Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is there to see?
New Zealand is 'The world in minature'! Depending on your choice
of tour you may experience:
- incredible scenery
- volcanic mountains
- glowworms
- flora and fauna
- rugged alpine vistas
- primeval rainforests
- rural countryside
- horticulture and farming
- remote beaches and rocky headlands
- beautiful lakes
- clear rivers, creeks and streams
- country towns and villages
- art & craft stores and galleries
2. How do we travel?
Usually we have only up to six guests on each tour. Kiwi Dundee
Adventures own two deluxe Volkswagon Caravelle mini coaches and a
deluxe toyota mini coach For larger private group tours we hire a
deluxe coach
3. Generally, what age group are your tour guests?
We cater for all ages and varying levels of fitness.Because we
have two other available guides we can 'personalise' our walks and
tours.
- Hiking for those that want a challenge
- Touring and walks for those who enjoy gentle walking
- Touring for non walkers
- Private tours and walks for families
- Customised group tours
- Private tours for special needs visitors
4. How is Kiwi Dundee Adventures tour different to a coach
tour?
The tours offered by Kiwi Dundee Adventures are best described
as "personally guided small group tours" (for groups of up to 6
guests) and "exclusive private tours" (for a couple or small group
travelling together). The personalisation means you get a variety
of extras not possible on a coach tour. For example, you get to
stop at any stage for scenic sights or photographs or where we stop
for lunch etc. The wilderness aspect means you get to go places
that coaches do not visit and along roads that don't accept heavy
vehicles. Our guides converse with you rather than talk at you and
will answer all your questions and explain in as much detail or as
little as you would like.
5. How much driving is there?
On our extended tours, the actual "driving" time is normally
restricted to no more than 45 minutes or so, and stops are made to
take photographs or take a short walk. The idea is not to travel
all day but to allow time to explore locations along the way.
Generally, there is usually only 3-4 hours driving on the
"travelling" days. As a comparison a coach tour will generally
travel 5-8 hours per day with strictly regulated time at each
stop.
6. How much walking is there?
As a general rule, "travelling" days include a range of short
walks of up to 45 minutes.While staying at various locations we
allow for longer walks and hikes of around 4 hours. If you are not
much of a walker, then the tour can be varied accordingly. With our
exclusive private tours and tailor made tours, walks and activities
can be included to suit the guest's own personal wishes.
7. Where will we be staying?
We have selected a variety of accommodations to suit our
visitors from luxury Hotels, deluxe homestays or Motor Lodges,
depending on our visitors requirements. All have been chosen for
their location, professional and friendly service.
8. Do we pay for our own food?
Normally, most meals are included in the price you've paid for
the overall trip.We do however leave some nights free for you to
choose, as some enjoy a full menu , but others find after their
delightful lunch they only want an evening snack. We offer a total
service package so that there's little you have to worry about. The
trip itineraries show what meals and snacks are included in your
tour package.
9. COMFORT STOPS
We allow plenty of opportunities!
10. Will there be other people on tour?
Kiwi Dundee Adventures tours are designed for small groups of up
to six guests, so yes, there may very well be others on these
trips. Private tours will be just the guests who book the trip
exclusively. Tailor made trips are also offered on an exclusive
private basis. Please note that we can also guide groups larger
than six, particularly large family groups or special interest
groups.
11. Will you pick us up?
Day tours and walks we pick up from Pauanui, Tairua and
Whangamata in the Coromandel Peninsula. For those staying
elsewhere, we meet at Prescott's garage on highway 25 at Pauanui
turnoffat the Pauanui turnoff. Extended tours we pick up from
Auckland, Rotorua, or Taupo.
12. What do you suggest we take with us on our tour?
As we include guided walks on our tours, it is advisable to
bring along sturdy walking shoes or boots, and because the weather
can produce "4 seasons in one day", we suggest that you bring along
a wind proof jacket and clothes suitable for cooler weather. On the
longer tours, it is advisable to bring along a rain-proof jacket as
we usually include a rainforest walk. Our tour vehicles carry
sunscreen and insect repellent for our guests to use, and we also
carry "slicker" coats.
- Warm jacket for possible cool mountain weather (preferably rain
proof)
- Personal items
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Good walking shoes
- Camera and film
- Binoculars although our vehicles generally carry them
- Notebook or diary
13. What clothes should we wear?
For a start, forget the formal clothes, as New Zealand is a very
relaxed and generally informal destination.. Neat and casual
clothes that are comfortable are more than suitable. Preferably do
not wear white clothes as we will be out in the bush where it can
be muddy. Open collared shirts for men are a good idea as some of
the locations where we could stop for evening meals have what we
call a neat-casual dress standard. Comfortable shoes for walking.
For hikers, solid hiking boots are generally excessive however
light weight hiking boots are good. Bring a jacket always -
mountain weather can change rapidly even in midsummer. A hat is
also suggested as the sun can be intense here in New Zealand.