• > Why go to New Zealand with Djoser?
• > I will be joining a Dutch (International) group. Will I have problems with language?
• > Where will we stay overnight with Djoser in New Zealand?
• > Will we have a private bus during the trip through New Zealand?
• > Will we be able to use an ATM card and/or a credit card in New Zealand?
• > What is the best time for travel to New Zealand?
• > Will I be on my own to find places to eat?
• > Will I be on my own to find activities?
• > What is to be expected from the visit to The Marae?
• > Is it possible to extend this tour?
• > Will it be possible to take hikes during this trip through New Zealand?
• > Can we see whales in New Zealand?

Why go to New Zealand with Djoser?

The trip is a combination of the highlights of the North Island as well as the South Island. We will visit the most important national parks namely Tongariro, Abel Tasman and Fiordland. During the entire trip you will travel by comfortable private bus and a Dutch-speaking guide will tell you about the sights and the many possible activities.

I will be joining a Dutch (International) group. Will I have problems with language?

Of course it is great that English is spoken in New Zealand! It is possible that you could be the only North American traveler on the this trip, made up of Dutch travelers from Djoser, Netherlands. Almost all travelers from the Netherlands have a wonderful command of English and are willing to socialize. Many fellow travelers are willing to help with translations. The Dutch tour leader (who is a trip coordinator, not a lecturer) will address the group, first in Dutch. He/she will then repeat the important information to you in English. There is a breakfast meeting with the group and tour leader each day, which is a good time to review materials and to go over plans for the day. At some stops we may also have the assistance of a local country guide will address the group in English. While the tour leader will help you to assimilate, you will not get a word-for-word repeat of all that is said or written in Dutch.

The overwhelming majority of people who book these trips enjoy the international blend but frankly, it is not for everyone. It is inevitable that there will be times when your fellow travelers are speaking Dutch. If you have a travel partner, it is much easier to blend in to conversation, or at least to have a buffer for an English conversation. A flexible and easy-going nature are essential when joining an international group. Single travelers may feel a little isolated at such times, particularly at the beginning of the trip. But as the group gets to know each other, socializing gets easier. Before booking, you can check with us to see if another North American traveler has booked. Singles who adapt well on these trips are typically experienced travelers, more independent type travelers or those who are comfortable with English being the second language on the trip.

Where will we stay overnight with Djoser in New Zealand?

During the trip we will use a variety of accommodations centrally and conveniently located in relation to the sights. In the cities you will stay at hotels, in the smaller towns you will stay at motels, lodges or smaller guesthouses. The rooms always have private showers and bathrooms except for Nelson and Christchurch. In those places you will share the bathroom facilities with some fellow travelers.

Click on the following link to view some of our lodgings: http://www.djoserusa.com/hotels/

Will we have a private bus during the trip through New Zealand?

Indeed Djoser will use a private bus in New Zealand. On North Island and South Island we will use separate buses, we will cross over by local ferry. The busses are spacious and have seats for over 20 passengers.

Click on the following link to view slides of the transportation we use: http://www.djoserusa.com/transportation/

Will we be able to use an ATM card and/or a credit card in New Zealand?

Yes, debit cards as well as credit cards are a convenient payment method in New Zealand. In almost every place where you will stay there are ATM machines. It will also be possible to pay for several excursions by credit card.

What is the best time for travel to New Zealand?

The best times of travel are our fall and winter, because it will be spring and summer in New Zealand. The seasons are opposite in this part of the world. During the Dutch summertime it may be rather cold in New Zealand. In New Zealand you will have a chance of showers or a chance of a rainy part of the day during the entire year. In any case New Zealand is cooler and wetter than Australia for example. The best time to travel is between October and April.

Will I be on my own to find places to eat?

No. The group will usually have breakfast together at the hotels. The guide will suggest safe places to eat for other meals. You are free to join the guide and other group members at meals or you can explore on your own. He/she will give you safe recommendations. You will only pay for the meals that you eat so you have ultimate flexibility.

Will I be on my own to find activities?

The same applies as for meals. The guide will discuss suggested plans for the day with the group, first thing in the morning. Group members can either join the guide and other travelers for an activity, or they can explore on their own. Again, the guide will give fun suggestions for places to go on your own. Unless otherwise noted in the program, you will pay for your own entry fees for museums or sites, as you go. So you only pay for the things that you choose to do.

What is to be expected from the visit to The Marae?

Depending on the circumstances, we will visit the Marae during this trip, where you will get acquainted with the culture of the Maori. You will be received in a traditional way with song, speeches and the “Hongi”. For the traditional meal (the “Hangi”), breakfast and a Maori song and dance show you will have to pay an amount (NZD 50) to the guide locally (amount subject to change). The entire group will spend the night in one joint space at the Marae. Mattresses, sheets and blankets will be provided.

Is it possible to extend this tour?

When you book your trip you can request a layover. The layover cost is $150 for the flight deviation. If you would like an extension you can request an extension when you book for $100 per extension (for flight deviation). Djoser will book these flights subject to availability. Please let us know when you book how many nights and where you wish to extend or layover. Neither hotels nor airport transfers are provided for layovers and extensions.

Will it be possible to take hikes during this trip through New Zealand?

With 13 National Parks and several protected forests and natural areas New Zealand offers tremendous possibilities for hiking at any level. During this trip there are different hiking possibilities. Because we will be traveling by private bus we may for example stop for a short hike on the way. Other hiking opportunities will be found in the area of Rotorua, in the Tongariro National Park, in the Abel Tasman National Park and in the area of Queenstown and Te Anau. The hikes vary from a quarter of an hour in a nice forest to a day hike in a volcanic region.

For those who want to partake, there are plenty of opportunities for adventurous activities. Take a look at our slide presentation to get some ideas.

Can we see whales in New Zealand?

In Christchurch you will have the possibility to book an excursion to the town of Kaikoura to see whales. You will need to take a local bus from Christchurch to Kaikoura. The excursion in Kaikoura to see the whales takes about two hours and depends on the weather. The costs will amount up to about 100 Euros per person (subject to change). Please, take into consideration that this excursion will take a full day.