Why Choose The Inside Story?

At The Inside Story, we believe that the best mementos of your travels in New Zealand are the insights that you take home with you.

That's why you will enjoy much more than just a sightseeing tour.  As well as seeing the best sights of Christchurch and New Zealand's South Island, you will be immersed in its big stories:

• Tell-tale signs of one of the world’s most geologically dynamic regions.
• Unusual features of the South Island's native plants and animals.
• How Maori adapted to life in the South Island’s climate, the coolest in Polynesia.
• The challenges faced by early European settlers in a wild land far from home.

Enjoy:

• A professional guide who knows the region intimately, is a skilled story-teller and offers good-humoured, personal service.
• Small groups in a comfortable vehicle.
• An unhurried pace. Take time to linger and relax a little in some of the South Island’s loveliest spots.
• A mixture of the best attractions and untouristed out-of-the-way places.

About Us

The Inside Story is owned and operated by Terry Thomsen. Terry is well acquainted with almost every corner of New Zealand.  His range of guiding experience has included hiking tours and US college study tours.

Terry communicates the wonders of New Zealand's natural history at any level -  to those with little knowledge of  plants and wildlife,  as well as to the serious enthusiast.   His deep all-round general knowledge of New Zealand's flora and fauna is supported by a Master of Science in botany.

Terry also researches and writes informational and interpretive material about attractions in the Canterbury region. 

He believes that travel is much, much more than just seeing the sights.  It is at its most entertaining and fulfilling when it comes packaged with great stories and valuable insights.

Member of ProGuides, New Zealand’s professional guiding association.