FAQ’s

Do you pick up and drop off in places other than St Arnaud.

Yes we are happy to do so. Our booking system allows you to add in, as a supplement, the Mt Robert Carpark, the Start/end of the track point of the Te Araroa trail on SH63, Lake Rotoroa and the Owen river Lodge, which are the most common extra points on an onward journey. For any other destinations or pick up points, as our base is in St Arnaud, there will be a surcharge to cover the distance. Please request a quote in our Contacts form

How do I place a review of your company?

We love reviews! Thank you so much for commenting on our service. If you think we could improve please tell us first and give us an opportunity to do so! Otherwise tell your friends and spread the word. As a new business we need your help so follow the link(s) to place a review https://www.facebook.com/pg/TripsTransfersNelsonLakesBeyond/reviews/?ref=page_internal and/ or on Google my Business https://g.page/r/CSeW5GVGYMOTEAg/review. We aim to always receive 5 star reviews.

Are there comfort stops along the way on a longer journey?.

Yes. Trips & Transfers is more than a shuttle. We will stop every couple of hours along the way for a coffee/tea break and also for photos if you wish. We also take into account the regulations set out by NZTA for a professional driver’s hours and rest times. As our background is in tour guiding we know that long journeys need to broken up. You can also count on some home baking/tea & coffee on transfers that last longer than 3hours or if you are coming off a multiday hike and being picked up for a transfer to your accommodation outside of the Nelson Lakes region.

How long has Trips & Transfers been operating? I have needed transport to Mt Robert and hadn’t heard of you.

Jennifer has been tour guiding and driving international guests around New Zealand for the past 10 years. Before that she was guiding throughout Europe. Covid changed her world so in November 2020 she set up Trips & Transfers ~Nelson Lakes and Beyond to help trampers to get around our awesome backyard and to give visitors an off the beaten track experience through her not so standard tours.

Why do the transfers cost so much?

We have to factor in driver’s hours, insurance, DoC concessions, NZTA permits, fuel and vehicle maintenance. Your transfer is also bespoke and privatised with stops, where needed, along the way. The other thing we are known for is our flexibility, meaning that where possible we will adapt our pick up time to suit you. Ever come off a track and had to wait hours for your pick up?. The rate is a return to base rate because we don’t operate on a schedule. You could just hop on and stay on if you wanted to. But in that case chat with us because we are then happy to make it a day tour ( supplement may apply for time). The rate for a transfer is the same for 1-5 persons so if there are only 2 of you and you want to share your ride on a transfer you are welcome to do so. You could try posting your ride on https://www.shareyourride.net/carpool/New+Zealand/

Do you offer discounts ?

Yes, DoC volunteers working in the Nelson Lakes as hut wardens and members of FMC receive discounts. However we must be advised at time of booking. This applies to transfers only.

Do you provide drinking water on longer trips?

Trips & Transfers will carry drinking water in a large container with them on longer trips so you can refill your bottle. This is our way of contributing to sustainability

Why do you have so many Kea on your website?

Jennifer loves the Kea and feels a little bit like one, other than that she can’t fly! Somewhat cheeky, inquisitive and loves to have fun! Kea live in the Nelson Lakes area, just like Jennifer. Trips & Transfers has partnered with the Kea Conservation Trust to support the work they do. From every booking you make, between $5.00 & $10.00 will be donated to the trust.