You Me and Friends - Small Group Hosted Tours & Designer Trips

You Me and Friends - Small Group Hosted Tours & Designer Trips We host seamless trips to wonderful experiences and amazing destinations.

05/09/2026

Sometimes the best adventures are right here in our own backyard.

Join us as we head south from your Whangarei home for a relaxed and enjoyable journey through Taupo, Rotorua and Hamilton.

Our journey begins with home pick up before we make our way south, stopping along the way in Pokeno and Cambridge before arriving in Taupo for three nights.

With its beautiful lakefront setting and alpine scenery, Taupo is the perfect place to slow down and explore. We will get up close to the mighty Huka Falls by river boat, visit Wairakei Terraces and enjoy a relaxing soak in their beautifully sculpted hot pools, as well as having time to enjoy the lovely township.

From Taupo we head through to Rotorua for another three nights, taking the back roads and uncovering some of the hidden gems along the way.

Our Rotorua experience includes the magnificent Redwoods Forest, a cruise on the Lakeland Queen and time to explore the iconic Government Gardens.

Our stay in Rotorua will also include a very special visit to Te Puia Geothermal Valley, where we will enjoy a guided tour, a stunning cultural performance and a delicious buffet dinner featuring a traditional hangi.

Then it is time to start making our way home, but not before one final stop in Hamilton for an overnight stay.

While in Hamilton we will visit the world class Hamilton Gardens before enjoying afternoon tea with tea and scones at New Zealand's only Tea Estate, Zealong.

The following day we will make our way home, with a little time for some retail therapy along the way before arriving back at our letterboxes.

A lovely North Island escape, with great experiences, beautiful scenery and plenty of time to enjoy the journey along the way.

And of course, with You, Me & Friends, you can leave the driving to us.

Want to know more about this tour? Send us a message or get in touch with the team for all the details.

https://youmeandfriends.co.nz/tours/golf-thermal-explorer/

29/08/2026

Hey Friends,

Remember a couple of weekends ago when the YMAF team got together and spent some time talking about where we’re heading and what’s next for You Me and Friends?

Well, you might have already noticed a few changes.

Betty has officially retired, our Facebook cover has had a refresh and we’re starting to move away from the stock imagery we’ve used in the past.

Instead, wherever possible, we want to use our own.

Our people. Our tours. Our photos and our videos.

Over the years, we’ve captured thousands of photos and videos while travelling together, so we’re building a pretty amazing treasure trove of memories to share with you.

We want to show you the real You Me and Friends. The places we visit, the things we get up to and, most importantly, the people who make our tours what they are.

Because sometimes the best way to show you what we’re about is simply to let you see it for yourself.

So, we’re kicking things off with Vietnam.

This video brings together footage from our 2019 and 2024 Vietnam and Cambodia tours, with a little extra thrown in at the end. If you’re watching closely, you’ll spot some Taiwan footage from the 2024 group’s stopover on the way home. In 2027, we’ll be travelling home via Singapore.

Our next Vietnam adventure heads away in February 2027, with the option to add Cambodia to the trip too.

And while you’re watching...

See if you can spot any of your Friends having a good time in Vietnam!

This is just the beginning. We’ve got plenty more of our own photos and videos to dig out and share with you.

After all, who needs generic stock photos when we’ve got a treasure trove of our own?

Follow the link to learn more about our Orient Explorer Tour.
https://youmeandfriends.co.nz/tours/orient-explorer-vietnam/

Hey friends!A little update for those of you heading off to Fiji from 1 September 2026.The Fiji Government is introducin...
25/08/2026

Hey friends!

A little update for those of you heading off to Fiji from 1 September 2026.

The Fiji Government is introducing a 5% Tourism Services Tax (TST) on some tourism services between 1 September 2026 and 31 August 2027.

You might be wondering what this means once you’re there.

It could apply to some of the things you enjoy while you're away, such as accommodation, day trips, water activities, or even a meal or drink at your hotel.

So, if you're sitting by the pool or seaside enjoying a drink, you may notice the tax added to your bill. The same could apply to some of the tours, activities and experiences you enjoy while you're there.

The important thing to know is that the tax is based on when you receive the service, rather than when you booked or paid for your holiday. This means that even if your Fiji trip has already been booked and paid for, the tax may still apply to eligible services you enjoy while you're there.

The tax is a Fiji Government tax and will be charged locally by the relevant providers, such as hotels, restaurants and tour operators. Exactly how it appears on your bill may vary between providers.

At this stage, we simply recommend allowing for the possibility of up to an additional 5% on eligible tourism services and experiences while you're in Fiji.

For those already travelling with us, there’s nothing you need to do right now. We’ll continue keeping an eye on updates from Fiji tourism authorities and our suppliers and will share anything important as we learn more.

We’ll keep you updated as we know more. In the meantime, just keep this in mind as you plan for your time in Fiji.

📸Credit - Michelle Turner in 2024 on our Tongan Cruise with P&O (Dravuni Island stop pictured)

A weekend with the YMAF teamLast weekend we had our annual team workshop, a chance for everyone to get together, catch u...
22/08/2026

A weekend with the YMAF team

Last weekend we had our annual team workshop, a chance for everyone to get together, catch up and spend some time talking all things YMAF.

We chatted about our current Tours and Designer Trips, how we do things, what we can do better and shared plenty of ideas for where we could head next.

On Saturday evening, the lovely Sun taught us how to make some of her favourite Korean dishes. It was so delicious and definitely something we all enjoyed!

It was a great weekend of getting together, learning new things and looking ahead at what’s next for YMAF.

Take a look through some of the photos from the weekend, from the team learning a little more about themselves, to learning how to make Korean dishes and working together on plans for the future of YMAF.

Have you noticed something different about Betty? 👀Well… Betty has officially had a little makeover!After being the fami...
21/08/2026

Have you noticed something different about Betty? 👀

Well… Betty has officially had a little makeover!

After being the familiar face of our group tours for a while, we're saying goodbye to our AI-generated Betty profile picture and replacing her with something that feels a whole lot more YMAF.

From now on, Betty's profile picture will feature some of the real faces behind YMAF all of our wonderful hosts together!

Because YMAF isn't about one face. It's about the people, the personalities, the friendships and all the real experiences that make travelling with us so special.

So while Betty will always have a little place in the YMAF story… we're pretty happy to put some real faces in the spotlight.

Less AI. More us.

30/07/2026

For centuries, Egypt has captured the imagination of travellers. A place where ancient history, remarkable landscapes and vibrant culture come together in a way few destinations can match.

Our Arabian Explorer tour has been carefully designed so you can experience it all, with the comfort and confidence of travelling alongside fellow Travel Club members and our experienced hosts.

From waking up within sight of the Pyramids of Giza to standing before the mighty temples of Abu Simbel, cruising the timeless Nile River and wandering through the Valley of the Kings, every day offers another unforgettable moment. Along the way, we'll discover bustling bazaars, world-renowned museums, magnificent temples and hidden stories brought to life by our expert local guides.

We'll even enjoy time in Shanghai on the journey, adding another fascinating city to an already incredible adventure.

With home collection from Whangārei, airport lounge access, thoughtfully planned accommodation and everything taken care of along the way, all you need to do is enjoy the journey and soak up every experience.

Egypt continues to welcome travellers from around the world, with tourism thriving and the spectacular Grand Egyptian Museum now fully open. We remain in regular contact with our trusted local team, ensuring we're always up to date as we prepare for another memorable adventure together.

If Egypt has always been on your travel wish list, perhaps this is the year to make it happen.

If you'd like to learn more or register your interest, simply click the link below. We'd love to have you join us on this unforgettable journey.

https://youmeandfriends.co.nz/tours/arabian-explorer-egypt-jordan/

A rainy winter evening calls for a little travel fun!**WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE WE?**We've shared three photos.. can you g...
26/07/2026

A rainy winter evening calls for a little travel fun!

**WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE WE?**

We've shared three photos.. can you guess all three destinations?

Pop your three answers in the comments below.

We'll reveal the answers soon, and one lucky person who correctly guesses all three locations will win a little prize.

Along the way, you'll discover some of the incredible places our You Me & Friends Travel Club members have explored together over the years.

23/07/2026

Some places stay with you long after you've returned home, and Borneo is one of them.

This is a journey into one of the world's oldest rainforests, where every day brings the chance to witness wildlife in its natural home. From watching rescued orangutans swinging through the trees in Sepilok, to spotting the world's smallest bear at the Sun Bear Conservation Centre, every encounter is a reminder of just how extraordinary our natural world is.

We'll drift quietly along the Kinabatangan River at sunrise and sunset, keeping watch for pygmy elephants, crocodiles, hornbills, proboscis monkeys and, if we're lucky, wild orangutans hidden amongst the canopy. It's the kind of experience that simply can't be recreated anywhere else.

Before we venture into the rainforest, we'll spend time exploring vibrant Kuala Lumpur and the colourful, UNESCO-listed streets of historic Melaka, giving you the perfect introduction to Malaysia's rich culture and heritage.

As always, your holiday begins from the moment we collect you from home. From Northland through to Auckland Airport, we'll take care of every detail so you can simply settle in and enjoy the adventure.

If you've ever dreamed of experiencing one of the world's greatest wildlife destinations, this could be the journey you've been waiting for.

Join us for the trip of a lifetime and discover why Borneo captures the hearts of everyone who visits. Find out more about this unforgettable adventure here: https://youmeandfriends.co.nz/tours/wildlife-adventure-borneo/

13/07/2026

Raise your hand if you've ever gone into an op shop "just for a quick look"... and walked out 45 minutes later. 🙋‍♀️

There is something incredibly satisfying about wandering the aisles of a great op shop. You never know what you'll discover—a vintage vase, a designer label, an old record, the perfect coffee table book or something completely unexpected.

Our Hidden Treasure Tour takes you to some of the best op shops from Warkworth through to Whangaparāoa, with plenty of time to browse, enjoy lunch and compare everyone's favourite finds along the way.

No maps. No parking hassles. No traffic.

Just a bus full of treasure hunters, plenty of laughs, and a day doing what we love.

Who's coming to see what hidden treasures are waiting to be found? Click the link below to claim the last spot left!

https://youmeandfriends.co.nz/tours/hidden-treasures-op-shops-3/

Address

18 Rust Avenue
Whangarei
0110

Opening Hours

Monday 10:30am - 4pm
Tuesday 10:30am - 4pm
Wednesday 10:30am - 4pm
Thursday 10:30am - 4pm
Friday 10:30am - 4pm

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when You Me and Friends - Small Group Hosted Tours & Designer Trips posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to You Me and Friends - Small Group Hosted Tours & Designer Trips:

Shortcuts

Share

Category