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Q: What is the minimum and maximum size of a tour group? A: Our prices are based on groups of eight. Since we travel in minibuses and want to maintain an intimate character to the trip, the group is limited to ten people. For groups of five or six people a "small group supplement" is required. Details on this can be found in our Terms and Conditions and on our Prices and Supplements page. Q: Do you recommend any accommodation in Christchurch?
A: There are numerous good hotels, motels, lodges, bed-and-breakfasts and other forms of accommodation in and around Christchurch. If you intend to arrive no more than one day in advance, we recommend you find accommodation close to the airport, which will not be difficult. Most hotels run courtesy shuttle services. We will pick you up from any accommodation you like, so just let us know where you will be staying. Q: What kind of insurance do I need? A: We recommend you obtain travel insurance in order to deal with cancellation. Contact your travel agency or insurance agent. Q: Are there any luggage restrictions, obligatory vaccinations or other items that I should be aware of before booking? A: Most airlines have their own luggage policy. As for our tour, we ask you to limit your luggage within reason (read our Terms and Conditions on this). We suggest you have a look at the New Zealand Government website where you can find all relevant information for anyone entering New Zealand. Q: What are the roads like in New Zealand?
A: Most highways are two-lane roads, and all major itineraries are tar sealed. Roads in New Zealand are of good standard and well maintained. There are a certain number of unsealed roads which are well graded and maintained as well. The speed limit in towns is 50 km/h, and 100 km/h in open areas. For buses (including ours) the speed limit is 90 km/h . New Zealand trafic travels on the left hand side of the road. Q: What kind of weather can I expect? A: We wish we could answer that question for you ! The seasons here are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere, but sometimes we get four of them in one day ! However, the MetService has an excellent website which you can monitor to get an idea of the weather throughout the year in most of the places we will visit. Be aware that our relatively unpolluted atmosphere plus the thin ozone layer mean that protection from the sun's ultraviolet radiation is important. Bring a hat and use plenty of sunblock. Q: You use the term "active holidays". Does this mean I'll be exhausted by the end of it, or that I have to workout beforehand? A: No, don't worry. An ordinary level of fitness is all that is required. Our tours are active holidays merely in that you will be DOING things, like playing golf or spotting wildlife, rather than just lying on a beach. Q: Where are you located, and how far from Christchurch Airport is that?
A: Totara Tours is based in Oamaru, a three hours' drive from Christchurch along State Highway 1. Don't worry, though - we'll pick you up in Christchurch ! Q: Do your staff members speak any other languages beside English? A: A number of our staff understand and/or speak Dutch, German or French. However, we cannot guarantee you will have a tour leader or driver fluent in these languages. Apart from that, since a group may consist of different nationalities, the language used on the tour and in the bus is English. |