Terms & Conditions
1.0 Tour Validity Period
The prices are valid for specific periods of the year and the tour your choosing. The prices vary on the duration of the tour and the season. The prices may change without notice. Please check with Taprobane travel consultant before making a booking.
2.0 Tour Booking Arrangements
Taprobane Travel & Tourism Ltd (“Taprobane”) is your Tour Planner & Tour organiser. To allow you flexibility in choosing the best tour deals available when booking, use Taprobane website (www.TaprobaneNZ.com). You can choose your Tours online and request a quote for any tour of your interest and we will send a quote for the Tour.
The person affecting the booking shall be deemed to have accepted the booking Terms & conditions. Reservations are subject to availability, the terms and conditions and requirements of Tour Companies and service providers, and to the minimum number of passenger requirements of International Tour Companies and service providers.
Taprobane and its service providers reserve the right to delete, cancel or alter tours without notice, however, we will endeavor to offer alternative tours or refunds according to the circumstances as per clause 5.0 & 6.0.
Tour return times are approximate and may be subject to change by Tour Companies and service provider without notice. The type of vehicle, vessel described in a tour is a guide only and it may be substituted by another from time to time. Similarly the maximum passengers indicated in a tour may also vary from 2 to 50 from time to time. Maximum luggage allowances will apply on tours and scenic flights – generally maximum 5 Kg – 20kg.
A Taprobane Travel Pack with documentation will be issued on receipt of final payment. We will send invitation to the participants who has paid in full for the tour, to join with Taprobane Team for catch up cocktail party prior to departure date.
3.0 Price Policy
All Tour prices are based on rates (reflecting foreign exchange rates) known at the time of publication and expected to be in effect at the time of departure, and do not include airfare except where noted on specific itineraries. Tour prices are per person, based on double occupancy (two people sharing a room). Single room supplements, triple reductions and peak supplement at hotels on pricing are listed where applicable. Not all accommodation types are available on all tours.
Taprobane will arrange air tickets with airlines for the tour. Any subsequent revisions made at your request are subject to airline-imposed change fees, cancellation fees and/or changes in airfare price, which are your responsibility to pay.
Participants have the right to cancel their reservation without penalty prior to 30 days of departure date.
All prices quoted are in New Zealand dollars, inclusive of New Zealand Goods & Services Tax and overseas Govt related Tax and subject to change without notification. All payments are to be made in New Zealand dollars.
4.0 Deposits & Final Payment
A payment of a refundable deposit equal to 10% of the Gross Package Price or NZ$300, whichever is the greater, is required to confirm a booking. This deposit will be paid within fourteen (14) days after accepting the quote to confirm the booking. If the deposit is not received, bookings will be cancelled.
The balance of payment in full must be received by Taprobane, within (Forty five) 45 days before commencement date of the package tour.
Some International Tour Companies and service providers may have individual deposit and payment conditions, which will be advised at the time of booking.
4.1 – Payment methods:
4.1.1 – Bank transfer (senders bank charges must be covered by the client)
4.1.2 – By cheque to “Taprobane Travel & Tourism Ltd”
4.1.3 – International Direct Deposits also attract bank fees (senders bank charges must be covered by the client) Payment should be by New Zealand Dollars (NZ$).
5.0 Amendments
Should you wish to add any services to your arrangements following the confirmation of your holiday, there will be no amendment charge.
Any other amendments to arrangements already confirmed are charged at NZD$25 per service amendment.
6.0 Cancellation & Refund
Cancellation Policy
6.1 – Client cancels their booking, the following may apply.
6.1.1 – Thirty days (30) days prior to departure date – 100% refund, no cancellation fees.
6.1.2 – Fifteen (15) days prior to departure date – 70% refund, 30% cancellation fees
6.1.3 – Seven (7) days prior to departure – 50% refund, 50% cancellation fees
6.1.4 – Less than 24 hours- No refund unless exceptional circumstances have occurred. Any amount of refund is at discretion of Managing Director only.
6.1.5 – No refund on any tour can be made after departure, again unless exceptional circumstances.
Cancellations could be caused by road or weather conditions, strikes or any other unforeseen circumstances. Additional expense will be at the participant’s cost. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
6. 2 – Tour cancelled by Taprobane, the following may apply:
6.2.1 – Up to time of departure – rebooking to another tour time/date or full refund.
6.2.2 – Where more than a quarter, yet less than half of the tour is completed the participant may rebook at 50% of the tour cost, or receive a 50% refund.
6.2.3 – After more than half of the tour is completed the participant may rebook at 50%, but no refunds will be given.
6.2.4 – Certain circumstances may dictate that the Managing Director has discretion on what refunds or rebooking can apply.
You should contact Tapronabe as soon as possible if you have to cancel part or all of your booking. The money will be refunded as per clause 6.1 and/or clause 6.2 above. For this reason we strongly recommend your travel insurance includes cover for cancellation charges in the event of cancellation due to illness and other circumstances.
7.0 Travel Insurance
We strongly recommends you insure against cancellation, loss of deposits, cancellation fees, baggage and medical expenses.
All participants of the tour must obtain travel insurance before departure date.
8.0 Air tickets and Tour Arrangements
International air tickets can be purchased through Taprobane from airlines with special rate. The airline terms and conditions will apply. Your airline ticket is a contract between you and the airline. By purchasing your air ticket or services through Taprobane you waive all liability for Taprobane.
Taprobane is not responsible if an airline cancels, reschedules, or delays a flight for any reason. If you purchased air tickets through Taprobane, we will assist in making new arrangements providing you have not already checked in with your airline for your first flight segment. After check-in, you must work with the airline directly to reach your destination or to make any alternate arrangements including amendments to return services. Please be aware airline fees often apply for modifications to air schedules not related to airline imposed flight cancellations, reschedules or delays. These fees will be payable to the airline directly at time of request. If you miss your departure flight or connection, it is your responsibility to work with the airline on which you are ticketed to reach your destination. No refunds will be provided by Taprobane.
Taprobane is not responsible for any portions of trips missed due to canceled, rescheduled or delayed flights after airport check-in, nor is Taprobane responsible for any additional expenses you may incur prior to joining your trip, if you miss your departure fight or flight connection.
If you make your own flight arrangements, Taprobane will not be responsible for any loss resulting from cancellation or changes in itineraries or travel dates. We recommend that you do not purchase airline tickets with high penalty charges for changes.
9.0 Tour Participation
For the benefit of everyone on your tour, Taprobane reserves the right to accept or reject any tour participant and to remove any participant whose conduct is deemed incompatible with the interests of the other participants. Taprobane will not refund or cover any cost or expenses incurred for termination of tour arrangements due to unacceptable behavior.
10.0 Special Assistance on Tours
You must report any disability requiring special attention while on tour to Taprobane at the time of the reservation is made. Taprobane will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled travelers, but is not responsible in the event it is unable to do so nor responsible for any denial of services by air carriers, hotels, restaurants, or other independent suppliers. Taprobane cannot provide individual assistance to a tour participant for walking, dining, getting on and off motor coaches, cruise ships and other vehicles, or other personal needs. Taprobane strongly recommends a qualified and physically able companion must accompany participants who need such assistance. All participants with Taprobane are subject to the Participation clause above. Taprobane is happy to arrange assistance if possible.
Not all sightseeing stops/sites accommodate wheelchairs and some locations and sightseeing activities require extensive standing, sitting or walking, sometimes on unpaved or cobblestone streets. Taprobane is not responsible for any missed activities due to a participant’s inability to participate with the group. Most transportation services, including the touring motor coaches and cruise ships, are not equipped with wheelchair ramps. Motorized scooters are not typically suitable on international tours. With prior permission and waivers, we will attempt to accommodate motorized scooters on domestic tours, depending on the suitability of the itinerary.
11.0 Young Travelers
Travelers who are under 18 years old on the departure date must be accompanied by an adult throughout the tour and are requested to share an adult’s accommodation. At least one member of the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older.
Children under 8 years of age are not allowed on tours except children accompanied by an adult.
On Tours the children age 5 and older are welcome. At least one member of the traveling party must be 21 age or older in order to participate in these tours.
Young travelers must be 10 years of age or older to participate on adventure tours. For any special requirements regarding airline tickets for children, contact the airline directly.
If School children will be traveling with adults other than the parents or with only one parent, it is recommended that a notarised letter be written by the parents or non-traveling parent granting authorisation to travel, including the dates of travel. We suggest that you also contact the Taprobane consultant and the airline directly because they may have additional requirements or recommendations.
12.0 Smoking policy
Smoking is not allowed on transportation that is exclusively provided by Taprobane. On cruise ships, smoking is restricted to certain areas of the vessel. On river cruise ships, smoking is allowed only on the vessels’ outside decks where ashtrays are available. Many hotels have imposed a 100% non-smoking policy and many cities have imposed non-smoking regulations in public spaces. As a standard rule, Taprobane confirms non-smoking hotel rooms. If you require a smoking room a request may be submitted, but we cannot guarantee availability.
13.0 Visas & Passports
You are responsible for obtaining and paying for all visas and entry documents, for meeting all health and other requirements, and for any documents required by the laws, regulations, orders, and/or requirements of the countries you will visit.
Visa and entry documents must be obtained independently. Non New Zealand citizens must consult with appropriate consulates to determine if any visas are needed; you are responsible for obtaining all visas and entry documents independently. Taprobane is not responsible for providing you with specific visa and passport information or documentation, for any fees associated with obtaining these documents and Taprobane cannot accept liability for any passenger refused entry onto any transport or into any country due to failure of the passenger to carry correct documentation.
All participants traveling internationally are required to have a passport. Most countries require that the passport be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the conclusion of your trip. It is recommended you have a minimum of three blank pages in your passport when traveling, as many countries require blank pages. Multiple-entry visas are required for some tours. It is your responsibility to verify all visa and passport requirements. The process of obtaining a visa and/or passport can take up to three months or more.
Some government agencies in foreign countries require Taprobane to collect and pass on certain personal and other details related to you, including but not limited to government-issued identification and passport details. If you fail to supply the details as requested fully and accurately, your trip may be interrupted or cancelled. There are no refunds for failure to provide documentation or failure to provide documentation by the time required.
14.0 Hotels, Accommodations & Transportation
The hotels listed on this website and brouchers are intended to be used on all departures; however hotels are not guaranteed. Tour companies and service providers reserves the right to substitute other hotels than those listed on the website, brochures and itinerary pages. If a change becomes necessary for any reason, including alternate hotels for additional departures on the same date, or hotel location changes within or outside itinerary cities, the hotel substituted will be of equivalent or higher quality, when available, to those shown. No refunds are provided for hotel changes; full cancellation penalties as noted above apply.
Every effort is made to reserve only twin-bedded rooms. Occasionally, some hotels will only provide double-bedded rooms. These rooms will be allocated to couples. Please note that check-in times vary worldwide; Taprobane cannot control or guarantee check-in times.
In the rare event that included train or air services are unavailable, alternate services will be provided. Itinerary timings are approximate and may be subject to change.
15.0 Travel Documents
Passenger Travel Documents, including e-ticket itineraries, are sent by regular ground delivery approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure date, provided full invoice payment has been received. If available, a service charge per reservation is added for documents requested in advance and/or for 2-day delivery or for delivery to multiple addresses. Please indicate at the time of reservation whether you prefer regular ground delivery or 2-day delivery or delivery to multiple addresses.
16.0 Gratuities
Gratuities are included for services during the land stay of your Tour. This includes wait staff at included meals, hospitality staff at hotels and porterage at hotels. Gratuities for your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Hosts, Local Guides, Tour Driver, and ship’s crew are not included in the tour price and are discretionary.
The following charges are not included in the tour price: airfare to and from the start of your tour; Intra-tour air unless specified in the itinerary; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Customs and Immigrations other, per person taxes imposed by government entities, airport taxes and International arrival and departure and other government-imposed added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your tour or cruise director, local host, driver, local guides, and/or ship’s crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted Taprobane menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature.
Some countries require international travelers to pay entry and/or exit fees at the airport. These fees will be collected by the local government and are payable by the participants at time of travel. Your confirmation booking information will contain information about these fees. If you would like more information prior to booking, please contact your Taprobane travel consultant.
17.0 Statutory Holidays
During international, local or national holidays or special events, peek seasons, on Sundays, and during religious occasions, certain facilities such as museums, churches, restaurants, sightseeing tours, hotels, and shopping may be limited or not available.
Alternatives will be offered whenever possible. Taprobane cannot be held responsible for any closures, necessary itinerary changes or curtails for any reason.
18.0 Safety
Please be aware that during your participation in tour, certain risks and dangers may arise beyond our control, including but not limited to: the hazards of traveling in undeveloped areas; travel by boat, train, automobile, aircraft, or other means of transportation; forces of nature; political unrest; acts of lawlessness or terrorism; and accident or illness in remote regions without means of rapid evacuation or medical facilities. Taprobane will not have liability regarding provision of medical care or the adequacy of any care that may be rendered. While Taprobane will use its best efforts to ensure that adequate measures are taken, by agreeing to participate in a tour and/or optional excursions you agree that you will hold Taprobane harmless regarding any provision of medical care or the adequacy of any care rendered. Taprobane is not responsible for such risks and dangers that may arise beyond our control. Payment of your deposit indicates you accept these risks and dangers and agree to hold Taprobane harmless for such.
19.0 Photographs or Pictures
Photographs or pictures appearing on this website should be used solely as an indication of facilities and attractions. Actual facilities and attractions may vary according to itinerary. Maps shown on the tour pages are current at the time of printing and may not reflect the actual routing should the itinerary change.
20.0 Optional Excursions & Activities
Optional activities and excursions (“the Services”) available for booking are provided by local operators or other third parties that are entirely independent of Taprobane and do not form any part of the product or services sold to you by Taprobane or of these Terms & Conditions, even where Taprobane suggests particular operators/other third parties and/or assists you in booking such optional activities or excursions. Your contract for such Services will be with the organiser or operator of that Service and will be subject to its Terms & Conditions, which may contain exclusions or limitations of liability.
Taprobane has no liability for any such optional activity or excursion or for any act(s) or omission(s) of the organiser or operator or for any of its employees or tour companies and service providers or any other person(s) connected with the optional activity or excursion.
Any advice or assistance on or with any Service provided by any local representative does not mean or imply that the Service is sold, supervised, or controlled by Taprobane or that any such advice or assistance is given on behalf of Taprobane. Tour participants are asked to check with the tour company and service provider of any optional activity or excursion and the applicable Terms & Conditions before booking.
For operational reasons, not all optional excursions listed in the tour itinerary, published online or in travel documents may be available during your tour. Your Tour Manager will advise you on availability while on tour.
21.0 Responsibility
Taprobane Travel & Tourism Ltd, located at 11A, Lloyd Avenue, Mt Albert, Auckland 1025, New Zealand, is an independent company dealing with Tour planning and organsing to specific markets and distribute travel products under the brand name, and arrange for the tour services offered on this web site and brouchers, including transportation, sightseeing, and accommodations through independent tour companies and service providers.
Air carriers, accommodations, and other suppliers (including but not limited to trains, cruises, ferries, motor coaches, hotels, and restaurants) providing services are independent tour companies and service providers and are not agents, employees, servants, or joint venturers of Taprobane or its affiliates. All certificates and other travel documents for services issued by Taprobane are subject to the Terms & Conditions specified by the tour company and service provider, which are available upon request, and to the laws of the countries in which the services are supplied.
After departure, if the services included in the tour cannot be supplied or there are changes in an itinerary for reasons beyond the control of Taprobane, depending on the circumstance, Taprobane will take reasonable action to arrange for the provision of comparable services. Any resulting additional expense will be the responsibility of tour participants, and any resulting savings will be refunded by Taprobane to tour participants.
Taprobane reserves the right to accept or reject any person as a tour participant; to expel any participant from the tour to make changes in the itinerary whenever Taprobane deems it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of the participants; and to cancel a tour at any time.
The tour participant agrees that neither Taprobane nor its affiliates shall not be liable for any damage, loss (including personal injury, death, and property loss), or expense occasioned by any act or omission of any tour company or service providers supplying services or any other person.
Any dispute between the tour participant and Taprobane directly or indirectly relating to the Terms & Conditions shall be resolve in a professional and friendly manner.
No person, other than the Managing Director or an authorized representative of Taprobane by a document in writing, is authorized to vary, add, or waive any term or condition on its Web site.
Taprobane or its accredited Tour companies and service providers (In overseas and in New Zealand) finalise all arrangements for these tours upon the explicit condition that it shall not be liable for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delays generally, or any irregularity which may happen due to a defect in a vehicle, vessel or aircraft, or through the acts or default of any company or person engaged in conveying or the accommodation of passengers, or in the carrying out of arrangements of the tours, or otherwise associated to the products.
Taprobane is not liable for and denies all responsibility for personal injury caused by circumstances outside its control. Taprobane cannot accept responsibility for any Tour company and service provider changing or withdrawing prices, details or services shown, and all are subject to alteration without notice.
Taprobane is a wholesaler and in the provision of bookings, acts solely and working together with Tour companies and service providers. These companies and service providers include all land and transport suppliers including the range of hotels, coach companies, airlines, hire car companies, motor-home companies, ferry and boat companies and railways used in the booking reserved by the participant and featured in brochures distributed by Taprobane.
Taprobane is an independent company and acts solely with other tour companies and service providers in overseas and in New Zealand. Taprobane is not responsible for payments made in advance to the tour companies and service providers by Taprobane on behalf of the third party (participant), if the tour companies and service providers are unable to provide that service either by default, insolvency, and liquidation, change of ownership or operational difficulties.
22.0 Disclaimer
All information provided was correct at the time of website update; however, changes may have occurred since that time. Taprobane Travel & Tourism Ltd (“Taprobane”) cannot and does not warrant the accuracy of the information. Make sure you check whether changes have occurred in the service you want before you book.