Frequently Asked Questions
This page lists the most frequently asked questions on our Terms and Conditions when chartering a bus for a day or overnight journey. Please read and print this page for your own reference.
Q. What is the quoted price made up of?
A. The quoted price is made up of a standard rate per kilometre, an hourly rate for the driver, any accommodation/meals for charters exceeding 1 day, and any miscellaneous charges which may apply. The price is based on the shortest most suitable route, unless otherwise stated or requested. It is helpful that you outline your itinerary when making an enquiry so we can work out the best possible price from the information given. If your itinerary changes significantly, we'd appreciate it if you advised us as soon as practicable so we can check the quoted rate still applies. Otherwise we'll notify you of any change in price.
Q. Is the quoted price in New Zealand dollars and include GST?
A. Yes, the quoted price is in New Zealand dollars and includes GST at the prevailing rate set by the New Zealand Government, unless otherwise stated.
Q. How do I pay for the hire?
A. You must pay for the hire in full prior to departure, unless approval has been given for credit terms to apply. In such an event, settlement in full must be made by the 20th of the month following the invoice. Payment can be made by internet banking, cash or cheque. Please indicate how you wish to pay for your hire when confirming your booking.
Q. Can I hire a coach and provide my own driver?
A. This is called "dry hire" and, no, sorry, we do not usually allow a dry hire unless by special arrangement, and the driver is known and vetted by us. We prefer to supply our own trained and experienced drivers to ensure your travel comfort.
Q. Can we vary the route or length of hire on the day?
A. Yes you can, but only with authorisation from the company's Operations Manager, via the driver. Depending on the circumstances, the company reserves the right to adjust the quoted price accordingly.
Q. What happens if there are delays or road closures, such as an accident or bad weather?
A. NZ Coach Service does not guarantee to complete any journey in a given time, and will not accept liability for any loss or inconvenience which may arise from the delay or detention of any vehicle arising from any cause whatsoever.
Q. What happens if we incur additional costs caused by delays?
A. NZ Coach Service will ensure every reasonable effort is made to carry out your requirements, but no responsibility is accepted for additional costs for you or your passengers caused by delays in road or traffic conditions or deviations from normal routes, floods, or other unusual circumstances, industrial action, sickness of staff or passengers. The company reserves the right to substitute alternative vehicles and drivers in the event of unanticipated circumstances which necessitate a change.
Q. What happens if the bus breaks down during the journey?
A. We will do everything possible to repair or replace the bus as soon as practicable. The driver is responsible for notifying the Operations Manager of any problems and must comply with any instructions given by the company at all times.
Q. What happens if a passenger loses an item or it is left on the bus?
A. The company does not accept any responsibility for loss or damage to property left in the vehicle. Passengers leaving property in the coaches do so entirely at their own risk. However we will endeavour to secure and return any identifiable property to its owner if practicable, if it is discovered at the end of a hire. The person in charge of the group or someone nominated by them should always check the vehicle at the final destination before leaving to make sure nothing is left behind.
Q. Can we smoke on the bus?
A. No. Smoking is prohibited on all buses at any time while it is carrying passengers. Refer to the Smoke-free Environments Act 1990, Section 9 (1).
Q. Can we consume alcohol on the bus?
A. No. Consumption of alcohol on the bus is prohibited by the Summary Offences Act 1981, Section 38(1). Any person caught consuming alcohol is liable to a fine not exceeding $300. If you wish to transport alcohol to or from an event, it must be given to the driver for securing in the luggage lockers during travel.
Q. Can we eat food on the bus?
A. Yes, as long as it is snack food only, and cold drinks in bottles. Hot drinks are prohibited for safety reasons. All rubbish must be removed on arrival at your destination.
Q. Who is liable for any damage to the bus by a passenger?
A. The hirer is liable for the first $500 for any wilful or reckless damage that occurs to the vehicle during the hire. The driver will report all damage to the Operations Manager for investigation.
Q. What happens if passengers become unruly during a journey?
A. Our drivers reserve the right to refuse to carry passengers who become unruly or fail to comply with instructions. The driver may call the Police should the need arise and will advise the Operations Manager immediately of any such action.
Q. Can we request our favourite driver?
A. Yes, you can request your favourite driver, subject to availability. We're pleased about that, as our drivers are friendly and courteous, and well-known to our regular customers. We endeavour to assign the most suitable driver for your charter, so if you have any special requirements, please let us know when making your enquiry.
Q. What accommodation and meals are required for drivers for overnight charters?
A. Accommodation should be in a single motel/hotel room with an en-suite bathroom. Meals must be of an acceptable standard appropriate for the time of day. The hirer can choose to provide accommodation and meals for the driver, otherwise the company will arrange this, and the hirer will be charged separately. Drivers are not permitted to share a room with any passengers on the charter.
Q. What meal breaks and rest periods are required for drivers?
A. To comply with current legislation, drivers must take a break of at least 30 minutes after 5½ hours of work time. In any period of work up to 24 hours, drivers can work a maximum of 13 hours, and then must take a break of at least 10 hours (as well as the standard half-hour breaks every 5½ hours.) These breaks must be factored into any itinerary being prepared by the hirer and will be checked by the driver before departure.
Q. What happens if we need to cancel our booking prior to departure?
A. If you cancel your booking prior to departure, no cancellation fee will apply if no expenses have been incurred by the company. We understand that circumstances may change, so please provide sufficient notice of any cancellation by phone or email.
Q. What happens if we need to cancel our journey after departure?
A. If you cancel your journey after departure for any reason, you will be charged all actual costs incurred in relation to that portion of the journey. This may include pre-booked drivers accommodation, departure from the depot to pick up the group and return to the depot, ferry bookings etc. These will be advised to you at the time of the cancellation.
Contact us for a free no-obligation quote
We are always pleased to provide a free no-obligation quote for your charter or tour. Go to our Contact Us page for details of the information we require.
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