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Our 22 day New Zealand Encounter was perfect. We really enjoyed our time in each location and the drive between those locations. The scenery in both the north and south islands is breathtaking. The itinerary was very well paced allowed for ample time to explore the areas visited. The optional Kruse enhanced GPS navigation unit made a great addition to the printed itinerary and maps that NZ Self Drive Tours provided. The commentary was informative and educational. Having a navigation unit also reduced stress levels when driving in the larger metropolitan areas. Accommodations were great, always clean, well provisioned, centrally located and the staff at each accommodation were all very helpful. The voucher system worked flawlessly as did the collection and returning of the rental cars for both islands. Thank you very much for putting together such a memorable visit to beautiful New Zealand. ...More

Emily and Bruce, USA, Nov 2011

Frequently asked questions

Making a reservation

How do I make a reservation?
If you have found a tour you like you can then simply click the "Book Now" tab on the tour menu. Follow the instructions and complete the details requested. Alternatively if you require a custom tour then get in touch with us through one of our enquiry forms or email us at ask@newzealandselfdrivetours.co.nz,tell us exactly what you want and we will create a tour to suit you. The booking process requires a deposit to be made through our secure credit card system (Visa and MasterCard only).

What information do I need to provide?
The booking form asks you for the information we need such as names, address, phone number etc. We also ask for your flight details if you have those arranged already (if not you can still book and supply those later). There is a section on the form which allows you to add special requests such as dietary requirements or preferred bedding configurations or anything else you want to let us know. A deposit payment is required via our secure credit card system. This is administered by DPS (Direct Payment Solutions) and our bank (Bank of New Zealand) and is extremely safe and secure. Your credit card details are not stored by us.

How much deposit do I need to pay?
At the time of booking we ask for a deposit payment of 10% of the quoted tour cost or NZ$200 per person, whichever is higher. Occasionally some items such as domestic airfares may also need paying for at the time of the deposit. These are items which are usually paid for immediately by us and so we collect this in advance too. The deposit amount will be calculated automatically and displayed on the payment page.

When do I need to pay the balance for my tour?
The balance for your tour is due 45 days prior to the start date or if you have made a reservation inside 45 days it is due upon you receiving a confirmation document for your tour. The balance due date is displayed on the costs page of your itinerary.

Making payments

How do I make a payment?
We accept Visa and MasterCard and this is processed via our secure credit card processing system. This system is administered entirely by our bank (Bank of New Zealand) and DPS (Direct Payment Solutions). When completing the booking form the final stage is the payment process. From there just follow the instructions. When a successful transaction is made the screen will display a reference number and a receipt will be emailed to you. We are notified automatically of all payments.

Is the payment system safe and secure?
Yes, the payment system we use is one of te safest and most secure there is. The system we use is administered entirely by DPS (Direct Payment Solutions), a world leade in online payment technology, and our bank, the Bank of New Zealand. When you click through to the payment system the transaction is completed within a secure (https) page and the information entered is only seen by DPS and our bank.

Can I pay in another currency?
Yes you can choose to pay for your tour in another currency. When you arrive at the payments page you can choose your preferred currency and our system will convert using BNZ exchange rates (Bank of New Zealand). For example - if your credit card is issued by a US bank then selecting to pay us in US$ will mean you will be charged that exact US$ amount to your credit card. If you choose to pay in NZ$ then your credit card company or bank may charge you a currency conversion fee. This can sometimes be around 3% of the transactions so check with your bank or credit card company first to make sure which is the best option for you.

I dont have a credit card. How can I pay?
If you dont have a credit card or prefer not to use one then contact us and we can supply all the information you need to make a direct credit to our bank account.

Can I make part or split payments on the tour balance?
Yes, you can decide how much you wish to pay on the balance of the tour or if you are travelling in a party then making the appropriate payment for your share is easy. When you get to the payments page you can simply edit the amount in the white box before clicking through to the payment processing page.

Can I use more then one credit card to pay for my tour?
Yes, you can use as many different credit cards as you wish. The system processes each card individually and allocates to your account so splitting costs between fellow travellers is easy.

Are there additional charges for using a credit card to pay?
No there are no additional charges for using a credit card. Our tours are priced in New Zealand dollars and so if you choose to pay in this currency your credit card supplier may charge you a currency conversion fee, much like if you went to a bank and purchased foreign currency. We do however also give you the option to pay in a selection of other currencies. For example if your credit card is issued in the US and you paid in US$ then there should be no currency conversion fee applied by your credit card company. The currency conversion rates we use are supplied by our bank here in New Zealand.

Can we split the deposit payment over 2 or more payments?
Yes, if you are travelling as a group and want to make your own contributions to the deposit payment then just let us know when you are ready to book and we will enable a special split deposit function for your booking.

Weather questions

What sort of weather can I expect on my tour?
You can see average maximum temperatures and rainfall on our weather page here. You can check lonmg range forecasts for weather on the New Zealand Metservice Website here.

Visa requirements for New Zealand

Do I need a visa to visit New Zealand?
Most visitors to New Zealand do not require a visa to enter for the purpose of a holiday or vacation under or visa waiver program. You can see if you qualify for this by visiting the New Zealand Immigration website here.
If you do need a visa to visit New Zealand then you should contact the New Zealand consulate in your home country. We can assist with this process by providing a copy of your booked itinerary if required.
NOTE - travelling via Australia - nearly all visitors to Australia require a visa to enter, even if you only transit. It is the responsibility of the travel agent or airline to advise you of this requirement but please make sure you ask about this if you know you are travelling via Australia.

Sunrise and Sunset times

What time does the sun rise and set in New Zealand?
The time varies dramatically across the seasons and from north to south. Click here for a table of sunrise and sunset times.

Interislander ferry crossing

Can I take my rental car on the Interislander ferry?
All our tours are arranged so that you drop one rental car at either Picton or Wellington and collect a replacement car on arrival to the other side. This is a very easy process and luggage on board the ferry is checked in the same way you would for a plane flight.
Taking a car on the Interislander ferry is expensive and this also saves you this cost.

Driving in New Zealand

What sort of driving licence do I need to drive in New Zealand?
To drive in New Zealand you just need to have a current and valid driving licence that is printed in English. Most driving licences now have dual information. Valid means that you are entitled to drive the car type you are renting (eg if you just have a motrobike licence issued in the UK then you cannot drive a car in New Zealand).
You do not need to get an international driving licence if your licence is current, valid and printed in English.

What is the minimum age to drive a rental vehicle in New Zealand?
The usual minimum age to rent or drive a rental vehicle in New Zealand is 25 however we have a special arrangement with Europcar which allows drivers from 21 years old. They must hold a current valid full licence (not provisional).

What does fuel cost in New Zealand and how much should I budget for my tour?
Petrol in New Zealand costs around NZ$2.20 per litre (around NZ$9 per US Gallon). On average you should budget NZ$30 per day e.g. a 10 day self drive tour will cost around NZ$300 in fuel. This does of course vary immensely depending on how much you choose to drive but this will give you an pretty good idea of what to expect.

Which side of the road do you drive on in New Zealand?
In New Zealand we drive on the left hand side of the road?

What are road conditions like in New Zealand?
New Zealand roads are generally very well maintained and very well signposted. Finding your way outside of large cities is very straightforward and our directions and maps assist you everywhere.
There are very few motorways or large carriageways in New Zealand with most roads being just 2 lane highways. This does mean that getting from A to B takes a little longer than you might be used to (work on an average of 80kph/50mph) but of course the fantastic scenery makes it worthwhile.

What is the speed limit in New Zealand?
Open road speed limits in New Zealand are 100kph and it will be clearly signposted where this limit applies. In urban areas the limit is usually 50kph and again this will be clearly signposted.
Speed cameras are common around New Zealand and can be either mounted at specific locations or within mobile camera units and within police cars. If you speed there is a pretty good chance you will be caught.

What are winter driving conditions like?
Driving in winter in New Zealand is for the most part no different to any other time. Some regions and roads can experience snow falls and conditions on these roads are clearly signposted and when necessary the roads are closed. Main highways usually re-open within a few hours of a heavy snowfall and/or are cleared by road crews. Adjust your driving to suit the conditions.
Take a little more care where there is potential for ice and avoid night time or early morning driving if possible. Ice and road conditions are generally signposted.
Some roads require you to carry snow chains (such as the Crown Range road between Queenstown and Wanaka and the road to Milford Sound). Snow chains are available to hire when you collect your rental car.
Driving in winter can be very enjoyable. Quiet roads and clear days make for some of the best scenery.

Rental Cars

What is included with my rental car?
Our tours include the rental costs for your car for the duration of your tour, airport and ferry terminal fees where applicable, additional driver fees (any number of additional drivers at no extra charge), GST (taxes) and insurance.
Our costs automatically include full collision and damage waiver fees which limit your liability to a maximum of NZ$345.
Note that some items such as windscreens and tyres are not covered and you may be offered additional insurance to cover those on collection of the vehicle.

What sort of fuel do the rental cars use?
Most of the rental car fleets operate petrol vehicles for small cars and saloons with the larger SUV/4WD's, people movers and vans running on diesel.

Are the rental cars manual or automatic gearboxes?
Most of the rental car fleets are automatic gearboxes. A manual car category is available with some fleets but these tend to be the smaller cars only.

Is breakdown cover included with my rental car?
Yes all the rental cars we arrange for you include full roadside assistance (breakdown cover). So if the car develops a problem help is just a phone call away. If the car cannot be repaired quickly a replacement vehicle is delivered as soon as possible.

What range of cars can I choose from?`
Our full range of rental cars can be found here.

Meals and Dining

What sort of food is available in New Zealand?
Almost every kind of cuisine to suit all tastes can be found somewhere in New Zealand. The larger cities have the biggest range as you might expect and you can find everything from Vietnamese to French to good old fish n chips. If you have specific requirements such as Vegan or gluten free many restaurants can easily cater for you - just ask. Of course NZ also has a reputation for fantastic cuisine of its own so make sure you try this. One of the best ways to get a restaurant recommendation is to ask a local or your accommodation host. They will know what and where are the current top spots.

What can I expect to pay for a meal in New Zealand?
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.

Cancellations and Changes

What happens if I have to cancel my booked tour?
You can cancel your tour at any time for any reason however please be aware that cancellations fees and costs may apply. Our full terms and conditions can be viewed here. We strongly advise that you purchase travel insurance that will cover you for cancellation and interruption costs. Consult a local professional travel insurance expert and provide for this advice.

I need to change the date of my tour. Is this possible?
Changing the date of your booked tour is possible. Bear in mind that changing to a new date may mean that some arrangements might not be available or that the costs for new dates might change. We will of course give the best advice on this at the time to help with your decision.

Travel Insurance

Do I need travel insurance for my tour?
We strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance. There are many factors that could cause you to cancel or amend your trip and so ensuring you have cover for extra costs or cancellation fees imposed should this happen is wise. For example if you purchase a travel insurance policy which has cancellation and interruption cover and your flight to New Zealand is cancelled or delayed then any costs incurred in rearranging your tour or fees imposed for late cancellations should be covered. We recommend purchasing your travel insurance locally at the same time you book your tour and flight. This will make dealing with your claim should this be necessary that much easier when you return home.

Does the tour cost include insurance?
No the cost of the tour does not include any kind of insurance. As the supplier of the services we cannot also provide you with insurance for those services. We recommend you purchase your travel insurance locally.

Unexpected costs

Are there any other costs I need to plan for on my tour?
Our self drive tours include all local government taxes and all costs for included accommodations, car rental, activities and other items that are clearly identified in your tour.
Items that are not included are:
Fuel
Parking
Meals (unless indicated as included)
Gratuities
Rental car extras such as baby seats and additional insurance buy outs (note our tours all include CDW insurance with minimum excess)
See other FAQ's for indications of costs for some of these items.

Money and Credit Cards

What currency can we use in New Zealand?
Only New Zealand dollars are legal tender in New Zealand. Some stores and services may choose to also provide pricing in other currencies but be aware that the final transaction must be in New Zealand dollars. Check carefully conversion rates offered.

Where should I convert mony to New Zealand dollars?
Converting money to New Zealand dollars is best done at any of our large bank chains. There is one in almost every town but beware that most only open Monday - Friday. The rate offered by banks does not vary at different locations so changing money at the airport banks is the same rate as changing downtown Auckland.

Can I use credit cards in New Zealand?
Yes, Visa and MasterCard credit cards are widely accepted almost everywhere for almost anything. American Express and Diners Cards are not widely accepted so its best to arrange an alternative if you need to.

Public Holidays

When are public holidays in New Zealand?
New Zealand observes 2 types of public holidays - national and regional. Click here to see the dates for these.

Smoking in New Zealand

What is the smoking policy in New Zealand?
Smoking is prohibited by law in all cafes, bars, restaurants and other public buildings. Smoking is also not permitted inside rental cars. Very few accommodations allow smoking inside their rooms (some older hotels may have dedicated floors but these are also being phased out). Some properties are also entirely smoke free in their entire grounds. If this presents a problem to you then please let us know.

Airport information

Auckland airport
See information here.

Wellington Airport
See informatiom here.

Christchurch airport
See informatiom here.

Queenstown airport
See information here.

Preparing for your tour

What sort of clothing should I pack for my tour?
New Zealand is an informal country and few places insist on strict dress codes. Comfort and practicality is the key. Pack clothes that travel well and can be added and removed in layers to adjust to the conditions. Cotton and wool is best and of course make sure it is New Zealand merino wool so you don't offend 40 million sheep.
A rain/wind proof jacket is essential. Our weather conditions change regularly even in the height of summer. If your tour features a trip to Fiordland National Park (Milford or Doubtful Sound) or the West Coast Glaciers then there is around a 50% chance of rain. These are amongst some of the wettest places on earth and this is also what makes them so special. As the sign in a West Coast coffee shop states - �its rainforest - it rains - get over it'. So a rain/wind proof jacket is a good idea even in summer.
If you plan or have arranged activities such as a jet boat ride or a glacier walk you are usually provided with suitable equipment needed for the specific activity. If you plan to enjoy some kayaking or swimming activities then don't forget to pack swimming gear and/or shorts that dry quickly.
Most of the walking tracks and paths you will be on are well marked and well maintained so comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are more than adequate.
Don't forget to pack a hat to protect you from our sun - the UV is particularly strong in New Zealand.

What is the electricity voltage in New Zealand?

New Zealand operates on 240 volts (50hz). Appliances that operate on other voltages will need a transformer. Check with the manufacturer. You will also need an adaptor to suit NZ sockets for other appliances. See a picture of a NZ socket below.

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Should I purchase some cash before arriving into New Zealand?
It�s a good idea to purchase a small amount of New Zealand dollars before you arrive so that you don�t need to spend time in the airport or at a bank on your first day. You don�t need lots 9enough to but small items such as a cup of coffee, lunch etc.
Exchanging cash is very easy all throughout New Zealand. Go to any of the large banks for the best rates an these will be consistent throughout the country.
New Zealand has one of the highest credit card end eftpos (debit card) usages in the world and so paying for virtually anything in this method is possible and probably the best and safest way when travelling.

Purchasing items in New Zealand

Can I claim GST (Goods and Sevices Tax) back on puchases within New Zealand?
The short answer is no - goods and services purchased while you are here in New Zealand are liable for all local taxes (all prices in New Zealand must by law include taxes).
Only stores which have a duty free agreement will be able to sell you items without duty applied and then these are likely to be sent to airports or directly to your home overseas to collect. Usually this is only possible on larger or higher value items.

If I purchase something in New Zealand does the guarantee or warranty still apply?
Yes, all purchases in New Zealand are covered by our Consumer Protection Laws. So for example if you were to purchase a camera while here in New Zealand and it proved faulty once you returned home the supplier here is still responsible to either repair or replace if inside the terms of the warranty or guarantee. Of course you may have expenses in returning the item here.

Tipping

Do I need to tip in New Zealand?
Tipping is not customary or expected in New Zealand however if you wish to reward someone for a job well done it is always greatly appreciated.

Domestic flights in New Zealand

What is the luggage allowance on domestic flights?
Our preferred airline is Air New Zealand and the airfares we will book for you all have a luggage allowance of 25kg. Additional bags can be carried for a very moderate additional fee.