FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much does it cost to hire a coach?
There are so many variables involved in pricing each charter trip, including season-based pricing, that it is necessary to quote for each trip individually. So the more itinerary details you can give us, e.g. passenger numbers, date, pick up address and timing preferences, the more accurately and cost-effectively we can quote your job. E-mail or fax your travel needs to us or use our online Quote Request Form.
Are driver’s accommodation and meal costs included in overnight/away trips?
Not normally. It is usually the responsibility of the client to arrange and pay for the driver’s accommodation and meals on all nights away from Auckland, Christchurch or Hamilton. If you prefer to arrange the driver's accommodation and meals please note that our minimum requirements are a single motel or hotel room, and dinner & breakfast, for the driver. If you would like us to arrange and quote you for this, please indicate when you request the quote.
How long can your drivers drive or be on duty for?
Coach and bus drivers are legally compelled to work within maximum on-duty and driving hour periods. Briefly, these requirements are:
- No more than 11 hours driving within a 24 hour period.
- Maximum single driving period must not exceed 5 ˝ hours at a time – and must be followed by a minimum half hour rest period/break.
- Maximum 14 hours on-duty within any 24 hour period.
- A continuous break between duties of at least 10 hours in any 24 hour period.
Do you give out drivers' names and mobile numbers?
The short answer is 'no'. A change in NZ driving laws and cumulative feedback received from clients has persuaded us that our clients' needs are always best served by directly phoning Pavlovich Coachlines' main landline +64 9 620-5490 and talking to the people who have authority and responsibility to make scheduling changes. This is particularly pertinent when illness, flight delays, or a client's last minute needs demand that such alterations be quickly implemented!
Will the driver wait between jobs if we have booked a return transfer?
If you have specifically booked the waiting period in between transfers your driver will wait discreetly and will be available to you. However if your booking is on the basis of “drop off and return” the driver might not remain on site between transfers.
Where can your coaches pick us up from?
We work to your instruction for pick up and drop off locations. Provided there is safe, reasonable and legal access our coaches can meet groups anywhere that is required.
Can your coaches go on the Cook Strait ferry?
Yes, our coaches can go on the Cook Strait ferry, and the cost of ferry transportation is an additional charge to Pavlovich's road transportation costs. However, we have found that the most cost effective solution for our clients is to ‘reposition’ the coaches to/from Wellington and Picton rather than paying for a coach to cross on the ferry. We are well placed to position coaches in Wellington and/or Picton to meet your itinerary requirements.
What cities do you operate in?
Our tour coach fleet is based in Auckland and Hamilton in the North Island, and Christchurch in the South Island. All South Island enquiries and bookings are taken and processed through our Head Office in Auckland.
Can you organise coaches nationwide and in other centres?
For some of our customers, we are happy to broker all requirements nationwide. At the very least, we are happy to refer you to another coach operator to assist you.
Can I hire a coach and provide my own driver?
This is called “dry hire” and, no, sorry, we do not dry hire. Costly experience has taught us that our vehicles, worth in excess of $500,000 each, are best driven by our own trained and experienced drivers.
Will I be charged extra for high fuel costs?
The price of diesel fuel is a significant operating cost for us. In line with other significant transport operators in New Zealand we reserve the right to apply a fuel surcharge during times of high fuel costs.
Can I contact you after office hours?
If your tour or trip has already commenced or is about to commence, Pavlovich Coachlines can be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency needs – e.g. a change to your itinerary or a cancellation.
Can your coaches go up to the North and South Island skifields?
Any coach in our fleet can operate on ski field roads if the road is open and no chain restriction is in place. However if ski field road restrictions do occur, Pavlovich Coachlines are not responsible for any additional costs that clients may incur.
Can we drink alcohol onboard your coaches?
As a general rule we do not allow the consumption of alcohol onboard our coaches. The main reason is that it is almost certain that another group will require the use of the coach(es) shortly after your job and however meticulously the vehicles are cleaned afterward we still want to avoid having to subject the next group to unpleasant smells of stale alcohol and, possibly, vomit.
Notwithstanding general rules we are prepared to make exceptions. In these circumstances the entire group of passengers must be prepared to abide by the following code of conduct:
- The distribution of alcohol must be managed by an organiser who must be sober and who must not consume alcohol.
- One supply source (a chilly bin or similar) with empty bottles/cans replaced by the organiser only when the vessels/cans are empty.
- One drink per person at any time.
- Glass containers are not permitted onboard the coach.
- Comfort stops only where public facilities are available.
- The organiser to remove all empty bottles/cans at journey's end (sealed in a bag or container).