This page sets out our cancellation fees. There are two different policies, one for shared (group) tours and one for private tours, and the windows are not the same. Check which type of tour you booked before you read the table. If you are not sure, your confirmation email will say.
All cancellations must be made in writing (email is fine) to info@privatediscoverytours.co.nz. We calculate the notice period from the date we receive your written cancellation to your tour departure date, not from the date you decide to cancel.
Notice given before departure | Cancellation fee |
|---|---|
7 to 10 days prior | 25% of total booking |
3 to 6 days prior | 50% of total booking |
Within 48 hours | 100% of total booking |
Booking fees and costs already paid to third parties on your behalf may be non-refundable, even where the fee above is lower.
Notice given before departure | Cancellation fee |
|---|---|
7 to 10 days prior | 25% of total booking |
4 to 6 days prior | 50% of total booking |
Within 72 hours | 100% of total booking |
All third-party bookings made on your behalf, including accommodation, are non-refundable once confirmed, regardless of when you cancel.
Private tours carry a longer full-charge window (72 hours, not 48) and a slightly wider 50% band (4 to 6 days, not 3 to 6). This is because a private tour involves us booking and confirming vehicles, guides and, often, third-party arrangements specifically for your group well before the day, so we have less room to fill the space at short notice. Check which policy applies to your booking type before you assume the other one’s numbers.
If you want to change your date, pick-up point or group size rather than cancel altogether, let us know in writing at least 24 hours before departure. We will do our best to accommodate the change, but it is subject to availability and is not guaranteed, especially in peak season.
Sometimes we are the ones who need to cancel, most often for weather, road conditions or another safety reason. This is a safety decision, not a convenience one, and we do not take it lightly. If we cancel your tour for these reasons, we will offer you one of the following:
You will not be charged a cancellation fee when we are the ones cancelling for weather or safety.
On tours with a minimum group size (counted on adult guests only), if we do not reach that minimum we will contact you before your departure date and offer an alternative date, an alternative PDT experience, or a full refund. We will not leave this until the day.
If your plans are uncertain, for example a flight that might change or a group that might not be finalised, tell us before you book. We would rather talk it through with you than have you caught out by a cancellation fee later. Contact info@privatediscoverytours.co.nz or +64 21 024 35108.
