Driftwood Eco Tours are offering to take people somewhere unique, where they’ll feel like one of the locals.

With more than 20 years of building relationships with locals, a journey with Driftwood Eco Tours feels like you’re reconnecting with old friends living in fantastic places.

Co-owner and guide Julian Tovey once worked for a gold buyer in the Yukon. This experience helped him develop a bond with two classic kiwi characters who are working a gold claim on New Zealand’s wild West Coast.

“You’ll get a rare chance for an up-close view into a small gold mining operation, then share stories over dinner at the nearby historic pub,” said Tovey.

Fellow co-owner Maree Carson said connections were everything on their journeys.

“Travelling in small groups of six to eight guests means there’s ample opportunity to develop friendships with locals and travellers alike, without being overwhelmed.” 

At the northernmost tip of D’Urville Island, rugged coastlines and farmland jut out into Cook Strait.

It's a difficult place to reach, but with a comfortable boat and 4WD transport taken care of, you can relax and enjoy the hospitality of Patuki Station, explore the inlets and cliffs or try your hand at catching a fish for dinner.

Whether it's blue cod, high country lamb or a red from a boutique winery, these tours always seek out delicacies prepared by the locals.

This summer, why not enjoy a different kind of journey with Driftwood Eco Tours?