OUR MOST ASKED QUESTIONS

Read the list below to find out the answers to some of our travellers most asked questions. We cover everything from visa's and travel, to packing lists and choosing which tour is right for you. If there's something you'd like to ask that isn't listed below, please use the contact us form and we will be sure to reach out and answer your questions.

 

TOP QUESTIONS FROM OUR VISITORS:

 

WHICH TOUR IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Choosing the right Kirra Tour for you, depends on how much time you have and what you'd like to experience. Our 17 Day Ultimate New Zealand Tour offers the most comprehensive journey, exploring both the North and South Islands in depth, perfect for travelers who want to fully immerse themselves in New Zealand’s diverse landscapes and culture. The 10 Day North & South Highlights Tour is ideal if you'd like to see the iconic must see sights across both islands but prefer a shorter, well paced itinerary. For those with limited time or a desire to focus on specific regions, our 9 Day Southern Dream Tour delivers breathtaking mountain scenery, fiords and stunning lakes, while the 7 Day North Island Explorer immerses you in geothermal wonders, vibrant cities and rich Māori heritage. Each tour is thoughtfully designed with comfort, cultural experiences, and memorable moments tailored especially for over-50s travelers.

SINGLE ISLAND, OR DOUBLE THE MAGIC?

Experiencing both the North and South Islands of New Zealand in one journey is the ultimate way to see the country in all its glory. It's also perfect for travellers who have the time to truly immerse themselves. A combined itinerary allows you to enjoy the rich Māori culture, geothermal wonders, and lush rolling hills of the North Island, as well as the dramatic mountains, glaciers, and pristine lakes of the South Island. Travelling both islands means you won’t miss a thing, from world-famous highlights to hidden gems, and you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of New Zealand’s, history, communities and way of life. With the convenience of a fully guided Kirra Tours experience, all you need to do is sit back, relax, and soak up the beauty of Aotearoa from top to bottom.

WHAT SHOULD I PACK?

Imagine yourself as a curious explorer ready to embrace the laid-back Kiwi vibe. Pack light and smart, focusing on versatile layers to handle New Zealand’s famously unpredictable weather, think crisp mornings in Queenstown and sunny afternoons in Rotorua. Toss in a few quick-dry T-shirts, a cozy fleece or two, and a waterproof, windproof jacket that’ll keep you dry during a sudden rain shower on the West Coast. Comfortable pants or shorts work perfectly, as New Zealand’s casual dress code means you’ll fit right in at a local café or a scenic lookout without needing anything fancy. Don’t forget sturdy walking shoes for those breathtaking hikes and a pair of sandals for strolling along Wellington’s waterfront. A hat, sunglasses, and SPF 50+ sunscreen are must have items to shield you from the fierce Kiwi sun, especially in summer months (November - April)

VALUE FOR MONEY?

When you choose a Kirra Tour, you can relax knowing you’re getting exceptional value for money without compromising on comfort, quality, or experiences. Our long-standing relationships with carefully selected hotels, local guides, and sightseeing operators, combined with the volume of travellers we bring to New Zealand each year, allow us to secure the best deals on must-see attractions and experiences. This means you enjoy world-class accommodations, guided tours, and unforgettable activities at prices that are hard to beat. With Kirra, your holiday is not just a journey, it’s a seamless, memorable adventure that maximises every dollar and every moment.

TRAVELLING SOLO?

Many of our coach tour guests travel solo, so if you’re joining us on your own, you can relax knowing you’ll be in the company of friendly, like-minded travellers. On most departures, our over-50s tours include a welcoming mix of solo travellers, couples, and friends, so you’ll never feel out of place. One of the greatest benefits of a Kirra tour is the perfect balance between independence and companionship. You can explore at your own pace, enjoy quiet moments when you wish, and still have the comfort of knowing there’s always support, shared experiences, and friendly company whenever you choose. Traveling solo has never felt so secure and rewarding.

HOW PHYSICAL ARE OUR TOURS?

At Kirra Tours, we understand that every traveler has different energy levels and activity preferences, which is why our tours are designed to be as relaxed or as adventurous as you'd like. Whether you prefer gentle sightseeing with plenty of rest stops and leisurely walks or more active explorations that include moderate hiking and outdoor adventures, our expert guides tailor the pace to suit the group’s needs. With comfortable transportation, thoughtfully planned itineraries, and flexibility built in, Kirra Tours offers a stress free way for you to experience New Zealand’s stunning landscapes and cultural highlights without feeling rushed, overwhelmed or pushed beyond your limits.

BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT?

New Zealand is a year-round destination and the best time to visit depends on the experiences you’re seeking. For mild weather and fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons of spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) offer stunning landscapes, vibrant foliage, and comfortable temperatures, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Summer (December to February) brings longer days and warm weather, ideal for beach visits if you love the warmth, popular spots can be busier during the summer months. Winter (June to August) is the season for snow sports on the South Island’s mountains and cozying up in charming towns.

DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?

Travel insurance is essential for your New Zealand coach tour, covering trip cancellations, lost luggage, or non-accident related medical emergencies. The government-run ACC scheme in New Zealand automatically covers visitors for personal injuries from accidents, (like a fall while hiking for example), subsidizing medical and hospital costs and some disability compensation, regardless of fault. However, ACC excludes illness-related treatments and loss of earnings outside New Zealand, and you can’t sue for damages, so personal travel insurance is crucial to complement ACC and ensure you’re fully protected to enjoy New Zealand’s casual, outdoor adventures worry-free.

DO I NEED A VISA / PASSPORT TO ENTER NZ?

All visitors to New Zealand must carry a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the date you intend to leave the country. It must not be damaged, defaced or excessively worn. If you are a New Zealand or Australian Citizen, or the holder of a current Residence Class Visa to New Zealand, you will not need a visa for entry. If you are not from one of these countries listed, you will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). You may also need a visa, you can check the New Zealand Immigration Site for a list of countries that do NOT require a visa. If you are from a Visa Waiver listed country, you will still need to apply for your Electronic Travel Authority using the link above. If you are unsure of your status, please use THIS FORM to check if you need a visa or NZeTA to travel. 

You will also need: 

  • Proof of onward travel from New Zealand in the form of Airline Tickets 
  • Evidence that you can support yourself, (Access to approximately $1000 NZD per month per person.) 

INFORMATION ABOUT OUR VEHICLES

Kirra Tours personalized coaches are all Enviro 4 / 5* vehicles, fitted with individual seat belts. They offer huge panoramic windows for easy viewing while travelling, dual entry for easy access and an onboard rest room.  

All our vehicles and accommodations are smoke-free, therefore smoking is restricted to the many sightseeing, photographic or comfort stops. The majority of accommodations in New Zealand are 100% smoke-free, however if you would prefer accommodation without such limitations, reach out to let us know. Please note that it is not possible to guarantee this option due to New Zealand being mostly smoke-free, however we will endeavour to assist in any way possible. 

POPULAR KIWI WORDS

We've listed some popular kiwi words and kiwi slang below that you'll likely hear whilst out and about in Aotearoa, New Zealand. 

  • Chur - Thanks, awesome, cheers (often preceded by ‘bro’)
  • Sweet As - Everything's good, no worries or that's fine
  • Choice - Cool or excellent
  • Yeah Nah - Polite way of saying no (or sometimes yes, depending on the tone)
  • Togs - Swimsuit, swimming costume or bathers
  • Jandals - Flip flops, thongs or sandals
  • Whānau - Means family, or extended family (can also be used to include wider circles of friends, colleagues or travelling companions)
  • Kia Ora - Hello, thank you or good health
  • Haere Mai - Welcome
  • Iwi - Tribe or people
  • Kai - Food or to eat
  • Kaitiakitanga - Guardianship or stewardship
  • Taonga - Treasure or something precious