Back from New Zealand: Essential Tips and Warnings for Women Joining Tour Groups

This trip to New Zealand marks my first group tour abroad, and it’s incredibly significant! 🌟 I’ve been extra diligent in researching travel guides and selecting a tour group, with the hope that this adventure will be nothing short of amazing 😻😻. I scoured countless travel guides on XHS and sought recommendations from friends, meticulously comparing each option until I felt almost overwhelmed 🤧.

(PS: In the end, I decided to take a leap of faith and go with a small tour group. New Zealand was uncharted territory for me, and planning the trip on my own was giving me a serious headache 🥵. I was concerned about navigating unfamiliar roads and ensuring safety, and I feared that a self-made plan might not be as enjoyable. So, I opted for a compromise, entrusting everything to a travel agency, thinking that if anything went wrong, at least I couldn’t blame myself… Haha, not really.)

However, the sheer number of travel agencies on XHS made the selection process dizzying. I had almost settled on one, ready to sign up, but then I stumbled upon several negative reviews, which made me hesitate for fear of ruining the trip. So, I didn’t proceed. In a moment of frustration, I vented on WeChat Moments about how challenging it was to plan a trip, and surprisingly, an old university friend reached out.

She had visited New Zealand the previous year and shared her positive experience with a particular tour group, so I asked for her recommendation. The process of finding and comparing tours was truly a headache 😥. I signed a unified electronic contract on the official website of the Tourism Regulatory Authority ✅, paid a small deposit, and booked the tour.

Knowing that my friend had a great experience and found no hidden issues, we felt more confident in our choice 🤓. As it turned out, the experience was fantastic, and my trip to New Zealand was absolutely incredible 🤩🤩.

Here, I’ll share my experience in finding the perfect tour group to help you avoid potential pitfalls and prevent you from stepping into a trap, as I almost did at the beginning.

[One] Confirm whether the tour group is based locally in New Zealand. If it’s not, the price is generally higher because of the middleman’s cut. Since you’re investing in a travel experience, make sure your money goes towards a genuine and authentic journey.

[Two] The contract should be an electronic document issued by the national tourism regulatory authority. Take the time to read it thoroughly before signing. Never sign up if there is no contract. Our tour was a pure, small-group experience with no hidden costs and no shopping stops, all clearly outlined in the contract.

[Three] Understand the refund policy for the deposit and the validity period. Traveling abroad requires more preparation, and plans can change. Knowing the flexibility of your booking is crucial.

[Four] Opt for a small group, ideally 2-6 people, as this saves time and enhances the experience. Choose a single vehicle rather than joining a convoy, which can be cumbersome and less personal.

[Five] Before signing the contract, ensure that the itinerary, hotels, vehicles, and guide expenses are all clearly detailed. These must be explicitly stated to protect yourself from last-minute changes by unscrupulous agencies. Our contract was very clear and met these criteria, providing us with peace of mind.

[Six] Be wary of so-called low-cost small groups, as they often hand you over to unqualified intermediaries, compromising your travel experience.

Sisters, if you ask about these six points before confirming a tour, you can find a reliable and enjoyable travel agency. Don’t worry! New Zealand, here we come! I hope everyone has a fantastic trip!