Terms and Conditions

The following terms and conditions and privacy policy apply to all New Zealand Fine Touring Ltd trading as Discover New Zealand holiday packages and the use of the mobile application.

Privacy and Data Policy

The data you supply to us via enquiry forms, or when communicating with us by any other method, is used to respond to your enquiry. If you decide to book a holiday with us we may be required to share limited information with our suppliers to enable reservations to be made (mostly names, country of origin and ages but in some cases, a contact number, address and email) to ensure that suitable and correct services are supplied.

We do not share email information or any other contact details with other parties.

If you have consented, we will retain your contact details for marketing purposes. Any marketing emails from us will give you the option to unsubscribe. On request, you can see all and any data we hold about you.

Mobile APP location permissions

If you use our app please be aware of the following. The app collects location data to display real-time risk alerts and personalized assistance notification features, even when the app is closed and not in use. This option can be changed in the settings on your own device.

Cookie policy

We use cookies on this website. Cookies are small files that may be placed on your device when you visit a site to help tailor your user experience, understand how the site is being used, remember preferences and make online information more relevant. Browsers are generally set to accept cookies, but you can change your browser settings to deactivate cookies. Some features of our website may not work if you disable cookies. We use cookies that are necessary for this site to function and be navigated, but also cookies that support live chat, browsing, marketing and surveys, and track the visited pages via Google Analytics. Some cookies are placed by third parties. We will not use cookies to collect information that identifies you personally.

What are the categories of cookies?

Session - These cookies expire when the browser is closed.
Permanent - These remain in operation, even when you have closed the browser. They remember your login details and booking reference so you don’t have to type them in every time you use the site.
Third-Party - These are installed by third parties with the aim of collecting certain information to carry out various research into behaviour, demographics etc.

Block cookies: If you want to block the website's cookies, you can configure your browser to refuse cookies that try to access your computer, click here to find out how. Or click here to opt-out of being tracked by Google Analytics across all websites. Visit this page to manage your Google Ads settings.

Contact us

If you have any questions about data protection or want to access information about your personal data stored by us, please send an email.

Booking terms and conditions

These terms and conditions are between Discover New Zealand, ("company", "we", "us" or "our") and all persons named on the itinerary ("you", "your").

Group Bookings

Special terms and conditions may apply to group bookings. A group booking is defined as 8 passengers or more travelling on one booking/itinerary. These special terms and conditions supersede the conditions below and will be advised when you enquire and/or receive your itinerary quote. Please check or ask if you need clarification.

Pricing and Payment Policy

All pricing is in New Zealand Dollars and includes NZGST (goods and services tax) at 15% where relevant. Where applicable, prices are converted to other currencies using an indicative exchange rate. This means that pricing in currencies other than NZ$ may fluctuate as currency values change. (Note: This includes the balance amounts due on live reservations.)

Our system allows you to pay for your tour in the following currencies :

• New Zealand dollar (NZD)
• Australian dollars (AUD)
• United States of America dollar (USD)
• Great British pounds (GBP)
• Canadian dollar (CAD)
• Euro (EUR)
• Hong Kong dollars (HKD)
• Singapore dollars (SGD)
• South African rand (ZAR)

If you pay for your tour in NZ$ and your credit card is issued in a currency other than NZ$ your issuing bank may charge you a fee (as much as 3%) for currency conversion. Paying for your tour in the currency that the credit card is issued in could save you a considerable amount of money but this varies from bank to bank and country to country so please discuss with someone at your issuing bank for surety.

NOTE - Our payment system and bank do not charge or add additional credit card fees or charges. Any fees or additional charges for using a credit card are applied by your issuing bank.

All pricing on quotes and suggested itineraries are subject to change.

Payment

Deposit payment

We will ask for a deposit before we go ahead and secure reservations. The company requires 20% of the total tour cost or $250 per person - whichever is greater - as a deposit, this is non-refundable. Additionally, the costs of pre or instant purchase items such as domestic airfares may be required in advance. This will be clearly displayed on your itinerary, and we will communicate it with you before booking. If making a reservation within 60 days of your tour commencement, full payment is required upon confirmation of all your arrangements.

NOTE - The deposit is non refundable once your itinerary is confirmed.

Full and final payment

Full and final payment for the balance of your tour costs is payable 60 days prior to your tour commencing (calculated from the start date in New Zealand Standard Time NZST) unless requested sooner by a coach tour operator, details listed below in specific operator terms. This date will be clearly displayed on your itinerary and documentation. If we have not received the balance payment by this date (before end of business NZST) we may be obliged to cancel itinerary components and will not be able to guarantee your tour. If this happens your booking will fall subject to our cancellation policy.

We accept payment by Visa and MasterCard and use a secure automated service provided by Direct Payment Solutions and the Bank of New Zealand.

Safe and Secure

The New Zealand Fine Touring Group operates a dedicated client monies trust account, separate from the company’s operating accounts. All amounts received from clients, less a non-refundable component of 3.5% of your trip cost, are held in this client trust account. Money is held here in trust for our clients until such time as payments are required to be made to our suppliers or your travel commences.

Cancellation policy

You may cancel your tour for any reason at any time, however, cancellation fees may apply as set out below. All cancellations must be advised in writing.
For additional guided coach tour terms and operator-specific cancellation policies click here.

Cancellation any time following confirmation of your tour arrangements:
The deposit is non refundable. In addition, you may be charged cancellation fees applied by third-party providers such as accommodation, car rental or other activities that have been prepaid and are subject to cancellation terms.

Cancellation 60 - 21 days prior your tour commencement date.

If you cancel your tour 60-21 days prior to your tour commencement date the cancellation fee will be 55% of the total tour reservation value, plus any cancellation fees applied by third-party providers that are subject to cancellation terms.

Cancellation 20 - 8 days prior your tour commencement date:

If you cancel your tour 20-8 days prior to your tour commencement date the cancellation fee will be 70% of the total tour reservation value, plus any cancellation fees applied by third-party providers that are subject to cancellation terms.

Cancellation 7 days or less prior your tour commencement date:

If you cancel your tour 7 days or less prior to your tour commencement date the cancellation fee will be 100% of your total tour reservation.

Third-party charges

Travel agents or other third parties may have their own cancellation policy. If your reservation is to be made through such a third party you may be liable for additional cancellation costs. Please check when you make your reservation through a travel agent or third party.

While we understand that cancellations may at times be unavoidable we highly recommend you purchase adequate travel insurance to cover you for this.

Amending or changing your tour

If you wish to make any changes to your holiday we will, of course, make every effort possible to accommodate these. Please note that we cannot guarantee that this will be possible, particularly within 7 days of your start date where changes may be difficult due to availability and supplier restrictions. Be mindful that some guided coach tours and of the more popular niche New Zealand products like guided hikes and prepaid items such as flights or hotels over peak travel dates are also unlikely to be changeable or cancellable. If the amendments you request are indeed possible then they will be subject to both any rate changes or fees imposed by relevant suppliers and a sum of NZ$250pp to cover our administrative costs. Requests for amendments need to be made in writing to your consultant by the person who made the original booking.

Force majeure events

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance such as natural disaster, war, pandemic, fire, terrorism or other similar event beyond our control, we will provide a refund less any unrecoverable costs.

Our rights

We reserve the right to amend pricing at any time.

From time to time events outside of our control mean that itinerary components may need to be replaced. We guarantee that the replacement product or service will be of equal or higher quality.

Any information provided is done so with the understanding that the information may have been provided by a third party and should therefore only be used as a guideline. We may use third-party suppliers or providers of some services and products and as such acts as agents for those suppliers. Any claim or liability resulting from those services or products is the responsibility of the supplier or provider.

The company, its employees, independent contractors, suppliers and any person acting on behalf of the company accept no responsibility for damage or loss to property or person however caused.

Car rental

Car rental with the company is limited to the payment of and securing of the rental portion and or other inclusions such as collision damage waiver fees of the rental car hire. All other insurance costs (unless specified otherwise on your tour inclusions) are to be settled directly with the car rental supplier. Any other costs incurred by the renter are the sole responsibility of the renter. A full set of terms and conditions for car rental is available on request and will be detailed in your confirmed itinerary or quote.

Flights

International & domestic air travel is not included in the cost of any of our tours unless specifically stated.
Flights booked by us on your behalf will be non-refundable. If you are booking a fixed date coach tour we recommend that flights are booked once a seat on the coach has been confirmed.

Insurance

We recommend you seek local and professional advice on your specific insurance needs at the time you make your reservation. Many insurance providers can include cancellation or interruption cover. This means that should your flight be delayed or cancelled or you need to amend your plans due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances then fees and costs may be recoverable. Check with your insurance provider and ask the question. It is your responsibility to ensure you are adequately covered. We strongly recommend that all travellers carry travel insurance.

Third-party terms and conditions

The omission of a link or reference to terms and conditions for third parties does not imply that our terms and conditions supersede those. It is impractical to list all of our provider's terms and conditions and on request, we can supply their individual terms and conditions to you or answer a specific question. At the time of reservation we will provide you with any information we feel you should be aware of but it is ultimately your responsibility to ensure you are happy with these terms.

Passports and Visas

You and all members of your travelling party are solely responsible for making sure that you meet the correct immigration requirements to enter New Zealand, as well as any other country you may have a stopover in. Alongside visa legislation, it is a requirement that most travellers complete a Travel Declaration, obtain an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Tourist Authority) visa and pay the International Visitor Conservation; Tourist Levy before arriving in New Zealand. See here for further details. If you do not have all the required documentation - visas, passports, and permits - prior to the start of your tour you will be solely responsible for the full amount of any loss or expense incurred by us or yourselves.

Additional Activities

You acknowledge that we are not liable in any way for additional activities you choose to undertake during your tour other than those included in your itinerary. The contract for the provision of any extra activities arranged by you whilst travelling will be between you and the activity provider.

Honest, fair and reasonable

The company prides itself on operating with honest, fair and reasonable business practices and has been built on providing excellent service and product to its guests. Should you feel that the product or service you have experienced did not live up to our promise then please contact the General Manager(+64 3 443 0812). All possible actions will be undertaken to rectify the situation to your satisfaction.

Statutory Protections under New Zealand Law

These terms and conditions should be read subject to and in conjunction with the provisions of the Consumer Guarantees Act and the Fair Trading Act (applicable in New Zealand) and do not affect your rights as expressed in these acts.

Gift Vouchers

Gift Vouchers are issued by the New Zealand Fine Touring Group and can be used to purchase travel products only, they may not be refunded or redeemed for cash. Once a voucher has been used, if a refund is owed due to a change or cancellation the portion paid using a voucher will be returned as company credit for use at a future date.

Gift vouchers will not be replaced if lost, stolen or damaged. We may - at our sole discretion - place a stop on the use of gift vouchers if we believe it is being used contrary to these terms and conditions. Where a voucher has not been used and is reported lost or stolen we will cancel and replace it.

Guided Coach Tours - Cancellation Policies

Guided coach tours are operated by third parties and have specific cancellation policies. These terms and conditions must be applied to any of the tour operators detailed below.

These conditions should also be read in conjunction and with reference to general terms and conditions for this company.

Grand Pacific Tours (GPT) T&Cs

Cancellation policy - land only packages:

Cancellation any time prior to 60 days before tour commencement - loss of deposit plus any other prepaid items such as air tickets.

Cancellation 59 to 8 days before tour commencement - 50% of the total tour reservation.

Cancellation 7 days or less before tour commencement - 100% of the total tour reservation applies.

COVID-19 Disclaimer - GPT has compiled its content of all tour itineraries based on the knowledge that all accommodation and attraction suppliers will be fully operational by the tour commencement date. If for any reason the component of a tour is not available at the time of touring, a replacement or refund will be provided. Any refund amount will be based upon GPT's negotiated pricing and not retail pricing

Border Closures - If a border closure is announced that suspends a tour a traveller will be able to move to a future travel date (of same tour type) free of charge or file can be placed in suspense until they can travel. Border closures are constituted as travellers being unable to travel due to governmental border closure relating to their state of origin or the tour is completely suspended by GPT due to border closures.

Illness - If a traveller cannot come due to FLU LIKE SYMPTOMS normal cancellation conditions will apply and travel insurance should cover any financial loss to them.

Dietary Requirements - GPT limit special dietary requests to Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Lactose Intolerant, Diabetic and life-threatening allergies (whereby the traveller carries an EpiPen).

GPT Coach Captain and Tour Leader - The Coach Captain is responsible for driving and maintaining the coach and for providing commentary throughout the tour. The Tour Leader (or tour captain when tour leader is not allocated) is responsible for the traveller wellbeing and for coordinating all the accommodation and activities.

Refund - Refund note that no refund shall be made for any unused portion of any itinerary. Any alteration to the holiday outside the touring itinerary, made by a traveller shall be wholly at the expense of the traveller.

AAT Kings, Trafalgar and Inspiring Journeys T&Cs

Please note that all Trafalgar Tours are operated in New Zealand by their sister company AAT Kings, both being part of The Travel Corporation All terms and conditions below, therefore, apply to both AAT Kings and Trafalgar Tours even if we refer in the copy to just AAT Kings.

Full and final payment

Full and final payment for the balance of your tour costs is payable 60 days prior to your AAT Kings, Trafalgar or Inspiring Journeys tour. This date will be clearly displayed on your itinerary and documentation. If we have not received the balance payment by this date we may be obliged to cancel itinerary components and will not be able to guarantee your tour. If this happens your booking will fall subject to the below cancellation policy.

We accept payment by Visa and MasterCard and use a secure automated service provided by Direct Payment Solutions and the Bank of New Zealand.

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellation any time prior to 61 days before tour commencement - loss of deposit plus any other prepaid items such as air tickets.

Cancellation 60 to 30 days before tour commencement - 50% of the total tour reservation.

Cancellation 29 to 2 days before tour commencement - 80% of the total tour reservation.

Cancellation 1 days or less before tour commencement - 100% of the total tour reservation applies.

Additional deposit information for tours is listed below and a variation of Cancellation Terms

Australian Highlights, Contrasts of Australia, Highlights of Australia and New Zealand, Contrasts of Australia and New Zealand, Australia and New Zealand Panorama, Inspiring Australia, Contrasts of New Zealand, New Zealand Panorama, Long White Cloud, Southern Drift.

At the time of booking an additional deposit of NZD$350 per person is required.

Cancellation any time prior to 91 days before tour commencement - loss of deposit plus any other prepaid items such as air tickets.
Cancellation 90 to 30 days before tour commencement - 50% of the total tour reservation.
Cancellation 29 to 2 days before tour commencement - 80% of the total tour reservation.
Cancellation 1 day or less before tour commencement - 100% of the total tour reservation applies.

Alterations to travel plans - Inspiring Journeys

AAT Kings/Inspiring Journeys providers reserve the right to cancel, re-schedule or make other adjustments to any guided holiday departure in any circumstances, including in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond their control. If cancellation is made by AAT Kings/Inspiring Journeys any time prior to the departure date of the guided holiday, except when you failed to pay the final balance on time, AAT Kings/Inspiring Journeys will offer a comparable holiday if available or a future travel credit. AAT Kings/Inspiring Journeys will refund any difference in price if the alternative is of a lower price however, the guest will be responsible for additional costs if the alternative is priced higher. AAT Kings/Inspiring Journeys will not be liable for cancellation, delay, rescheduling or other adjustment or impact to a departure or itinerary or other aspect(s) of the holiday brought about due to force majeure or other circumstance beyond their control that prevents or interferes with any aspect of the tour, also including governmental and administrative actions. AAT Kings/Inspiring Journeys are not responsible for other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations or changes and are not liable for any cancellation or change costs or penalties incurred on other travel arrangements, including air tickets.

Pure Discoveries T&Cs

Great Journeys T&Cs

Deposit payment

We will ask for a deposit before we go ahead and secure reservations. The company requires 20% of the total tour cost as a deposit, this is non-refundable. Additionally, the costs of pre or instant purchase items such as domestic airfares may be required in advance. This will be clearly displayed on your itinerary, and we will communicate it with you before booking. If making a reservation within 60 days of your tour commencement, full payment is required upon confirmation of all your arrangements.

Cancellation policy:

Cancellation any time prior to 66 days before tour commencement - loss of deposit plus any other prepaid items such as air tickets.

Cancellation 65 to 36 days before tour commencement - 60% of the total tour reservation.

Cancellation 35 days or less before tour commencement - 100% of the total tour reservation applies.

Intrepid T&Cs

Deposit

A deposit of $400 per person is required for all Intrepid bookings, unless otherwise specified.

Full and final payment

Full and final payment for the balance of your tour costs is payable 60 days prior to your Intrepid tour. This date will be clearly displayed on your itinerary and documentation. If we have not received the balance payment by this date we may be obliged to cancel itinerary components and will not be able to guarantee your tour. If this happens your booking will fall subject to the below cancellation policy.

We accept payment by Visa and MasterCard and use a secure automated service provided by Direct Payment Solutions and the Bank of New Zealand.

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellation any time prior to 56 days before tour commencement - loss of deposit plus any other prepaid items such as air tickets.

Cancellation 55 to 31 days before tour commencement - 30% of the total tour reservation.

Cancellation 30 to 15 days before tour commencement - 60% of the total tour reservation.

Cancellation 14 days or less before tour commencement - 100% of the total tour reservation plus any other prepaid items such as air tickets.

In the event that Intrepid has to cancel the tour - unless a force majeure incident is sighted - a full refund will be paid.
Any changes within 56 days of departure of not permitted.

After departure itinerary changes

Intrepid reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note they are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of any change in itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable or non-changeable flights.

Prices & Surcharges

Intrepids trip prices are subject to variable and seasonal pricing, both of which are standard practice within the travel industry. This means their trip prices may vary at any time in accordance with demand, market conditions and availability. It is likely that different passengers on the same trip have been charged different prices. Your best option if you like the price you see is to book at that time. Any reduced pricing or discounts that may become available after you have paid your deposit will not apply. If you wish to cancel your booking to take advantage of a cheaper price, full cancellation conditions apply. They reserve the right to impose surcharges up to 28 days before departure due to unfavourable changes in exchange rates, increases in airfares or other transportation costs, increases in local operator costs, taxes, or if government action should require us to do so. In such instances, they will be responsible for any amount up to 2% of the trip price and you will be responsible for the balance. If any surcharge results in an increase of more than 10% of the trip price you may cancel the booking within 14 days of notification of the surcharge and obtain a full refund. 

Claims & complaints

If you have a complaint about your trip please inform your group leader or our local representative at the time so that they can attempt to rectify the matter. If you believe that your complaint has not been resolved through these means then any further complaint should be put in writing to us within 30 days of the end of the trip to feedback@nzft.co.nz.

Applicable law

The laws of Victoria, Australia govern bookings made with Intrepid. Nothing in these Booking Conditions, including this clause, affects your rights as a consumer to rely on any applicable local laws.

Additionally, the following terms and conditions apply to all third party group guided tours

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included but it is requested that all travellers have a suitable insurance policy providing adequate cover for the duration of their tour. It is the travellers responsibility to arrange their own travel insurance. It is advised that your insurance covers personal accident, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation. We also strongly recommend it covers cancellation, curtailment, personal liability and loss of luggage and personal effects. 

Refund

Please note that no refund shall be made for any unused portion of any itinerary. Any alteration to the holiday, made by a traveller(s), shall be wholly at the expense of that traveller(s).

Personal Details

You will be required to provide information such as full name as per passport, date of birth, nationality, passport number, passport issue and expiry date and any pre-existing medical conditions you have which may affect your ability to complete your travel arrangements when making a reservation. On some more demanding trips, we also require you to complete and forward a Self-Assessment form which will be provided to you by your sales consultant.

Luggage Limits

Travelling light: Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase weighing no more than 23kg. This will be stored in the rear of the vehicle or trailer and will not be accessible during the day. Bring a soft bag or small day pack that can be easily stowed on the coach for your rain jacket, sunhat, camera and other items.

Room and Dietary Requirements

Special room and dietary requests will be accepted and passed on to the hotels and included meal suppliers but cannot be guaranteed. Where they can, suppliers will cater to intolerances but managing them is the responsibility of the traveller.

Children

These tours are not always suitable for children and on some brands children are not permitted. Please seek advice from our team of experts before booking. 

Seat Rotation

For the enjoyment of all passengers, coach companies operate a daily seat rotation system in which all passengers must participate in. This is a condition of booking.

Documentation

The client(s) is/are responsible for the acquisition of passports and appropriate visas, where necessary. We recommend that such documents, as required by governments, are finalised at least six (6) weeks prior to the date of departure.

Optional Tours

Optional Tours are not operated by the coach tour supplier and do not operate these excursions. As such, no person employed or associated with the coach tour has any connection with the operators of these excursions. Accordingly, the coach tour company cannot and do not take any responsibility for any injury, action, loss or damage of any type, arising in any manner from these excursions.

Smoking Laws

Government regulations forbid smoking in tourist coaches. Smoking is also not permitted in any licensed premises (bars, restaurants, cafes, casinos, etc) throughout New Zealand. Smoking rooms at hotels will be subject to availability and may not be available in some destinations.

Force Majeure

Except where otherwise expressly stated in these booking conditions we regret that we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by reason of circumstances amounting to force majeure. In these booking conditions, force majeure means any event which we or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include war or threat of war, riots, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster (including but not limited to flooding, fire, earthquake, landslide, road closures), adverse weather conditions, government action including border closures, national emergency, epidemic, pandemic and all similar events outside our control. Should a tour be suspended for any reason out of our control, an Administration Fee may be charged to cover irrecoverable costs.

Health and Fitness

Payment of deposit by the traveller(s) to secure a Grand Pacific/AAT Kings/Inspiring Journeys tour acts as a warranty that the traveller(s) is/are reasonably healthy and/or fit to participate in the tour and the traveller(s) indemnifies the Tour provider from all actions, claims and demands arising out of any want of health and fitness. The coach tour provider reserves the right to remove a traveller from a tour if their health and/or fitness interferes with the tour or other traveller(s) tour experience in any way. Travelling with a wheelchair is subject to availability at the time of booking as each tour has limited the capacity to cater for one wheelchair passengers, please discuss this with your booking agent on the reservation.

Safety

You must follow all coach crews instructions at all times to ensure tour safety. You acknowledge that any failure to do so may result in restricted access to areas on the tour or withdrawal from the tour (at the tour operators discretion). If you fail to comply with a decision made by a group leader, member of the coach crew, driver or guide or interfere with the well-being or mobility of the group, you may be directed to leave the trip immediately, with no right of refund. 

Variation

Coach tour providers reserve the right to cancel or vary the content of their tours should the need arise. If an activity or accommodation is unavailable the coach tour provider will replace with something of the same standard or higher. If any alteration to the holiday outside the touring itinerary, is made by a traveller they shall be wholly at the expense of the traveller. In this circumstance, there would be no refund made for any unused portion of any itinerary.

Rooming allocations

Single Traveller

The nature of some tours does not permit for single supplements or triple share bookings.

Twin-Share Traveller (where available)

If you are travelling alone and do not wish to pay the single supplement, a twin share room will be provided with a person of the same gender. Smoking and special room requests are not permitted on this basis. It is your duty to disclose any medical or other conditions that may prevent you from being a suitable rooming partner and you must accept that compatibility with your rooming partner cannot be guaranteed. We accept no responsibility for the suitability of the allocated rooming partner.

Group Coach Tours

Special terms and conditions may apply to group and speciality departure tours. A group tour is defined as a privately chartered tour with more than 12 passengers. These special terms and conditions supersede the conditions below and will be advised on each quote and itinerary. Please check or ask if you need clarification.