Terms & Conditions
Please read the following terms and conditions carefully before booking. By confirming your booking and making payment, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and accepted these terms. These terms apply to the extent permitted by New Zealand law and do not limit any rights that cannot legally be excluded.
Important Information
No Smoking
Smoking is strictly prohibited in hotel rooms and on room balconies. Hotels may charge a smoking penalty or cleaning fee starting from NZ$500. Guests responsible for the room must pay any charges imposed by the hotel. Unpaid charges may be referred to the New Zealand Disputes Tribunal, and guests will be responsible for any associated costs for which they are legally liable.
No Commission-Based Shopping Stops
Our tours do not include shopping stops at stores or gift shops that pay us commission on purchases. Any shopping undertaken during your free time is a personal purchase and is your responsibility.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance before departure to cover unexpected events and expenses, including medical treatment, cancellation, travel disruption, and lost or damaged belongings.
Insurance claims must be made directly with your insurer and are subject to your policy terms. We do not provide insurance claims services. Please take care of your luggage, valuables and personal belongings throughout your journey. Our responsibility for any loss or damage is subject to applicable New Zealand law.
ACC Accident Cover
New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) scheme provides cover for eligible accidental injuries sustained in New Zealand, including injuries to overseas visitors. Cover is subject to ACC’s eligibility requirements and may not meet all treatment costs or other expenses. ACC does not replace comprehensive travel insurance.
On Board Our Vehicles
Each guest is allocated one seat. Please follow your driver-guide’s seating instructions and keep seats clear of personal belongings.
Help us keep the vehicle clean by avoiding eating on board. If spills or soiling require professional cleaning, the guests responsible will be charged the cleaning cost. If you are prone to motion sickness, please bring suitable medication and sick bags.
Before You Travel
1. Passports and Visas
Guests are responsible for holding a valid passport and any visa or travel authorisation required for their journey. Chinese passport holders should arrange the appropriate visa before departure. We recommend travelling with at least six months’ passport validity and carrying a printed copy of your electronic visa.
If you are denied entry because you do not hold the required documents, we are not responsible for the resulting disruption or expenses. Unused tour services will not be refunded, except where required by law or recoverable under the relevant supplier’s terms.
2. Seasons and Time Difference
New Zealand’s seasons are opposite to those in China. Mainland New Zealand is four hours ahead of China during standard time and five hours ahead during daylight saving.
Daylight saving runs from the last Sunday in September to the first Sunday in April.
3. Currency and Payments
The local currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). Exchange rates fluctuate, so please check the rate before travelling. Visa and UnionPay are accepted at many businesses, although acceptance varies. We recommend carrying a small amount of cash as a backup.
4. Language
English is widely spoken throughout New Zealand. Māori language and culture are an integral part of the country’s identity. Basic English is helpful for everyday interactions.
5. Shop Opening Hours
Many shops close earlier than visitors may expect, and some have limited Sunday hours or close on public holidays. Please plan any shopping accordingly.
Accommodation Arrangements
Accommodation will be arranged to suit the itinerary and operational requirements. We generally aim to provide hotels or other accommodation of the stated standard or higher.
In some locations, particularly during peak seasons, public holidays or major events, accommodation options may be limited. If the intended property is unavailable, closed or unable to accommodate the group, we may arrange an alternative of the same or a comparable standard.
Alternatives may include hotels, motels, serviced apartments, holiday homes, villas or other legally operated accommodation. Final accommodation details will be confirmed in your pre-departure information.
Optional Activities
1. Participation and Availability
Optional activities are suggestions only. There may not be enough time to complete every activity listed, so please choose according to your interests, available time, health and fitness.
Participation is entirely voluntary. Once an activity is confirmed, bookings are generally non-refundable, subject to the supplier’s terms and applicable law.
2. Prices
Optional activity prices are set by independent suppliers. Prices are correct at the time of publication but may change without notice. Please confirm the current price before booking.
3. Additional Charges
Additional transport, booking, credit card or parking fees may apply. Please check the total cost and all applicable charges before making payment.
4. Supplier Terms
Optional activities are provided by independent third-party operators. Your activity booking is subject to the relevant supplier’s prices, terms, cancellation policy and participation requirements. Please read these carefully before confirming or signing any documents.
5. Booking Confirmation
Please consider your choice carefully before confirming an optional activity. Where written confirmation or a signed acknowledgement is required, please complete it and return it to your guide.
6. Responsibility
We do not operate these activities. Responsibility for their delivery rests with the relevant supplier. Any limitation of our liability remains subject to applicable New Zealand law.
Responsibilities and Changes to Your Tour
1. Events Beyond Our Reasonable Control
We are not responsible, to the extent permitted by law, for losses, disruption or additional expenses caused by events beyond our reasonable control. These may include natural disasters, war, strikes, transport delays, equipment failures, fire, political unrest or changes in government policy.
Any responsibility for personal injury, death or damage to property will be determined in accordance with applicable law.
2. Changes Caused by Unexpected Events
Severe weather, strikes, lost travel documents, unexpected accommodation shortages, flight cancellations or delays, political unrest, or other unforeseen events may require changes to the itinerary, transport or accommodation.
We may make reasonable adjustments in response to these circumstances. Additional costs may be payable by guests, subject to applicable law and the relevant supplier’s terms. Any entitlement to a refund or compensation will be assessed on the same basis.
3. Compliance with Local Laws
Guests must comply with local laws and must not carry prohibited goods or engage in unlawful trading.
If you are denied entry or unable to continue travelling because of document issues, unlawful conduct or other personal circumstances, you are responsible for the resulting costs, including additional transport and accommodation. Unused tour services are generally non-refundable, subject to applicable law and any recoverable supplier refunds.
4. Itinerary Adjustments
Published itineraries are a guide. The order of sightseeing, attractions and accommodation may be adjusted to suit conditions and operational requirements.
If an included paid attraction cannot be provided because of an itinerary change, we will refund the admission fee for that attraction.
5. Health, Fitness and Participation
Please ensure that your health and mobility are suitable for the itinerary, including the walking involved. Let us know before booking if you have any health conditions, mobility needs or other requirements that may affect your participation.
If you are unable to take part in an activity for personal or health reasons, unused services are generally non-refundable, subject to applicable law and supplier terms.
If continuing on the tour would create a serious safety concern or materially disrupt the group, we may require you to leave the tour. Any such decision will be made reasonably, taking the circumstances into account. Additional personal expenses will be your responsibility.
6. Leaving the Tour Early
If you choose to leave the group or end your tour early, you are responsible for your subsequent arrangements and expenses. Unused services are generally non-refundable, subject to applicable law and any recoverable supplier refunds.
7. Conduct During the Tour
Guests must treat fellow travellers, guides and suppliers with respect and follow reasonable safety instructions.
If a guest seriously disrupts the tour, deliberately obstructs the guide’s duties or threatens anyone’s safety, we may require that guest to leave the tour. Where appropriate, a warning will be given first.
The guest will be responsible for their onward travel and related expenses. Unused services are generally non-refundable, subject to applicable law.
8. Personal Belongings
Please keep your belongings secure throughout the tour. Carry valuables with you when leaving the vehicle and do not leave them unattended.
Report any theft or robbery to the police promptly. We can assist with reporting an incident where reasonably possible. Any liability for lost, stolen or damaged belongings will be determined under applicable New Zealand law.
9. Free Time and Personal Safety
During free time, please take reasonable care of your personal safety and belongings. Avoid dangerous coastal rocks, lake edges and exposed areas when taking photographs or exploring. Swim only where it is safe and permitted, and avoid going out alone at night in unfamiliar areas.
Activities undertaken independently are your responsibility. Any liability on our part remains subject to applicable New Zealand law.
Currency and Governing Law
All prices shown as “NZD” or “$” are in New Zealand dollars unless otherwise stated.
These terms, our services and all bookings are governed by New Zealand law. Nothing in these terms excludes or limits any rights or remedies available to you that cannot lawfully be excluded.
