Frequently asked questions and helpMaking a bookingPaymentsPayment problemsChanges and cancellationsInsuranceThe weatherMeals & diningUnexpected costsPublic holidaysPre and post tour arrangementsTour coachesTour start and finish timesAirport arrival proceduresLuggageAirport transfers
Making a bookingHow do I make a reservation? If you have found the tour you like and have saved it into your list then simply click the "Book this Tour" button. Follow the instructions and complete the details requested. Alternatively you can contact us here ,tell us exactly what you want and we will take care of the rest. Before a reservation can be confirmed however a deposit payment is requested Back to top
PaymentsWhy do we need to pay a deposit for our tour? To secure a seat on a tour then a deposit payment is required. See our full terms and conditions for each operators specific terms Back to top
Payment problemsI received an error code 2 when making a payment? Error code 2 is displayed when your credit card company or bank has declined the transaction. This is usually because your credit card company has imposed security parameters on your transactions to help prevent fraud. For example it may consider spending a large amount of money over the Internet with a foreign company unusual and block this. This is a great security measure and can be easily rectified. All you need to do is call your credit card issuer and advise that you wish to make a purchase using your card for a specific amount and they will adjust the security settings. Its also a good idea to let them know if you intend using the card while you are in New Zealand in case it gets blocked while you are here. Back to top
Changes and cancellationsWhat happens if I have to cancel my tour? You can cancel your tour at any time for any reason however please be aware that cancellations fees and costs may apply. You can see our cancellation fee policy and the policy of each individual tour operator here. Third party suppliers fees may also be apply (e.g. pre/post tour arrangements). We strongly advise that you make sure your travel insurance covers you for cancellations and that you understand what your policy covers. Consult a local professional insurance expert and provider. Back to top
InsuranceWhat insurance do I need? Each person's insurance requirements vary and we advise you seek local professional advice. At minimum your insurance should cover your for cancellations and interruption should you not be able to travel for any unforeseen circumstance. An example may be that your flight to New Zealand is delayed and you miss the tour departure. Cancellation and interruption should cover any costs you incur. Our advice - ask your local professional insurance provider. Back to top
The weatherWhat sort of weather can I expect on my tour? You can see average maximum temperatures and rainfall on our weather page. Note these are averages though and if anything is certain the weather is not. Tours are rarely affected by weather and can be enjoyed in any conditions. Back to top
Meals & diningThe tour I like has most meals included. What can I expect? When meals are included in tours they are usually in the hotel restaurant. Hotels offer a wide choice of food and there is usually something to suit everyone's tastes and needs. If you have a special request or dietary requirement though be sure to let us know. The tour I like has no meals included. Will I starve? Definitely not. Some tours offer meal packages as an option and you can purchase these if you wish. Having the options means you can spend as much or as little as you want to or head into the local town and explore some alternatives to the hotel offerings. I enjoy exploring locally and sampling the local fare. Is this possible on a tour? In most locations hotels are close to the city centre or at least a short walk/cab ride. Exploring the local cafes and restaurants is a great way to experience a country. What can I expect to pay for a local restaurant meal? A local restaurant meal can cost between NZ$15 and NZ$35 for a main course on average. A good pub meal will be around NZ$25 for a main course. Drinks cost between NZ$6 and NZ$12 for a glass of wine (depending on what it is of course) and a beer between NZ$5 and NZ$10 again depending on the variety. A bottle of wine will cost anything from NZ$30 upwards in a restaurant or cafe. Back to top
Unexpected costsAre there any sales taxes I need to add when I buy anything? GST or goods and servies tax is included in all quoted costs on this website and in all retail shops, cafes, restaurants and hotels. The price indicated should be the price you pay. On public holidays some cafes and restaurants impose a surcharge to cover additional wages that are paid to staff and employees by legislation. Do I need to tip in New Zealand? Tipping is not customary in New Zealand however if you wish to reward someone for a job well done it will be greatly appreciated. Back to top
Public holidaysWhat happens on public holidays? Do tours operate regardless? If the tour you are on is listed as departing on a public holiday then it will do so. Some services or inclusions may be adapted or amended if they don't operate on that particular day but you will be made aware of those changes. For example the Tranz Alpine train does not run on Christmas Day and so an alternative inclusion may be substituted. Most activities and tourism based operations operate 364 days a year and shops are open 7 days a week. When are New Zealand public holidays? See a list of public holidays here. Back to top
Pre and post tour arrangementsI want to arrange some extra accommodation and activities for my stay We can arrange pre and post tour accommodation, city tours, wildlife tours, fishing, hiking, train tours and almost any other kind of activity you can imagine and build it into your itinerary to create a seamless worry free experience. Back to top Tour coachesWhat sort of facilties do the coaches have? Tour coaches are modern, air conditoned and comfortable. Most coaches have on board bathrooms, however schedules are such that rarely do you travel more then 2 - 2 1/2 hours without a rest stop. Can I choose my seat? No. So that everyone on the tour gets a different view (and gets to mingle with different people), seat rotation plans move everyone around. Can I smoke on board? No. Smoking is not permitted on any transport. Back to top
Tour start and finish timesWhat time do tours start and finish? Most tours start between 7:30 and 8:30am and finish between 5:30 and 8:30pm. Tour start and finish times are usually indicated in the tour details but if you need to confirm these times to fit your schedule please just contact us. Back to top
Airport arrival informationAirport arrival information General information Visa and passport requirements for entry into New Zealand New Zealand customs service Customs procedures on arrival into New Zealand Duty free allowances Auckland airport Auckland airport general information Christchurch airport Christchurch airport general information Christchurch airport arrival procedures Christchurch airport departure procedures Back to top
LuggageHow much luggage can I take on tour? Please consider carefully the amount of luggage you bring with you. Experience compels us to recommend smaller, lighter and therefore more manageable luggage rather than large more cumbersome pieces. A smaller piece per person or medium size per couple is preferable to one jumbo suitcase. Ideally each item should not weigh more than 20kg (44 lbs) Recommended maximum suitcase dimensions are 75cm x 50cm x 30cm. A small bag for personal belongings on board the coach is advisable. Guest laundry facilities are readily available throughout most tours. Hotel porters will deliver your luggage to your room and load it on the coach on most tours. Transport regulations limit the weights permitted on board vehicles and so keeping to these guidelines is crucial. If your luggage exceeds these limits then you may be asked to make alternative arrangements for excess luggage. Back to top
Airort transfersHow do I get from the airport to my hotel and vice versa? When pre or post tour hotels are booked with your tour someone will meet you at the airport and a transfer will deliver you safely and quickly to your hotel. The same applies at the end of your tour. If you have made other arrangements for accommodations pre/post we can help with efficient transfer options at extra cost Back to top
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