Questions & Answers
Welcome to the Q&A Section where you will find answers to the most common questions about the scheme. If you can't find an answer to your question, feel free to contact us here.
- Can you outline the home hosting programme in a few simple words?
- How long can we can stay for and where will we be staying?
- What will be provided by our hosts?
- Can other members of my family or travelling group also stay and what is the maximum number that can be hosted at the same residence?
- What are the other activities in New Zealand and is it easy to get around ?
- How long will the offer of accommodation be open for and will you hold a booking for me?
- How much does it cost and where does the money go to?
- When will I need to pay?
- How do I book?
1. Can you outline the home hosting programme in a few simple words?
The programme has been designed by Rotarians for Rotarians visiting New Zealand to be hosted by local Rotarians as they follow their teams in the rugby world cup tournament in New Zealand in September and October 2011 i.e. both visitors and hosts will be part of the worldwide Rotary family. The cost is $NZ150 per night for a Rotarian or Rotarian couple, on a bed and breakfast basis with most funds being donated to The Rotary Foundation Polio Plus campaign. The home hosting programme has no tickets to any of the games and visitors will need to obtain these separately.
2. How long can we can stay for and where will we be staying?
It is expected that visitors will stay in any city for 2 or 3 days as this will be the minimum period that you could stay to see a match and a little of the venue city. Accordingly we will be requiring a minimum stay of 2 nights at a particular location and a maximum stay of 10 days although longer stays can most likely be arranged. Visitors will be accommodated close to stadiums and in most cases within 1 hour’s drive/public transport of playing venues. We may also be able to accommodate people further afield if visitors wish to see more of New Zealand.
3. What will be provided by our hosts?
Accommodation will be provided on a bed and breakfast basis. As hosts will be fellow Rotarians you will find that where possible they will go that little bit further to make your stay a pleasant and comfortable one. Your hosts will establish contact with you before you arrive to provide you with the details to make your stay an enjoyable one.
4. Can other members of my family or travelling group also stay and what is the maximum number that can be hosted at the same residence?
The scheme is only for Rotarians and their partners. In some cases we may be able to accommodate other close family members but this would need to be agreed beforehand. As most hosts will only be able to accommodate a couple it is not envisaged that any more than one couple can be accommodated with each host although there will be some limited ability to accommodate a greater number in some instances. If your travelling companions are also Rotarians then we should be able to accommodate them but they will need to book separately. If you advise us of other Rotarians you are travelling with we would make every endeavour to accommodate your party in nearby locations. Unfortunately if the others in your group are not Rotarians we are unable to accommodate them but there is no reason why you don’t book a few days with us and meet them later.
5. What are the other activities in New Zealand and is it easy to get around ?
In addition to the rugby the whole of New Zealand will be wide open for visitors from around the world. In addition to the rugby and all the associated activities there is a wide range of other sporting, cultural, entertainment and sightseeing opportunities throughout New Zealand. There is a good roading and reliable public transport although given the influx of visitors it will be advisable to pre book especially around game venue cities. Most of New Zealand is readily driveable. However the country is split between 2 main islands which may pose difficulties for those driving between the North and South Islands as there will be peak demand on the ferries crossing at this time.
6. How long will the offer of accommodation be open for and will you hold a booking for me?
There will be a limited number of hosts in most locations as we are constrained by the number of Rotarians in each location who are able to host. Accordingly in a number of the smaller venue locations we will need to restrict the number of visitors to a relatively small number. Bookings will not be accepted as committed until payment of the total cost of the accommodation requested has been made. Accordingly bookings are accepted on a first come first served basis for each location and once a location is fully booked there will be little opportunity for us to accommodate others who may wish to book later. So don’t delay in booking.
7. How much does it cost and where does the money go to?
The cost is $NZ150 per night on a bed and breakfast basis for a Rotarian and his or her partner/travelling companion who share a bedroom, on either a double or twin basis. $NZ50 of the cost is paid to the host to help with costs. The funds raised from this programme will be contributed to The Rotary Foundation for Polio Plus Programme with the credit being noted as coming 1/3 from the Visitors Club, 1/3 from the Host Club, and 1/3 from the organising clubs.
8. When will I need to pay?
As noted above paying for the total cost of the accommodation booked is an integral part of the booking system and in fairness to all visiting Rotarians who wish to stay via the home hosting programme we are unable to hold bookings while visitors juggle other arrangements. Once bookings are made and paid for we will confirm this commitment and provide details of who your hosts are.
9. How do I book?
All bookings are handled through this web site which is designed to accept bookings up to pre determined levels for each venue which is governed by the number of Rotarians in each location. Once bookings are paid for they are confirmed and locally based coordinators in each location will match visitors with hosts. As noted payment for accommodation is required to confirm the booking.
