Tour information

Tour price

Your tour price is in New Zealand dollars and includes:

Transport costs.
Personal guiding service of a professional standard, to meet your personal travel needs and to provide quality commentary.
For custom South Island tours, where agreed in advance, all accommodation costs, of a quality specified by the client.
Itinerary planning and bookings.

NZ Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 15%.

Your tour price does not include:

Lunch and dinner are not included in the tour price unless included in the accommodation tariff, or otherwise specifically requested by the client.
Alcoholic beverages.
Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls and internet services incurred as part of accommodation costs.
Optional travel (eg flights, cruises), attractions and activities which have not been prepaid in the tour price.

Children’s (under 15) prices are two-thirds adult prices for most day tours.

Tour Reservation and Payment

Tour bookings may be made by email or phone, via the Contact Us page.
For day tours, payment can usually be made on the day of the tour.
For private South Island tours, when a tour itinerary and price is agreed by the client, a 20% deposit for the total tour price is payable in order to book the tour. Full payment for the tour is payable 30 days prior to the tour departure date.
Payment may be made by Credit card: American Express, Visa or Mastercard Telegraphic transfer Cash New Zealand cheque.

Cancellations

(Applies only to tours paid in advance)

Cancellations must be advised in writing to The Inside Story.

Unless agreed otherwise in writing between The Inside Story and the client at time of booking, The Inside Story’s cancellation policy is as follows:

If the deposit only has been paid, and notification of cancellation is received:

At least 60 days prior to the tour departure date, 50% of the tour deposit is refundable.
Less than 60 days prior to the tour departure date, none of the deposit is refundable.

If full payment has been made, and notification of cancellation is received:

At least 60 days prior to the tour departure date, 90% of the tour price is refundable.
30-60 days prior to the tour departure date, 80% of the tour price is refundable.
7-30 days prior to the tour departure date, 50% of the tour price is refundable.
Less than 7 days prior to the tour departure date, no refund is made. Once the tour has commenced, no refund is made.

Right to alter itinerary or accommodation

The Inside Story reserves the right to alter the tour itinerary or accommodation in the event of unforeseen circumstances (such as adverse weather and road closures) beyond its control. In such an event, The Inside Story undertakes to adjust the itinerary and accommodation to a similar standard wherever possible. The Inside Story is not liable for costs associated with changes, delays or missing services booked by clients after the tour.

Liability

The Inside Story undertakes to identify and minimise risk to clients while on tour, however not all risks can be anticipated. The Inside Story accepts no responsibility for clients’ failure to follow the guide’s warnings and instructions. The Inside Story does not accept liability for loss or damage to clients’ property, nor for any personal injury to clients during the tour.

Note that the New Zealand government operates an Accident Compensation scheme (ACC) which provides personal injury cover for New Zealand citizens and residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand, but removes your right to sue for personal injury, other than for exemplary damages.

Insurance

The Inside Story strongly advises its clients to take out comprehensive travel insurance, including cover for cancellation, baggage, personal accident, sickness and medical expenses.