Real people and smart technology
About Michael Nees and Virtual Journeys
“I've been showing people New Zealand since 1988, and Australia since 1999. The tools have changed. What a good trip needs hasn't: someone who knows the road, and who cares how your day goes.”
Michael Nees, founder
- Since 1988guiding and planning trips
- 16K+YouTube subscribers (opens in a new tab)
- NZ & AUtwo countries, one planner
The story
It started behind the wheel: guiding New Zealand since 1988
Michael spent his early years guiding travellers around New Zealand, learning which roads are worth the detour, which lodges remember your name, and how much driving is too much for one day.
That became Guest New Zealand by Michael Nees, then Guest Australia, part of the same family business: small, private trips planned one at a time. Thousands of itineraries later, the idea is the same. Fewer places, more time in each, and someone you can call.
- 1988Guiding begins
Michael starts guiding travellers around New Zealand, on the same roads he still plans trips on today.
- 1996Guest New Zealand
Private, tailor-made trips for small parties: honeymooners, families, friends travelling together.
- 1999Guest Australia
The same way of travelling across the Tasman: Sydney to the Reef, the Red Centre and the West.
- 2021The YouTube channel & 360°/VR filming
Virtual Journeys on YouTube, plus 360° and VR filming: road guides and immersive tours, so travellers can see a place before they go.
- 2026Virtual Journeys by Michael Nees
One home for all of it: the itineraries, guides, videos, 360° tours, the AI Trip Planner and Michael's planning service.
Our priority
Your trip of a lifetime in New Zealand and Australia
Most of the people I help are first-time travellers who want to get it right the first time. You can use the tools to plan it yourself, or talk to me and I'll point you to the best travel options for you: where to go, how long to stay, what to do and what to skip.
- Where to go
- How long to stay
- What to do
- What to skip
Why Guest New Zealand by Michael Nees became Virtual Journeys
These days people plan on YouTube, in 360° and with AI tools as well as by phone. Virtual Journeys puts it all in one place, and I'm still the one you talk to. Everything from Guest New Zealand and Guest Australia by Michael Nees now lives here.
- Real people
Michael plans every trip himself
No call centre, no handover. The person you talk to is the person who designs your route.
Work with Michael - Smart technology
Tools that save you hours
The AI Trip Planner, 21 places in 360° and road-guide videos let you see and shape a trip before you book.
Open the AI Trip Planner (opens planner.virtualjourneys.co.nz in a new tab) - Boutique travel
Small parties, private, authentic
Just your party or a small group, privately guided where it matters, and smaller places to stay with real character. 36 sample routes show the style.
See the itineraries
Want Michael to plan your trip?
Consultations from US$199. He replies within 24 hours.