Understand the New Zealand custom
You can recognise helpful service with a tip if you choose. There is no need to bring a percentage rule from another country into your New Zealand trip. Education New Zealand's guide to money culture explains that tipping is not expected here, including in taxis.
A clear thank-you is a straightforward way to show appreciation. If you would like to leave something extra, ask the driver how to do so. Keep that choice separate from paying the fare you have agreed.
Know what belongs in the fare
Your booking should make the transport price and included journey clear. Check the collection and drop-off addresses, passengers, luggage and any return leg when agreeing the quote. Our guide to how airport shuttles work takes you through those booking details.
Additional transport costs apply between 10pm and 7am. Include those travel hours when requesting your Connect quote. A charge for the journey is different from a voluntary thank-you, so ask us about any item you want explained before confirming.
| Payment item | How to handle it |
|---|---|
| Agreed transport fare | Confirm the journey it covers and the payment arrangement. |
| Changed itinerary | Ask us to confirm how the change affects your booking and price. |
| Optional tip | Decide whether you would like to offer a personal thank-you. |
Prepare payment before the trip
Keep the confirmed fare with your pickup instructions. If someone else is organising the journey, agree who will pay so the passengers and organiser have the same information. Ask us about payment questions when booking, especially if you are arranging travel for visitors.
For a group sharing the fare, decide how contributions will be handled before travel. For a family, put payment alongside the practical tasks in your airport travel checklist. This keeps the arrival or departure focused on people and bags.
Make the service arrangement clear too
When comparing bookings, confirm the passenger arrangement as well as the payment total. The private or shared shuttle guide explains what to ask about other collections and stops. For a journey using Wellington Airport, send the flight number and exact address so we can discuss the transfer you need.
Before you book
Do I need to budget a standard tip percentage?
New Zealand tipping is optional. Start with the confirmed transport fare and choose for yourself whether you would like to offer an extra thank-you.
Can I pay the Connect fare by card?
We accept EFTPOS and major credit cards on board. Ask us to confirm the payment arrangement for your booking.
Is the overnight transport charge a tip?
No. Additional costs for transport between 10pm and 7am are part of the journey price. Ask for those hours to be included when discussing your quote.