Frequently Asked Questions

No jet boats or bungee jumps?
Not on a Milestone tour. But if you're looking to pump up your adrenalin, please contact us and we will recommend some tour companies that specialise in the above. Milestone tours are designed for guests to discover New Zealand's history, and experience its natural environment, its people and its places. After a Milestone tour you'll be able to say not just that you've been to New Zealand but that you know the real New Zealand. You might even find you've gone a bit kiwi! (And we think that's such a good thing we've even developed a fun, Insider's Guide to NZ. It'll help you get a handle on Jandals, the 'Mandel, and other unique elements of Kiwiana - click here).

Why don't you offer one-day tours to Rotorua & Waitomo or the Bay of Islands?
As any Aucklander can tell you, these destinations are 3-4 hours drive from Auckland (and that's in normal traffic). Thus day trips only allow a few hours 'off the bus' at most. There is so much to see and do in these beautiful and iconic parts of New Zealand, so we want to give our guests the time to savour their visit. Over two days, including a night in comfort, you can experience so much more - and with all Milestone tours, get a real feel for the place you're visiting.

How fit do I need to be to take a Milestone tour?
If you can make it round your local supermarket you are fit enough. However if you have any special needs, please let us know in advance of your tour so we can ensure you feel safe and comfortable at all times.

Some of your tours feature short bush walks - should I worry about bugs or snakes?
Not at all. New Zealand has no deadly snakes or spiders, though it is home to the world's heaviest insect, the (entirely harmless) Giant Weta. Like anywhere warm we get a few pesky mosquitoes, but these do not carry disease.

What do I need bring on a Milestone tour?
The band Crowded House pointed out that the local weather can often cram four seasons into one day. So at any time of year you should be packing sun-block, a hat and a warm jumper for the evenings plus of course your camera. In winter you might also want to consider bringing along a waterproof jacket or fleece. Trainers, comfortable sandals or walking shoes are ideal for any of our tours that feature short bush walks. Outside winter (and year round in Rotorua) you might want to bring your swimming gear and a towel too. And no, we really don't mind if you get sand in our vehicles!

What if I need to cancel?
No worries, we know plans change. As long as you give us more than 21-days notice there is no cancellation charge. Within 21 to 2 days of scheduled departure we charge 10% of your tour fee to cover our expenses. Unfortunately cancellations made within 2 days are not refundable, as we are committed to our suppliers.

Where do you pick-up and drop-off?
We offer pick-up and drop-off in central Auckland and from the North Shore. In the city we can pick you up from your hotel, Princess Wharf i-SITE centre (137 Quay Street) or Auckland Town Hall (Queen Street). On the North Shore we pick up from major hotels and from Takapuna i-SITE centre (49 Hurstmere Rd). For out-of-area pick-up or drop-off please contact us.

I want something a bit different, can you help?
Absolutely. Take a look at our Bespoke Tours page, and then let us know about your ideal tour. We'll come back with some suggested itineraries and pricing options based on what you tell us. We'll then work with you to design a tour that fits perfectly with your wants and needs.

Can you help with Auckland airport pick-ups?
Sure we can. Just let us know your date of arrival, plus your flight time and number and we'll get back to you with an airport transfer quote. Once you have confirmed the booking we'll make sure someone is waiting to meet you to transport you to your hotel.

What sort of accommodation do you supply?
On overnight tours we use hotel or motels rated by Qualmark as 3-star or above. Most are privately owned and run, often making them uniquely Kiwi. They all have swimming pools and are within walking distance of a range of shops, bars and restaurants. Where seasonal availability allows, we also try to offer added extras, like private spa baths, verandas etc. If you would like to upgrade your accommodation, simply ask when you book and we will give you a range of options.

Single rooms are available on all tours and are subject to a single room supplement of $80.

Is Milestone Tours a 'green' company?
You bet! New Zealand is blessed with clear waters, green landscapes and clean air and we want to keep it that way - not only is it good for tourism, it's vital for our kids and their futures too. All our vehicle emissions are offset via the Sustainable Business Network's GreenFleet initiative. GreenFleet members planted more than 17,000 trees in 2008 and, true to Milestone Tour's commitment to the conservation of New Zealand's native forests, all those trees were indigenous species. Our entire business also operates on 'Reduce, Recycle and Reuse' principles.

 

If you have any questions not answered here or anywhere else in our online home;

Just drop us an email: info@milestonetours.co.nz

Call us:  +64 9 479 2540 or toll free 0800 699 788 if you're in NZ

Or you can even write to us: Milestone Tours Limited, PO Box 65051, Mairangi Bay 0754, Auckland, New Zealand

 

Thanks to Tourism New Zealand for their photographic assistance and specifically the photographers whose work features in this site, namely James Heremaia, Scott Venning, Ben Crawford, Chris McLennan, Fay Looney, Chris McLennan, Julian Apse, Bob McCree and Destination Northland.