About GUEST New Zealand

Here are some key facts you should know about GUEST New Zealand and the people behind the name. Also, read more on how GUEST started in 1988!

GUEST is a travel agency specialising in boutique travel. We design beautiful New Zealand itineraries to help you get a trip of a lifetime! The great advantage of using GUEST, is our quick and easy reservation process –  we’ll do all the work for you.

We live in New Zealand and that’s such a big advantage to you. It is so easy for us to research beautiful accommodation and new exciting tour options. If you’re looking for an authentic New Zealand holiday away from mass tourism, then you’ve come to the right place!

Why is GUEST so different?

Here’s why you should plan your New Zealand holiday with GUEST.

1 – Agile Personal Service
  • Get a one-on-one local travel designer going the extra mile.
  • Receive a unique travel itinerary – never done before – never to be repeated.
  • Enjoy the security of having a travel designer on-call throughout your trip.
  • View the Planning Process.
2 – Authentic & Meaningful Travel
  • Let the ‘locals’ show you the real New Zealand.
  • Enjoy hand-picked boutique accommodation and small tour activities.
  • Receive the added security of a loaded digital travel app.
3 – Sustainable & Social ‘Slow Travel’
  • By using GUEST, you will support a smaller local business. Meet our service providers.
  • We encourage off-peak travel, taking the roads less traveled and staying longer.
  • GUEST has a carbon-neutral system in place – making your trip ‘clean and green’.

How to ‘Slow Travel’ with GUEST NZ

What we believe in...

Our mission statement

Our complimentary travel planning and reservation services help travellers like you by value-adding local knowledge and smart technology to your New Zealand ‘trip of a lifetime’.

Our social commitment

At Guest NZ, we treat customers, staff and business partners with integrity and honesty and recognise their contribution to the well-being and profitability of the business. We also endeavour to support the community and social institutions within the constraints of the business.

Our environmental commitment

We use smart technologies to minimise any use of paper material and packaging wherever possible. We utilise innovative technology to reduce work-related fuel consumption (e.g. we use cloud-based itineraries, a travel app, and downloadable PDF documents). We encourage GUESTS to 'Slow Travel' and promote two-night plus stays, using local tour companies and therefore reducing fuel consumption.
Supportive Links and Information

Review reference links:

Google Reviews
Guest NZ listing on Tourism NZ
Why Guest holiday planning?
How travel planning works?
Helpful travel tips
Smart travel app (IOS or Android)
Picture Michael Nees from Guest NZ

Michael Nees

Travel Expert

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GUEST New Zealand
GUEST New Zealand
5.0
Based on 83 reviews
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My wife and I were looking to travel to New Zealand. We were led to GUEST New Zealand from a friend, and more specifically, Michael Nees. We had a number of video chats with Michael to identify what we wanted to do when we were in NZ. Once we clarified that, Michael put together the “perfect” holiday for us. We just returned from an 18 night trip that covered the North Island (5 nights) and the South Island (13 nights). The trip was beyond our imagination. Such a beautiful country!!! Everything was planned to perfection, and the accommodations that Michael picked for us were absolutely top notch - all completely different, but a perfect mix. On the one occasion where we found that we could not get to our next location due to an avalanche/landslide closing the main highway, Michael was immediately on the phones and within a couple of hours he had secured us with a new place for the night, and it was beautiful. We never felt stressed about our schedule because Michael provided us with the perfect travel itinerary that removed any questions/doubt/worry about directions, drive times, reservations, etc. Day-by-day itinerary listing our accommodations and all the pertinent directions, contacts, phone #’s, driving instructions and recommendations for sites to see on our drive to our next stay. Everything was done to the “T”. This was a trip to remember, and it was all due to Michael’s expertise and planning. Thank you Michael, and if we do have the chance to visit NZ again, we will definitely be calling you.
Don Shortt
Don Shortt
23:51 18 Nov 24
Our trip was perfect! Tailor-made to our interests and needs, all plans went as smoothly as possible without a hitch. Michael really listens to his clients and designs a bespoke itinerary. Combined with his attention to detail, this makes for a wonderful experience. We have no reservation recommending him with our highest regard.
Barbara Janowitz
Barbara Janowitz
17:53 01 Sep 24
Our trip to New Zealand and Australia was the trip of lifetime that was seamlessly planned and executed by Michael Nees and Guest New Zealand. We couldn't have asked for better coordination of lodging, transportation and activities along the way. Throughout the planning process, Michael was very responsive to all of our questions in a timely way. We were truly spoiled for 21 days and got to experience this part of the world with no worries at all! We couldn't have asked for anything more.
Missy Marcella
Missy Marcella
15:52 30 May 24
Michael Nees helped us plan the absolute best vacation to Australia and New Zealand!!! From the initial zoom call to draft itineraries changes in locations etc Michael was patient informative and clear. We loved every accommodation!!! We loved every private to semi private tour he booked for us. All flights transportation drivers etc went perfectly!!! I would give him a 10 star review out of 5!!!
Carmela Reiman
Carmela Reiman
21:12 23 May 24
This was the trip of a lifetime! A half a year later, we still talk about it with fun memories made with special friends. If you are looking for a trip to Australia and New Zealand tailored to your specific desires, definitely talk to Michael! He is an amazing tour creator! He spent a lot of time on zoom calls with us to determine our activity level and types of excursions we were interested in. Our final itinerary was flawless! He took care of all transportation and lodging needs within country. We just had to book flights in to AU and home from NZ. Most of our daily tours were private. He was also accessible during our trip which set our minds at ease. I highly recommend working with Michael if you want your own trip of a lifetime!
E R
E R
12:50 13 May 24
We are only one week into our four week stay in New Zealand but I wanted to take the time to offer our highest praise for Michael Nees and his travel expertise. It is the first trip for my wife and me to NZ and Australia, we are based near Washington, DC, and I don’t see how we could have done it without Michael. Indeed, I don’t know why anyone would consider a trip to New Zealand without contacting Michael. His choice of itinerary, accommodations, day trips and even places to eat have all been perfect. We are having an outstanding trip and it is all due to his patient, thoughtful and expert advise. Do yourselves a big favor and contact Michael Nees anytime you are thinking of traveling to NZ or OZ.
Frederick M. Joyce, Esq.
Frederick M. Joyce, Esq.
18:51 12 Mar 24
Michael planned and organized a fantastic 19 day trip for 6 adult siblings in the South Island. He asked all the right questions to find out what we wanted and he put together the trip of a lifetime! His recommendations were spot on! We loved the small lodges/B&B's, the activities, the restaurant and driving suggestions. He even watched the weather and modified our activities as necessary. He made it so easy for us to just enjoy ourselves. Thank you Guest New Zealand!
Linda Buckley
Linda Buckley
04:28 07 Mar 24
We are only one week into our four week stay in New Zealand but I wanted to take the time to offer our highest praise for Michael Nees and his travel expertise. It is the first trip for my wife and I,me, we are based near Washington, DC,, to NZ and Australia and I don’t see how we could have done it without Michael. Indeed, I don’t know why anyone would consider a trip to New Zealand without contacting Michael. His choice of itinerary, accommodations, day trips and even places to eat have all been perfect. We are having an outstanding trip and it is all due to his patient, thoughtful and expert advise. Do yourselves a big favor and contact Michael Nees anytime you are thinking of traveling to NZ or OZ.
Frederick M. Joyce, Esq.
Frederick M. Joyce, Esq.
09:14 06 Mar 24
My wife and I have planned many trips before, with and without the help of an agent. Michael has truly been one of the best we had the pleasure to interact with. He was patient in understanding our needs, budget and helping us discover the kind of experience we would most enjoy.He hit it out of the park with the gorgeous accommodations, must see attractions, including the spectacular off the beaten path adventures, car rentals and even the fabulous restaurant recommendations for a couple of vegetarians with two very hungry boys!New Zealand is so much more in every way, it is more beautiful, more welcoming, more laid and more committed to its food than what anyone will ever tell you. Michael knows his country and understands his clients in order to create a bespoke and unforgettable experience that was more than we imagined.
Madhav Kapadia
Madhav Kapadia
12:28 07 Feb 24
Friends recommended Michael and we could not have been happier with the trip he designed for us. Our three weeks in spectacular New Zealand were incredible--every detail, accommodation and activity was perfect, thoughtfully tailored to our interests and preferences. We had so much fun and saw so many incredibly beautiful places! Can't wait to plan another trip with Michael!
Wendy Buckley
Wendy Buckley
07:07 28 Jan 24
We first contacted Michael about two months before our trip. Despite a fairly short time frame, he was able to arrange all of our lodging, in-country flights, rental cars, and outdoor activities. As a result, the four of us had an absolutely amazing three weeks in New Zealand. We were particularly impressed at the quality of the B&Bs and the friendly hosts we met. I can’t recommend Michael and Guest New Zealand highly enough!
Scott Bates
Scott Bates
00:57 29 Nov 23
Our group of four had an excellent and memorable NZ vacation thanks in large part to the help of Michael and Guest New Zealand.We had planned to make our own arrangements until the magnitude of the job became apparent. Michael took our amateur itinerary and produced a workable vacation. Even with the short timeframe we gave him, Michael arranged stays in some great locations. You can be confident that the lodging has been well vetted. Much of the stress of traveling was eliminated since Michael scheduled many of the activities we knew we wanted to do, arranged for airport pickup, car rental, and in-country flights. The people we met at our lodging were interesting and helpful with local information. Thanks, Michael, for your help with our NZ vacation. We'll be back.
David Hart
David Hart
23:28 18 Nov 23
Michael at Guest New Zealand set up such a great trip for us! He listened to the types of things we enjoy doing and made plans accordingly. In large part, due to his planning, we had one of the best vacations we have ever had! We will use him aghain when we haed back to Australia and New Zealand!
Terrie Kirkpatrick
Terrie Kirkpatrick
19:10 18 Nov 23
Michael was absolutely superb in planning our personalized New Zealand Holiday. I told him how much time we had and he was able to plan a fantastic trip (although he wanted us to spend more time😊) and it was one of our best ever. All the accommodations and food at the wonderful and warm BnBs were 5 star. The guides were knowledgeable and timely. Everything worked like clock work and when needed Michael was only a text message away and quickly answered our questions. We cannot recommended Michael more highly. And as a special treat we got to meet him at one of the BnBs. Don’t think twice if planning a New Zealand vacation. Contact Michael
Rick Guyer
Rick Guyer
13:04 23 May 23
We Just returned from a 22 day, trip of a lifetime. From our virtual meetings, Michael was able to arrange a self drive tour through New Zealand's North and South Islands, and an action packed tour of Australia. He listened closely and designed the perfect itinerary, filled with a mix of planned and self guided tours. The Boutique Accommodations, private and small group tours, and restaurant recommendations were all outstanding. Hotel transfers, flights, car rentals, and overall travel logistics were all carefully planned and incredibly well orchestrated. Accommodations were unique and spectacular with hosts that greeted us and provided fantastic breakfasts and recommendations for additional hiking and sightseeing activities. We are incredibly grateful for Michael's efforts and highly recommend his services.
Scott Posnick
Scott Posnick
19:37 16 May 23
We had a trip of a lifetime thanks to Michael Nees at Guest New Zealand! Michael arranged our month-long self drive through the North and South Islands. He listened closely to our requests, then designed the perfect itinerary to meet our needs including physical activities and unique adventures!!! He created a customized itinerary with an abundance of vetted activities, accommodations, and restaurant recommendations. Each excursion, tour and guide were all first rate. Each accommodation was unique and spectacular with hosts that greeted us and provided fantastic breakfasts and recommendations for additional hiking and sightseeing activities. Michael was available 24 /7. When a change in the itinerary was necessary due to the unpredictable fall weather, he was on it to help make alternative plans. We highly recommend Guest New Zealand and plan to share this great opportunity with friends.
Lesley Martin
Lesley Martin
17:02 10 Apr 23
My favorite country to visit so far. The people are friendly and the scenery is absolutely beautiful. Michael does a great job in creating the perfect itinerary. It was jam packed with activities we chose and the scheduled times and transportation all worked out. Michael’s response time to all inquiries was quick. Highly recommend!
Sue
Sue
00:27 02 Apr 23
We just returned from an amazing trip to New Zealand, all thanks to Michael who arranged everything for us based on our preferences and requirements. Right from our first virtual meeting with him on Zoom, we could tell that he was the perfect choice for us. Michael actively listened to our needs, asked pertinent questions, and discerned our interests to create a truly remarkable itinerary for us. He even provided us with a helpful app that meticulously detailed all of our activities!During our stay in New Zealand, Michael remained easily accessible via phone to assist us in any way possible. Every aspect of our trip was planned beautifully, and we couldn't have been more pleased with his services. If you are planning a trip to New Zealand, we highly recommend choosing Guest New Zealand to help create an unforgettable experience!
Sula Meyer
Sula Meyer
20:38 31 Mar 23
Actually, Michael deserves twice as many gold stars!! He has the background, depth of experience and inside knowledge of the entire country. In addition, he is patient, attentive, very kind and empathetic of clients asking questions and changing their minds! He is able to work with any type of budget and your trip/dream ideas!If you are looking for someone who will assist you creating memories of a lifetime, look no further. You will not be disappointed!Gretchen and Robert ButtsMaryland USA
Gretchen Butts
Gretchen Butts
21:39 20 Mar 23
Full marks for wonderful planning, attention to detail, knowledge of the market, and a superbly tailor-made itinerary including cities to visit, accommodation, a range of tours, flights, taxi / transport / meet-and-greet services. Michael Nees was absolutely amazing - efficient - trustworthy - reliable - caring. Thank you for your wonderful service. Pamela and Ivan Hartsman
Pamela Belman-Adams
Pamela Belman-Adams
21:18 12 Feb 23
New Zealand is beautiful - But there's so much to see and do! Michael did an outstanding job of understanding our needs and tailoring our experience for 15 amazing days - definitely the best holiday we have ever had - thank you!
Kiran Mani
Kiran Mani
02:30 19 Jan 23
An excellent travel agent who goes above and beyond in tailoring NZ holidays to suit your individual requirements.A great web site for getting holiday planning ideas started, and the ability to access all aspects of your final itinerary via the provided app is very helpful.Well done Michael, and thanks for a great holiday
Chris Kerr
Chris Kerr
23:39 28 Nov 22
Excellent planning - getting it right to the last bit of our wish list. This trips marks one of the most precious and memorable moment for my husband and me! Thank you Michael!
Jacqueline Allan
Jacqueline Allan
00:35 08 Nov 22
We were thrilled! Great service, really good suggestions and cordial care. You can tell that Michael is passionate about his job. We will definitely let him advise and look after us again next time. Many thanks for your support, Michael!
K. Berger
K. Berger
10:41 31 Oct 22
We spent 30 days on the South Island. Michael organized a diverse trip consisting of hiking, wineries, sheep ranches and the most gorgeous places to stay. Michael’s service level was over the top! We were in constant touch with him especially toward the end when we needed his guidance regarding leaving due to the Corina virus. If you plan to go to New Zealand I highly recommend Michael. He will guide you to the most beautiful places and you will stay in small intimate and very special boutique inns with the most personable and knowledgeable hosts. Michael knows all the special nooks and crannies of New Zealand. Our trip was beyond fabulous!
Annemarie Gilly
Annemarie Gilly
13:12 16 Apr 20
Michael planned an amazing 11 day trip for me and my family in Australia and New Zealand. We absolutely loved all of the excursions he set up. He was incredibly helpful in assisting us in planning the trip and also with a few changes that happened during the trip (my husband got sick and wasn't able to make the trip and Michael was able to cancel plane flights, excursions, etc. for him). I would highly recommend him for anyone planning a trip to Australia or New Zealand. We hope to go back and we will definitely call Michael first.
Amy Lettes
Amy Lettes
15:41 27 Mar 20
I don't believe we could have had a better experience in New Zealand! Every detail of our trip was perfectly planned and each experience Guest New Zealand recommended for us was informative and extraordinary. The ease of having every detail arranged in advance -including the inter-island flights, the car rental, and all accommodations provided an easy stressless vacation. Michael Nees was so accommodating..from the very beginning planning stage to the end, he was available and willing to answer questions, arrange different plans, and advise us of any issues we might encounter. It was like having a personal travel companion who knew all the best places to go. We could not recommend Guest New Zealand more highly.
patti gramse
patti gramse
03:01 05 Feb 20
Michael did a great job constructing a memorable family holiday within our budget. Great balance of one of a kind experiences and leisure time to do as we pleased. Highly recommended their service.
Julie Milanese
Julie Milanese
07:56 26 Jan 20
I went to New Zealand with my husband and mother-in-law for 15 days over the Christmas and New Years holiday. It was the trip of a lifetime thanks to the Michael Ness. Michael was constantly available to us before our trip to answer all the questions we had. We worked with him to list a few things we wanted to do/were interested in, and he seamlessly created a 15 day trip throughout the 2 islands with airfare/transportation and accommodations included. We were able to see and do everything we had told him, and all the tours he recommended made our trip spectacular. The hotels we stayed at were ones he recommended and I can't image a better experience.I think what we were all most impressed by was how detail oriented Michael was. Every time we picked up our rental car, or checked in to a hotel or dinner reservation, everything was ready for us. He created a detailed itinerary and included all travel info/dates/confirmations we would need to reference. Michael's work allowed us to enjoy our vacation. We did not have to worry about looking up connecting flights or checking out which tour was rated the best - he took care of everything. If you are looking for an excellent trip to NZ - go to Michael!
Shyia Alam
Shyia Alam
01:00 09 Jan 20
Our third trip to NZ. Michael did a great job with our itinerary and the bed and breakfast were very good. The Night Sky Cottage was our hi light. Also had a great time watching the gannet at Kidnapper's cape. Michael was contactable and prompt with all our queries and helped us changed the gannet tour provider at the last minute when the first one was not available. Highly recommended!
Jit Biaw Lim
Jit Biaw Lim
08:56 29 Dec 19
Thanks to Michael we had the most amazing, smooth and well organized honeymoon we could think of in New Zealand! Michael was amazing, efficient and quick throughout the whole process and always reachable when we had questions! Could we have organized it ourselves? Probably yes, but it would have been stressful and time consuming which is what you don‘t want on your honeymoon :)! Michael advised us exactly what itinerary made sense for the time we had which was very important! The accomodations were all lovely and well suited for to budget and taste! We really loved the tours, all were in small groups with great friendly guides! We will never forget seeing yellow-eyed penguins and sealions at the beach so closely! Thank you!!!
Rita Steinhardt-Kager
Rita Steinhardt-Kager
02:27 09 Dec 19
Michael planned a 3 week trip around Australia for us. I found Michael on the internet, so I was a little skeptical at first, but all the positive reviews were right! We spoke a few times on Skype and sent a few emails back and forth, but overall It was a very simple process. It was clear Michael knew Australia very well and was able to point us in the right direction. We had 6 different stops along the way and 6 different inter island flights, so the itinerary was very complex. Everything went perfectly. All the transfers/cars were waiting for us at every stop. All the prearranged tours were on time to pick us up from our hotels. The companies he chose for our transfers and tours were top notch professionals. I would not hesitate to recommend Michael to any of my friends that are thinking of travelling to Australia or New Zealand!
Dave Yarnold
Dave Yarnold
03:33 30 Oct 19
Had a phenomenal trip in Australia curated by Micheal at Guest travel. He figured us out and planned a seamless trip that fit our needs and timelines. Our time at Kangaroo Island was amazing. Overall our trip was smooth and thoroughly enjoyable. Thank you Michael!
Katherine Kortes-Miller
Katherine Kortes-Miller
11:38 28 Oct 19
It was our first visit to New Zealand, and didn't have a clue about where to start developing an itinerary. Michael developed a plan which ensured we got to see some amazing places, stayed in some wonderfully different accommodation, and experienced some fantastic kiwi hospitality. I can whole heartedly recommend Guest New Zealand, and will certainly be using his services again.
Christine Fleming
Christine Fleming
21:40 25 Aug 19
This is our second trip with Guest New Zealand and they are great to work with both before and even during the trip. Michael was always there when we needed a recommendation or a work-around mid trip. Highly recommended if you're looking for an easier way to plan your trip.
Todd Rubano
Todd Rubano
14:57 02 May 19
Michael planned our 10 week tour of the South Island and it was a lot of fun. He was really attentive prior to the trip to make the itinerary custom made to our taste and even made us a self drive itinerary with all of the details in the routes.During the trip he was always available for last minute changes and arrangements. A real NZ expert.
Juliana Steinberg Kanas
Juliana Steinberg Kanas
07:10 02 May 19
Our good friends went to New Zealand last year and had a wonderful experience working with Michael and Guest New Zealand. So, we also requested Michael's help in planning our recent family trip to NZ. The itinerary he came up with was amazing! We were able to see many stunning sights and have incredible adventures on both the North and South Islands during the kids' spring break that we won't ever forget! It would have been so difficult and time consuming doing all of the planning on our own, and there is no way that we could have done it as well as a local. Save yourself the hassle and use Guest New Zealand!:)
Michelle Meyer
Michelle Meyer
01:32 15 Apr 19
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