Terms & Conditions

1. Contract
The contract is between Playing Around New Zealand Ltd. (PANZ) and any person (client) traveling or intending to travel on an itinerary or tour supplied. The contract, including all matters arising from it, is subject to New Zealand law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the New Zealand Courts. PANZ has the sole authority to vary or omit any of these terms.

2. How to Book
To secure a booking, PANZ requires a completed Booking Form or e-mail, sent by the client, or the parent/legal guardian (if the client is under 18 years), and payment details (if credit card is preferred method of payment we require number, expiry date, name on card) via our secure payment system. A booking is valid from the date PANZ confirms acceptance in writing. PANZ reserves the right to decline any booking at their discretion.

3. Payment
Confirmed bookings require a deposit of 20% of total tour cost. The balance of all monies due, including any surcharges must be paid to PANZ no later than 60 days prior to departure. In the case of non-payment of the balance by the due date, PANZ will treat the booking as cancelled unless the client communicates to the contrary. Please note that there is a 2% loading fee for all payments made by Visa and Mastercard credit cards. Amex credit cards incur a 3% fee.

3.1. Payment for tours that include luxury lodge bookings
Confirmed tour bookings that provide accommodation at luxury lodges including Kauri Cliffs, Huka Lodge, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers and Matakauri as defined in clause 6 (cancellations) require a deposit of 25% of total tour cost. The balance of all monies due, including any surcharges must be paid to PANZ no later than 90 days prior to departure. Group bookings of 4 or more rooms require a 40% deposit with remaining balance no later than 90 days prior to departure.

4. Travel Information
On receipt of full payment travel information will be forwarded by e-mail. This will include: confirmation, detailed itinerary, booking references and tickets where applicable.

5. Alterations
An administration fee of $25.00 per booking item, plus any additional costs incurred will be charged if a confirmed booking is changed or transferred.

6. Cancellations
If it becomes necessary to cancel your holiday, you must notify PANZ immediately in writing. Cancellation will take effect upon receipt by PANZ of your written notice. An initial deposit of 25% of the total booking cost is not refundable.

Standard Cancellation Fees

15 – 30 days prior to departure = 50%
14 days or less prior to departure = Up to 100%

Please note that tour bookings that provide accommodation at luxury lodges including Kauri Cliffs, Huka Lodge, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers and Matakauri Lodge are subject to the following cancellation policies:

Luxury Lodge Cancellation Policy

Outside 91 days prior: 25% of the total tour cost
90 – 76 days prior: 50% of the total tour cost
Inside 75 days prior: 100% of the total tour cost

Holiday Season Cancellation Policy (23rd December – 4th January)

Cancellation from 1 September to date of arrival: 100% charge for the tour cancellation

Group Bookings

Reservations of 4 + rooms at the above mentioned lodges are considered a group. The following cancellation policy applies to all movements on group reservations:

Cancellation Policy for Group Reservations (1st November – 30th April)

Outside 91 days prior: 25% of the total tour cost
90 – 76 days prior: 50% of the total tour cost
Inside 75 days prior: 100% of the total tour cost

Holiday Season Cancellation Policy for Group Reservations (23rd December – 4th January)

Cancellation from 1 September to date of arrival incurs 100% charge for the room nights cancelled. We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance, including cancellation insurance! PANZ reserves the right to cancel tours at any time. In such event PANZ will return all monies paid or offer an alternative tour. PANZ is not liable for any penalty charges associated with connecting air fares, in the event of a change to a tour departure time, date or cancellation.

7. Complaints
In the unlikely event that a client has a complaint about any of the travel arrangements, they must advise the relevant supplier at the time and inform PANZ in writing. This will assist settlement of any grievance or complaint.

8. Insurance
PANZ recommends clients take out travel, health and cancellation insurances. The New Zealand Accident Compensation (ACC) applies to travellers while in New Zealand. If a client has to cancel for medical reasons, most cancellation charges, less a small excess are covered by most travel policies. PANZ accepts no liability for personal injuries and losses.

9. Prices
All accommodation prices are gross as indicated in the booking form. All prices include New Zealand Goods and Services Tax of 15%.

10. Changes to Tours
Adverse weather conditions may from time to time prevent the completion of advertised programs. The decision is normally made by the tour leader/captain at the time and is made in the best interests of the group and their safety. PANZ and/or their contracted suppliers cannot be held responsible for these changes.

11. Refunds
No refunds will be made once travel has commenced: nor will any refund be available in respect of any tours, accommodation, hires, services or inclusions not utilised. We strongly recommend travel insurance cover for such eventualities. Weather interruptions to itineraries/tour packages are beyond our control. We will do all possible to rearrange services in such event, but cannot be held financially responsible for interruption under such circumstances. We strongly recommend travel insurance cover for such eventualities.

12. Other Conditions
PANZ as operator or agent finalises all arrangements for these tours on the express condition that it shall not be held liable for any injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason of any defect in any vehicle, vessel or equipment or by Acts of God or through the acts of default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passengers or in carrying out our arrangements of the tours or otherwise in connection herewith.

13. Self Drive 

Vehicles

The rental cars we use for our tours are from Hertz or Samuels, they are late models and very well maintained. Insurance excess of between NZ$2500 – $3500 +GST applies in the event of accident or damage to the vehicle. A credit card imprint is taken for the bond on initiation and destroyed at termination of the hire, provided the vehicle is returned in the same condition that it left the depot. The excess can be reduced by taking Accident Excess Reduction insurance (AER) through the rental vehicle company or in the tour package inclusions. Most travel insurance policies cover the excess.

Driving Licence Requirements

A full valid licence to drive a manual vehicle is the minimum requirement. It must be written in English or accompanied by an International Driver’s Permit and must be sighted at commencement of tour.

Age Requirements

The minimum age to hire a motor car is 25 years.