How To's & FAQs

A: The Southern Compass tours are like a combination of Google Maps and a podcast. Using your phone’s location, the VoiceMap app guides you along a pre-planned route. You’ll get turn-by-turn directions and hear stories about the buildings, landscapes, and history around you as you walk, cycle, or drive.

Learn more about VoiceMap Tours here.

A: Because you get the freedom to explore at your own pace. You can start and pause whenever you like — stop for a coffee, lunch, or a spontaneous activity, then pick up the tour where you left off. Our self-guided tours are also more cost-effective than traditional group tours, giving you flexibility and value while discovering the stories and sights that interest you most.

A: It’s easy!

1. Scan the QR code or visit www.voicemap.com and search for your desired tour.

2. Tap the tour price to start the booking process.

3. Create a VoiceMap account (or log in if you already have one).

4. Enter your payment details to complete the purchase.
   
   

Once done, the tour is yours to access on your device for ever.

A: Follow these simple steps:

1. Install the VoiceMap app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).

2. Create a VoiceMap account (or log in if you already have one).

3. Select “Dunedin, New Zealand” from the list of cities.

4. Choose the tour you want to take.

5. Tap on the tour price to complete your booking.
   
   

Once purchased, the tour will be ready to play on your device.

A: Follow these steps:

1. Install the VoiceMap app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).

2. Create a VoiceMap account (or log in if you already have one).

3. Open the menu and select “Tour Codes”, then tap “Enter Codes”.

4. Enter your voucher code and select “Download Now”.
   
   

Your tour will then be available to enjoy on your device.

A: No special equipment is required — just your phone and headphones.

• If you’re walking or cycling, use any headphones.

• If you’re driving, you can connect your phone to your car stereo or play it out loud so everyone in the vehicle can listen.
  
  

Listening with two sets of AirPods (iPhone only)
If you have an iPhone and AirPods or Beats headphones, you can connect two sets of AirPods so two people can listen simultaneously (or just share one pair).

Requirements:

• iPhone 8 or later with iOS 13 or later

• Two pairs of compatible headphones (AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, or some Beats models)

• The first pair must already be connected to your iPhone
  
  

Main Method:

1. Ensure the first pair is connected and playing audio.

2. Bring the second pair (in their charging case) close to your iPhone.

3. Open the lid of the second case.

4. A setup animation will appear — tap Share Audio and follow the on-screen instructions.
   
   

Alternative Method (via Control Centre):

1. Open Control Centre:

   • iPhone with Face ID: Swipe down from the top-right corner

   • iPhone with Home button: Swipe up from the bottom edge

2. Tap the AirPlay icon (triangle with radiating circles).

3. Tap Share Audio and bring the second pair of headphones close to the iPhone.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions.
   
   

Managing Volume:
Once both sets are connected, you can adjust volume independently for each pair using the volume sliders on the Lock Screen or in Control Centre.

A: Tour lengths vary depending on the route and whether you take breaks.

• Each tour’s estimated duration is displayed on VoiceMap.

• The times assume you follow the tour without stopping. For example:

  • A 3-hour driving tour means driving straight through.

  • If you stop along the way — for example, at Taiaroa Head to see the albatross — it will take longer.

• Walking tours are usually shorter, but pauses for coffee, photos, or other activities will extend the duration.

A: No — the tour routes are fixed, similar to a traditional guided tour.

However, unlike a traditional tour, you have complete control over timing. You can pause the tour whenever you like — for a coffee, lunch, or an activity — and then resume exactly where you left off.

A: Our tours are designed to keep you on track, but sometimes you might veer off course, encounter traffic, or face road construction — just like any other tour.

• The app’s map always shows your next storyline point.

• If traffic slows you down, don’t worry — the tour resumes automatically when you reach the next point.

• If you’re ahead of the storyline points, stay at or below the speed limit.

• If you get off course, simply navigate back to the next storyline point using your phone’s GPS.
  
  

The flexibility of our tours ensures you won’t miss anything — experiences aren’t skipped because of delays or timing constraints.

A: To avoid interruptions:

• Driving tours: Plug your phone into your car’s charging port.

• Walking or cycling tours: Bring a portable charger.
  
  

⚠️ The VoiceMap app won’t work in battery-saving mode or if your phone runs out of power.

If your phone does die, don’t worry — you can:

• Stop somewhere to charge it (ask permission if needed), or

• Come back another day.
  
  

The tour will remain available, and you can resume exactly where you left off.

A: Absolutely! We’re always looking for new places to create tours. If you think your town, city, area, or tourist attraction would make a great VoiceMap tour, we’d love to hear from you.

• Currently, we are creating tours only in the South Island and Stewart Island, but we hope to expand across all of New Zealand in the future.

• Please send your suggestions to: thesoutherncompass.nz@gmail.com

A: No — I specialise in self-guided audio tours. This gives you the ultimate freedom:

• Take the tour whenever it suits you

• Pause and resume at any point

• Repeat the tour if you want to experience it again
  
  

It’s designed so you can enjoy the stories and sights at your own pace.

A: Unfortunately, we cannot offer cancellations. However, your purchase is valid indefinitely, so you can take the tour any time in the future, even a year or two later.