Matt: Your Personal Travel Curator

About Matt Harris, New Zealand travel planner and personal guide

Click the image to play a video

Kia ora, I’m Matt. New Zealand has been my home and my lifelong study. I’ve spent years exploring its landscapes, understanding its history, and building relationships with the people and communities that shape it. For more than a decade, I’ve designed and personally guided private journeys that move beyond the expected — experiences that feel considered, unhurried, and genuinely personal.

I hold both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree, and I bring that depth of study into my work — through the context, stories, and cultural understanding that enrich each journey. When I’m not guiding, I’m at home with my wife, Sarah, and our young son, Lucas, enjoying the quieter side of life in New Zealand. I’m also passionate about fishing, the outdoors, and discovering great food — interests that naturally shape the journeys I design.

My aim is to help you experience New Zealand with depth, context, and quiet discovery.

Video transscript: I’ve been guiding in New Zealand since 2012. It’s the only job I’ve ever had. It’s the only job I’ve ever wanted. And during that time, I’ve met the most amazing people from all corners of our wonderful world. Over that time, I’ve worked with guests from all walks of life, from every corner of the globe. And I’ve been fortunate enough personally to travel the world extensively. I’ve traveled to over 100 countries in my life. And through that, I’ll probably know a little bit about your country, your culture, your food, and what’s important to you when traveling to another nation. With that level of experience, you develop judgment. You stop following formulas. You listen. You take on board criticism. And you develop the right product for the right person. No two tours, no two experiences are the same. I run a very focused, lean operation here in New Zealand. There’s no layers. There’s no sales staff. There’s no glitzy offices.There’s me. There’s substance. And there’s experience only, not unnecessary overheads.

Local knowledge

Born and raised in New Zealand, I know this country deeply — from its landscapes and hidden corners to the stories that bring each place to life.

I am a traveller

Having travelled to more than 100 countries, I understand different cultures and what truly makes a journey meaningful, wherever you’re coming from.

Experienced guide

With over 10 years of guiding experience in New Zealand, I create thoughtfully curated journeys that take you beyond the ordinary and away from the crowds.

One point of contact

From travel design and planning to hosting and guiding on the ground, I’m your single point of contact in journey design and throughout the entire journey.

“For those who believe travel should feel effortless, deeply personal, and entirely unforgettable, I curate private journeys through New Zealand that go far beyond the expected.”

Your New Zealand journey begins with a conversation

CONTACT MATT