Arahi Tours NZ
Arahi Tours NZ
5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
"Arahi Tours New Zealand" is a locally owned and operated private tour business. We offer personalised tours that focus on delivering, fun, flexible, adventurous trips. We provide pick up and drop off from your accommodation in the Christchurch area. Alternatively, why not stay with us in our beautiful "Cabbage Tree Retreat"? This is a private, secluded, a chalet in the bush, and includes an outdoor hot tub/spa. The Chalet sleeps 4 Adults, 1 queen, 1 King bed that pulls apart to make 2 king single beds. Your tour coach has large comfortable seats. We stop often to take photographs of the stunning alpine and summit views. Our journey travels along summit roads, harbours and bays for glorious views. We stop for drinks and snacks along the way. Our tours take us to the “wild side” of the of Banks Peninsula on our way out to Little River and Akaroa. The terrain and views are spectacular In the winter we offer skiing and snowbike tours.
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5.0
34 reviews
Excellent
33
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
ihkp
England26 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
Fantastic tour of Christchurch and area with Vicky. Fantastic tour guide with amazing knowledge. Very informal and very friendly. We even had a coffee stop! Nothing was too much trouble for this lovely lady.
Written 30 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your awesome review.
We always have coffee stops, loo stops, photo stops and it’s important not to be rushed around. I love taking the tours too, I pretend I’m on holiday too, and just enjoy the day. Thanks again.
Written 19 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Peter and Lyn Shaw. Inverloch Aust.
1 contribution
Mar 2023 • Couples
Vicky was a brilliant tour guide showing us many interesting spots around Christchurch. Highly recommended, you will enjoy the experience.
Written 7 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to post a nice comment. March was a nice time to tour, it’s especially nice with your own private group, I enjoyed it too.
Written 19 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul
Rochester, NY2 contributions
Feb 2020
3 of us had a 4-day excursion with Vicky and had a great time; couldn't have been better! She drove us in her tour van from a private house in Christchurch to Queenstown, stopping at numerous lakes and towns and sites on the way. She was extremely knowledgeable regarding the geology of NZ, could identify every mountain peak. She knew the history of every town we passed through and would stop whenever we asked for a photo shoot, toilet break or get fresh fruit or ice cream! We even stopped at Lake Tekapo where Vicky setup a table and brewed us morning tea! She got us to our motel at the end of the 1st day. Next day we explored on our own. Next day Vicky picked us up and took us to Arrowtown where she explained the complete town history. Then we went to several wineries and breweries in the Queenstown area. She knew as much about Queenstown as her home town of Christchurch. She even took us to a grocery store when we asked. The final day we had a nice drive back to Christchurch. Vicky is very friendly and a great conversationalist. All of us would highly recommend Vicky as a tour guide. Thanks Vicky!!!
Written 15 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I thoroughly enjoyed the trip also, it is such a beautiful drive down past the Tekapo - Twizel - Benmore dams it's such stimulus to the eyes and refreshing for the soul. Thank you so much, I would love to take you all again someday. Keep well, keep fit and love life. Kindest regards Vicky
Written 27 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Patty M
7 contributions
Jan 2020
We had an extensive full-day tour with Vicki on January 15, 2020, along with another couple from our ship. We had tremendous views driving around Banks Peninsula with all of its switch back roads and drove over new roads that have just been constructed to replace the ones destroyed by the earthquake. We viisited Christchurch, botanical gardens in Christchurch, New Regent Street and the Christchurch Transitional Church made of cardboard. We drove through Brighton Beach and through the charming little French town on the sea called Akaroa. Vicki even prepared us a picnic lunch! Vicki was most informative and we thoroughly enjoyed all she had to show us. Book her tour -- you won't regret it.
Written 28 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VickyEastwood
Patty what a lovely review, thank you so much.
I enjoyed your company and your interest in the history and commentary. Your great sense of humour always makes a tour special. Thank you for emailing us, Kind regards Vicky Arahi Tours New Zealand.
Written 29 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Luther28
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Friends
One could not ask for better hosts, Vicky and Chongy not only make you feel welcome but a bit more like a family member.
The tour is personalized to your tastes and without question it will be not only informative from a historical view but the sights along the way are something one must see for themselves.
We spent 38 hours getting here and Vicky along with Chongy made it worth every second spent.
The tour is personalized to your tastes and without question it will be not only informative from a historical view but the sights along the way are something one must see for themselves.
We spent 38 hours getting here and Vicky along with Chongy made it worth every second spent.
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VickyEastwood
Thank you so much Jay for such a positive review. We strive for personal and unique ways of entertaining our guests, travel safely. Vicky
Written 6 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kerensa C
1 contribution
Jan 2020
I had a wonderful time with Vicky from Arahi Tours. She took me into the city to see the rebuild and knew so much about the city's history. The van she drives was very comfortable and made the driving around a lot of fun as it meant we could get a great view of everything. Vicky is very energetic and also an amazing walk with spectacular views of the coastline, which was just so beautiful. I was very grateful for this experience and highly recommend her service.
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for such a lovely review. The sea and the Peninsula are spectacular on a stunning day, actually, it looks great when the clouds are black and swirly also from a photography point of view. Thank you for booking my tour company, I loved our walk out on the Peninsula, spectacular views and a fab walk for us all. A lot of fun. Thank you Vicky
Written 15 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dreamhiker
Phoenix, NY37 contributions
Nov 2019
Vicky is an outstanding tour guide! Her knowledge of the local flora/fauna, peoples, and history of the islands is fantastic. The tours I took were made more memorable by all the small details Vicky includes. She packs a lot of sights and experiences into a day's outing. Her lunches were beautifully prepared and presented with flair! Her tour van is comfortable, has a wide sunroof that allows one to pop up for a stable photo shoot platform. She customizes her trips to what you want. She went out of her way to help my friend Cynthia...who unfortunately left her passport sitting on a SIM Phone Card stand at the airport...after spending most of the morning on the phone with the local police and airport security...Vicky was able to track down the whereabouts of the passport...took us to the local police station and the airport in the process of obtaining the wayward passport! That is customer service that goes above and beyond!! THANK YOU VICKY!!
Additionally, her guest house is spacious, clean, comfortable, well appointed and has a wonderful view of her beautiful backyard that has a most relaxing hot tub/spa. The house is within walking distance to the CBD...restaurants and a large grocery store are less than 5min walk away. Her cats are charming, and very sociable. The beautiful birdsong warms one's heart. Am so happy that I chose to stay here...I now have many lovely memories of the Christchurch area. If you are looking to be nearby to the CBD yet want a quiet retreat...THIS IS THE PLACE!!
I look forward to coming back someday in the winter time to try out the skibikes that Vicky teaches clients to use.
Additionally, her guest house is spacious, clean, comfortable, well appointed and has a wonderful view of her beautiful backyard that has a most relaxing hot tub/spa. The house is within walking distance to the CBD...restaurants and a large grocery store are less than 5min walk away. Her cats are charming, and very sociable. The beautiful birdsong warms one's heart. Am so happy that I chose to stay here...I now have many lovely memories of the Christchurch area. If you are looking to be nearby to the CBD yet want a quiet retreat...THIS IS THE PLACE!!
I look forward to coming back someday in the winter time to try out the skibikes that Vicky teaches clients to use.
Written 28 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VickyEastwood
Thank you so much Colleen, yes it was an eventful day with a great outcome. I enjoyed the sunset and Godley heads walk too. Cabbage Tree Retreat is humming along, come back for winter for a Snowbike and Ski stay. Thank you once again for such a wonderful review, it makes taking tours a real pleasure. Kindest Regards Vicky
Written 29 December 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Skd526
Dhule, India10 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
Vicky took us back from Arthur's Pass to Christchurch on Saturday 14th December 2019. Vicky is an energetic and knowledgeable owner of Arahi Tours. During our journey she shared lot of interesting things about adventure and different tours of New Zealand she can arrange. We found her very enthusiastic about different experiences to her tourist clients. We strongly recommend her to all tourists who wish to have something new and unusual experience in New Zealand.
Written 16 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shriram and Vaidehi thank you, Arthurs Pass is such a beautiful area somewhere that is close to my heart.
I have some spectacular photos of you both in the huge limestone Boulders/Rocks such a spiritual place for all to hike around and climb. Travel safe you two. See you again.
Written 18 December 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
N7238MOmaryb
Yorketown24 contributions
Nov 2019
We booked accommodation with Vicky & then, with a what the heck attitude, booked a personalised day tour as well, months before we were even due to visit. Have never booked a personalised tour before.
Vicky offered suggestions and asked about our interests/preferences or things we were wanting to see/do. Asked about our dietry requirements etc. Thus ensuring she had a pretty good compass on what to include in our tour.
Contact was made several times, prior to our arrival.
On meeting Vicky we had an instant rapport and it was more like being with a lifetime friend than a tour director.
Her passion for her area, town, country and work were infectious. Willing to change schedule at the last minute, stop for photographs, answer questions and full of interesting tit bits. Yummy food, comfortable van and a wonderful and unique experience. The day just flew by.
We were due to check out at 10.30 am, the next morning, leaving us with luggage and time to fill. Vicky allowed us to leave our luggage there and we embarked on yet another day of adventures with Vicky. Yes it was a paid tour, but totally impromptu and we had a blast. It included Christchurch city, Botanic Gardens, Museum (my husband went only), history, rebuild, earthquake information. Tour out to Lyttleton and Sumner, which really opened our eyes to the extent of earthquake damage and rebuild required. We even had a swim in a bay at Sumner (well I think that is where we were). Back to collect our luggage and Vicky even delivered us to our airport accommodation.
Vicky does not provide a regimented tour, with set times and schedules. If you are seeking something special and completely to your taste and interests - talk to Arahi tours. I am confident Vicky will be able to accommodate you - this includes hiking/tramping and just about anything else. Ask her about her special bikes for the snow - can't ski or snowboard, I reckon she has the answer to that as well. Go for it.
Vicky offered suggestions and asked about our interests/preferences or things we were wanting to see/do. Asked about our dietry requirements etc. Thus ensuring she had a pretty good compass on what to include in our tour.
Contact was made several times, prior to our arrival.
On meeting Vicky we had an instant rapport and it was more like being with a lifetime friend than a tour director.
Her passion for her area, town, country and work were infectious. Willing to change schedule at the last minute, stop for photographs, answer questions and full of interesting tit bits. Yummy food, comfortable van and a wonderful and unique experience. The day just flew by.
We were due to check out at 10.30 am, the next morning, leaving us with luggage and time to fill. Vicky allowed us to leave our luggage there and we embarked on yet another day of adventures with Vicky. Yes it was a paid tour, but totally impromptu and we had a blast. It included Christchurch city, Botanic Gardens, Museum (my husband went only), history, rebuild, earthquake information. Tour out to Lyttleton and Sumner, which really opened our eyes to the extent of earthquake damage and rebuild required. We even had a swim in a bay at Sumner (well I think that is where we were). Back to collect our luggage and Vicky even delivered us to our airport accommodation.
Vicky does not provide a regimented tour, with set times and schedules. If you are seeking something special and completely to your taste and interests - talk to Arahi tours. I am confident Vicky will be able to accommodate you - this includes hiking/tramping and just about anything else. Ask her about her special bikes for the snow - can't ski or snowboard, I reckon she has the answer to that as well. Go for it.
Written 30 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gosh what a lovely review, thank you so much Mary, It was a delight to have you as my guests at Cabbage Tree Retreat and then two tours. We had a lot of fun, and to cool down with a swim was great too, what great sports you two are. Come back and I'll take you on another adventure to the West Coast for a Hiking - biking - Sun and Scenic trip. I learnt a lot from you two also, now I can say, I know what a Conchologist is and chat all about Shells. Thank you so much for choosing my small, but personal and private company Arahi Tours New Zealand. warmest regards Vicky Eastwood
Written 10 December 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lindsey C
2 contributions
Sep 2019
I would highly recommend Arahi Tours. The owner/operator, Vicky, knows her region well and is very engaging. Additionally, she can really tailor tours and activities to your needs and wants. Her service is very personalized, which I think is an important differentiator between Arahi and other tour companies. For example, Vicky made us an excellent lunch and took us to a beautiful location with a great view for a picnic. It was great to enjoy a meal in the sunshine, overlooking one of the bays.
Written 7 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VickyEastwood
Thank you so much, Linsey, I too, enjoyed our tour, the taylor made tour is a speciality of mine, if my guests are happy, then so am I. Next time you are in Christchurch come and stay, love to have you. To see where you would stay look up "Cabbage Tree Retreat" We can have that wine that I couldn't have because I was driving. lol. Enjoy the Bush-Spa-big Garden, love to share it with you. Kind regards Vicky
Written 31 October 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience