Frequently Asked Questions

New Zealand Private Tours

Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about our private tours. From booking details and itinerary planning to travel logistics and what to expect on tour, this page is here to help you feel informed and confident every step of the way.

Wondering what a New Zealand Private Tour is really like? Our FAQs cover all the essentials—from how we customise itineraries and choose accommodation to what’s included, how to book, and when to travel. You’ll also find helpful info on travel insurance, transport, and the role of your local guide.

We’re here to make your trip planning easy and stress-free. Explore our FAQs to see how we create personalised journeys that suit your pace, interests, and budget—so you can enjoy every moment in beautiful Aotearoa.

About New Zealand Private Tours

  • New Zealand Private Tours is a locally owned and operated company based in Queenstown, led by Kathy Hansen and a small team of dedicated New Zealand travel specialists. With nearly a decade of experience, we focus on creating personalised private and small-group tours throughout Aotearoa. In 2018, we became an incorporated company in New Zealand. We also operate Remarkable Scenic Tours and Australian Custom Tours, expanding our expertise across both sides of the Tasman.

    Click here to see a copy of our incorporation.

  • Click here to read our terms and conditions

Tour Planning & Customisation

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Yes we can help create your dream Australian vacation.

Travel Logistics

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • As each itinerary is customised for every client it will depend on what we discuss at the time of engagement.

  • 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.

  • Click here to read our terms and conditions

Destinations and Experiences

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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