CanNZ Tours

I'm Craig Rome, and I've hosted guests here for more than 30 years

I'm a Scottish-born Kiwi with over 32 years of experience hosting guests in Christchurch and the South Island of New Zealand.

Grew up
On a farm in Gretna Green, Scotland
Came to New Zealand
1977
Lived in Japan
Nearly 5 years, late 1980s
Guiding
More than 30 years
Craig with guests by a South Island lake
Craig Rome

From dairy farming to guiding

My name is Craig Rome, a Scottish-born Kiwi with a passion for showcasing the beauty of New Zealand. Having grown up on a farm in Gretna Green, Scotland, and later graduating from The West of Scotland Agricultural College, my journey to New Zealand in 1977 was driven by a desire to be a dairy farmer and explore new horizons.

With the UK going into the European Union, dairy exports from NZ hit a brick wall and I had to look for a different path which saw me working in hotels at the beginning of the current tourism era and operating my own bakery coffee shop in Christchurch before going with my young family to Japan to learn the language in the late 80s. We lived there for nearly 5 years.

On returning to NZ, I found my calling in guiding guests from Japan for the large Japanese travel companies. Over time, I transitioned to offering more relaxed and tailor-made itineraries through CanNZ Tours. Today I enjoy hosting guests in my home and sharing local foods with as much as possible grown in my own organic garden. I welcome you to experience a more genuine Kiwi experience.

How I like to run a tour

I've been guiding for over 30 years. I plan each itinerary around the guests I'm with, and I want you to have friendly local guidance and an authentic experience of New Zealand culture.

I also care about sustainable tourism and about supporting local communities.

Why guests book with me

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Planned around you
There's no fixed script. I build each day around what you're interested in.
Flexible on the day
We can start later, stay longer, or change the plan if the weather turns.
Local knowledge
I've guided here for more than 30 years and know the back roads well.
Strong reviews
Guests rate the tours 5 stars on TripAdvisor.
Home cooking
Homestay guests can eat meals made with vegetables from my organic garden.
Just your group
Only your group travels with me. You never share the car with strangers.

Tell me about your trip

Send me your dates, your group size, and anything you'd like to see. I usually reply within a day.