Where do you want to go? A new island? Country?
Our focus is on crafting bespoke, personalised itineraries tailored to your unique preferences, interests, and budget. We go beyond pre-packaged tours to create truly unforgettable and authentic experiences.
Yes, we are specialists in bespoke travel, custom-designed tours, luxury cruises, and unforgettable family holidays, both within New Zealand and internationally.
While we excel at luxury travel, we proudly cater to a wide range of budgets. Our expertise lies in maximising value and delivering exceptional experiences, regardless of your spending parameters.
We have extensive knowledge and connections for travel throughout New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific Islands, Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond. If you have a dream destination, we can likely help you get there!
For optimal availability and pricing, especially for popular destinations, cruises, or peak travel seasons, we recommend booking as far in advance as possible – ideally 6-12 months. However, we can also assist with last-minute arrangements.
Our process begins with a detailed consultation to understand your desires. We then present a personalised proposal, refine it based on your feedback, and handle all bookings and logistics, keeping you informed every step of the way.
Our service fees are transparent and depend on the complexity and scope of your itinerary. These fees cover our expert knowledge, research, itinerary design, booking management, and 24/7 support. We'll always discuss any fees upfront.
Absolutely! We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance and can guide you through various options. We also provide advice on visa requirements and other essential pre-trip preparations relevant to your destination.
We have extensive experience in coordinating group bookings of all sizes. From multi-generational family holidays to corporate retreats, we can manage all the intricate details to ensure a seamless experience for everyone.
Many cruise lines offer fantastic facilities and activities for families of all ages. We can recommend and book cruises that cater specifically to families, ensuring an enjoyable experience for parents and children alike.
We understand that plans can change. Our team will assist you with any modifications or cancellations, adhering to the terms and conditions of the suppliers. We'll always work to minimise any potential disruption or costs.
We are committed to promoting responsible tourism. We can certainly incorporate eco-friendly accommodations, tours, and experiences into your itinerary, working with suppliers who share our values.
It's easy! Simply visit our "Contact Us" page, fill out our enquiry form, or give us a call. We'd love to chat about your travel dreams and how we can bring them to life.
While online booking offers convenience, we offer expertise, personalised service, insider access, and invaluable support. We save you time, provide better value, and are your advocate if anything goes wrong, ensuring a stress-free and superior travel experience.While online booking offers convenience, we offer expertise, personalised service, insider access, and invaluable support. We save you time, provide better value, and are your advocate if anything goes wrong, ensuring a stress-free and superior travel experience.
Our focus is on crafting bespoke, personalised itineraries tailored to your unique preferences, interests, and budget. We go beyond pre-packaged tours to create truly unforgettable and authentic experiences.
Yes, we are specialists in bespoke travel, custom-designed tours, luxury cruises, and unforgettable family holidays, both within New Zealand and internationally.
While we excel at luxury travel, we proudly cater to a wide range of budgets. Our expertise lies in maximising value and delivering exceptional experiences, regardless of your spending parameters.
We have extensive knowledge and connections for travel throughout New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific Islands, Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond. If you have a dream destination, we can likely help you get there!
For optimal availability and pricing, especially for popular destinations, cruises, or peak travel seasons, we recommend booking as far in advance as possible – ideally 6-12 months. However, we can also assist with last-minute arrangements.
Our process begins with a detailed consultation to understand your desires. We then present a personalised proposal, refine it based on your feedback, and handle all bookings and logistics, keeping you informed every step of the way.
Our service fees are transparent and depend on the complexity and scope of your itinerary. These fees cover our expert knowledge, research, itinerary design, booking management, and 24/7 support. We'll always discuss any fees upfront.
Absolutely! We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance and can guide you through various options. We also provide advice on visa requirements and other essential pre-trip preparations relevant to your destination.
We have extensive experience in coordinating group bookings of all sizes. From multi-generational family holidays to corporate retreats, we can manage all the intricate details to ensure a seamless experience for everyone.
Many cruise lines offer fantastic facilities and activities for families of all ages. We can recommend and book cruises that cater specifically to families, ensuring an enjoyable experience for parents and children alike.
We understand that plans can change. Our team will assist you with any modifications or cancellations, adhering to the terms and conditions of the suppliers. We'll always work to minimise any potential disruption or costs.
We are committed to promoting responsible tourism. We can certainly incorporate eco-friendly accommodations, tours, and experiences into your itinerary, working with suppliers who share our values.
It's easy! Simply visit our "Contact Us" page, fill out our enquiry form, or give us a call. We'd love to chat about your travel dreams and how we can bring them to life.
While online booking offers convenience, we offer expertise, personalised service, insider access, and invaluable support. We save you time, provide better value, and are your advocate if anything goes wrong, ensuring a stress-free and superior travel experience.While online booking offers convenience, we offer expertise, personalised service, insider access, and invaluable support. We save you time, provide better value, and are your advocate if anything goes wrong, ensuring a stress-free and superior travel experience.
At North Travel, we empower you to take the reins of your journey. Whether you prefer full autonomy or light guidance, our tailored itineraries, expert insights, and local connections give you everything you need to explore independently—with our support just a message away.
Planning your international journey from New Zealand? Here are some common questions we receive regarding flights and essential travel documentation.
Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your intended return date. We will advise you of the specific requirements for your chosen destination.
To secure your international flight booking and ensure accurate ticketing, we generally require your full passport details (full name as per passport, passport number, expiry date, and issuing country) at the time of booking. Discrepancies can lead to issues or additional fees.
Beyond your valid passport, depending on your destination, you may require visas, onward/return tickets, proof of accommodation, or specific health declarations. We will guide you through all necessary documentation for your itinerary.
Baggage allowances vary significantly by airline, fare type, and destination. We will clearly outline your checked and carry-on baggage allowances at the time of booking and provide information on any restricted items.
For international flights, we typically recommend arriving at the airport at least 3 hours prior to your scheduled departure time to allow for check-in, security, and customs procedures.
While we monitor your bookings for any changes, we strongly recommend reviewing your itinerary and flight status 24-48 hours before departure. We'll provide you with instructions on how to do this.
It's crucial to renew your passport well in advance if its validity is nearing expiration, or if it has been damaged. Contact us immediately if you anticipate any passport issues, as it can impact your travel plans.
While we don't directly process visas, we provide comprehensive information and guidance on visa requirements for your destination(s), including links to relevant embassy or consulate websites and reputable visa service providers.
In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, our 24/7 support team will be available to assist you. We will work with the airline to find alternative arrangements and keep you informed of your options.
Travel requirements can change rapidly. We will provide you with the most up-to-date information regarding any health declarations, vaccination status requirements, testing, or isolation rules for your destination and for re-entry to New Zealand, if applicable.
Travel insurance is an essential part of any journey. At North Travel, we strongly recommend it to protect your investment and provide peace of mind. We partner with trusted providers like Cover-More Travel Insurance, Allianz Partners, and Kiwi Holiday Insurance to offer comprehensive options.
Travel insurance protects you from unforeseen events that can disrupt your trip, such as medical emergencies overseas, unexpected cancellations, lost luggage, or travel delays. Without it, you could face significant out-of-pocket expenses.
While it's not strictly mandatory for all bookings, North Travel highly recommends and, in many cases, requires you to have adequate travel insurance for international travel, and strongly advises it for domestic trips. It's a non-negotiable for your peace of mind and protection.
While it's not strictly mandatory for all bookings, North Travel highly recommends and, in many cases, requires you to have adequate travel insurance for international travel, and strongly advises it for domestic trips. It's a non-negotiable for your peace of mind and protection.
While some credit cards offer complimentary travel insurance, we urge extreme caution. These policies often have significant limitations, strict activation requirements (e.g., paying a certain percentage of your trip on the card), lower benefit limits, higher excesses, and may not cover pre-existing medical conditions, adventure activities, or family members. We strongly recommend reviewing the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) in detail and consulting with us to ensure it provides sufficient cover for your specific trip. We often find they do not provide adequate protection.
Purchasing travel insurance directly online can be convenient, but it carries risks. Without professional advice, you might inadvertently select a policy that doesn't fully cover your specific needs, activities, or pre-existing conditions. Our expertise ensures you get a policy that truly protects you.
A comprehensive policy should generally include cover for overseas medical and emergency expenses (often unlimited), trip cancellation and amendment costs, lost or delayed luggage, personal liability, and rental vehicle excess. We can help you determine what's essential for your particular travel plans.
It is crucial to declare all pre-existing medical conditions when applying for travel insurance. Our partner insurers have processes for assessing these conditions, and additional premiums or specific exclusions may apply. Failing to declare them could invalidate your policy.
We recommend purchasing your travel insurance at the same time you make your initial trip deposit. This ensures you're covered for cancellation and amendment costs from the moment you start incurring expenses, protecting your investment from unexpected events that may occur before you even depart.
Many standard policies exclude certain adventure activities (like skiing, diving, or specific sports) and often require additional "cruise cover" for medical incidents or disruptions at sea. We will ensure any activities you plan are adequately covered by recommending the appropriate policy additions.
Our partner insurers provide 24/7 emergency assistance. You should contact them as soon as possible in an emergency. For non-urgent claims, collect all relevant documentation (e.g., medical reports, police reports, receipts) as proof to support your claim upon return.
Yes, all insurance policies have exclusions. Common exclusions include acts of war, pandemics (though many now offer COVID-19 cover, terms vary), travelling against New Zealand Government advice, or claims arising from illegal activities or intoxication. We will guide you through the key exclusions relevant to your chosen policy.
We take the time to understand your trip details, health, and risk tolerance. Based on this, we provide tailored recommendations from our trusted partners (Cover-More, Allianz Partners, Kiwi Holiday Insurance), explaining the benefits, limits, and exclusions, ensuring you have the appropriate cover for your bespoke travel experience.
At North Travel, we empower you to take the reins of your journey. Whether you prefer full autonomy or light guidance, our tailored itineraries, expert insights, and local connections give you everything you need to explore independently—with our support just a message away.
We start with a comprehensive consultation to understand your travel style, preferences, reasons for cruising, and budget. We then draw on our extensive knowledge of various cruise lines, their unique philosophies, ship sizes, onboard amenities, and destination specialities to provide highly tailored recommendations. We don't just book; we match.
Beyond your desired destination, we delve into details like your preferred onboard atmosphere (lively vs. serene), dining preferences, entertainment interests, activity levels, importance of shore excursions, and whether you're travelling solo, as a couple, with family, or in a group. Your reasons for travel (e.g., relaxation, adventure, cultural immersion, celebration) are paramount.
Ship size significantly shapes your journey. Large ships (often referred to as 'floating resorts') offer a vast array of amenities: multiple dining venues, Broadway-style shows, extensive activity programmes, water parks, casinos, and bustling public spaces. This can mean more choices but also more queues and larger crowds. Smaller ships, on the other hand, offer a more intimate and often luxurious experience with fewer passengers, more personalised service, and typically a focus on deeper cultural enrichment. They can often access smaller, more unique ports that larger ships cannot, bringing you closer to local cultures and off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Generally, yes. Large ships with their extensive kids' clubs, dedicated family zones, and diverse entertainment options are often ideal for families with children. Small ships tend to cater to adults seeking a more sophisticated, tranquil, or destination-focused experience, though some luxury small ships do welcome families.
This categorisation often relates to price point, service level, inclusions, and overall atmosphere. Mainstream lines offer great value and a wide range of activities. Premium lines provide a more elevated experience with better dining and service. Luxury lines offer all-inclusive pricing, top-tier service, gourmet dining, and a focus on enrichment.
We consider your budget, the length of the cruise, your need for space, and your desired views. Whether it's an interior cabin for the budget-conscious, an ocean view for natural light, a balcony for private outdoor space, or a luxurious suite with exclusive perks, we'll guide you to the best option for your comfort and enjoyment.
Absolutely! As a bespoke travel agency, we specialise in crafting the entire journey. We can arrange your international flights from New Zealand, pre- and post-cruise hotel stays, transfers, and any additional tours or activities to seamlessly connect your cruise with your wider travel plans.
Cruise fares typically include accommodation, most meals (main dining rooms, buffets), basic entertainment, and some onboard activities. Additional costs often include speciality restaurants, alcoholic beverages, shore excursions, spa treatments, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and sometimes even soft drinks. We'll provide a clear breakdown of what's included and what's extra for your chosen cruise.
Yes, we specialise in both! River cruises offer a unique way to experience a destination, focusing on cultural immersion and often docking directly in city centres. Ocean cruises provide diverse itineraries, from short getaways to world voyages. We'll discuss which style best suits your desired travel experience.
It's essential to inform us of any dietary restrictions, allergies, or special needs at the time of booking. We will liaise with the cruise line on your behalf to ensure your requirements are accommodated to the best of their ability, whether it's for specific meals or accessibility features.
You can typically book shore excursions directly with the cruise line once your booking is confirmed, or through independent providers. North Travel can also recommend and arrange private or small-group excursions tailored to your interests and desired level of activity at each port of call.
The ideal cruising season varies by destination (e.g., Alaskan summers, Caribbean winters, European summers). We'll advise you on the peak and shoulder seasons for your chosen destination, considering weather, crowds, and pricing, to ensure the best possible cruise experience.
We offer a diverse range of touring experiences, including fully independent self-drive holidays (car and accommodation packages), campervan rentals for ultimate flexibility, and an extensive selection of guided group tours with world-renowned operators.
We believe every traveller is unique. We start by discussing your preferences: your pace, desired level of independence, budget, preferred travel companions, interests (history, food, adventure), and the kind of immersive experiences you seek. This allows us to perfectly match you with the ideal tour operator and itinerary.
Group touring offers significant advantages: convenience (all logistics handled), expert guidance (knowledgeable local guides), safety and security, social connection with like-minded travellers, exclusive access to sites and experiences, and often better value through group discounts. It removes the stress of planning, navigating, and problem-solving, allowing you to simply relax and enjoy.
*The size of your group significantly shapes the experience:
Leading tour operators like Intrepid and G-Adventures focus on authentic, immersive experiences, often incorporating local stays (e.g., Intrepid's farm stays), unique culinary encounters, and community-based activities. Contiki offers specific activities and itineraries tailored for younger travellers (under 35s), while luxury operators like Abercrombie & Kent or APT focus on exclusive access and elevated experiences, allowing you to connect with a destination beyond the typical tourist path.
Yes, absolutely! Our self-drive packages provide the perfect balance of independence and convenience. We arrange your rental car and pre-book your accommodation along a carefully designed itinerary, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace without the hassle of daily planning.
Yes, we can arrange campervan rentals, particularly popular for exploring New Zealand's stunning landscapes, but also available in many international destinations. We'll help you choose the right vehicle size and suggest itineraries that maximise your freedom and flexibility.
The inclusion of meals varies significantly by tour operator and itinerary. Some tours are all-inclusive, while others include specific meals (e.g., breakfasts and some dinners) to allow for flexibility and personal exploration. We will provide a clear breakdown of meal inclusions for any tour we recommend.
On group tours, all inter-city or inter-country transportation (usually by coach, train, or internal flights) is pre-arranged and included in your package. Airport transfers at the start and end of your tour are often included or can be easily added.
Activity levels vary greatly. Some tours are leisurely, while others involve significant walking, hiking, or adventure activities. We will discuss your fitness level and preferences to recommend tours that align with your capabilities, ensuring you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
While the core itinerary of a group tour is generally fixed, many operators offer optional excursions or "free time" within the itinerary, allowing for some personalisation. For truly bespoke, fully flexible itineraries, our self-drive or tailor-made independent travel options are more suitable.
Many premium and small group tour operators strategically plan their visits to popular sites to avoid peak times, use pre-booked skip-the-line access, or offer exclusive early morning or late-night entries. Some also incorporate lesser-known, authentic experiences away from the main tourist hubs.
Our partner tour operators employ highly knowledgeable, often local, tour directors or guides. They are experts in the destination's history, culture, and logistics, providing invaluable insights, handling daily arrangements, and acting as your local connection throughout your journey.
Booking well in advance, especially for popular itineraries or peak seasons, is highly recommended. This ensures better availability, competitive pricing, and more options for your preferred departure dates. However, we can also assist with last-minute bookings if space permits.
We are your 100% New Zealand-owned travel experts, delivering seamless, personalized journeys. Entrust us with every detail, for business or leisure, and simply relish the art of travel.
