Terms and Conditions

Private Journeys New Zealand provides private guided tours throughout New Zealand.

These Terms and Conditions apply to every booking made with Private Journeys New Zealand (“we”, “us”, “our”). By paying a deposit or confirming a booking, you (“the client”) agree to these terms on behalf of yourself and everyone in your travelling party.

1. Our Services

We provide private, chauffeur-guided tours in New Zealand, including day trips and multi-day itineraries. Tours are private: the vehicle and guide are reserved exclusively for your party.

2. Quotes and Pricing

1.     Our prices are quoted as a flat rate per vehicle, not per person, up to the vehicle’s passenger capacity.

2.     All prices are in New Zealand dollars (NZD) and include GST where applicable, unless stated otherwise in your quote.

3.     Unless your quote says otherwise, the price covers the vehicle, fuel, and your driver-guide’s time and services. It does not include client accommodation, meals, entry fees, activities, ferry crossings, or personal expenses.

4.     For multi-day tours, the quote may include the driver-guide’s accommodation and meals while travelling with you.

5.     Quotes are valid for 14 days from the date issued, unless stated otherwise. Prices during peak periods (including December and January) may differ from the rest of the year.

6.     Any requested changes to the itinerary after a quote is accepted may change the price. We will confirm any change with you before it applies.

3. Booking and Payment

1.     A booking is confirmed once we receive your signed or emailed acceptance and your deposit.

2.     Full payment or deposit are required to secure your booking, details as below

  • Short tours (1-3 days) full payment required

  • Week tours (4-7 days) 25% of full quote to confirm booking

  • Long tours (8 days or more) 30% of full quote to confirm booking

3.     The remaining balance is due as details below

  • Week tours (4-7 days) 7 days before start

  • Long tours (8 days or more) 14 days before start

4.     If the balance is not received by the due date, we may cancel the booking and the cancellation terms below will apply.

5.     Payment may be made by bank transfer or other methods we accept. Any card or payment processing fees may be added to the total.

4. Cancellation by the Client

If you need to cancel your tour, please tell us in writing as soon as possible. The following cancellation fees apply, based on the amount of notice given before the tour start date:

Short tours (1–3 days)

Written notice received Amount refund

7 or more days before start Full refund, 100%

48 hours before start 50%

Less than 48 hours before start, or no-show None, 0%

Week tours (4–7 days)

Written notice received Amount refund

10 or more days before start Full refund, 100%

7 to 9 days before start 50% of the deposit

Less than 7 days before start, or no-show None, 0%

Long tours (8 days or more)

Written notice received Amount refund

20 or more days before start Full refund, 100%

14 to 19 days before start 50% of the deposit

13 to 10 days before start 25% of the full payment

Less than 10 days before start, or no-show None, 0%

We may, at our discretion, offer to reschedule your tour instead of cancelling, subject to availability. We recommend that clients take out comprehensive travel insurance that covers cancellation.

5. Changes and Cancellation by Us

1.     We may need to change or cancel a tour due to circumstances outside our control, including severe weather, road closures, natural events, vehicle breakdown, or illness of the driver-guide.

2.     Where possible, we will offer a suitable alternative, such as a changed itinerary, a different date, or a replacement driver or vehicle.

3.     If we cancel your tour and cannot offer an acceptable alternative, we will refund all amounts you have paid for the cancelled services. We are not liable for any other costs, such as flights or accommodation booked separately.

4.     Safety always comes first. The driver-guide may alter, shorten, or abandon any part of the itinerary if conditions are unsafe. No refund is due for parts of the tour not completed for safety reasons beyond our control, though we will make reasonable efforts to provide an alternative.

6. Itineraries

Itineraries are a guide and may be adjusted on the day to suit weather, traffic, road conditions, opening hours, and the pace of your group. Travel times are estimates only. Where you ask for additional stops that extend the day beyond the agreed hours, extra charges may apply.

7. Passenger Responsibilities

1.     Please be ready at the agreed pick-up time and place. We may wait up to 15 minutes before departing, and delays may shorten your tour without a reduction in price.

2.     Please tell us in advance about the number of passengers, luggage, mobility needs, dietary requirements, and any health conditions that could affect the tour.

3.     Seatbelts must be worn at all times, and children must be in appropriate child restraints. Please tell us if you need child seats so we can arrange them in advance.

4.     Passengers must follow the reasonable instructions of the driver-guide, particularly regarding safety.

5.     Smoking and vaping are not permitted in the vehicle. Eating in the vehicle is at the driver’s discretion.

6.     Passengers are responsible for their own travel documents, visas, and any required health or travel insurance.

7.     Clients are responsible for any damage to the vehicle caused by passengers, and for cleaning fees if the vehicle is left excessively dirty.

8.     We may refuse to carry, or end the tour for, any passenger whose behaviour is unsafe, abusive, or unreasonably disruptive. No refund will be given in that case.

8. Vehicle Cleaning Fees

Please help us keep the vehicle clean for you and for the clients who travel after you. If the vehicle needs more than normal tidying during or after your tour, a cleaning fee applies

Situation Cleaning fee (NZD, incl. GST)

Excessive dirt or mess (mud, food or drink spills) $250

Vomit, urine, or other bodily fluids $800

Mess or damage caused by intoxication Actual cost, with receipt

  1. Fees are charged on top of the tour price. The fee for the most serious category that applies is charged, not several at once.

  2. If the vehicle is taken out of service and we cannot honour another booking as a result, we may also charge for the reasonable loss that causes us.

  3. If you feel unwell, tell your driver-guide straight away. We will stop as soon as it is safe to do so, and can provide bags on request.

  4. We may refuse to carry anyone who is heavily intoxicated, or end the tour early if a passenger’s intoxication makes the journey unsafe or unpleasant for others. No refund is given in that case.

  5. Cleaning fees are payable by the client before drop off, or where an actual cost is required, within 3 days of an invoice. We may charge a payment method you have provided.

  6. The driver-guide’s assessment of the condition of the vehicle, supported by photos taken during or after the tour, is the basis for any fee.

9. Luggage and Belongings

Luggage space is limited. Please tell us what you plan to bring so we can confirm it fits. Luggage and personal belongings are carried at your own risk, and we are not responsible for loss or damage to them, except where required by law.

10. Activities and Third Parties

Some tours include visits to attractions or activities run by independent operators, such as cruises, walks, and tastings. We are not responsible for the services, safety, or availability of these third parties. Their own terms and conditions apply. Outdoor activities involve inherent risks, and you take part at your own risk and within your own abilities.

11. Liability

1.     We take reasonable care and skill in providing our services, and nothing in these terms limits your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 or the Fair Trading Act 1986 where they apply.

2.     Subject to those laws, and to the extent permitted by law, we are not liable for any indirect or consequential loss, or for loss caused by events beyond our reasonable control.

3.     Subject to the above, our total liability in relation to any booking is limited to the amount you paid us for that booking.

4.     Our vehicles are covered by appropriate motor vehicle and passenger insurance.

12. Photos and Content

We may take photos or video during tours for use on our website and social media. If you do not want to appear in our content, please tell us before the tour begins and we will respect that.

13. Privacy

We collect the personal information you give us, such as names, contact details, and travel preferences, to arrange and run your tour. We keep it secure, use it only for that purpose, and do not sell it.

14. Complaints

If something is not right, please tell us as soon as possible, ideally during the tour so we can put it right on the spot. Otherwise, contact us in writing within 3 days of the tour finishing and we will respond promptly and work with you to resolve it.

15. General

1.     These terms, together with your written quote and booking confirmation, form the entire agreement between us and the client.

2.     We may update these terms from time to time. The version in place when you confirm your booking applies to that booking.

3.     These terms are governed by the laws of New Zealand, and the New Zealand courts have non-exclusive jurisdiction.