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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about travelling with Pure Discoveries®
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Questions about travelling to New Zealand
New Zealand’s seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere, summer months are December to February and winter months are June to September.
While there are four distinct seasons, there is no wet or dry season and rainfall is generally evenly spread throughout the year. Summer days are generally warm and pleasant, with plenty of sunshine, and activities in and around the water are popular. During winter months there is snow on the mountains and excellent skiing opportunities in alpine areas, however, away from the mountains, temperatures are generally mild and do not fall below freezing.
Currently, no vaccinations (including Covid) are required for entry into New Zealand.
Please check the Health.govt.nz website for up-to-date details.
Due to limited storage capacity in the smaller vehicles used for these tours, luggage is strictly restricted to one suitcase and one small item of hand luggage per person.
Your suitcase should have dimensions not exceeding 30” x 18” x 10” (76x46x25cm) and 62 linear inches (157cm) and weight not exceeding 50lbs (23kg).
Your carry-on/hand luggage is strictly restricted to one piece per person, not exceeding 20” x 13” x8” (51x33x20cm) in order to fit under your coach seat. Carry-on/hand luggage handling is the responsibility of each guest and must be taken on and off the motorcoach by you each day of the trip. Please note that carry-on luggage with telescopic handles and wheels cannot be accepted as carry-on luggage for storage capacity and safety reasons.
No you don’t. All of the hotels have hairdryers either in the room or available from reception. Keep your baggage light and leave the hairdryer at home.
It is now illegal to smoke indoors in workplaces and hospitality venues including restaurants, bars, cafes, casinos and hotel lobbies. If you wish to smoke, or vape, you will need to smoke outdoors.
Visitors to New Zealand require a passport which must be valid for at least three months beyond the date the visitor intends leaving New Zealand. Some travellers may also require visas.
Some visitors must have a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) and pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy before travelling to New Zealand.
For more information about visitor regulations, visa exemptions and visa waivers visit www.immigration.govt.nz
Prior to arrival in New Zealand all visitors, including New Zealand passport holders, must complete a New Zealand Travel Declaration. This should be submitted online during the 24 hours before the trip to New Zealand starts.
Visit this site for more details: https://www.travellerdeclaration.govt.nz
Packing for an overseas trip can be a bit challenging. The key is to travel light and remember that you can always pick up anything you need once you arrive.
Here are some useful packing tips:
- Regardless of the season, bring along warm and lightweight clothing, as temperatures can vary widely.
- Casual wear is recommended for travelling. Tidy casual attire is generally acceptable at most restaurants and nightspots.
- Don’t forget to pack a waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes, as comfort during walks is essential. Hiking boots are not necessary.
- Remember to include a sunhat, sunglasses, and a swimsuit for beach visits and pools.
- Sunscreen is very important at all times of year as New Zealand’s sun is fierce, and burn-times are short.
Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts (50 hertz) with angled two or three pin plugs. Most hotels and motels provide 110 volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only. For all other equipment, an adapter/converter is necessary, unless the item has a multi-voltage option.
Tipping is not considered obligatory for any service provided in New Zealand, but it may be offered as an extra gesture of appreciation when service exceeds expectations. Unlike some other countries, individuals employed in New Zealand typically do not rely on tips or gratuities as a significant part of their income.
Touring Questions
- Your tour includes all your New Zealand land travel, plus the care and attention of your driver-guide. If other transportation is mentioned in the itinerary (such as a ferry crossing or train journey) this is included in the price of your tour. Domestic airfare is included in tours that mention a flight within New Zealand
- Breakfast is included every morning, as are any special meals mentioned in the daily itinerary.
- All activities and entrance fees for everything explicitly outlined in the itinerary are covered. For specific inclusions on each tour, check the inclusions list on the tour page.
- The tour price includes the New Zealand Sales Tax (Goods and Services Tax of 15%).
- International air fares are not included.
We understand that you want to take in as much as possible during your journey, so we make frequent stops when travelling between destinations. As a general guideline, we aim to stop at least every 2 hours for opportunities to take photos, use restrooms, and address urgent needs like grabbing a coffee. Our goal is to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience while exploring New Zealand’s stunning landscapes.
New Zealand airport transfers are included on all of our tours, unless you are making your own pre or post tour travel arrangements.
During our tours, each hotel we stay in offers complimentary Wi-Fi, although in one hotel, Wi-Fi is not available in the bedrooms. In most locations, there is a data cap designed to accommodate basic online activities such as checking emails and news updates, but not permit streaming services such as Netflix. In remote areas like the West Coast of the South Island, internet connections and download speeds may be intermittent. If you have any crucial online tasks to attend to during your stay, please inform your driver-guide beforehand, and they will assist you in getting connected.
All our tours have breakfast included every morning. Please note if your tour includes an overnight stay in Whitianga, breakfast is included at a local café – not the accommodation property.
Additionally, special meals at specific locations are included throughout the tour, as clearly indicated on the daily itinerary. In instances where a meal is not included, your knowledgeable driver-guide will be able to offer recommendations for the finest cafes or restaurants in the area.
Alcoholic beverages are not included in your tour meals, all drinks are at your own cost. The exception to this is tours dining at Mission Estate Winery in Napier, which includes a glass of wine with your dinner.
If you are joining a tour that visits Marlborough, you will have a wine tasting included at one of the region’s premier wineries.
Breakfast is included on our tours. For lunches, dinners and refreshments not included in your itinerary, we recommend allowing approximately NZD $100 to $150 per person, per day. As a general guide, you might spend around $30 to $35 on lunch, $50 to $60 on dinner, plus coffees and snacks throughout the day. Costs will vary depending on where and what you choose to eat, particularly in popular visitor destinations. Tipping is not generally expected in New Zealand.
Many of our tours offer several Your Choice options; included experiences that allow you to choose the activity that interests you most, at no extra cost. Once you have a confirmed booking in place, we will provide selection details for the Your Choice options available for your specific tour, and you simply choose your preferred experience. Please note that when taking part in one of our Your Choice activities, you will be joining a shared public tour that is operated by one of our trusted supplier partners.
You can learn more about the available experiences on our Your Choice page.
The pace and level of activity vary from day to day. Some days include more walking and sightseeing, while others involve more time travelling by coach. Whenever possible, we encourage travellers to participate in activities at a level that suits their abilities. Our knowledgeable driver-guides are always on hand to offer recommendations and assistance, helping everyone make the most of their New Zealand experience.
To enable our travellers to see as much of New Zealand as possible, we do have some early starts and long travel days, particularly in the South Island. Free time to explore towns and cities independently can be limited between planned activities and travel. Most evenings are intentionally left free for travellers to enjoy at their leisure, and tours that spend a full day in Queenstown include a day at leisure.
Not necessarily. Some of our tours are modular and form part of an extended itinerary. This means guests may join or leave the tour at different points. While you’ll share parts of the journey with fellow travellers, their overall itinerary may begin earlier or continue beyond your travel dates. This flexible design allows for a more personalised travel experience with a wider range of tour durations for guests to choose from.
Pure Discoveries® utilises small, agile motor coaches, granting us the flexibility to explore locations typically inaccessible to larger touring vehicles. Our purpose-built small coaches prioritise safety and comfort, boasting features such as reclining seats equipped with seat belts, adjustable footrests, USB charging ports, and movable armrests. With well-spaced seating arrangements, passengers enjoy ample legroom, while individual adjustable air-conditioning vents ensure personalised comfort throughout the journey.
Throughout your tour, our knowledgeable driver/host provides insightful local commentaries delivered clearly over the PA System, complemented by our proprietary GPS commentary system. As you traverse local highways and byways, our large tinted panoramic windows offer unparalleled viewing opportunities, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the scenic beauty of each destination.
We understand your desire to enjoy the scenic views of the beautiful New Zealand countryside from various seating positions. Hence, we implement a seat rotation policy on our tours to ensure everyone can experience different perspectives. While we cannot guarantee seats near the front, we ensure fairness by rotating positions among all passengers. Please remember you are travelling as part of a small group and will not be travelling in a large vehicle.
Recognising the significance of a rejuvenating sleep following a day of exploring New Zealand, we have meticulously selected all our accommodations. We opt for predominantly 4-star-plus accommodation, ensuring access to expected amenities and private ensuite bathrooms. Learn more about our tour accommodations here.
Many of our accommodations are equipped with self-service coin operated laundries. Getting your laundry done while on tour is hassle-free, particularly at locations where we generally spend multiple nights, such as Rotorua, Nelson, Queenstown and Christchurch. You will be required to purchase your own detergent and most facilities make a small charge for use of the washing machines and dryers. Dry cleaning services are also offered at several properties.
Absolutely no problem there. The key is to inform us in advance, and we can assist with virtually anything. If you have any enquiries, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
We will be in touch with you before your departure to ensure you have a full and detailed touring itinerary which will include the logistics around the start of your tour.
We strive to balance your tour days with thrilling activities and sightseeing. However, on select days of certain tours, there may be opportunities for optional activities (at an additional cost). Visit our Optional Experiences page to see what’s available in each destination. If you’d like more details, please feel free to enquire with us.
Absolutely! We understand that everyone has unique preferences. Some may appreciate a little more solo time, while others enjoy the camaraderie of the group as much as possible. That’s why we incorporate free time into our trips, allowing you to tailor your experience according to your preferences as much as possible.
Most evenings are intentionally left free for this very reason. It’s common to see some people wander off on their own adventures while others gather for dinner or other activities together.
Certain tour itineraries also allow more time at leisure than others, including a full day of leisure in Queenstown. If you need advice on which tour would best suit your requirements, please ask us for recommendations.
Booking & Payment Questions
Tour prices are quoted in New Zealand dollars (NZD) and they include our local sales tax (Goods & Services Tax) of 15%.
All prices are shown and charged in New Zealand Dollars. Your bank will automatically convert the amount to your local currency when you make payment.
Simply double the per person (NZD) price shown for your chosen departure date.
With an emphasis on smaller group sizes, our tours can fill up quickly, especially our popular summer tour dates. It’s common for guests to secure their spots on our tours 9-12 months in advance, aligning with the release of airline flight schedules. Booking early ensures you secure your spot and prevents disappointment due to limited availability.
It’s essential to have comprehensive travel insurance to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances during your trip, including cancellation, travel interruptions, loss of baggage and cash, and repatriation. Additionally, your policy should cover expenses related to sickness, accidents, or delays caused by factors beyond our control. Ensuring your policy includes cancellation coverage in case you’re forced to cancel your trip due to unexpected events is crucial.
We strongly advise obtaining travel insurance as soon as you book your trip to ensure coverage from that point onward.
To secure your booking, your deposit is paid during the online booking process. The remaining balance is due no later than 60 days before the start of your Tour Package. Payments made by credit card (Visa or Mastercard) will incur a merchant surcharge fee. The applicable rate will be advised at the time of payment and reflects our cost of card acceptance.
Please see a full list of our Booking Terms and Conditions here: https://purediscoveries.co.nz/terms-conditions/
Most guests book their own flights either directly with an airline or through a travel agent or broker. If you need assistance with booking New Zealand accommodation before or after your tour, our team is happy to help. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with your request, and we’ll be glad to assist you.
Bookings can be made easily via our website, or, if you are working with your local travel agent they can book on your behalf. Alternatively, you may email a request to our reservations team on info@purediscoveries.co.nz
If booking on our website, simply find the tour and departure date you prefer and click Book Now. Enter your details and the number of passengers, then pay your deposit in our secure Flywire payment window. To secure your booking, a non-refundable deposit of the equivalent of NZ$500 per person is paid at this point. You will receive a confirmation email straight away, with a link to complete your travel details. Please read our Terms & Conditions before booking.
For a step-by-step guide, see our How to Book page.
We’ll email you an itinerary and any vouchers required at least 30 days before your trip. You will also receive a physical copy of your travel documents once you meet your driver-guide. If there’s anything extra or special you need at any time, just let us know and we’d be happy to help.
Cancellation charges do apply, so it is essential you have travel insurance in case you need to cancel for whatever reason.
Our fees depend on when Pure Discoveries® receives notification of a cancellation: see our cancellation policy.
Yes, you can choose to have your own room by paying a single supplement. This is an additional charge for sole occupancy of a room rather than sharing with another traveller. You’ll find the single supplement listed alongside the departure dates and prices on each tour page.
Understanding our tour groups
We limit our group size to 16 individuals, which we believe is the ideal number for exploring hidden gems off the beaten track and fostering strong connections among participants. This size allows for an intimate experience where you can get to know everyone well. You’ll have the chance to make new friends and enjoy fellow travellers from various parts of the globe.
Our tours are designed to be enjoyable for individuals in good health with an average level of fitness. Some days involve a fair amount of walking and there are generally opportunities to do more if you want to. Often the level of activity is up to you with options to adjust your participation to suit your preferences, whether you prefer a more relaxed pace or are eager for more adventure.
Your driver-guide will quickly become a trusted friend during your time in New Zealand. Our driver-guides are highly experienced in tour driving, ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the journey. They’re also experts at showcasing New Zealand’s incredible destinations, and you can count on them to share a wealth of entertaining and insightful stories along the way. Get ready for an unforgettable experience with a driver-guide who will enrich your journey in every way possible.
Our tours in the past have attracted participants spanning from 35 to 85 years old, with the majority typically in their 60s. However, we prioritise attitude over age! We firmly believe that a positive mindset and an adventurous spirit are paramount on our journeys.
While we welcome individuals of all ages who share our outlook, we do not actively promote bookings from those under 30 years old. Additionally, we have an age policy where children under the age of 18 are not permitted to join our tours.
That’s the beauty of travelling with Pure Discoveries® – you are participating on a small group tour with like-minded individuals so you are not on your own! Our tours consistently attract a mix of single travellers, couples, and friends, so travelling alone is perfectly comfortable. One of the highlights of our tours is the opportunity to meet fascinating individuals from different parts of the world. Take the leap and join us – it will likely become one of the most rewarding experiences you’ve ever had.
No. Our tours are not designed for anyone under 18 years of age.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is here to help you plan the perfect New Zealand journey.