small group escorted tours > the touring collection frequently asked questions

The Touring Collection Frequently Asked Questions

Our Coaches   These touring options are operated in late model Toyota Coaster 6 cylinder turbo diesel midicoaches. Comfortably appointed for touring, with large picture windows and specially customised interiors, these coaches are fully carpeted and have climate control. They are fitted with reclining seats with lap belts and leg room is spacious. Passengers' luggage is stowed in purpose-built fully enclosed and secure fibreglass trailers.  Coaches have seating for 18 passengers but carry a maximum of 17.  Guaranteed Departures The first priority is to provide service for you. When you make a booking enquiry we will provide information on the status of the tour departure.  Once your reservations are confirmed you can be assured this tour will operate.  Please note: the operator reserves the right to amend or alter an itinerary or to cancel or re-schedule any advertised tour. Should you cancel or change their booking please see our cancellation policy.   Accommodation Before and After We can provide a range of additional accommodation for passengers pre and post tour. Please advise any additional accommodation requirements when making your reservation. Special Needs Travellers While some accommodation has rooms and access provisions suitable for wheelchairs, most stopovers do not have this provision. The coaches don't have floor-lowering steps to enable wheelchair access but our seats have extra leg room which eases access inside the coaches. For passengers with physical disabilities, our New Zealand can-do attitude means we sincerely endeavour to provide the service for those keen to travel with us. Smoking New Zealand laws do not allow smoking on coaches. Our coaches stop frequently and we suggest passengers use these for their smoking requirements. Hotel rooms, bars and restaurants have designated smoking and non-smoking areas. Indoor public places are smoke free.  Soft Adventure/Activities Activities on tour are designed for travellers who want to get out there. The Decidedly Different Islands and Decidedly Southern tours feature soft adventure activities such as walking a section of the Queen Charlotte track, kayaking, whale watching and visiting a gannet colony. All are optional - providing plenty of personal choice. Our two night stopovers in the Marlborough Sounds and Queenstown allow the adventurous to participate in a wide range of activities -and the less adventurous to take life at their own pace.