Japanese-Speaking Driver & Guide Based in New Zealand
Explore New Zealand’s North Island
Private Tours
My NZ Driver & Guide

Why Choose Us

Japanese-Speaking Driver & Guide Based in New Zealand

Travel with peace of mind with a Japanese-speaking driver and guide based locally in New Zealand. We can pick you up from Auckland, Thames, or another location of your choice.

With local knowledge, we can also take you to hidden gems and recommended spots that may not be found on typical tourist itineraries. We offer flexible travel arrangements tailored to your interests and schedule.

Competitive Pricing

Private & Fully Customised Tours

Perfect for families and groups — the same rate applies for up to 4 passengers!

We can also accommodate private transportation for groups of up to 11 passengers. Travel at your own pace and enjoy a personalised itinerary without having to share the experience with other travellers.

実際のスライダーの動きは、プレビュー/公開ページでご確認ください

Highlights of New Zealand’s North Island

My NZ Featured Tours
Departing from Auckland or Thames

Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Tour

A Journey Through the World of Film and Glowing Glowworms

Visit Hobbiton, famous as the filming location for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, and explore the magical Waitomo Caves, home to thousands of fascinating glowworms.

At Hobbiton, enjoy the beautiful scenery and step into a world that feels straight out of the movies. At Waitomo Caves, experience the unique sight of glowworms illuminating the darkness of the underground caves.

This private tour combines two of New Zealand’s most iconic attractions, offering a memorable experience filled with stunning scenery, movie magic, and the natural beauty of New Zealand.

Coromandel Highlights Tour

A Journey Through Stunning Coastlines and Natural Beauty

Explore the Coromandel Peninsula, known for its beautiful coastline, lush forests, and spectacular natural scenery.

Choose from two tour options to suit your interests:

Option A | Driving Creek Railway & Farm Experience
Perfect for families with young children!

Visit the unique Driving Creek Railway and a local farm. Enjoy the peaceful New Zealand countryside while experiencing nature and getting up close to farm animals.

Option B | Scenic Coastal Walk

Explore the stunning coastline around Cathedral Cove and visit Hot Water Beach. Enjoy spectacular natural scenery and the unique experience of digging your own hot-water pool in the sand, where geothermal water rises from beneath the beach.

A private tour offering the flexibility to enjoy the Coromandel at your own pace, surrounded by some of New Zealand’s most beautiful coastal scenery.

2-Day, 1-Night Rotorua Tour

Experience Rotorua, Māori Culture, Kiwi Encounters, Hobbiton & Crystal-Clear Waters

Discover some of the best of New Zealand on this 2-day, 1-night private tour featuring Rotorua, Hobbiton, and the stunning Blue Spring.

On Day 1, enjoy Rotorua at your own pace, with a choice of hot pools, attractions, farm experiences, and other activities to suit your interests. In the evening, experience an authentic Māori cultural performance and dinner at Mitai Māori Village.

On Day 2, visit Te Puia, home to spectacular geothermal activity and rich Māori cultural experiences. Then, explore the crystal-clear waters of Blue Spring before heading to Hobbiton Movie Set, where you can step into the magical world of the films.

Whether you prefer relaxing in hot pools or enjoying an action-packed sightseeing experience, this private tour can be customised to suit your interests and travel style.

Rotorua, Taupō & Huka Falls 2-Day Tour

Lakes, Waterfalls & the Natural Wonders of New Zealand

Explore some of the North Island’s most spectacular natural attractions on this 2-day, 1-night private tour, visiting Rotorua’s geothermal landscapes, the crystal-clear Blue Spring, Hobbiton, the magnificent Lake Taupō, and the impressive Huka Falls.

At Blue Spring, take a relaxing walk surrounded by beautiful nature and crystal-clear, emerald-blue waters. In Rotorua, choose from a range of activities to suit your interests, including hot pools and geothermal attractions.

On Day 2, enjoy the spectacular scenery of Lake Taupō and experience the power of Huka Falls. You can also choose between a scenic cruise or an exciting Hukafalls Jet experience, depending on your preferred travel style.

With a private vehicle and a Japanese-speaking driver, the itinerary can be adjusted to suit your interests and pace, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty of New Zealand in comfort and at your own leisure.

小見出し
ここをクリックして表示したいテキストを入力してください。

🌟 Popular Destinations


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Cathedral Cove &
Hot Water Beach

One of the Coromandel Peninsula’s most popular destinations, Cathedral Cove is known for its beautiful coastline and impressive natural rock arch. It is also famous as a filming location for The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.

Nearby Hot Water Beach offers a unique New Zealand experience, where you can dig your own hot pool in the sand during low tide and enjoy naturally heated geothermal water.

Together, these two attractions offer spectacular scenery and a memorable experience surrounded by the natural beauty of the Coromandel.

Please note: The road to the area includes some winding and hilly sections, so passengers who are prone to motion sickness should take care.

Coromandel Driving Creek Railway

Enjoy a scenic train journey through the beautiful forests and hills of the Coromandel Peninsula.

The approximately 75-minute railway tour takes you through native kauri forests and mountainous landscapes, offering a unique way to experience the natural beauty and history of the Coromandel.

Visitors can also enjoy activities such as ziplining and pottery workshops, making this a great option for families and travellers looking for a fun and memorable experience.


Hobbiton Movie Set

Famous as the filming location for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies, Hobbiton Movie Set is one of New Zealand’s most iconic attractions.

Walk through the lush green hills and explore the charming Hobbit holes and beautiful village scenery, stepping into the world of the films.

Hobbiton is perfect not only for movie fans, but also for anyone who wants to experience the beautiful countryside and landscapes of New Zealand.

Its location also makes it easy to combine with Blue Spring or Rotorua, making it a great addition to a wider North Island itinerary.

Hiking Trails

New Zealand is home to no native bears, monkeys, snakes, or crocodiles, making it a great destination for enjoying nature and hiking with peace of mind.

From scenic coastal trails with stunning ocean views to forest walks leading to rivers and waterfalls, there are a wide variety of hiking trails to choose from.

We can recommend a suitable trail based on your interests, fitness level, and preferred walking distance, so you can enjoy the experience at a comfortable pace.

Wairere Falls

At 153 metres high, Wairere Falls is the highest waterfall in New Zealand’s North Island.

The hiking trail winds through lush native forest, offering a chance to experience New Zealand’s natural beauty before reaching spectacular views of the waterfall. From the lookout, you can also enjoy panoramic views across the expansive Waikato Plains.

Please note: The hiking track is currently closed, so this attraction is temporarily unavailable.

Waitomo Caves & Kiwi House

At Waitomo, explore the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves and enjoy a boat ride through the underground caves, surrounded by thousands of glowworms creating a spectacular star-like display above you.

At Kiwi House, you can also see New Zealand’s national bird, the kiwi, up close in a specially designed nocturnal environment.

Combining an unforgettable cave experience with the opportunity to see one of New Zealand’s unique native birds, this is a popular destination for visitors of all ages.

Blue Spring

A crystal-clear, blue-green river that sparkles like a jewel.

Pure water rises from underground springs and flows through the landscape, creating a beautiful and almost magical scene surrounded by lush greenery. As you walk along the track, you can enjoy the ever-changing colours and reflections of the water, which vary with the light and weather.

A unique natural attraction in New Zealand, Blue Spring is also a great place to include in an itinerary with Hobbiton Movie Set or Rotorua.

Tauranga & Mount Maunganui

Mount Maunganui is one of Tauranga’s most popular beach destinations, known for its beautiful white-sand beach, clear blue waters, and iconic Mauao (Mount Maunganui).

Hike to the summit of Mauao and enjoy panoramic 360-degree views of the coastline, ocean, and Tauranga city.

Whether you want to relax on the beach, take a stroll along the waterfront, or enjoy a scenic hike, Mount Maunganui offers a wonderful combination of nature, ocean views, and vibrant coastal atmosphere.

Thames Sightseeing
& Shopping Assistance

Thames is the gateway to the Coromandel Peninsula, offering a unique blend of beautiful natural surroundings and rich local history.

As My NZ Driver & Guide is based in Thames, we can use our local knowledge to show you the town’s highlights, recommended spots, and hidden gems.

Enjoy the coastal scenery and local town atmosphere while we take you to cafés, shops, supermarkets, and other places you may wish to visit.

Whether you are looking for souvenirs, need to pick up everyday essentials, or simply need help getting around during your stay, we can provide flexible local transportation and sightseeing support in Thames.

Auckland City

Auckland has an extensive public transport network, including buses and trains, but routes and transfers can sometimes be confusing for visitors.

With My NZ Driver & Guide, we can provide flexible transportation from Thames to Auckland and back, as well as private sightseeing around the city.

You can choose the places you would like to visit, including popular attractions, the North Shore, Auckland Zoo, SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium, playgrounds, shopping areas, and more.

Enjoy exploring Auckland at your own pace without worrying about travel times, public transport connections, or changing routes.

Rotorua

Rotorua is one of New Zealand’s most popular tourist destinations, famous for its geothermal activity and unique natural landscapes.

Experience spectacular geysers, hot springs, and clouds of steam rising from the ground — sights that can only be found in this geothermal region.

Rotorua also offers a wide range of attractions, including Māori cultural experiences, lakeside walks, and outdoor activities.

It can also be combined with nearby popular destinations such as Hobbiton Movie Set and Blue Spring, making it ideal for a day trip or a multi-destination itinerary.

We can create a personalised itinerary to help you make the most of your time and visit the places that interest you most.

Lake Taupō & Huka Falls

Huka Falls is one of the North Island’s most spectacular natural attractions.

The Waikato River flows out of Lake Taupō and is forced through a narrow gorge, creating a powerful torrent of vibrant blue-green water. The sight and sound of the water rushing through the gorge and over the falls is truly impressive.

You can enjoy the falls from scenic viewing platforms or experience the excitement up close on a jet boat, feeling the spray as you take in the dramatic scenery.

Huka Falls is also a great addition to an itinerary combining Rotorua and Taupō, making it easy to explore several of the North Island’s highlights in one trip.

小見出し

ここをクリックして表示したいテキストを入力してください。テキストは「右寄せ」「中央寄せ」「左寄せ」といった整列方向、「太字」「斜体」「下線」「取り消し線」、「文字サイズ」「文字色」「文字の背景色」など細かく編集することができます。

Owner & Driver-Guide Yusuke Koizumi


About Me 

About Yusuke Koizumi

In 2024, I moved from Tokyo to New Zealand with my wife and our two children.

I worked in the education industry in Japan for many years. Today, I am based in Thames, where I enjoy life with my family while exploring the natural beauty and culture of New Zealand.

I started My NZ Driver & Guide because I wanted to share the beauty of this wonderful country with more people.

Rather than simply visiting the main tourist attractions, I also enjoy introducing guests to local recommendations, beautiful natural spots, and unique experiences that I have discovered through living in New Zealand. I create personalised journeys based on each guest’s interests, preferences, and schedule.

Our Commitment to Safety

Your safety and comfort are our priorities. We hold the required licences and certifications and have appropriate commercial vehicle insurance.

Japanese Class 2 Driver’s Licence
Obtained in 2019 · Gold LicenceNew Zealand Passenger Endorsement
Obtained on 22 October 2024 · Clean criminal record, driving record, and health check completed
Licence No. EE91565Transport Service Licence (TSL)
Registration No. 0341295Commercial Vehicle Insurance
NZI / NZbrokers Commercial Motor Policy
Policy Wording: NZICMV011117
Policy No. 40-2152409-BPKCertificate of Fitness (CoF)
Commercial vehicle safety certificationNew Zealand Business Number (NZBN)
9429053803979

I also value being part of the local community and am a member of Thames FC, a local football club.

I hope your time in New Zealand will become a truly special and memorable experience. I look forward to welcoming you and showing you some of the places that make New Zealand so unique.

Our Vehicle

Toyota Fielder
Comfortable for up to 4 passengers.

For Groups of 5 or More

For larger groups, we can arrange a larger vehicle such as a Toyota Hiace or Estima, depending on the number of passengers and amount of luggage.

What We Keep in the Vehicle

For your comfort and convenience, we provide:

Sick bagsMotion sickness medicine for adults and childrenFirst-aid kitPortable toiletNappies/diapers

Child seats are available for an additional NZ$10. Please let us know the age of your child in advance so we can arrange the appropriate seat.

Child restraints are required for children under 7 years of age in New Zealand.