General Frequently Asked Questions: 

Do I need a Passport? For international travel all travellers must hold a valid passport with at least six months' validity beyond the return date. Requirements may vary depending on your nationality - we can check the specific entry conditions for your passport.

My passport is expired/I don’t have a passport what do I do? You can apply for a New Zealand passport online via the New Zealand Passport Office – unfortunately we are unable do this for you. The service is very efficient and available at https://www.passports.govt.nz/most-citizens-can-apply-for-their-passport-online/most-citizens-can-apply-for-their-passport-online/. Other nationalities - please ask.

 Why do you charge a credit card fee? Credit card payments incur processing fees charged by banks and payment providers. To cover these costs, a credit card surcharge will apply to your booking when paying by credit card. 

How do I book a holiday or tour? You can book by contacting our team directly via phone, email or in person. Our consultants will guide you through the booking process and help tailor the best travel options for you. You can book our Pukekohe Travel escorted tours online via our website if you wish. 

When should I book my holiday? For the best availability and pricing we generally recommend:
• International trips – 6–12 months in advance
• Cruises or escorted tours – as early as possible, as these can sell out quickly
• Domestic trips – around 2–4 months ahead

What happens if I need to cancel my booking? We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel, we'll guide you through the process and let you know of any fees that may apply based on how far out you are from travel and the specific tour or supplier involved.

Do I need a visa? Visa requirements will vary depending on which country you are travelling to, your length of stay and the passport you are travelling on. Our experienced consultants will be able to advise you on any visa requirements at the time of booking. As there are many unofficial and scam visa websites online, we strongly recommend checking with our team before applying to ensure you are using the correct and official application process — helping you avoid unnecessary costs and potential issues.

How early should I get to the airport?
As a guide:
• Domestic flights – 1 hour before departure
• International flights – around 3 hours before departure

Why do I need travel insurance? Travel insurance provides peace of mind and protection against unexpected events before and during your trip. It can help cover costs associated with medical emergencies, cancellations, lost luggage, travel delays and other unforeseen circumstances that may disrupt your holiday. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance for all travel arrangements to ensure you can travel with confidence knowing you are protected should something unexpected arise.

Can I choose my seat on the plane? In many cases, yes - seat selection is available with most airlines, either at the time of booking or once your ticket has been issued. Availability and any additional costs will depend on the airline, fare type and route booked. Our team will always do their best to assist with your seating preferences; however, specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed and remain subject to airline confirmation.

What happens if my travel plans change? If your plans change, our team will assist with amendments, cancellations or rebooking options where possible. Fees and conditions will depend on the airline, cruise line, hotel or tour operator policies.

What luggage allowance is included with my flights? Luggage allowances can vary depending on the airline, route and fare type booked. When you make your booking, our team will advise you of the baggage allowance and any airline-specific requirements relating to your flights.

Do I earn airline points or frequent flyer points when booking through you? Yes! in many cases you can still earn airline or frequent flyer points when booking through us. Simply provide your membership number for the relevant airline at the time of booking, and we will add it to your reservation where applicable. Please note that eligibility to earn points can vary depending on the airline and fare type booked.

Do I need vaccinations for my destination? Vaccination requirements can vary depending on your destination, travel style and personal medical history. As medical advice is specific to each individual, we recommend discussing this with your GP or healthcare professional prior to travel. They will be able to provide the most up-to-date advice and recommendations based on your itinerary and personal health requirements.

Do cruise fares include drinks, Wi-Fi or gratuities? This will depend on the cruise line and the package or fare type you choose. Some cruise fares may include beverages, Wi-Fi and gratuities, while others may offer these as optional extras. Our team will explain the inclusions and available package options at the time of booking to help you choose the cruise experience that best suits your needs.

What payment options do you accept? We offer a range of convenient payment options including internet banking, EFTPOS, and credit card. Please note a 1.5% surcharge applies to credit card payments.

Retail Frequently Asked Questions: 

Can you help plan complicated or multi-destination trips? Absolutely. This is one of the biggest advantages of using a travel agent — we can coordinate everything for you.

Why should I book through a travel agent instead of online? We provide expert advice, personalised recommendations, and support before, during and after your trip. If something goes wrong while you’re away, you have someone to help.

How much deposit do I need to pay? This depends on the airline, cruise line, or tour company. Some require a small deposit while others may require full payment upfront.

Does it cost more to use a travel agent? Not necessarily. While some bookings may include a service fee depending on the type and complexity of travel arrangements, using a travel agent often provides added value, expert advice and personalised support throughout your journey. We can also access exclusive deals, special inclusions and supplier offers that may not always be available online, helping to ensure you receive the best possible value and a seamless travel experience.

Warm and reassuring Do I need to reconfirm my reservations? Leave that to us! We'll confirm all your booking details on your behalf so you don't have to worry. For flights, we do recommend checking directly with the airline closer to your departure date for any last-minute schedule changes or updates.

 Can you arrange airport transfers? Yes! we can certainly assist with arranging airport transfers as part of your travel booking. Whether you require transfers between the airport, hotel, cruise terminal or tour departure point, our team can help organise the most suitable option for your journey.

Can you arrange special assistance at the airport for travellers with mobility or medical needs? Yes, we can assist with this. Please talk to our retail team.

 Planning a trip with a group? We can help! Whether you're travelling with family, friends, colleagues, or a club, we make group travel simple and stress-free. We'll coordinate all the moving parts – flights, accommodation, tours, and transfers - so everyone arrives happy and ready to explore.

Tours Frequently Asked Questions: 

When is the final payment due?- Final payment is typically due 60–120 days before departure, depending on the supplier.

How much deposit do I need to pay? - Each tour will have its own deposit requirement to secure elements such as flights, cruise cabins and accommodation prior to final payment. Deposit amounts and payment details can be found within each package under the “Booking Conditions” section.

 Why is there a Pukekohe Travel tour escort? - Our escorted tours include a dedicated tour leader who travels with the group from start to finish, providing support, guidance and peace of mind throughout the journey making sure everything runs seamlessly. They are there to assist with everything from airport check-ins and hotel arrivals to daily touring, local information and any unexpected situations that may arise along the way. Having a tour leader allows you to relax and fully enjoy your holiday knowing there is an experienced professional travelling with you every step of the way, ensuring your tour runs as smoothly and stress-free as possible.

 How much walking is involved? - The amount of walking involved will vary depending on the tour and destination. Each package includes a “Health & Mobility” section outlining the general activity level and any basic mobility requirements needed for the tour. If you would like more detailed information, our team is always happy to help. You can contact the office and speak with one of our experienced consultants managing the tour, who can provide further advice to ensure the tour is the right fit for you. 

 Do we do home pick-ups for our tours? - As our clients join us from all around New Zealand, we are unfortunately unable to offer home pick-up services for our tours. However, our team is happy to assist with arranging convenient travel options to help you reach your tour departure location with ease.

 What is included in the tour price? - Our tours include many of the key travel components to make your holiday as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Depending on the tour, inclusions may feature flights, accommodation, sightseeing, on-tour transfers, entry fees to attractions, cruising (where applicable) and most meals. Each package on our website includes a detailed “Inclusions” section outlining exactly what is covered within the tour price, so you can book with confidence knowing what to expect.

 What happens if a tour is cancelled? If we cancel a tour due to insufficient numbers, you will receive a full refund, or we can assist you in transferring to an alternative tour. If you choose to cancel your booking for any reason, no refund is given in accordance with our booking conditions. We strongly recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance to protect you against unforeseen circumstances.

Can dietary requirements be catered for? Yes!  we are happy to accommodate dietary requirements wherever possible. When completing your booking form for your chosen tour, simply include any dietary requirements or allergies in the relevant section. Our team will ensure this information is passed on to hotels, restaurants, cruise lines and catering providers throughout your journey to help make your travel experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Can I travel alone on your tours? - Absolutely! We welcome many solo travellers on our tours, and escorted touring is a wonderful way to travel independently while still enjoying the comfort and companionship of a group environment. Many of our guests travel on their own and enjoy meeting like-minded travellers, forming new friendships and sharing memorable experiences along the journey. With the support of a dedicated tour escort travelling with the group from start to finish, solo travellers can relax and enjoy the trip with added confidence and peace of mind. Ask us about our lady share option — where solo female travellers can be paired together to share a room and split the cost. This is subject to availability and both travellers being happy with the arrangement.

Can I extend my holiday before or after a tour/cruise? - Yes ! Absolutely! If you would like to extend your holiday before or after your tour or cruise, simply let us know when completing your booking form or speak with your tour consultant at the time of booking. Our team can assist with arranging additional flights, accommodation, sightseeing or other travel arrangements to help you make the most of your journey.

What travel documents will I receive before departure? - Approximately three weeks prior to departure, we will send you your final travel documentation package. This may include your flight itinerary, tour itinerary, cruise documents (if applicable), luggage labels, name badge and travel insurance policy documents if insurance has been arranged through us and other relevant information to your tour. Our team is always available to assist with any questions you may have before you travel. 

Will I meet the tour escort and group before departure? For our international tours we hold a tour get-together a few weeks prior to departure. This is a great opportunity to meet your tour escort and other members of the group, ask questions and find out more information on how the tour will run.