small group escorted tours > the difference

The New Zealand Collection Difference - Genuine Small Group Journeys

Never More Than 16 Some tour operators proclaim their group sizes to be small at 24 or more. But we believe that once a group reaches this size, vehicles have to be larger, organisation has to be more structured and the trip can end up being just another bus tour. Our average group size is just 14 but we will never exceed 16 guests on any departure. This means better service, the chance to use smaller hotels, more freedom, more fun and more flexibility. And being smaller makes it easier for us to take those little detours off the beaten track to visit places the large tour groups are unable to. Enjoy More Leisure Time Often we hear travellers say that they wish they had longer to explore and enjoy the places they visit. That's why these itineraries are about keeping travelling time to a minimum and include multi-night stopovers where possible. These holidays are not about long days and rushing from one place to another. With such an incredible choice of things to do and places to see, we set out to give you plenty of time to sightsee, relax and savour the local lifestyle and culture. Travel in Comfort & Style You'll be very pleasantly surprised at the luxurious appointments of the purpose-built, air-conditioned midicoaches.  Whilst individual vehicles may vary, they all feature reclining armchair-style seating, large panoramic windows for excellent viewing, individual reading lights and airconditioning controls, video and/or DVD players. The touring vehicles are expertly maintained to the highest standards and boast the very latest safety features. But the biggest benefit of all is that they can take you to many places the larger touring coaches can't. Superb New Zealand Cuisine Fabulous Cuisine We appreciate that individual appetites vary. Every day begins with a full cooked breakfast at your hotel and some tours may feature evening and specialty meals. When not included, we encourage you to seek out and enjoy the great variety of bistros, cafes and restaurants that offer indoor and al-fresco dining. After all, discovering new and exciting places to eat is a fun part of any travel experience! Professional Tour Hosts Our touring staff are extremely passionate about their country and love nothing more than showing it off to travellers from all corners of the globe. Supported by a team of dedicated experts in the office, your friendly Tour Host will ensure that every aspect of your holiday runs smoothly and give you a fresh insight into the lives of everyday New Zealander's and their country. You'll find that they are only too happy to go that extra mile to make sure you have the holiday you want. Relax In Stylish Surroundings Accommodation is usually high up on the list of importance on any holiday. At the end of a days travel or activity, you'll want to freshen up and relax in a hotel that makes you feel at home. That’s why the properties featured in all these touring programmes have been very carefully chosen for their superior level of comfort, exceptional amenities, friendly staff and service and for their superb location. You can rest assured that whatever trip you choose, you'll enjoy the amenities and facilities of the finest quality hotels. More Than Just The Usual Sightseeing These journeys include all the 'must-see' highlights of New Zealand plus many exclusive extras. They feature a fantastic mix of cultural, adventure & general sightseeing activities, some of which are only available to small groups.  On any given day, you could be cruising across a crater lake, swimming in natural thermal pools, flying over glaciers, mountains, waterfalls & rainforests, getting up close to & tasting ice from 500-year old icebergs, exploring spectacular fiords, experiencing the thrills of an action packed jet-boat ride or enjoying a guided heli-tour of an active volcanic island. But on those days when nothing is planned, we let you decide what you want to do. Holidays are traditionally a great time to spread your wings & try something new but experience has shown that some of the best things in life involve the unexpected, which is why we don't plan everything for you. We believe it’s important to have the right balance between a full, well-organised itinerary & the freedom to do your own thing, so within the framework of your journey with us, there is ample time and flexibility for your own personal exploration. We offer excitement, leisure and adventure in their various forms and you can put them together to end up with the holiday you want! Auckland's Viaduct Harbour Extend Your Stay If time permits, we hope that you will take the opportunity to stay a few extra nights in the gateway cities, either at the beginning or end of your touring holiday. We particularly recommend this for travellers who may be arriving off long-haul flights. An extra day or two will certainly help you in getting over any jet lag and will ensure you are relaxed and refreshed before setting off on your journey around New Zealand.  Please contact us for more information and pricing. Solo Travellers Many of the people who join us on these journeys through New Zealand are travelling by themselves, so if you're a solo traveller, rest assured that you'll be with other likeminded people. On any given departure, you'll usually find a mix of couples and friends travelling together but plenty of others will be on their own too. One of the great benefits of these trips is that they allow you to be independent but provide security and company whenever you choose. Complimentary Airport Transfers We offer all our guests complimentary, private vehicle airport transfers on arrival and departure. Simply provide us with your flight details and we will meet you on arrival and see you to your first nights accommodation. At the end of your holiday, we'll make sure you get to the airport in plenty of time for your onward flight.  Reducing our Carbon Footprint It is widely recognised that transport is one of the main contributors to New Zealand's total carbon emissions. However, independent research has revealed that international visitors travelling in groups leave a significantly smaller footprint than had they driven themselves in a modern 2.0 litre rental car. These tours have made a commitment to minimise its carbon-dioxide emissions and will offset any unavoidable emissions by purchasing carbon credits for every tour passenger through Landcare Research, New Zealand’s foremost environmental research organisation.