Hi everyone
Wonder if anyone can help, I'm looking to be in New Zealand in January.
The package tours that are on special offer and discounted. If I was to book it now, is there a time limit for when I start the tour? So I buy now and won't be on the tour until Jan.
I'm from the uk so can't call the head office. If anyone has a email for the support team that would be great too.
Thanks
Best Answer
B
Ben Lane
said
about 6 years ago
Hi Natasha-
You can make changes the day before - but we recommend you try and give us as much notice in summer - at least 48 hours. In summer especially- we can get very busy!
HOPPING OFF AND HOPPING ON
Kiwi Experience passengers often choose to "hop-off" and stay longer than minimum time. If you decide to stay longer than planned, let us know. Simply advise Kiwi Experience (by phone or email) to avoid the dreaded no-show fee. To hop back on, simply confirm your start point again. During the summer months we strongly recommend advance warning on date changes and pick up points. You can pre plan your entire journey through the country if you are short on time. Simply contact our reservations team with your ideal holiday and we can get it locked in. Some amazing locations to spend those extra days are Auckland, the Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Wellington, Abel Tasman and Queenstown. Download our travel app for a full list of our destinations, itineraries and departure times.
Thanks,
Ben
1 person has this question
Aimee Daniels
said
almost 7 years ago
Hi Jess
Good question as a lot of people do tend to book in advance.
You have a year from the time you purchase your pass to start it and then from that first day on the actual bus you have a year to complete it.
There are also extension options aslong as were contacted before it's due to expire.
Any other questions feel free to email enquiries@kiwiex.co.nz and we'll be able to help you out with them.
D
Danielle Armstrong
said
almost 7 years ago
Hi! I've got a similar question, I've also emailed the above hoping to get a response! I'm looking at booking one of the tours while they have a discount but not sure which to go for as I've never been to NZ and will be going by myself from the UK - I want to meet like minded people and I've heard nothing but good things, I just want a reminder on how you book the bus and hostels etc, are you always in a group? And when is the best time to go! Thanks :-)
Aimee Daniels
said
almost 7 years ago
Hi Danielle
It can be a bit daunting to pick a pass as there are so many. I would suggest working out how much time you want to travel, each pass has a minimum amount of days but you definitely want to try to do above this.
Once you've decided on that you should be able to narrow them down working with what's on special aswell.
The time of year just depends on what kind of schedule you want. Summer is very busy so there's buses everyday but you need to pre-plan quite a bit to ensure you get a seat. Winter there not as full so the buses drop down a bit but you definitely have more flexibility to book last minute and change it as much as you want without worrying.
To actually book them in you can either email through to us or fill in forward booking sheets on the bus as you go. Accommodation is done the same way you simply put your name down and they take care of it for you.
In regards to the group the buses hold around 53people, it is likely you will be with some of the same people as you go but everyone tends to have different dates and passes so it can really be a massive mixture.
Any other questions feel free.
melissa taylor
said
almost 7 years ago
Hi all
I am also looking to book a tour, I am only in NZ for 4 weeks, so looking at the Ranji one for minimum of 23 days, and while its on offer! I am not travelling to NZ until end of February, it asks you the start date when you go to book, and the price stays at the offer price.
I will be travelling on my own as well, never done solo travelling before, and have been recommended KIWI by a couple of people.
@Danielle, when are you travelling?
I am also interested in adding on the accommodation options:
Add-on North Island Unique Stays - $221 per person:
Includes 1 night dorm bed / marae bed at each location: Hot Water Beach Top 10, Tamaki Maori Village marae stay, River Valley Adventure Lodge
Add-on South Island Unique Stays - $110 per person:
Includes 1 night dorm bed at each location: Kaiteri Lodge Kaiteriteri, Lake Mahinapua Hotel (including dinner & breakfast), Lakefront Lodge Lake Tekapo
Does anyone know if this covers the accommodation for the whole 23 days? As there is another option at $401 for accommodation add on.
Many Thanks
Melissa
Aimee Daniels
said
almost 7 years ago
Hi Melissa
I think I just answered an email you sent through regarding this.
The accommodation add on's don't cover every place only the three places for each island.
The pack that covers the north and south island will have the 6nights included and the one way ferry crossing.
There good to get if you want some of your budget organised before you set off and the Marae stay in Rotorua is also pretty unique.
For the rest of the nights the driver can help organise it on the bus. We normally recommend budgeting between $20-$35 per night.
D
Danielle Armstrong
said
almost 7 years ago
Hi @melissa :-) I'm not too sure yet I'm just trying to figure when would be the best time and which route I want to take! There's so many options I keep changing my mind - and also whether to go at the busier times but more expensive or less crowded and cheaper!
melissa taylor
said
almost 7 years ago
I have chose the Rangi tour, I will be in NZ for 4 weeks so this one will fit in nicely. I will be there from 22nd Feb 2017, solo traveller, first time travelling on my own!
N
Natasha Harmer
said
over 6 years ago
Hi, I'm planning to visit NZ for a year, with a working holiday visa to casually work as well as travel, i booked onto the Ranji tour. just wondered,you have a one night guarantee in the stopovers, however how do you plan for additional nights? Does this need to be done seperately myself or can i wait till on-board the bus to add extra night? i will be arriving in Auckand Jan 2017
Ben Lane
said
about 6 years ago
Hi Natasha, sorry for the delay in getting back to you.
We can book your accommodation on the bus, but if you do plan on taking longer in certain location
Kiwi Experience passengers are guaranteed accommodation even in the busiest season. If you are planning on staying for longer than "minimum stay", then it's a good idea to call the hostel and book ahead. Beds are held for the “minimum stay” duration. You can book through your driver as you travel. If you wish to stay longer in any location than the “minimum stay”, please book ahead directly with the hostels before you change your buses to ensure smooth travels.
All hostels we work with are centrally located and the main departure point in all locations. For a full list of our guaranteed hostels and pricing, please download our Travel App.
Hope that helps!
Ben
N
Natasha Harmer
said
about 6 years ago
Thanks Ben
What's the minimum time you can inform Kiwi experience buses of any change of plans I.e. Staying longer in one area
Ben Lane
said
about 6 years ago
Answer
Hi Natasha-
You can make changes the day before - but we recommend you try and give us as much notice in summer - at least 48 hours. In summer especially- we can get very busy!
HOPPING OFF AND HOPPING ON
Kiwi Experience passengers often choose to "hop-off" and stay longer than minimum time. If you decide to stay longer than planned, let us know. Simply advise Kiwi Experience (by phone or email) to avoid the dreaded no-show fee. To hop back on, simply confirm your start point again. During the summer months we strongly recommend advance warning on date changes and pick up points. You can pre plan your entire journey through the country if you are short on time. Simply contact our reservations team with your ideal holiday and we can get it locked in. Some amazing locations to spend those extra days are Auckland, the Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Wellington, Abel Tasman and Queenstown. Download our travel app for a full list of our destinations, itineraries and departure times.
Thanks,
Ben
Grace Pearson
said
about 6 years ago
With regards to your 'hopping on and off' advice above - how do you recommend we go about communicating our itinerary to you guys? I've booked a Funky Chicken Pass for departure in June, and plan to spend an extra day in Wellington, but not do the extra day in Queenstown. Should I email a list of dates? Or do I just send my start date, and those changes?
I'm also interested in the Bay & Cape add on pass, however I am spending quite some time in Auckland and so I would like to do this a few weeks before departing on Funky Chicken - would this be possible, or do they have to be done together?
Ben Lane
said
about 6 years ago
Hi Grace,
When you are ready, two choices- either email or call us you let us know your start date, and when you need to be back in Auckland and how many days you want to spend in each location.
In winter (so June) we'll have less departures so we may need to adjust your dates slightly around that- but will be able to tailor something that suits you.
You can do the Bay and Cape separately from the Funky Chicken - just let us know your plans for that. You'll have 12 months to use that from when you bought it.
Make sure you let us know your PNR number when you contact us!
Jess Lynch
Hi Natasha-
You can make changes the day before - but we recommend you try and give us as much notice in summer - at least 48 hours. In summer especially- we can get very busy!
HOPPING OFF AND HOPPING ON
Kiwi Experience passengers often choose to "hop-off" and stay longer than minimum time. If you decide to stay longer than planned, let us know. Simply advise Kiwi Experience (by phone or email) to avoid the dreaded no-show fee. To hop back on, simply confirm your start point again. During the summer months we strongly recommend advance warning on date changes and pick up points. You can pre plan your entire journey through the country if you are short on time. Simply contact our reservations team with your ideal holiday and we can get it locked in. Some amazing locations to spend those extra days are Auckland, the Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Wellington, Abel Tasman and Queenstown. Download our travel app for a full list of our destinations, itineraries and departure times.
Thanks,
Ben
1 person has this question
Aimee Daniels
Hi Jess
Good question as a lot of people do tend to book in advance.
You have a year from the time you purchase your pass to start it and then from that first day on the actual bus you have a year to complete it.
There are also extension options aslong as were contacted before it's due to expire.
Any other questions feel free to email enquiries@kiwiex.co.nz and we'll be able to help you out with them.
Danielle Armstrong
Aimee Daniels
Hi Danielle
It can be a bit daunting to pick a pass as there are so many. I would suggest working out how much time you want to travel, each pass has a minimum amount of days but you definitely want to try to do above this.
Once you've decided on that you should be able to narrow them down working with what's on special aswell.
The time of year just depends on what kind of schedule you want. Summer is very busy so there's buses everyday but you need to pre-plan quite a bit to ensure you get a seat. Winter there not as full so the buses drop down a bit but you definitely have more flexibility to book last minute and change it as much as you want without worrying.
To actually book them in you can either email through to us or fill in forward booking sheets on the bus as you go. Accommodation is done the same way you simply put your name down and they take care of it for you.
In regards to the group the buses hold around 53people, it is likely you will be with some of the same people as you go but everyone tends to have different dates and passes so it can really be a massive mixture.
Any other questions feel free.
melissa taylor
Hi all
I am also looking to book a tour, I am only in NZ for 4 weeks, so looking at the Ranji one for minimum of 23 days, and while its on offer! I am not travelling to NZ until end of February, it asks you the start date when you go to book, and the price stays at the offer price.
I will be travelling on my own as well, never done solo travelling before, and have been recommended KIWI by a couple of people.
@Danielle, when are you travelling?
I am also interested in adding on the accommodation options:
Does anyone know if this covers the accommodation for the whole 23 days? As there is another option at $401 for accommodation add on.
Many Thanks
Melissa
Aimee Daniels
Hi Melissa
I think I just answered an email you sent through regarding this.
The accommodation add on's don't cover every place only the three places for each island.
The pack that covers the north and south island will have the 6nights included and the one way ferry crossing.
There good to get if you want some of your budget organised before you set off and the Marae stay in Rotorua is also pretty unique.
For the rest of the nights the driver can help organise it on the bus. We normally recommend budgeting between $20-$35 per night.
Danielle Armstrong
melissa taylor
Natasha Harmer
Hi, I'm planning to visit NZ for a year, with a working holiday visa to casually work as well as travel, i booked onto the Ranji tour. just wondered,you have a one night guarantee in the stopovers, however how do you plan for additional nights? Does this need to be done seperately myself or can i wait till on-board the bus to add extra night? i will be arriving in Auckand Jan 2017
Ben Lane
Hi Natasha, sorry for the delay in getting back to you.
We can book your accommodation on the bus, but if you do plan on taking longer in certain location
Kiwi Experience passengers are guaranteed accommodation even in the busiest season. If you are planning on staying for longer than "minimum stay", then it's a good idea to call the hostel and book ahead. Beds are held for the “minimum stay” duration. You can book through your driver as you travel. If you wish to stay longer in any location than the “minimum stay”, please book ahead directly with the hostels before you change your buses to ensure smooth travels.
All hostels we work with are centrally located and the main departure point in all locations. For a full list of our guaranteed hostels and pricing, please download our Travel App.
Hope that helps!
Ben
Natasha Harmer
Ben Lane
Hi Natasha-
You can make changes the day before - but we recommend you try and give us as much notice in summer - at least 48 hours. In summer especially- we can get very busy!
HOPPING OFF AND HOPPING ON
Kiwi Experience passengers often choose to "hop-off" and stay longer than minimum time. If you decide to stay longer than planned, let us know. Simply advise Kiwi Experience (by phone or email) to avoid the dreaded no-show fee. To hop back on, simply confirm your start point again. During the summer months we strongly recommend advance warning on date changes and pick up points. You can pre plan your entire journey through the country if you are short on time. Simply contact our reservations team with your ideal holiday and we can get it locked in. Some amazing locations to spend those extra days are Auckland, the Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Wellington, Abel Tasman and Queenstown. Download our travel app for a full list of our destinations, itineraries and departure times.
Thanks,
Ben
Grace Pearson
With regards to your 'hopping on and off' advice above - how do you recommend we go about communicating our itinerary to you guys? I've booked a Funky Chicken Pass for departure in June, and plan to spend an extra day in Wellington, but not do the extra day in Queenstown. Should I email a list of dates? Or do I just send my start date, and those changes?
I'm also interested in the Bay & Cape add on pass, however I am spending quite some time in Auckland and so I would like to do this a few weeks before departing on Funky Chicken - would this be possible, or do they have to be done together?
Ben Lane
Hi Grace,
When you are ready, two choices- either email or call us you let us know your start date, and when you need to be back in Auckland and how many days you want to spend in each location.
http://support.kiwiexperience.com/support/home
In winter (so June) we'll have less departures so we may need to adjust your dates slightly around that- but will be able to tailor something that suits you.
You can do the Bay and Cape separately from the Funky Chicken - just let us know your plans for that. You'll have 12 months to use that from when you bought it.
Make sure you let us know your PNR number when you contact us!
Thanks
Ben