Wildsouth Discovery
Wildsouth Discovery
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Your Wildsouth Discovery guides and hosts, Brian Lucas and Paula Sinclair offer only completely customized, bespoke trips. With over 22 years of experience, Brian and Paula specialize in creating South Island tours that are extraordinary and tailor-made to the needs of the discerning traveller. Excelling in privately guided tours, guests come with us for authentic interactions and exclusive adventures that are carefully designed to fullfil their South Island dreams. Using their own fully customized 4WD safari vehicles, they guide the trips themselves and exclusivity, flexibility and your safety is of the utmost importance. Being locals, Brian and Paula will show you the special places, their 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. Brian and Paula’s attention to detail, their expertise in the provision of top service combined with their knowledge of the culture, wildlife and history ensure that their guests get to see and experience South Island differently. This means that they take with them life-long memories and stories to share with family and friends. Come as a tourist * Experience like a local * Depart as a friend
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5.0
21 reviews
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Geoff M
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia35 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
We spent an amazing 10 days touring the beautiful South Island of New Zealand with Brian and Paula. They put together an itinery that exactly matched our requirements for a stress free and not too adventurous holiday with some luxury thrown in. Brian and Paula's knowledge and passion of the flora, fauna and Maori culture was amazing and by the end of the trip we were well educated in all three. Just a couple of highlights were Brian's ability to show us some out of the way places and scenery that you won't find in the travel brochures and Paula's amazing home cooked treats for morning and afternoon teas (and wine). Nothing was too much trouble and Brian and Paula went out of their way to ensure we had a memorable holiday. We have no hesitation in recomending Wildsouth and will travel with them again when we have the opportunity to revisit the South Island.
Written 24 May 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, Geoff and Jackie, for your wonderful review of your recent travels with us. Brian and I enjoyed putting
together a trip that we thought would suit your requirements as well as letting you experience some of what we think are the most interesting, beautiful, and scenic parts of South Island. We had the pleasure of your company along the way, and we loved meeting you and introducing you to some of the special places that we visited.
We thank you for allowing us to introduce you to New Zealand. We do look forward to meeting with you in the future and we do wish you the best for your ongoing travel plans.
Paula & Brian
Written 5 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MaeW
6 contributions
Feb 2023
My husband and I had an amazing 9 days with Brian touring us around the South Island! We had worked with him to develop our custom tour and it turned out perfect! He understood our desire to go more off-the-beaten path and to have extra opportunities to walk/hike. Brian knows the island very well, including hidden gems and the best places for great views and food, he guided us superbly. We also enjoyed special treats contributed by Paula, often at gorgeous stops for tea or coffee. I appreicated the extra resources in the van including maps and binder of cultural information. We really felt like we learned and saw alot of NZ! We highly recommend Wildsouth Discovery!
Written 5 April 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.
Kia ora Mae & Bob,
Paula and myself are so pleased that you enjoyed your time with me on your South Island trip. Again, we are sorry that Paula could not travel with us but at least you were treated to her specialties during the picnic stops. I loved designing a tour for you which catered to your interests and desires. Also it was great to show you around some of the most beautiful parts of South Island and to get to know you both. We always try to make sure our guests really experience as much as possible while in our part of the world, and take away new knowledge and great memories.
Thank you again for choosing to travel with Wildsouth Discovery, and for your wonderful review.
Very best wishes, Brian & Paula
Written 9 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lynda
2 contributions
Oct 2020
We enjoyed 8 action-packed days, visiting places on the South Island's West Coast that we'd previously either driven past, or simply not realised, were available to explore. Because of Brian & Paula's knowledge of the area, no highlights were missed. With their explanations of the history, Maori legends, and botanical information, we were able to fully understand and appreciate what we were experiencing. Their choices for accommodation and meals was top notch, without costing a fortune, and really showed how much effort they put into exploring all the aspects, prior to our trip. All of these features, together with not having to drive, mean we can highly recommend traveling with Wildsouth Discovery. Wonderful Hosts & Guides.
Written 30 October 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.
Kia ora, and thank you, Lynda, for your kind review of your trip with us. We enjoyed putting together an itinerary that we thought we thought would enable you and your friends to really experience the fascinating heritage of the parts of the West Coast we explored, but also to give everybody the opportunity to see just how amazingly beautiful the bush, the mountains, and the coastline are.
We love going on trips to explore and research in preparation for our tours so that we know what is out there.
We thoroughly loved getting to meet everybody and take you to what we think are some of South Island's treasures.
We are so happy that you enjoyed your trip with us.
Best Wishes,
Paula and Brian
Written 5 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Clare Church
Dunedin, New Zealand2 contributions
Oct 2020
The many bush walks were my favorite 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.
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.
Written 19 October 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.
Kia ora Clare,
Thank you so much for your very kind review. We are delighted that you enjoyed your West Coast experience. We loved the opportunity to guide you and help you explore in detail, part of our beautiful country.
We are so happy to have met you and your friends and we enjoyed putting together an itinerary that we thought would fit the bill.
Kindest best wishes,
Paula and Brian
Written 26 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lynda
2 contributions
Jan 2020
We live in Christchurch and have visited Akaroa on a few occasions. It's a picturesque setting and we tend to do similar things each time ... walking the village, browsing the shops, enjoying a lunch. But .... what joy, going on the trip with hosts, Paula and Brian. For a start, the fact that neither my husband nor I had to drive, meant we were both able to sit back and enjoy the scenery, instead of watching the road. Brian drove us to parts we'd never explored before and stopped at breath-taking views. A delicious morning tea was provided, as we took in the tranquility of the area. We walked a short track and there before us was the best view of Akaroa and the harbour, we've ever seen. Photographic opportunities filled the day. Apart from enjoying the relaxed travel, we were also amazed to hear the local history and Maori legends of the area, which Brian related so well. The boat trip out on the harbour was wonderful, with many encounters with the dolphins, seals, bird life and even penguins. Our Granddaughters (in their teens) thought the day was totally fantastic. The return trip was equally enjoyable with additional refreshments and pleasant views. Whether you are from overseas or a local, we highly recommend this superb day out.
Written 24 April 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, Lynda, for your wonderful review of the day out in Akaroa. We remember it well, and we thoroughly enjoyed our day with you, your family, and friends on a glorious summer day in beautiful Akaroa.
We do love taking fellow Kiwis on tour so that they can truly explore their own backyard and not have to worry about driving especially on the high and narrow roads that are on Banks Peninsula. We appreciate your very kind review.
Kindest Best Wishes,
Paula and Brian
Written 7 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bmann
1 contribution
Mar 2020 • Couples
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
Written 12 March 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.
Kia Ora Bill and Kathleen,
We absolutely loved meeting you both and taking you up into the Southern Alps with some of Canterbury's highlights along the way. We had a fabulous day with you and you were wonderful company. Thank you for choosing to travel with us.
We hope that you are thoroughly enjoying the rest of your New Zealand holiday.
Safe travels,
Paula and Brian
Written 17 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gorgeous
Fountain Hills, AZ19 contributions
Mar 2019 • Friends
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%.
Written 1 April 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.
Kia ora Debbie,
Thank you so much for your kind review of your time with us. We did mention that we are allergic to tour buses and crowds didn't we?
We thoroughly enjoyed meeting you and your friends and showing you a little bit of our spectacular Bank's Peninsula, and on such a perfect day. We are so pleased you had a great time.
Best Wishes to all of you - and keep on having those wonderful trips,
Paula and Brian
Written 4 April 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Flyingpig
Los Angeles, CA326 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
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.
Written 13 March 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.
Dear Dani and Doug,
Thank you so much for your kind review. Brian enjoys designing an itinerary to best fit our clients' timeframe, arrival and departure points, and to best meet their interests and expectations. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your journey with us, the experiences and accommodations.
We loved meeting and getting to know you both, we learned a lot from you too and had many interesting conversations. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us, we enjoyed your company and thoroughly enjoyed showing you a small but beautiful and spectacular part of South Island.
Best Wishes
Paula and Brian
Written 18 March 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
James T
Chicago62 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
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.
Written 29 July 2018
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.
Dear Judy & Jim,
Thank you for your very kind thoughts and feedback about the week in Christchurch that you recently spent with us. We are so pleased that you have such fond memories of the places that we took you too, and of us. For Paula and myself, it was a pleasure to meet you and we thoroughly enjoyed all of the time that we spent with both of you. The conversations that we had were enlightening and interesting and we found it fascinating to hear of some of your experiences of your many travels. We are also thrilled that you enjoyed the afternoon wine stop at our Akaroa house. We wish you both happy travels in the future and kindest best wishes for the future.
Your friends, Paula and Brian
Written 30 July 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Daniel G
6 contributions
Jun 2018 • Solo
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!
Written 26 July 2018
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.
Hi Daniel,
Thank you so much for your kind review of your recent trip with us. It was a pleasure to meet you and spend time showing you some of the highlights of South Island. We thank you very much for choosing us to help you plan your trip and we thoroughly enjoyed taking you around.
Best regards,
Paula and Brian
Written 28 July 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience