QUEENSTOWN-BASED · FAMILY-OWNED · NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL SPECIALISTS
Our Story – The People Behind NZ Planned
NZ Planned is a New Zealand-owned travel company helping visitors discover the country independently, without needing to hire a car or join a traditional escorted tour.
Based in Queenstown and founded by Kathy and Wayne Hansen, our business brings together years of travel experience, local knowledge and a genuine love of sharing New Zealand with visitors from around the world.
We understand that planning a holiday in an unfamiliar country can be challenging, particularly when you want the freedom to explore without driving.
That's why we've developed NZ Planned: to bring accommodation, transport and memorable local experiences together into one carefully organised journey.
Real local knowledge. Thoughtful planning. The freedom to explore.
Our Journey Began with a Love of Travel
Before creating our travel businesses, we spent years exploring the world ourselves.
Wayne grew up in New Zealand's South Island, while Kathy was raised in Australia. Together, we've lived in New Zealand, Australia and Europe and have always shared a love of discovering new places and cultures.
In 2010, we decided to do something a little different. We sold almost everything and set off with our children on a two-year adventure around the world.
During that journey, we travelled in all sorts of ways. We joined small-group tours, explored independently, travelled by motorhome, used local transport and stayed in everything from simple accommodation to beautiful hotels.
We experienced first-hand how rewarding independent travel can be.
We also discovered that the most memorable holidays aren't necessarily the most expensive or the ones packed with the greatest number of activities.
They're the journeys where everything comes together naturally. Where the travel connections make sense, there's enough time to enjoy each destination, and you're free to experience a country at your own pace.
That understanding continues to shape the way we plan holidays today.
From Travellers to Local Tour Operators
After returning to New Zealand, we settled in Queenstown and began sharing the beautiful South Island with visitors.
In 2015, we established Remarkable Scenic Tours, offering guided experiences around Queenstown and the surrounding region.
What began with a passion for sharing the places we know and love has grown into a locally operated touring company, taking guests to destinations including Arrowtown, Wānaka, Glenorchy, Milford Sound and Aoraki/Mt Cook.
Working directly with travellers has taught us a great deal about what makes a holiday enjoyable.
We've learned how long journeys really take, how quickly New Zealand's weather can change and why choosing accommodation in the right location is often just as important as choosing the hotel itself.
Most importantly, we've learned that a well-planned journey needs to work in practice, not just look good on a map.
Today, that first-hand experience is at the heart of everything we do.
Why We Created NZ Planned
Independent New Zealand Holidays, Without the Driving
Not everyone wants to hire a rental car when visiting New Zealand.
Some travellers are uncomfortable driving on unfamiliar roads. Others would simply prefer to sit back, enjoy the scenery and leave the transport arrangements to someone else.
At the same time, not everyone wants to join a traditional escorted coach tour, travelling with the same group of people and following a fixed programme every day.
We believe there's a better option for travellers who want independence without the responsibility of driving.
NZ Planned, formerly New Zealand Package Holidays, was developed around this style of travel.
We combine scheduled coaches, scenic trains, ferries, transfers, comfortable accommodation and guided local experiences into one coordinated itinerary.
You travel independently between destinations, joining selected small-group tours and experiences along the way.
There's no full-time tour guide accompanying you throughout your holiday, and you're not travelling with the same group every day.
Instead, you have the freedom to explore New Zealand at your own pace, knowing the important travel arrangements have been organised in advance.
No rental car. No fixed tour group. Just a carefully planned New Zealand holiday.
Planned by People Who Know New Zealand
One of the biggest advantages of booking through NZ Planned is that your holiday is planned here in New Zealand.
Our team understands the country's geography, transport networks, accommodation options and the practical challenges of travelling between destinations.
We know that New Zealand may look small on a map, but travelling between places can take longer than many visitors expect.
We also understand that getting from one town to another is only part of the journey.
Your accommodation needs to be conveniently located, your transport connections need to work, and your activities should fit comfortably within the time you have available.
That's where our experience makes a difference.
Realistic Travel Planning
We consider actual travel times, transport schedules and sensible connections so you aren't spending your entire holiday rushing between destinations.
Accommodation in the Right Locations
We select comfortable accommodation with value, convenience and access to transport or local attractions in mind.
Local Experiences Along the Way
We include selected small-group tours and activities so you can discover each destination with knowledgeable local guides.
Flexibility to Make It Your Own
Our suggested itineraries provide a starting point. We can adjust routes, accommodation standards and selected experiences to suit your interests, available time and budget.
Support from New Zealand
Our New Zealand-based team is available to help with your travel arrangements and provide assistance when needed during your holiday.
That's where our experience makes a difference.
We Don't Just Plan Tours – We Operate Them Too
Through our sister company, Remarkable Scenic Tours, we're actively involved in operating private and small-group day tours from Queenstown.
Our local driver-guides spend their days travelling through the Southern Lakes, sharing regional history, discovering scenic locations and looking after visitors.
This gives us practical knowledge of what guests experience on the road.
In Queenstown and selected South Island destinations, some of your guided touring may even be operated by our own Remarkable Scenic Tours team.
Elsewhere throughout New Zealand, we work with established accommodation providers, transport companies and local tour operators.
By combining those relationships with our own touring experience, we can help create holidays that feel well organised while still allowing the freedom of independent travel.
Discover New Zealand with NZ Planned
New Zealand is one of the world’s most spectacular travel destinations, offering an extraordinary combination of breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, rich Māori culture and unforgettable experiences.
From the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and the beautiful beaches of the Bay of Islands to the towering mountains of Aoraki/Mount Cook, the glaciers of the West Coast and the dramatic fiords of Milford Sound, there is something to suit every traveller.
At NZ Planned, we create carefully arranged holidays throughout New Zealand, combining hand-picked accommodation, memorable experiences, guided touring and convenient transport connections.
Explore our range of independent holiday itineraries or let us help plan a journey tailored to your travel dates, interests and budget. Whether you are exploring the North Island, South Island or both, we make discovering New Zealand easy and enjoyable.
Enjoy the freedom of independent travel, with the reassurance that your accommodation, transport and experiences have been thoughtfully arranged by people who know New Zealand.
Discover the best of New Zealand – your way, with everything planned for you.