Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Independent Coach Tour?
What makes an independent coach tour different to a fully escorted coach tour is that the driver is also the guide (i.e no separate host) and the tours leave daily. Daily departures also mean they fit into your desired travel dates easily. You may be travelling with different people each day, depending on the coach tour you have selected.
We pre-book all your travel arrangements including coach, rail and ferry transport, accommodation, transfers between your transport and accommodation and key sightseeing activities. We can add and take off days in the middle, start or end of your tour and you can choose to add meals and/or pre and post tour accommodation. You also choose the level of accommodation that suits you best, from 3 star to 5 star!
What is the transport like?
Our independent coach tours operate using regular coach, train and ferry services. Coaching is on state-of-the-art Great Sights luxury coaches. Most coaches providing air-conditioning, reclining seats, wash room facilities, onboard video and multi lingual commentary. Where Great Sights is not available, transport will be on modern, air conditioned Intercity or Newmans Coaches.
Do all the tours have tour guides?
While independent coach tours do not have dedicated tour guides, the multi-talented coach drivers provide excellent onboard commentary. You will receive an informative touring wallet which will include brochures, detailed maps, tour vouchers and comprehensive itinerary.
What is the average age of travellers on an independent coach tour?
Independent coach tours are officially "open age" tours and come from all over the world. There is often a real mix of travellers on these tours. You may be travelling with different people each day, depending on the coach tour you have selected.
We are from outside New Zealand, do you take bookings from us? How do we pay for our tour?
Yes we welcome bookings from all over the world. Your tour deposit is always paid by credit card and the balance is then paid 45 days out from the start of the tour. To read more regarding how you book your holiday click here.
Do we get any more information than that provided on your website?
Yes. After we receive your final balance you'll receive your full itinerary detailing tour times, pick up and arrival information etc. We will send this to you by email around 35-40 days out from your tour, then on your arrival in New Zealand you'll receive another copy of your itinerary along with an informative touring wallet which will include brochures, detailed maps, tour vouchers and comprehensive itinerary.
Do you handle flights?
There are a few tours where we handle the domestic flights to and from certain destinations within New Zealand, however we do not book international flights to and from New Zealand unless they are included in the tour price. If you'd like more information on flights to and from New Zealand - click here.
Do you handle travel insurance?
We do not sell travel insurance, however we do have information on a few select providers if you are looking for a recommendation. We do recommend all coach tour participants organise travel insurance for their holiday.
Why should we book with Relaxing Journeys?
That's easy! Click here for 10 great reasons to book your coach holiday to New Zealand with us. To find out what previous clients of ours think, read their testimonials here.
When is the best time to travel to New Zealand?
We have a comprehensive weather section that explains the best times to visit New Zealand.
What coach operators do you sell?
We work with only the best New Zealand coach operators, so that we are confident your stay in our country is something that will be remembered for ever...for the right reasons! Our close relationship with all of our operators ensures you are kept up to date with the latest Guaranteed departure dates and pricing specials. Relaxing Journeys have a Price Guarantee in place that's ensures you will not find a better price for your coach tour anywhere else - in the world.
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