FAQ

Everything you need to know about booking, payments, kai, cancellations, timing, and what to expect on your Joyrider tour.

  • You can book a private tour directly with Jōy Rider through our website. We are a family-owned, locally operated private tour business based in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. All tours are hosted by our whānau and are not outsourced to overseas providers.

  • We can collect your group from anywhere in the Bay of Plenty, including Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Papamoa, Te Puke, Rotorua, Whakatāne and surrounding areas.

    We also offer airport pickups from:
    • Auckland Airport
    • Tauranga Airport
    • Rotorua Airport
    • Whakatāne Airport

    Other locations are available on request with advance notice.
    We aim to be as flexible as possible and make the service easy for your group within reasonable travel times.

  • Our van can host up to 8 guests.
    Larger groups can request multiple vehicles.

  • Yes — all Joyrider experiences are 100% private for your group only.

  • Absolutely. We offer on-time return guarantees and free cancellation if your ship cannot dock. Cruise passenger collection/ drop-off is directly from the Port of Tauranga gates.

  • A modern, clean, air-conditioned Volkswagen Caravelle with plenty of space and comfort.

  • We support guests with light mobility needs. Tell us your requirements and we’ll shape the day around you.

  • A whānau-made lunch including filled rolls, seasonal fruits, sweet treats, cheese platter, tea, coffee, Raro and sparkling water — served picnic-style in a scenic location.

  • Yes — gluten-free, vegetarian, dairy-free and other needs are all supported.
    We confirm dietary details at booking.

  • Yes — upgrade to the Jōy Kai Signature Lunch for $25pp. Just let us know during booking or select the Jōy Kai upgrade during checkout.

    • Full day tours — included

    • Express tours - not included

    • Group Transfers - N/A

    • Private tours - N/A

  • Yes — Hobbiton requires pre-booking.

    Send us an enquiry, we can help you choose the best time, or you can secure tickets directly and request the tour date and times you need from us.

    • All group bookings are processed through our website as one secure online payment.

    • We accept major credit cards and Apple Pay.

    • A $200 deposit is required to secure your booking.

    • Full payment is due 7 days prior to your tour.

    • Cruise Express tours and same-day bookings may pay on the day

  • Cancellations

    • 7+ days prior — full refund.

    • Up to 48 hours prior — we can rebook you at no cost to another available day or experience.

    • Within 48 hours / no-show — the $200 deposit is forfeited.

    Cruise Guests

    If your cruise ship cannot dock, you receive a full refund, including your deposit.

  • A 20% deposit secures your booking.
    The remaining balance is due on the day.

    Full payment is due 7 days before your tour, except for the following:

    • Cruise Express Tours — payment can be made on the day.

    • Same-day bookings — payment is due at the time of confirmation.

    • Full Day — 8 hours

    • Express — 5 hours

    • Private Tour — 6–8 hours

    • Group Transfers — 4–5 hours (multi-drop)

  • Yes — all tours are flexible and shaped around weather, interests and your group’s energy. Just add your ideas to the booking form or send us an enquiry!

  • All tours include optional short walks (light effort).
    We can design a no-walking itinerary if needed.

  • Tours operate in most weather conditions.
    We adapt the itinerary to keep you warm, dry and comfortable.

  • Yes — we can stop at local markets, galleries, shops and souvenir stores on request. Just add your request to the notes when requesting your date!

  • Yes — depending on the tour, we include relaxed, easy wildlife stops that fit naturally into the day. These are light-effort, scenic experiences suitable for all ages.
    Common options include:

    Rotorua
    • Paradise Valley Springs — trout pools, native birds, red deer, freshwater springs
    • Lakefront birdlife at Lake Rotorua
    • Redwoods Forest — birdlife & forest creatures

    Tauranga
    • Kaiate Falls — tūī, kererū, pīwakawaka (fantails), freshwater eels & native insects
    • Local reserves & wetlands — ducks, herons, pukeko
    • Coastal wildlife along Papamoa and Mount Maunganui

    Your guide chooses the best stop based on weather, timing, and the interests of your group.

  • We accept all major credit cards, Apple Pay, PayPal (on request)

    We do not accept bank transfers or cash payments.

  • Yes — children of all ages are welcome.
    We can pace the day to suit your whānau, and child seats are available on request at no extra charge.

  • Yes — we can design:
    • Full-day custom itineraries
    • Corporate group days
    • Retreat transport and activities
    • Wellness experiences
    • Christmas party transfers
    • Event and multi-venue shuttles

    Tell us your goals and we’ll build a plan around your group.

  • We’re here to help.
    Email us anytime at kiaora@joyrider.nz we reply quickly.

  • Yes. Jōy Rider offers relaxed wellness-focused private tours that can include thermal soaks, gentle walks, and time in nature, depending on guest preferences and availability in the Bay of Plenty region.

  • Pricing for Jōy Rider’s private full-day tours varies based on group size and itinerary. All pricing is provided directly through our website or on request for tailored experiences.

  • Yes. Joyrider offers half-day private tours designed specifically for cruise passengers, with timing planned around ship arrival and departure schedules.