Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our bus hire services
Booking & Quotes
How do I get a quote?
Getting a quote is easy! Simply use our online booking form on the homepage, or call us directly at (0800) 661 236. Provide your pickup location, destination, date, time, and number of passengers, and we'll provide you with a competitive quote.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for peak seasons and weekends. However, we can often accommodate last-minute bookings depending on vehicle availability.
Can I modify or cancel my booking?
Yes, you can modify or cancel your booking. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to make changes. Cancellation fees are: 20% of the total booking amount if you cancel for any reason (this is the non-refundable deposit); 25% if cancelled with 7 days notice of your first journey (business days only) but not less than 96 business hours; 50% if cancelled with less than 96 hours notice (business days only) but not less than 48 hours; 100% if cancelled with less than 48 hours notice (business days only) of your first journey.
When do I need to pay for my journey?
A 20% deposit is required to secure your vehicle, however the remaining balance is required to be paid 7 days prior to your journey.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes we require a 20% deposit of the total booking amount. This must be paid to secure the booking and is not refundable for any reason whatsoever.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept VISA or Mastercard via Westpac's online Payway System, VISA or Mastercard over the phone, PayPal (3.5% surcharge), or Bank Transfer. Payment is due 7 days prior to departure.
Vehicles & Services
What types of vehicles do you have?
We have a diverse fleet including 7-seater people movers, 11-24 seat minibuses, and full-size coaches seating up to 69 passengers. All vehicles are modern, well-maintained, and equipped with air conditioning.
Are your drivers licensed and experienced?
Yes, all our drivers hold the required licenses and certifications. They are professionally trained, experienced, and have excellent knowledge of local routes throughout New Zealand.
Can I bring luggage on the bus?
Yes, the larger touring coaches have luggage bins underneath which hold passenger bags. Note that charter buses and low floor buses generally do not have luggage bins. Therefore for airport transfers, it is advised that you book coaches instead of charter buses. Any excess luggage must be discussed in detail with our office to ascertain the luggage requirements.
Does the quoted price include a luggage trailer?
Not unless you have specifically requested this. If you would like to include a trailer it will cost an additional $22 inc GST per transfer.
Can I decrease or increase my vehicle size if the passenger numbers change?
Yes. While this is possible, availability of the requested vehicle will not be known until it is requested. Therefore we cannot guarantee it will be possible to change vehicle until availability is known. In addition to this prices may change.
Are there anchor points available for child seats?
Depending on the size of the vehicle you require there are limited points to fit a child seat. However, the children are allowed to be seated on the parents lap if the parents feel comfortable with this. It also depends on the age of the child. BusHire.co.nz adheres to laws in each region whereby that region requires children to be seatbelted. Where laws do not stipulate a requirement for the child to be secured, we still highly recommend that all children be seatbelted to avoid injury where a vehicle may stop suddenly.
Is standing allowed on the vehicles?
Standing on Low Floor Buses is allowed however it is not permitted on Mini Buses and Standard/Luxury Coaches.
Do you provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles?
Yes, we have wheelchair-accessible vehicles available. Please let us know your accessibility requirements when booking so we can arrange a suitable vehicle.
During Your Journey
Can we drink alcohol on the bus?
We do not allow alcohol to be consumed whilst on the vehicle. However, you are welcome to transport alcohol with you to enjoy at your destination.
Can we eat food or drink on the bus?
Most non-alcoholic beverages are permitted with the exception of glass products. Food products which are easily manageable (that will not create a mess) are preferred to prevent any spills or damages to the vehicle. If any damages are created, cleaning fees will apply.
Can we make stops during our journey?
Yes, you can request stops during your journey. For planned stops, please include them in your itinerary. Additional unscheduled stops may incur extra charges.
If I add an extra stop how much will this be?
Additional charges for extra drops are based on time and distance from the previously quoted journey. This amount is not yet known until the location of the extra stop is revealed.
Will the driver inform me if I incur any extra charges on the day?
No. It is NOT the responsibility of the driver to inform or warn you or your group of any impending charges including overtime, damage, or extra kilometres, etc, regardless of the circumstances on the day of your journey. It is your responsibility to manage your group's requirements on the day and be aware of any extra charges that could be incurred.
What happens if the driver is late?
We pride ourselves on punctuality. In the rare event of a delay due to circumstances within our control, we will work with you to ensure minimal disruption to your plans.
Wine Tours
How many wineries should I visit per day?
We recommend visiting 3-5 wineries per day for a leisurely experience that allows you to fully enjoy each venue without feeling rushed.
How long should I spend at each winery?
Plan for approximately 30-45 minutes at each winery. This allows time for tastings, browsing, and purchasing wines.
Should I book the wineries beforehand?
Yes, most wineries require reservations, especially for groups. We recommend pre-booking your visits to ensure a smooth experience and avoid disappointment.
What is the ideal group size for wine tours?
Groups of 24 passengers or less are ideal. Larger groups may be difficult for venues to accommodate and may require splitting into smaller groups.
Pricing
How is the price calculated?
Prices are based on the type of vehicle, distance, duration, and any additional services required. We include the vehicle, driver, insurance, and running costs in all our quotes.
What is included in the quote?
Our quotes include the vehicle hire, professional driver, GST, and standard insurance. Additional charges may apply for waiting time, extra stops, or overnight stays. The price quoted does not include things such as tolls, ferry costs, airport parking fees or national park entry fees.
What are your overtime charges?
Overtime/waiting rates are charged at $27.50 inc GST ($110 inc GST per hour) per 15 mins for sedans and $41.25 inc GST ($165 inc GST per hour) per 15 mins for minibus/bus/coaches.
Do you require a bond and what does it cover?
Bonds are placed on bookings such as Hen's days, Buck's parties, Wine tours, Birthday parties, late night transfers etc. The bond is usually $300 inc GST (depending on the purpose) and covers issues such as cleaning fees, overtime charges, damages to the vehicles etc.
Does the price include meals and accommodation for the driver?
Not every journey or transfer requires meals and/or accommodation for the driver. Where the vehicle is travelling a significant distance away from home, or where your group is performing a multi-day tour, it may be feasible for the driver to stay with the group. It is only on these occasions where the driver will require meals and accommodation, which comes as an additional cost to the quoted price of the vehicle.
Do you have a best price guarantee?
Yes! If you find a lower price for the same service from another provider, we'll match it. See our Best Price Guarantee page for details.
Customer Testimonials
Thanks Bus Charter for a wonderful and such a smooth experience right from getting the quote to the actual journeys. Staff at your end has been very polite and the drivers for both journeys were cooperative and helpful. The coaches were in immaculate conditions. Looking forward to working with Bus Charter again.
Shaunee BaileyThe entire process of making a booking, paying and even making changes was incredibly easy. Price was very competitive and the driver was prompt.
Alison GowlandHi Shannen, Thank you for your email. The service was great from start (yourself) to finish with Bruce the driver who was excellent. We will definitely use your services again.
Michael Sib SiebelHad a great experience and would definitely use your service again. The driver was on time, professional and polite.
LauraMy guests had a wonderful time with punctual staff and excellent travel conditions. While I was busy losing my mind over other wedding items I am glad the transport was not one of them.
LeoGreat Bus, Good Driver, on time, Perfect.
ErinStill Have Questions?
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