Your NZ Concierge

Your NZ Concierge

Frequently Asked Questions

Practical answers to the most common questions about travelling privately through New Zealand with us — from vehicles and drivers to support, cancellations and insurance.

Planning Your Journey

We recommend 3–6 months ahead, especially for peak season (November–March). This ensures best availability for luxury lodges and popular experiences. However, we can sometimes accommodate shorter notice — reach out and we will see what is possible.
Summer (December–February) offers the warmest weather and longest days. Autumn (March–May) brings stunning foliage and fewer crowds. Winter (June–August) is perfect for snow lovers. Spring (September–November) showcases wildflowers and newborn lambs. Each season offers unique beauty — the best time depends on your preferences.
A minimum of 10–14 days allows you to experience one island properly. 14–21 days enables both islands at a comfortable pace. 21+ days opens up deeper exploration, wine regions, remote areas and true relaxation without rushing.
Yes. We can design and coordinate a complete private New Zealand journey including accommodation, private transport, professional driver-guides, activities, dining, specialist experiences and concierge support. Your international and domestic flights can remain with your preferred airline or travel agent while we coordinate the New Zealand portion of your journey.
A scenic ferry crossing (approximately 3.5 hours) connects Wellington and Picton, or quick domestic flights are available between major cities. We arrange whichever suits your itinerary best.
Most visitors can enter New Zealand visa-free for up to 90 days or apply for an NZeTA (electronic travel authority). Check your specific country requirements well before travel.

Vehicles & Drivers

We arrange a carefully selected range of late-model premium and luxury vehicles according to your group size, luggage requirements, itinerary and preferred level of comfort. Depending on your journey, this may include:

  • luxury sedans;
  • premium SUVs;
  • Mercedes-Benz V-Class vehicles;
  • Mercedes-Benz Sprinter touring vehicles; and
  • other premium vehicles appropriate to the journey.

For journeys outside our directly operated areas, or where a particular vehicle or specialist service is required, we may work with established and reputable transport partners throughout New Zealand. We select partners who share our expectations around professionalism, presentation, safety, reliability and guest care, and who bring strong local knowledge and experience within their respective regions.

Yes. Any driver carrying passengers commercially must hold the appropriate New Zealand passenger endorsement, and vehicles used for commercial passenger transport must have the appropriate commercial insurance and operating requirements in place. Where we work with trusted transport partners throughout New Zealand, we expect the same standards to apply.
Yes. Our professional drivers and driver-guides are English-speaking. For private touring journeys, we also place importance on clear communication, local knowledge, professionalism and the ability to assist guests comfortably throughout their time in New Zealand.
Some of our drivers are experienced driver-guides and can provide local commentary, recommendations and assistance throughout the journey. The level of guiding will depend on the Service you have booked. Where specialist guiding is required — for example cultural, walking, nature, wine or other specialist experiences — we may arrange a dedicated local guide.
Yes. For pre-arranged airport arrivals, your driver will normally enter the terminal and provide a personalised meet-and-greet service. Your driver will monitor your flight, meet you at the designated arrivals area and assist you with your luggage before escorting you to your vehicle. If a different meeting arrangement is required because of airport restrictions or a particular terminal procedure, we will advise you before arrival.
For airport collections, we monitor the scheduled flight arrival and adjust the collection time where reasonably possible. Our airport transfer arrangements include an appropriate waiting period after the actual flight arrival time. If there is a significant delay, cancellation, missed connection or change of flight, please contact us as soon as possible so we can coordinate with the driver and adjust your arrangements where possible.
Yes. Your driver will assist with loading and unloading normal passenger luggage wherever reasonably practicable. Please tell us before travel if you will be carrying unusually large quantities of luggage, mobility equipment, golf clubs, bicycles or oversized items so we can make sure the correct vehicle is arranged.
Yes. Child seats or booster seats can be arranged when requested in advance. Please tell us the child's age and any relevant requirements at the time of booking so we can arrange an appropriate restraint.
Yes, wherever reasonably possible. Please tell us about any mobility, accessibility or assistance requirements before your journey is confirmed. This allows us to consider suitable vehicles, accommodation, activities, access requirements and appropriate timing when designing your itinerary. Where a third-party Supplier is involved, accessibility ultimately depends on the facilities and services offered by that Supplier.
Where practicable, we aim to provide continuity throughout a multi-day private journey. However, depending on your itinerary, location, vehicle requirements, driver hours, availability and operational considerations, different professional drivers, driver-guides or vehicles may be used during different parts of your journey. This is particularly relevant for journeys covering multiple regions or both the North and South Islands. Any replacement or partner vehicle will be selected to suit the requirements of your booking.

During Your Journey

Yes. Unless clearly stated otherwise in your Booking Confirmation, our private transport and private touring arrangements are for your travelling party only. Some activities, cruises, attractions or experiences included within your journey may operate on a shared basis. Where relevant, this will be identified in your itinerary or Booking Confirmation.

Where reasonably possible, yes. One of the advantages of private travel is flexibility. Your driver or our team may be able to adjust timing, stops or elements of the itinerary during your journey, subject to:

  • Supplier availability;
  • confirmed reservations;
  • driver hours;
  • travel distances;
  • safety considerations; and
  • any additional costs.

Significant changes may require additional payment or Supplier approval.

Yes. Our drivers and local partners can assist with practical local recommendations, scenic stops, dining suggestions and other ideas during your journey. For restaurants or experiences where advance reservations are advisable, we recommend arranging these beforehand wherever possible.
Yes. Your NZ Concierge provides support in connection with the Services arranged as part of your journey. If an issue arises with accommodation, an activity, transport arrangement or another Service we have coordinated, please contact us and we will assist where reasonably possible. This should not be interpreted as guaranteed 24-hour emergency assistance unless this has been specifically included and agreed as part of your booking.
New Zealand weather can be changeable. Your driver-guide has the local knowledge and flexibility to adapt plans — ensuring you always have exceptional experiences regardless of conditions. This is one of the key advantages of private travel.

Accommodation & Experiences

From boutique luxury lodges and 5-star hotels to remote wilderness retreats and charming boutique properties. We select accommodations that match your style and itinerary flow — every overnight is thoughtfully chosen.
Fresh, local, and increasingly sophisticated. Expect exceptional lamb, seafood, artisan cheeses, and world-class wines. The culinary scene has evolved dramatically — particularly in Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown, and wine regions.
Absolutely. New Zealand's hospitality industry is excellent with dietary requirements — vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, allergies, religious requirements. We communicate your needs to all properties and restaurants in advance.

Depending on the particular Service, Your NZ Concierge may:

  • make the booking on your behalf;
  • coordinate a booking that you complete directly with the Supplier; or
  • include the Service as part of your overall Your NZ Concierge booking.

Different arrangements may apply to different parts of the same journey. Where appropriate, your Booking Confirmation and our Terms and Conditions will explain how the relevant Service is being provided.

Many luxury lodges, private experiences, cruises, helicopter operators and specialist providers have their own deposit and cancellation requirements. Where a Supplier has material conditions that differ from our standard cancellation policy, we will advise you where reasonably practicable as part of the booking process.

Booking, Accreditation & Payments

No. Your NZ Concierge is a New Zealand-based luxury travel concierge, itinerary planning and destination management business. We design and coordinate bespoke New Zealand journeys and may arrange accommodation, private transport, activities, guides, dining, experiences and other travel services. We do not currently issue or sell airline tickets.
No. As we do not currently issue or sell airline tickets, Your NZ Concierge is not an IATA-accredited travel agency. Clients arrange their international and domestic flights directly with their airline, travel agent or preferred flight-booking provider unless otherwise agreed.
Your NZ Concierge works with a growing network of established New Zealand accommodation providers, tourism operators, activity providers, transport companies and other travel partners. Where we have a formal trade, preferred-partner or supplier relationship, this relates to the particular Supplier and does not mean that Your NZ Concierge is owned, endorsed or controlled by that organisation. We will never claim an accreditation, membership or affiliation that we do not hold.
Every journey is individually designed, so costs vary based on duration, season, accommodation level and experiences. We focus on value and quality — once we understand what you are imagining, we will provide an indicative estimate as part of your initial proposal.
Itinerary design, concierge support scoped to your journey hours, accommodation, experiences, private touring and logistics as agreed in your Booking Confirmation. We are transparent about what is included and what is optional.
All major credit cards are accepted; international bank transfers minimise credit card transaction fees. We work with travellers from around the world and can discuss payment options that suit your circumstances.
A planning fee covers your detailed itinerary design. Once you confirm your journey, an initial booking payment secures the arrangements, with the final balance due prior to travel. Payment terms are clearly outlined in your booking agreement — no surprises, no hidden fees.

Cancellations & Insurance

Our cancellation policy depends on how close your cancellation is to your travel date and any applicable Supplier conditions. Because bespoke journeys involve planning, reservations, reserved vehicles and drivers, and financial commitments to Suppliers, cancellation charges generally increase as the travel date approaches. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for full details.
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you begin confirming your travel arrangements. Your policy should provide appropriate cover for cancellation, illness, medical events, travel disruption, delays, baggage and non-refundable travel arrangements. Please check your policy carefully, as coverage, conditions and exclusions vary between insurers.

Planning a private New Zealand journey?

We would be delighted to help design your journey.

Start Planning Your Journey

Still have questions? contact us, or view our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.