Frequently Asked Questions
New Zealand Private Tours
Frequently Asked Questions About Private Tours in New Zealand
What should I know before booking a private tour in New Zealand?
When planning a private tour, it’s natural to have questions — from how bookings work and how itineraries are customised, to what’s included, how transport is arranged, and what to expect day to day.
This FAQ page is designed to help you feel informed and confident at every stage of planning. You’ll find answers to the most commonly asked questions about private tours with New Zealand Private Tours, including how we tailor itineraries, select accommodation, manage logistics, and support you while you’re travelling.
We also cover practical topics such as travel insurance, timing your visit, transport options, and the role of your local guide, so there are no surprises along the way. Our aim is to make planning your New Zealand holiday easy, transparent, and stress-free.
Have a browse through our FAQs to see how we create personalised journeys that suit your pace, interests, and budget — and how we help travellers enjoy every moment in beautiful Aotearoa.
About New Zealand Private Tours
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New Zealand Private Tours is a locally owned and operated travel company based in Queenstown, run by Kathy Hansen alongside a small, experienced team of New Zealand travel specialists. We’ve been creating personalised private and small-group tours across Aotearoa for nearly a decade, with a strong focus on genuine local knowledge and thoughtful, well-paced travel.
We became an incorporated New Zealand company in 2018 and are proud members of TIA (Tourism Industry Aotearoa), reflecting our commitment to professional standards and responsible tourism. Alongside New Zealand Private Tours, we also operate Remarkable Scenic Tours and Australian Custom Tours, giving us hands-on expertise across both New Zealand and Australia.
Being based here means we know the country inside out, from the big-name highlights to the quieter places only locals tend to visit, and we use that knowledge to create trips that feel personal, relaxed, and truly memorable.
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Tour Planning & Customisation
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For a relativity small country New Zealand has a surprising amount to see and do. However in a well planned two week vacation, it’s possible to see the highlights of both the North and South Island. That’s where we help with all the planning so you get the best out of your vacation.
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If you opt for a Private Guided Tour, then yes, our experienced guide is with you all the way from pickup to drop-off. Your guide will give a full audio commentary on the local history and economy so you’ll never be left wondering. We love questions!
If you choose self-drive or independent coach travel, we’ll furnish you with all the information you need to have a great time, and we’re just a phone call away if you need help at any time.
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You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver's licence from your country or an International Driving Permit (IDP). After 12 months you are required to convert to a New Zealand licence. The common legal age to rent a car in New Zealand is 21 years.
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Yes we can arrange all aspects of your New Zealand vacation including transport, accommodation, and activities. The only thing we don’t arrange are international flights.
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We only arrange domestic flights in New Zealand.
If we are helping you with your Australian leg of your vacation we can arrange flights between New Zealand and Australia plus internal Australian flights.
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Yes we can help create your dream Australian vacation.
Travel Logistics
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Very! Our vehicles are modern European custom tour vans and have large viewing windows, air conditioning, and comfortable seats. Seat belts are required in New Zealand.
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You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver's licence from your country or an International Driving Permit (IDP). After 12 months you are required to convert to a New Zealand licence. The common legal age to rent a car in New Zealand is 21 years.
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We only arrange domestic flights in New Zealand.
If we are helping you with your Australian leg of your vacation we can arrange flights between New Zealand and Australia plus internal Australian flights.
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As dining times and dietary requirements are very different for everyone we are happy to give you our recommendations however we leave it up to you to make the bookings. We also recommend you book as soon as possible due to most restaurants in Queenstown getting booked out weeks in advance.
Booking and Payments
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If you had a great time during your tour and would like to express that to your tour guide, a tip is certainly very much appreciated.
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Sorry; most businesses in New Zealand will only accept New Zealand dollars. Banks are available to change money, and most businesses accept credit and Amex cards.
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We use our multi itineraries and private tours as a starting point for your bespoke private vacation. Once we know your group size, level of accommodation, transport style and preferred experiences we can create an itinerary with pricing.
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As each itinerary is customised for every client it will depend on what we discuss at the time of engagement.
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When we provide a trip quote, we separate costs into land arrangements (including accommodation, touring, transfers, etc.) and airfare. However, we are unable to provide an itemised cost breakdown. As a retail tour operator, we secure exclusive rates from our trusted travel partners across the South Pacific, and these contracted rates are subject to non-disclosure agreements.
While New Zealand Private Tours is not a discount travel service, we are committed to working within your budget. Our goal is to provide expert, unbiased advice to help you make well-informed decisions for your journey.
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Destinations and Experiences
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You can visit New Zealand at any time of year. Summer and winter temperatures vary by only about 10 degrees over most of the country, making New Zealand an ideal vacation destination all year round.
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Tracks such as the Abel Tasman and Heaphy tracks and the Queen Charlotte Sounds Walkway can be walked all year round. However, those tracks at higher altitudes, such as the world-famous Milford, Kepler and Routeburn Tracks, are closed in winter due to snow. Due to limited numbers, you must book to walk the Milford and Routeburn tracks, which are open between October and April
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For a relativity small country New Zealand has a surprising amount to see and do. However in a well planned two week vacation, it’s possible to see the highlights of both the North and South Island. That’s where we help with all the planning so you get the best out of your vacation.
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Visa and immigration information for visiting New Zealand can be found here: Visa & Immigration Information. NZPT does not arrange visas or any other paperwork connected with entering New Zealand. Please ensure that you have arranged all necessary paperwork for your visit. Information about the COVID 19 requirements to enter New Zealand can be found here. COVID 19 international travel New Zealand