We are not your standard volume-driven tour operator, selling cookie-cutter tours and major tourist attractions.
Once Upon a Trip has been an inbound tour operator in New Zealand for 15 years. Our DNA is to offer bespoke itineraries that mix the hits with the off the beaten track. We also offer unique experiences through small local operators whose expertise is incomparable, not to mention that our bookings are a massive support to their income.
We are not your standard volume-driven tour operator, selling cookie-cutter tours and major tourist attractions. Whilst we appreciate that travellers do not want to miss out on the highlights of New Zealand, we believe it is possible to discover them from a more intimate angle and of course we love to share our personal touch by adding unique and memorable experiences, often off the beaten track. We are looking for mid to high-end partners whose clients are discerning travellers who value personal service and quality over mass tourism.
We exceed your expectations
Highlights experiences, but off the beaten track
Stargazing. We do love Lake Tekapo but what about this intimate experience in Martinborough - Star Safari
Glowworm. While Waitomo is the reference, with the Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour in Rotorua, we go the extra mile by adding dinner and a hot pool - The Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour
Revisited Highlights
Fly to Abel Tasman from Wellington. Short of time ? Visit Abel Tasman by the air from Wellington on a day trip with this Fly Cruise Fly
Fly cruise Fly to Milford Sound from Queenstown. This is not just a cruise, it is also an unforgettable flight over the Southern Alps - Fly Cruise Fly
Private walks
The Banks Track. Through farm and forest, this multi-day walk offers volcanoes and views. Let yourself be amazed by the experience of The Banks Track
The Kaikoura Coast Track. This walk takes you off the beaten track to hidden coastlines and wildlife - Kaikoura Coast Track
Unique stays
Pure Pods. Private location, sustainable luxury accommodation and great views, this is what Pure Pods is all about
Ridge Top Farm. Glamping with volcano views at Ridge Top Farm
Welcome Rock. Experience a unique stay in an 1890 hut with an outdoor bath at Welcome Rock
Whangamomona Hotel. Experience the Republic of Whangamomona with Forgotten World Highway and the Whangamomona Hotel
Meaningful and unique experiences
Ridgeline. Breathtaking views and the sound of silence on the Dingleburn Discovery
Hapuku Kitchen. Culinary experiences that reflect Kaikoura's landscape and abundance of wild foods, welcome to Hapuku Kitchen
Akaroa Mail Run Tour. The only onshore mail run tours to discover the magnificent natural beauty of the Banks Peninsula, be amazed with the Akaroa Mail Run
Cycling trips. 23 great rides within NZ, mostly off road, be adventurous with NZ Cycle Trail
Immersive farm tours and stays
Cabot Lodge. Enjoying Fiordland with a luxury farm stay - Cabot Lodge
Matai Peak. Rise with the sun, fall asleep with the stars at Matai Peak
Tussock Ridge. A tour among 6000 sheep, 400 cattle, 40 horses and 26 wind turbines, this is Tussock Ridge
Our Services
- Welcome calls
- 24/7 assistance by phone, WhatsApp or email
- Sim card provided, including data, SMS and minutes
- Editable quotations
- B to B Extranet to access our products and net rates
- Training videos by Loom
What makes us different?
- Strong expertise and savoir-faire since 2009
- Close relationships with local suppliers
- Strong knowledge of New Zealand as a destination (famils, regional dispersal..)
- Very proactive in providing content and new products each year to our B to B partners
- Tailor-made quotes within 48 hours
- We adjust our offer according to markets/nationalities
Contact details
By email
Franck Lemaitre, director at [email protected]
Max Kubiak, Managing Director at [email protected]
General enquiries at [email protected]
By phone
(+64) 09 378 7680
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What our customers have to say
Thanks for your arrangements for our trip to New Zealand, Carolyn. What a fabulous place and great people! The b&bs were terrific, particularly Carol...
John Larson, USA
OUAT organised a great trip on the Hollyford Track. The lodges were wonderful with the most decisions food. The guides really knowledgeable and friendly....
Susie and Alice Hoddell, UK
Although my brother and I know we wanted to Journey across NZ, we didn't know exactly where to start. We had 5 weeks and we wanted to see as much as...
Nicholas James Foley, USA