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Tours NZ Travel Tips
With the wisdom of experience, we have compiled a list of answers to
the most frequently asked questions that have arisen over the years.
These may not be the answers to all your questions, so please do not
hesitate to contact us with any query that you may have, we will be
more than happy to oblige.
Why should I book with GAY TOURS NEW ZEALAND?
We
can think of at least 10 reasons to book your trip
with us.
Reason #1: Cost
The misconception is that booking a trip with a tour
operator or travel agent costs you more. Not true!
The cost to you, the consumer, is the same and,
often better as we pass on our good contract rates
to you.
Reason #2: Time
Information overload! There is too much destination
information out there to wade through on the
internet, travel books and magazines, friends'
recommendations and other sources. It can be
overwhelming, confusing and time-consuming. Then,
the actual planning, setting dates, reserving,
following up, reconfirming, sending payments to
various locations ... there is much to do. Your time
is too valuable — let us make it a process whole lot
easier for you.
Reason #3: Product
Knowledge
The glamorous part of being in the travel business
is we get to travel all the time. Yeah, someone’s
got to do it! The reality is, we check out all the
rooms and compare the boats, resorts and operators,
meet and negotiate with adventure outfitters,
airlines, and so forth. Most importantly, we
experience most activities firsthand. Travel is our
passion and we pass on our valuable knowledge to you
so you will reserve the trip that is right for you.
An internet site or brochure might look amazing, but
the reality can lead to big time bad experiences and
then you have wasted your hard-earned vacation.
Reason #4: Experience
We’ve been in the travel business for many years! We
know how to put together trips and what makes an
itinerary work successfully. We represent only the
most seasoned and reputable operators.
Reason #5: Logistics
We coordinate every aspect of your trip within New
Zealand. Airline connections, transfers, what works
on certain days, what does not, the timing, the
pacing — we know how to make it all work together.
Let us handle getting you from point A to B to C for
you!
Reason #6: Details
We make sure you have exactly what you have
requested — whether it is aisle seats, vegetarian
meals, diving equipment rentals, king-size beds or
honeymoon specials. As our valued clients we provide
you with important pre-departure information, which
includes recommended packing lists, visa and medical
information, travel insurance, suggested readings,
emergency contact numbers and more.
Reason #7: The
Unexpected
Just when you think a trip is all set, something
happens. Whether it is something major like a
hurricane or coup or minor like a flight
cancellation, we can fix it for you. We can
rearrange your trip to accommodate the change or
come up with a viable alternative or handle the
refund for you. We specialise in smoothing over the
rough spots. We do it all the time. Also, our
inbound operators are so amazing that if something
happens to you in the field, they will handle any
emergency or change with efficiency and care.
Reason #8: Customer
Service
We are not a faceless, dot-com, travel consortium
run by venture capitalists trying to retire in their
30s (too late for that!). We are people who love
travel and have chosen it as our profession. Whether
you contact us by email or over the telephone, we
enjoy hearing from you and will fulfil your requests
in a timely and personable manner. Many of our
clients have become our friends and return to us
time and time again. We all share the great passion
of travel.
Reason #9:
Personalisation
We
will not corral you into a pre-packaged tour that is
not right for you. All of our itineraries are
customised for the travel you have requested. This
is time-consuming and work-intensive for us, but we
feel very strongly that your vacation time is golden
and you should have the perfect itinerary that is
right for your travel desires.
Reason #10: Your Next
Trip
We value our clients and enjoy hearing your feedback
and your thoughts on your next travel plans. We
offer special deals to our clients and enjoy
planning your trip with you. We are here for the
long haul, and want you to have many fabulous and
exciting vacation with us!
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Are there any hidden charges that are not included
in the cost of your itineraries?
Our prices are all-inclusive – there are no hidden
costs. You will find details of what is included or
optional in each itinerary. Our premium hosted tours
include all excursions, activities, meals and
accommodation stated in the itinerary – no more, no
less! If you are still unsure, we are happy to
discuss any aspect of an itinerary with you.
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What will the
temperature be?
The north of New Zealand is subtropical and the
south temperate. The warmest months are December,
January and February, and the coldest June, July and
August. In summer, the average maximum temperature
ranges between 20-30ºC and in winter between
10-15ºC.
The following table has average high/low
temperatures for key centres on the North and South
Islands.
|
|
Spring
Sep, Oct, Nov |
Summer
Dec, Jan, Feb |
Autumn
Mar, Apr, May |
Winter
Jun, Jul, Aug |
|
North Island |
|
Bay of Islands |
|
Temp (ºC) |
19/9 |
25/14 |
21/11 |
16/7 |
|
Temp (ºF) |
67/48 |
76/56 |
70/52 |
61/45 |
|
Rain days |
11 |
7 |
11 |
16 |
|
|
|
Auckland |
|
Temp (ºC) |
18/11 |
24/12 |
20/13 |
15/9 |
|
Temp (ºF) |
65/52 |
75/54 |
68/55 |
59/48 |
|
Rain days |
12 |
8 |
11 |
15 |
|
|
|
Rotorua |
|
Temp (ºC) |
17/7 |
24/12 |
18/9 |
13/4 |
|
Temp (ºF) |
63/45 |
75/54 |
65/48 |
55/39 |
|
Rain days |
11 |
9 |
9 |
13 |
| |
|
Wellington |
|
Temp (ºC) |
15/9 |
20/13 |
17/11 |
12/6 |
|
Temp (ºF) |
59/48 |
68/55 |
63/52 |
54/43 |
|
Rain days |
11 |
7 |
10 |
13 |
|
|
|
South Island |
|
Christchurch |
|
Temp (ºC) |
17/7 |
22/12 |
18/8 |
12/3 |
|
Temp (ºF) |
63/45 |
72/54 |
65/46 |
54/37 |
|
Rain days |
7 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
|
|
|
Queenstown |
|
Temp (ºC) |
16/5 |
22/10 |
16/6 |
10/1 |
|
Temp (ºF) |
61/41 |
72/50 |
61/43 |
50/34 |
|
Rain days |
9 |
8 |
8 |
7 |
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When is the best time to visit New Zealand?
You can visit New Zealand at any time of the year.
Summer and winter temperatures vary by only about 10ºC over most of
the country, making New Zealand an ideal holiday destination all
year round. As summer is New Zealand’s peak season for the tourism
industry, you will get a reasonable price advantage in the off-peak
seasons.
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I like lots of activities - is there plenty to do?
There is an abundance of activities in and
around the water as well as on land. Whether you're
looking for cultural experiences, outdoor
activities, relaxation, or shopping, you're sure to
find plenty of options.
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Many outdoor activities are weather dependent, what
happens if I’ve
paid for an activity that has to be
cancelled due to the weather?
We will provide as best an alternative as we
possibly can at no additional charge to you. On our
hosted tours all the details will be taken care of
for you. If you are on a self-drive tour, simply
call our national telephone number and we will
endeavour to either book you onto a different
activity of your choice, determine whether the
activity can be rescheduled, or in the event that
there are no suitable alternatives we will refund to
you the cost of the activity. Note that this does
not apply if you change your mind on a particular
activity – only if the activity is cancelled.
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Do I
need travel insurance to travel in New Zealand?
Travel insurance is not compulsory except on group
dive tours, but is strongly recommended. Please
enquire for further details.
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Do prices on your website include international
flights?
No. If you require flights please ask and we can get
a quote for you.
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Where are the international airports located in New
Zealand?
New Zealand's international airports are at
Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Some flights
from Australia also land at Hamilton, Palmerston
North, Queenstown and Dunedin.
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What do
the prices include/exclude?
Although most tours include your accommodation and
transport, each tour is different with regards to
meals and activities that are included. Please check
the itinerary to see what is included or contact us.
Items of a personal nature, such as laundry, phone
calls, tipping, room service, optional excursions,
wine & beverages, etc, are not included in tour and
holiday costs and are your own responsibility. Tour
and Holiday prices also exclude International and
New Zealand departure taxes, customs and immigration
fees.
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What
passports/visas are required?
Please check with us and/or your airline regarding
current passport, visa and vaccination requirements.
Generally vaccination certificates are not required
for European, US or UK residents travelling directly
to New Zealand.
All travellers will require a valid passport to
enter New Zealand. Visas for short term stays in NZ
(i.e. less than 3 months) are not generally required
for US, British and most European passport holders.
Please check with us or your airline at time of
booking as to the precise requirements and
procedures for obtaining passports or visas. (It is
the responsibility of the traveller to hold the
above travel documents).
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