wine and homemade treats topped it all off. Recommend them 100000000%.”
“This was our first visit to New Zealand. We did not have the luxury of taking the recommended minimum of a month to travel the country–we had only a week for the South Island and opted to go with professionals to help us maximize our time there. We didn’t attempt to “do it all” but we did have some requirements. As we made inquiries Brian was keen to call so we could better discuss what we wanted to do. Brian made suggestions and designed an itinerary that incorporated our priorities and South Island highlights: hikes, scenic views, night sky, wildlife, bird watching and wine drinking. I was concerned about spending too much time driving rather than hiking but to get around the large distances one must drive. However, the vehicle is very comfortable, the scenery is spectacular and journeys were broken up with hikes, picnic lunches, afternoon teas or wine and cheese. In fact, because of the bespoke itinerary we struck a perfect balance between seeing different places and walking and being active. Our travels included lodging in superb accommodations: Arrowtown Boutique Hotel and Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki, which added more value to our Wildsouth Discovery experience. Brian and Paula are delightful hosts who work hard to make your trip easy in a relaxed and easy-going way. They shared their love for New Zealand and knowledge of geography, natural history and “secret” places and provided us with views of dolphins, birds, glaciers, breathtaking scenery and more all in one short week.”
“Our travel agent had recommended Wildsouth Discovery tours to us for our week in Christchurch. Brian Lucas and his partner Paula Sinclair were everything we could have expected and more. Brian met us at the airport at midnight and got us to our B & B, he and Paula picked us up after our breakfast and began with an orientation of the city itself and its attractions, gradually expanding in term of geography to the coastal peninsula where we saw fur seals and dolphins, on a whale watch out in the Pacific, and up on the TransAlpine train to Arthur’s Pass in the Southern Alps. They provided a portable tea for us wherever we went, including Paula’s home-made chocolate cookies, and they took us to their vacation home in Akarora for wine and more chocolates. They were the essence of kindness and consideration. We consider them to be close friends. We had a wonderful time because of them.”
“Brian and Paula are among the best guides that South Island has to offer, and I feel truly lucky to have had them along for my journey. They know their way around the island, how to avoid the tourist traps and get off the beaten track, and (most importantly) how to plan one hell of a trip. The accommodations and vehicles we used were extremely comfortable, the food was nothing short of amazing, and the locations (both large and small) were beautiful. Would recommend to anyone planning a trip to South Island, even returning visitors!”
“My wife and I spent 9 days with Brian and Paula who couldn’t have made us feel more welcome in their beautiful country. They both are extremely knowledgeable about the history (current & past), the wildlife and the vegetation. We went to areas and saw sites that regular tourists would never find on their own. Their love for their country spilled over onto us. When we finally had to part ways, it was definitely emotional.
We would definitely recommend this tour to 1 or 2 couples who would like a personal in depth tour of the south island.”
“If you are looking to avoid masses of tourists & find the real essence of the South Island, then you can do no better than touring with the lovely duo of Brian & Paula. They are fantastic hosts who love and enjoy showing us their beautiful country. We went on a 5-day trip and learnt a lot, had masses of fun and I can’t recommend them highly enough. They tailored our trip to our exacting specifications and tight time scale. Great vehicle, which was very comfortable with large seats and nothing was too much trouble for them with picnics and yummy home-made chocolates to boot!”
“The many bush walks were my favourite part of my South Island adventure.
Wildsouth discovery is an excellent way to explore many locations in the South Island of New Zealand.
Brian and Paula planned a small group tour for us that was flexible accommodating the groups interests and abilities. Their knowledge of history, flora and fauna brought the itinerary alive.
As hosts and guides they are outstanding. I thoroughly enjoyed my 8 day West Coast adventure and recommend them highly.”
“A small group tour was organised by Brian and Paula to take in the scenes and history of the South Island West Coast. We experienced walks and adventures we had simply driven past, on other occasions. The expertise and knowledge of our hosts and guides, was amazing and added hugely, to the enjoyment of our trip. Because Brian was the experienced driver for the whole tour, we just had to sit back, enjoy the scenery and disembark at each “destination” to delight in the next walk, photo opportunity, outlook, morning tea, or discovery. Accommodations and dining recommendations had all been thoughtfully researched and didn’t disappoint. After talking about what we’d like to experience on our trip, Brian and Paula made it a reality and an experience we will treasure for ever. We thoroughly recommend “WildSouth Discovery” to everyone who wishes to experience a fabulous, personalised trip in our beautiful South Island.”
“Brian was fantastic, patient and very knowledgeable about the sites. Thanks for sharing your NZ with us. Brian is a real gem and hope you can continue to share your wealth and love of this country.”
“We truly had a great time… you really showed us quite a cross section of New Zealand with many fabulous sights and treks. We certainly couldn’t have done anything like that had we done this alone”
“Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience. We have been all over the world and this was the best so far”
“We expected to see your country in winter understandably limited by rain, cloud and snow. You went beyond mere weather watch by modifying our visits to fit the weather of the moment.
We expected a tour of ‘up to six’ people in a small bus. Instead, you allowed us to see New Zealand through your loving eyes.
We expected the best motel in a tiny town. Not so – we got beautifully appointed surroundings with the best cuisine”
“We had a magnificent walking vacation thanks to your thoughtful guidance, concern and sense of humour. New Zealand is a very special place and you made sure that we experienced it fully”
“We want you to know how very much we have enjoyed our 9 day “adventure” aka “The South Island Grazing Tour!” To be honest, we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into, and we want you to know that everyday has been a wonderful “event” full of surprises and unanticipated side trips. What really made the trip however, is you! Your unrestrained enthusiasm for your beautiful island and for helping us appreciate its beauty, nature and history, has made this a trip we will never forget! We can’t thank you enough for the wonderful experience and all the little things you did for us day and day out”
“Just a note of thanks to you and Kevin for making the last few days among the most memorable of my life. I hope it was evident how much I thoroughly enjoyed myself. You guys are real professionals in your business and you bring a combination of knowledge and wit that’s the best I’ve ever encountered in travel. I especially appreciate your attention to details and the many special arrangements you made for me”
“Yours is the most professional and all-inclusive tour we have ever been on. Simply put, it was perfect. No detail was overlooked. We couldn’t have been happier with our trip”
“Thank you for all you did to make the trip around New Zealand all that is was. For making the country come alive in it’s flora, fauna and topography. I could have gone on a bus and not learned half, nor experienced half of what I did”
“Your knowledge of the South New Zealand fauna and flora is excellent (both introduced and indigenous). We particularly liked your relaxed and laid-back manner on the tour. We have seen beauties and wonders we can never forget and we have done all this in a relaxed and safe manner, thanks to you”
COME AS A TOURIST – EXPERIENCE LIKE A LOCAL – DEPART AS A FRIEND
Phone +64 (03) 332 3665, or fill out our booking form and we will be in touch shortly.