Frequently Asked Questions

• Why should you trust Guest New Zealand with your valuable holiday plans?

It's the benefit of receiving a personalised and secure service harnessing the latest technology and our committed staff will ensure you have an authentic and unforgettable New Zealand holiday experience. We specialise in creating New Zealand itineraries and we really know our product. Our local knowledge will prevent the pitfalls of misjudging travel times and distances - and we'll help you find the hidden gems!

• How much will it cost me to use your service?

The rates you pay for accommodation, rental or tour are the same rates you would pay if you booked directly - there is no price inflation and you get the added value of our local knowledge, experienced and continued assistance.  It's the service: a full itinerary, all your travel bookings and your own personal travel consultant working with you every step of your trip - a great benefit!

• CAN'T I PLAN A BETTER TRIP MYSELF USING THE INTERNET AND GUIDEBOOKS?

Unlike anonymous travel websites, we're accountable to you for the advice we provide.  We openly stand behind our recommendations and we take your concerns seriously.  Unforeseen hitches during your trip? - we'll sort them out!

• How does the booking process work?

Instead of asking your hometown travel agent to organise a holiday itinerary to New Zealand, you deal with an experienced travel consultant based in our office in New Zealand. Using e-mail and the telephone, your travel consultant will confirm your travel arrangements and you will receive a written confirmation in the form of an itinerary and an invoice.

Your credit card will be charged for the confirmed bookings usually 35 days prior to your arrival. A service charge of two percent is applicable. You also have the option of making a bank transfer to our account (no service charge applies for bank transfer payments). Guest New Zealand automatically prepays all services to secure your bookings. For further information see booking conditions.

Vouchers are forwarded to you generally by post to your address, along with details on locations and pick ups, maps and other information or may be faxed or sent by e-mail for you to print out.

• WHY ARE YOU ASKING FOR MY CREDIT CARD DETAILS?

Most travel bookings need to be secured by credit card.  In fact it's similar to the way a hotel asks for your credit card details when you check into a room.  Nothing is charged without your consent!

• WILL I BE ASKED AT SOME STAGE TO SECURE MY BOOKING WITH A DEPOSIT?

Since we are a small company committed to personalised service, creating and coordinating an itinerary for each Guest takes a significant amount of time.  If for whatever reason you need to withdraw from the planning process, we would appreciate a payment of $150 for the effort we have invested on your behalf.

• Can't you initially just provide me with travel information?

Of course we can, but as we're a small company providing a personalised service, we cannot function purely as an Information Centre.  After a few initial conversations, your credit details will be requested as a sign of commitment.

• DO YOU OFFER SPECIAL DEALS?

We work with you and your budget to offer you the best value. However we are not a price-beating company and prefer to remain fully independent and impartial. 

• Do you have credit card security on your site?

Yes, we take out clients' privacy and protection seriously! Any information you send us is protected by encryption.  If you prefer, you can phone or fax us your credit card details or pay by bank draft into our account.

Guest New Zealand complies with the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand's Code of Practice relating to credit card payment guarantees.

• How does GUESTNZ choose The OPERATORS/accommodation THEY'RE recommending?

We individually visit and independently review each property and operator we recommend and develop good relationships with those we choose. We then make suggestions according to the information you provide us to ensure you experience the style and facilities of your choice.  You can be assured of unique locations, stylish interiors, great food and charming hosts. Similarly for tours and activities, we recommend those with knowledgeable and friendly guides and only those with an impeccable safety record.  If we consider some properties are not suitable for our own friends and families, then they're certainly not appropriate for our Guests!

• What is included in the prices you quote?

We try to ensure your itinerary is as cost inclusive as possible. All prices for accommodation are net per room unless otherwise stated. All prices include Goods and Services Tax and are quoted in New Zealand dollars.

For rental vehicles and motor homes, prices are generally the rental cost only. Insurance and bonds, airport fees, any one-way fees, extras (i.e. baby seat) and optional insurance waivers are usually paid by way of a credit card when you pick up the car or motor home. There are some exceptions to this, for example short hires.

• Can we book your international flights?

Guest New Zealand specialises in your arrangements once you arrive in New Zealand including domestic flights. We are able to book International flights between Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands only.

International guests from outside of these countries will need to arrange international flights to and from their own country. See our Getting to New Zealand section for online bookings with the major airlines flying to New Zealand.