Michelle Srzich
Let me guide you with my local knowledge of how to make the most of your time in New Zealand. I am a local 'Kiwi' born here so Aotearoa New Zealand holds a special place in my heart and I am excited to share this beautiful country with you.
I like to get to know you, the traveler, and design an itinerary that incorporates your own interests and captures the essence of the New Zealand experience while adding my own unique suggestions that I know you will love. I am also here in the country when you are traveling to help out with some local travel tips.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"I specialize in bespoke tailor-made self-drive tours and privately guided itineraries. I am a big supporter of sustainable travel and prefer to recommend and support smaller locally-owned suppliers of accommodation and day tours so that people visiting New Zealand can discover the uniqueness of our country and the warmth and friendliness of our Kiwi hospitality. My tours are built from experience and are respectful of the communities you are visiting.
For activities, I like to incorporate many different ones including hiking and cycling (with the option of e-bikes), food and wine, and wildlife activities, such as kiwi and native penguin spotting in their natural environment. I also like to offer scenic flights and cruises to give the traveler even more options to view our stunning natural scenery. "
How did you get involved in travel?
"A year as a Rotary Exchange Student in Illinois as a teenager first opened my eyes to the world of travel and after some more overseas travel after university, it was a natural progression to choose Tourism as a career.
I have extensive experience in outbound leisure travel and corporate travel and now I love working in Inbound New Zealand and South Pacific travel. I have traveled New Zealand and the world on working holidays as a backpacker, later with my own three children, and these days with the children grown up I prefer to travel with a little more luxury!
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Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"A helicopter ride to the Luxmore Hut on Fiordland's Kepler track followed by a hike with a local guide through the alpine landscape is one of New Zealand's best one day experiences. Even better if you can follow it up with an overnight cruise of Doubtful Sound - waking up in this pristine natural landscape is really magical. "
Michelle's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
With two weeks in New Zealand, you can experience the natural wonders of the North and South Islands on a highlights tour. Alternatively, narrow your focus to one region and...
Most people visiting Christchurch, Aoraki / Mount Cook, and Queenstown spend about 11 to 14 days in New Zealand, which usually includes some time in Auckland and Rotorua as...
On this 21-day adventure by air, land, and sea, you don't have to pick between New Zealand's North and South Islands—see the best of both. Experience the glowworm caves of...
Family itineraries
This itinerary leads your family through some of the South Island's most striking scenery, with plenty of fun along the way. As you make your way from Christchurch to...
With two weeks in New Zealand, you can experience the entire country on a family-friendly, fast-paced highlights tour with cultural excursions in Rotorua, a ride on the...
A 16-day tour of New Zealand is just the right length to appreciate the beauty and diversity of its two main islands, the North and South Islands. Start in Auckland,...
Luxury itineraries
Experience the wilderness and wildlife of New Zealand's South Island on this 15-day self-drive itinerary. By day, you'll drive through breathtaking landscapes and embark on...
With one week in New Zealand, you can indulge in the finer things in life while admiring soaring mountains, lush vineyards, and turquoise lakes. Focusing on either the North...
Discover the highlights of New Zealand's North Island on this weeklong luxury tour. From Auckland, you'll hit the road south, staying at spectacular 5-star hotels as you make...
Road trip itineraries
This 16-day New Zealand self-drive itinerary brings out the best of the North and South islands combining nature and adventure with relaxation. Start in Auckland, tick off...
One of the best ways to experience New Zealand's diverse geography and wildlife is to get on the road and see it for yourself. This 11-day itinerary forges a path from the...
This 10-day road trip in the South Island combines the best New Zealand has to offer. Discover jaw-dropping scenery here, including Lake Tekapo and its turquoise waters, Mt....
Honeymoon itineraries
Step off the beaten track and explore remote corners of New Zealand's South Island with this weeklong luxury tour. On this self-drive adventure, travel from Christchurch to...
Savor the best of New Zealand's world-class wines and farm-to-fork cuisine on this luxurious weeklong tour of the South Island. Begin in history-soaked Christchurch, then road...
Active types can venture farther off the beaten path and experience the diverse landscapes of New Zealand's North and South islands with this intrepid 19-day road trip. As you...
Recent trip reviews for Michelle
Our trip to New Zealand was incredible and unforgettable!
New Zealand
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Nov 6 - Nov 20, 2024
Hi Matt
Thank you so much for your review. I'm thrilled to hear that you had such a great experience in New Zealand and are planning to return again some day.
I really appreciate your recommendations and look forward to helping you or anyone you send my way in the future.
Many thanks,
Michelle
Our tour of New Zealand went beyond expectati...
New Zealand
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Aug 24 - Sep 12, 2024
Stand out experiences, in no particular order:
- tour of Mesopotamia Station with our guide... Read more
Thank you so much Nancy your feedback, it is much appreciated. Michelle
NZ A to Z
New Zealand
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Aug 24 - Sep 12, 2024
Hi Scott
Thank you so much for your review. It was a pleasure working with you on this trip. I'm thrilled to hear that you had such a great experience in New Zealand and that my local knowledge helped you to discover some hidden gems.
I really appreciate your recommendations and look forward to helping you or anyone you send my way in the future.
Many thanks,
Michelle
Amazing North Island trip
New Zealand
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Sep 13 - Sep 20, 2024
Hi Melissa
Thanks for your feedback, I had such fun creating a family-friendly trip for you and I am glad you loved your time in New Zealand. We look forward to welcoming you back for the South Island next time!
Michelle