What about a property in the Sounds?
Say so in the request. Water access changes both who can take the job and what it costs, and it is far better in the quote than discovered on the morning.
How do I stop rats coming back?
Baiting deals with the ones inside; proofing is what stops the next lot. Ask whether the quote includes finding and blocking the entry points, because a treatment without it is a subscription rather than a fix.
Is it safe with pets and children?
Modern treatments are targeted and a good operator will tell you what to keep away from and for how long. Say in your request that you have pets or small children so the quote accounts for it.
Do I have to leave the house?
For most treatments, no, or only for a few hours. Fumigation is the exception. It should be stated in the quote rather than sprung on you on the day.
Who pays, me or my landlord?
In New Zealand it usually turns on whether the problem existed at the start of the tenancy and whether the property is properly proofed. If you are renting, raise it with your landlord before booking.