Choosing the type of coach tour that will suit you best
There are three types of multi-day coach tours on our website, and we explain the pro's and con's of each type below to help you decide which will suit you best. The choice is yours, and we are here to help you decide, and to make booking your tour as relaxing as possible!
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- All of our escorted coach tours include either a coach driver & tour host or a coach captain who will make sure everything runs smoothly, including booking any optional activities and providing you with tour commentary and support when you reach your destination.
- Run only on scheduled departure dates so you need to plan your holiday around the start date of the tour you wish to book.
- Use luxury 5 star coaches that can hold up to 48 people. In the New Zealand summer season these coaches do fill up so we recommend booking early.
- Departure dates are sometimes cancelled if there are not enough travellers for the tour to be viable, however most operators provide 'guaranteed departures dates' and Relaxing Journeys can check to see how viable the tour date is and let you know before you commit.
- Escorted coach tours cater for all budgets, and generally use either 3 to 3.5 star or 4 to 4.5 star accommodation, based on whether you select a 'Low Cost' or 'Premium' coach tour.
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- Coaches do not have dedicated tour guides however the multi-talented coach drivers provide excellent onboard commentary.
- We pre-book all your travel arrangements including coach, rail; and ferry transport, accommodation, transfers between your transport and accommodation and key sightseeing activities.
- Tours run daily providing you with excellent flexibility when planning your holiday.
- Independent coach tours use regular coach, train and ferry services. Newmans Coachlines & Great Sights operate 5 star motorcoaches covering the main tourist routes, with Intercity 4 star coaches providing a New Zealand wide bus network.
- Your independent coach tour is guaranteed to depart.
- You will not travel with the same people all the way through your tour, as visitors stop and start at different points around New Zealand.
- Ages groups are open and vary from the very young to the very old.
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- All small group tours include a coach driver/guide who will make sure everything runs smoothly, including booking any optional activities and providing you with tour commentary and support when you reach your destination.
- Maximum group size is no more than 20 guests. This makes for a stronger group spirit and a greater sense of camaraderie.
- Run only on scheduled departure dates so you need to plan your holiday around the start date of the tour you wish to book, and we recommend booking early.
- Purpose built, air-conditioned midi-coaches. Whilst individual vehicles may vary, they all feature reclining armchair-style seating with footrests and seatbelts, large panoramic windows, individual reading lights & air-conditioning controls, video &/ or DVD players.
- Generally more expensive than the Independent or Escorted coach tours, and the age group of the party is normally around 50's - 70's, although everyone is welcome of course!
- Small group itineraries are more flexible, because of the smaller group size.
- Accommodation level is 4 to 5 star.
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New Zealand's Best Tour Operators
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 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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Escorted Coach Touring
Independent Coach Touring
Small Group Coach Touring