Discover the rugged beauty of New Zealand’s Routeburn Valley with a personalized hike designed just for you. This custom tour highlights stunning waterfalls, mountain vistas, and a lush landscape that’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–8 hours
Fitness Level
Average fitness required; some hiking experience recommended
Wildlife
History
The Routeburn Valley has been part of Maori legend for centuries, symbolizing sacred wilderness.
Conservation
Private tours emphasize Leave No Trace principles, supporting local park conservation efforts.
Private Discovery Tours
Discover the rugged beauty of New Zealand’s Routeburn Valley with a personalized hike designed just for you. This custom tour highlights stunning waterfalls, mountain vistas, and a lush landscape that’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.
Private Discovery Tours is a Queenstown‑based operator delivering tailored small‑group and private experiences across Queenstown and the broader Otago region.
The company offers guided walks, scenic road journeys and exclusive access to high‑country farms and historic stations. Signature experiences include explorations of the Routeburn Track, Paradise Valley and Mount Earnslaw Station, plus film‑location visits to iconic Lord of the Rings sites around Arrowtown and Skippers Canyon. Local guides provide context on New Zealand flora and fauna, gold‑mining history and cinematic filming locations.
Tours depart from Queenstown with durations ranging from half‑day outings to full‑day hikes. Group sizes are kept intentionally small: some tours cap guests at four while others accept up to ten, ensuring a personalized guiding experience and easier access to private farmland and station areas. Specified departures include on‑tour commentary, refreshments or afternoon tea; certain lunches are available at additional cost.
Booking options include scheduled small‑group departures and fully private designed tours tailored to individual interests, single‑day requests or multi‑day arrangements. Safety, local expertise and respect for conservation areas guide operations. Private Discovery Tours focuses on delivering memorable outdoor experiences around Queenstown’s lakes, valleys and iconic trails while maintaining responsible tourism practices.
Tours Offered
9 listed
Half‑day to full‑day options.
Location
Queenstown, Otago
Gateway to Routeburn and Paradise.
Small Groups
4–10 guests
Personalized guiding and access.
Durations
Half to full day
7–8.5 hour flagship trips.
Reserve a small‑group or private tour to Routeburn, Paradise Valley, Skippers Canyon or Mount Earnslaw Station — limited spaces for a personalized experience.
Wear sturdy footwear
Ensure your shoes have good grip and ankle support for uneven terrain.
Bring layers
Weather can change quickly; pack moisture-wicking and insulating clothing.
Stay hydrated
Carry enough water, especially on longer hikes to prevent fatigue.
Respect wildlife
Observe animals quietly and keep a safe distance to protect both wildlife and yourself.
Hiking boots
Provides essential ankle support and traction for uneven terrain.
Layered clothing
Adapt to changing weather conditions with moisture-wicking and insulating layers.
spring;summer;fall;winter
Water bottle
Keep hydrated throughout the day with a sturdy water container.
Sun protection gear
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses shield you from strong UV rays.
summer