Frequently asked questions

Yes. Your vehicle and your guide-host are reserved only for your party, all day. The only shared moments are inside venues that run their own guided tours, such as the Waitomo Glowworm Caves or Te Puia. We'll always tell you when that applies, and arrange a private venue option if one is available and you'd like it.

Every tour is tailored to your group, dates and wishes, so we quote each one individually rather than publishing set prices. Request a quote or message us on WhatsApp, and we'll reply with a clear, itemised quote in New Zealand dollars, usually within 24 hours.

Our tours are designed for small private groups, and we choose the right vehicle for your party. Ask us about larger groups and we'll see what we can arrange. Your quote is tailored to your exact group.

Once you're happy with your quote, a 30% deposit secures your date. The balance is due 14 days before your tour (or in full at booking if your tour is within 14 days). You can pay by bank transfer or by card using a secure payment link, in New Zealand dollars. See the full details.

If you cancel 30 or more days before your tour, you receive a full refund (less any non-refundable third-party cost we've already paid for you and told you about). After that, a graduated charge applies: 30% from 14 to 29 days, 50% from 7 to 13 days, 75% from 2 to 6 days, and 100% inside 48 hours or for a no-show. You can change your date once for free if you ask 14 or more days ahead. See the full policy.

New Zealand weather can change quickly, so we plan with flexibility built in. Most tours run in light rain, and we may reorder the day or swap a stop for a better indoor or sheltered option. If conditions are unsafe, or a ferry, road, track, boat trip or venue is closed, we'll contact you. If we have to cancel your tour, you can choose a new date at no extra charge or a full refund. See the weather policy.

Yes, families are very welcome. Let us know your children's ages when you enquire, and we'll provide suitable child seats. They're available for every booking, with any cost included in your quote. We'll also suggest a pace that works for younger travellers. Some activities have minimum ages, such as some boat trips, and a few days are long for little ones. We'll advise you honestly.

We'll do our very best. Several of our days include walking on uneven ground, hills or stairs, such as the Cathedral Cove track, the walk up Maungawhau Mount Eden and the steps in the Waitomo caves. Others can be adapted easily. Tell us about any mobility needs when you enquire and we'll plan the day around them, or suggest the tour that suits you best. Please note that we can't currently offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles, and we're sorry about that.

Of course. Let us know about allergies, intolerances or preferences, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal or kosher, when you book. We'll pass them on to every restaurant and choose venues that can look after you well.

Yes. We pick up and drop off at the Auckland cruise terminal and plan your day around your ship's all-aboard time, with a comfortable buffer. Some of our longer tours (Rotorua, the Waikato with Waitomo, and the Coromandel) may not suit shorter port calls. The half-day Auckland city tour, the Waiheke wine tour and the mainland wine tours are often a better fit. Send us your ship's arrival and departure times and we'll advise you. If your ship is delayed, we'll adjust the day where we can. If it skips Auckland, we'll move your tour if possible or refund you, less any non-recoverable third-party cost we've already paid (see our policy).

Yes. Airport pickups and drop-offs, and pickups outside central Auckland, are available and quoted on request, which makes for an easy start or finish to your New Zealand trip.

Comfortable walking shoes, layers (including a light rain jacket, even in summer), sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen. The New Zealand sun is strong. Bring your camera, and swimwear and a change of clothes for the Coromandel or a spa visit. We provide water, snacks and, on the Coromandel tour, spades, towels and beach chairs.

Our tours are guided in English and Spanish. ¡Hablamos español!

Most full-day tours include lunch, and we always provide water and snacks on board. Alcoholic drinks with lunch are usually extra unless your quote says otherwise, and alcohol is for guests aged 18 and over. Each tour page lists what's included, and your quote confirms the details. Your guide-host never drinks while driving.

Within reason, absolutely. If you'd like to linger somewhere, skip a stop or try something new, just ask. Pre-booked tickets and time slots (such as ferries and cave tours) can't always move, but we'll work around them.

No. Tipping isn't expected in New Zealand. If you'd like to thank your guide-host, it's always appreciated but entirely optional.

As early as you can, especially for summer (December to March), weekends, school holidays and cruise days, when venues and lunch tables book out. We'll always try to help with last-minute requests.