Good to Go Form

Grand Pacific Tours (GPT) is a 100% Australian owned company.

Our tours consist of a mix of travellers that either reside in Australia ("Travellers residing in Australia") or travellers residing outside of Australia, from New Zealand, UK, USA, Canada and other countries ("Travellers residing outside of Australia").

Payment of a deposit and completion of the GOOD TO GO Form acknowledges that you have read, understood and accepted these Booking Terms and Conditions. 

Please print the below GOOD TO GO Form, complete with your details and return to your Travel Agent within 14 days of booking. 

> GOOD TO GO Form

COVID-19 Disclaimer and Travel Requirements (from 12 September 2022)

Itineraries: GPT has compiled the content of all tour itineraries based on the knowledge that all accommodation and attraction suppliers will be operational within the relevant touring season. If for any reason a component of a tour is no longer available at the time of touring, a replacement or refund will be provided. Any refund amount is based on GPT’s negotiated pricing and not retail prices. 

Guaranteed Departures: Since GPT began operating, the company has been highly regarded for the promotion of ‘guaranteed departure dates’. As COVID-19 continues to affect various elements of travel, circumstances beyond our control could still affect the running of individual tours i.e. border closures.

Border Closures: Now that travel has resumed, the future of border closures as we have known throughout the COVID-19 pandemic is unknown. If due to border closures the tour is suspended prior to travel, a credit for a future tour will be provided.   If a traveller chooses to cancel their booking, cancellation fees will apply. If the tour is suspended while in New Zealand, GPT will manage all arrangements to redivert the itinerary. For more detailed information please view our Touring with Confidence Guidebook, noted below. 

Vaccination: Based on the removal of the New Zealand government mandates, travellers arriving into New Zealand, and travelling on a GPT tour, are no longer required to be fully vaccinated.

Pre-Departure requirements: It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they understand and follow the airline and government regulations for travel to New Zealand. GPT take no responsibility if travel or entry into New Zealand is denied due to regulations not being met. As mandates continue to change the best source of information is referring to your chosen airline website or the New Zealand Government COVID-19 information source https://www.covid19.govt.nz/

On tour: Whilst on tour, the GPT Crew will assist with outlining any COVID-19 related requirements. GPT manage strict Health and Safety protocols and will continue to develop or enforce new initiatives relating to the management of COVID-19 based on the guidelines outlined by the New Zealand Government and the World Health Organisation. 

Touring with Confidence: GPT’s detailed approach to Health and Safety including a range of general information topics covering most frequently asked questions relating to touring New Zealand, can be found within our Touring with Confidence Guidebook 

Prices

All holiday prices are based on schedules, fares and tariffs current at the time of publishing. GPT reserves the right to vary the cost of tours, if necessary, by reason of currency fluctuation, or component cost increase or airfare cost. Tour costing will be guaranteed at the price prevailing at the date of final payment. In the case of technology malfunction or human error, we reserve the right to re-invoice the Travel Agent with correct billing in accordance with our published rates.

Deposit and Payment

Travellers residing in Australia: A non-refundable deposit of AUD$200 per person is required for all Signature Mid-Size Group Touring, Classic Escorted Group Touring, selected Special Interest Group Touring and AUD$500 per person is required for Ultimate Small Group Touring within 7 days of booking.

If the tour package includes flights, a further deposit to cover the airfare and taxes is required at time of booking. Flights are instant purchase and payment can be made by credit card for the airfare deposit payment only, credit card fees will apply.

Travellers residing outside of Australia: A non-refundable deposit of NZD$200 per person is required for all Signature Mid-Size Group Touring, Classic Escorted Group Touring, selected Special Interest Group Touring and NZD$500 per person is required for Ultimate Small Group Touring within 7 days of booking.

The balance of payment, including any merchandise, is due 60 days prior to departure. If you are booked on a module of a tour (8 Day Affordable North Island or 10 Day Classic South Island), your final balance date will be due 70 days prior to departure, as this will fall in line with the 16 Day or 19 Day itineraries that this tour is part of. Once the tour has been booked and confirmed, cancellation fees will apply as per the Booking Terms and Conditions. 

Cancellations / Transfer of Booking 

2022/23 Season (01 September 2022 – 31 May 2023)

In the event that a traveller cancels off a tour, the following fees apply prior to departure: 

• 60 days or more prior to departure, loss of deposit. Plus, the cost of the airline ticket if issued by GPT (Travellers residing in Australia only).
• Between 7 and 59 days prior to departure. 50% of the tour package price.
• Less than 7 days prior to departure. 100% of the tour package price.

2023/24 Season (01 September 2023 – 31 May 2024)

In the event that a traveller cancels off a tour, the following fees apply prior to departure: 

• 60 days or more prior to departure, loss of deposit. Plus, the cost of the airline ticket if issued by GPT (Travellers residing in Australia only).
• 8 - 59 days prior to departure, 50% of the tour package price.
• 7 days or less prior to departure, 100% of the tour package price.

If a traveller cancels a tour that was suspended from a previous touring season, additional administration fees may apply.  

Refund

Please note that no refund shall be made for any unused portion of any itinerary. Any alteration to the holiday outside the touring itinerary, made by a traveller shall be wholly at the expense of the traveller. 

Special Offers

Only one special offer is applicable per booking/per person and must be advised at time of booking. There will be no retrospective discounts applied. 

Hot Deals

The following HOT DEALS are currently available:

Ultimate Small Group Touring: 

• 9 Day Ultimate North Island - Save $400 per person off 3 Oct 2023 departure date. 
• 16 Day Ultimate Highlights - Save $400 per person off 5 Dec 2023 departure date. 
• 11 Day Ultimate Top of the South Island - Save $400 per person off 8 Dec 2023 departure date. 

Signature Mid-Size Group Touring: 

• 9 Day Signature North Island - Save $400 per person off 1 Oct 2023 departure date. 
• 11 Day Signature Top of the South Island - Save $400 per person off 25 Oct 2023 departure date. 
• 10 Day Signature South Island - Save $400 per person off 11 Dec 2023 departure date. 

Hot Deals are promoted via the GPT website and the sale period is until 30 June 2023, however, these can be removed from sale at any time. The deal is applicable to new bookings only. Not combinable with any other discount. Not valid on Group Departures.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive Travel Insurance is not included but is strongly recommended for all travellers. It is the traveller’s responsibility to arrange their own travel insurance. 

Health and Fitness

Payment of deposit by a traveller to GPT acts as a warranty that you are reasonably healthy and/or fit to participate in the tour and the traveller indemnifies GPT from all actions, claims and demands arising out of any want of health and fitness. It is important that the traveller chooses the right tour to avoid disappointment. 

Important information relating to the travellers’ health, mobility and fitness which may affect their partial or total participation in the tour and the enjoyment of other travellers must be reported to GPT at time of booking. If a traveller has a disability or medical condition that requires special attention, or if the travellers’ health, mobility and fitness change prior to tour departure, this information must be reported to GPT as soon as possible. This information is necessary to allow GPT to ensure the tour chosen is suitable and meets the travellers’ needs. Where possible GPT will make reasonable modifications to the tour to accommodate any special requirements however, it cannot do so if the modification necessary would be unreasonable or if it would affect the travellers’ safety and/or the safety and/or enjoyment of other travellers. 

If a traveller requires personal assistance or care (such as pushing a wheelchair, assistance with dressing or assistance with walking), they must travel with a companion capable of providing the required assistance or care. GPT does not provide personal assistance to any traveller. Travelling with a collapsible wheelchair/mobility scooter is subject to availability at the time of booking as each tour only has the capacity to cater for one wheelchair/mobility scooter traveller. Loading a mobility scooter on and off the coach is not the responsibility of the Coach Captain and/or Tour Leader. Accessible Rooms are subject to availability and not always allocated in the room type advertised. Accessible Rooms are not available on the Milford Mariner or Fiordland Navigator overnight cruises. 

GPT makes reasonable effort to accommodate the needs of travellers with specific disabilities however, it is not responsible for any denial of services by any third party or independent suppliers or for any additional expenses charged by those parties. 

Dietary Requests

GPT limit special dietary requests to Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free, Lactose Intolerant, Diabetic and any life-threatening allergies (whereby the traveller carries an EpiPen). These requests will be forwarded to the hotel and / or attraction suppliers but cannot be guaranteed and does not constitute a term of your contract with us. Tour meal options may be limited. As a volume group tour operator, contracting specific menus which range from Buffet to A-la-carte, the logistics of arranging meals meeting the correct criteria over an extended touring itinerary can be challenging and cannot be guaranteed to meet the expectations of the traveller(s). Therefore, religious dietary requests (Hindu Vegetarian, Kosher, Halal) cannot be accommodated. Any further intolerances needing to be managed are the responsibility of the traveller. Airlines have restricted dietary conditions which vary, all requests should be discussed with your Travel Agent at the time of booking. 

Children

Children’s fares (5 - 11 years) are available. Unfortunately, children under five are not suitable on these tours. Exact amounts will be confirmed to your Travel Agent at time of booking. Each child, as denoted must be paired with a supervising adult within the same party due to the seat rotation and rooming policy. On Ultimate Small Group Touring and Signature Mid-Size Group Touring, children under 16 years are not permitted. 

Merchandise

Travellers residing in Australia: All prices are inclusive of GST and postage with documentation. All purchases must be made with your Travel Agent at time of booking. Payment for all merchandise is due with final tour payment prior to departure. Merchandise will not be sold once on tour or after travellers return home. Refer to the website for delivery and jacket sizes. Exchanges can be made on unused merchandise, an additional AUD$15 fee will be charged to cover delivery, postage and handling.

Travellers residing outside of Australia: GPT have a range of merchandise available to all travellers. All orders should be made at the time of booking and rate applicable is quoted in New Zealand Dollars. Items available are a water resistant jacket and GPT wool blend cap. An additional NZD$15 fee will be charged with any purchase to cover delivery, postage and handling. 

Passport and Visa Requirements

All visitors require a passport to enter New Zealand. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date that you intend to leave New Zealand. For Australian citizens travelling on an Australian passport, you do not need a visa or permit to visit New Zealand. Visitors from visa-waiver countries must request an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) prior to travelling to New Zealand. For visitors from non-visa waiver countries, it is recommended you contact NZ Immigration for full entry requirements. If you are not an Australian Citizen or permanent resident, you may also have to pay for an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).

Accommodation Information

The hotels noted as part of each GPT itinerary represent the majority of inventory booked for each tour date, in each location. On various dates, where the designated hotel is not available, an alternative property of an equivalent standard will be booked. Any change in hotel will either be advised at the time of booking or within the final personalised tour itinerary. Any last-minute hotel change that occurs post the distribution of documentation, will be advised by the GPT Crew on tour. GPT endeavours to utilise the most suitable hotels available in each location to ensure travellers enjoy a consistent level of cleanliness, comfort and service. In the more remote locations hotel standards and facilities may differ to city hotels. As hotel allocations are booked in advance, room upgrade requests are not permitted.

Pre / Post Tour Accommodation in New Zealand

Hotel check-in time is approximately 3pm and check-out is approximately 10am. If early hotel check-in or late check-out is required due to flight schedules, additional accommodation will need to be purchased. The rates quoted in this brochure are only valid for one night, room only and subject to availability. Any additional meals will need to be ordered and purchased directly with the hotels, Bed and Breakfast rates cannot be provided. Additional nights are subject to availability and may be charged at the prevailing rate by the hotel. 

Single Travellers willing to Twin Share

If you are travelling alone but willing to share, a twin share room can be provided with a person of the same gender, and this will entitle you to travel at the twin share price. Special room requests are not permitted on this basis. It is your duty to disclose any medical or other conditions that may prevent you from being a suitable rooming partner (such as use of CPAP machine) and you must accept that compatibility with your rooming partner cannot be guaranteed. If your allocated rooming partner contracts COVID-19, you should test if you have COVID-19, but only need to isolate if the test is positive. If at any time during the tour you consider your rooming partner unsuitable, we will endeavour to arrange single accommodation (room standard may differ) for you for the remainder of the tour, subject to availability and at your own cost. We accept no responsibility for the suitability of the allocated rooming partner. Single travellers sharing a room will also be required to sit together and adhere to the seat rotation plan. 

The option to twin share with another single traveller is not available on Ultimate Small Group Touring and selected Special Interest Group Touring. Please enquire with your Travel Agent at time of booking.

Single Travellers

Paying the Single Supplement covers the sole use of accommodation only. On the Classic 48 seat coach you will be required to sit with a fellow traveller and rotate between seats together. On the Signature 32 seat coach you will rotate between an individual seat and dual seats with another traveller. Travel on the Ultimate 20 seat coach is Business Class style individual seats for the entire journey.

Triple Share Room Bookings

Hotel rooms are generally sized to accommodate two travellers in comfort. When three travellers elect to share a room note that there will be restricted space. A rollaway bed may be used for triple share bookings where three separate beds are required. Special conditions apply for triple share requests on the Milford Mariner and/or selected hotels and are subject to availability. Please enquire at time of booking. Triple share arrangements are not available on Ultimate Small Group Touring, Signature Mid-Size Group Touring and selected Special Interest Group Touring. 

Overnight Cruises - Milford Mariner and Fiordland Navigator

There are stairs to the cabin and dining area. Travellers are required to be physically able to climb stairs on their own or with the assistance of their travelling companion. A mainland option is available which must be requested at time of booking and is subject to availability with no price reduction. Bedding types are limited, we are unable to guarantee preferred bedding. 

Coach Seat Rotation

For the enjoyment and fairness of all travellers, GPT operates a daily seat rotation system which all travellers must participate in as a condition of booking. There is no exception to this policy and special consideration to an individual’s specific needs cannot be accommodated. The coach seat plan is displayed inside the coach for your reference. 

On the Signature Mid-Size Group Touring coach, the configuration of the coach seating is two seats on the left side of the aisle and an individual seat on the right side, all with panoramic viewing. All travellers will rotate and enjoy the variety of armchair comfort in the dual seats but also will experience the same Premium Economy Comfort on other days in a spacious individual window seat. For two people travelling together, the individual seats will flow in front and behind each other.

Documentation

Travellers residing in Australia: GPT documentation including any merchandise will be forwarded to your Travel Agent two weeks prior to departure. A PO Box address is not acceptable. 

Travellers residing outside of Australia: A personalised itinerary will be emailed to your Travel Agent. In addition, GPT documentation including any merchandise will be made available for collection at the first night hotel. 

We cannot accommodate early requests for documentation. 

The Deluxe Documentation Pack is one ticket wallet per person for Ultimate Small Group Touring; the Classic Documentation Pack is one ticket wallet per person for Signature Mid-Size Group Touring and one ticket wallet per couple/household for Classic Escorted Group Touring. 

General Conduct

GPT reserves the right to refuse a traveller from embarking on a tour or remove a traveller from continuing on a tour if they are deemed, by any GPT representative, acting in a way that interferes with the general operation of the tour or compromises the general enjoyment of the tour by other travellers in any way. This encompasses the travellers’ mental or physical condition or general behaviour which affects their own health and safety, compromises their ability to selfcare, becomes a risk to themselves or other travellers or is abusive, offensive or harassing other travellers including GPT representatives and third-party suppliers. GPT is not liable to the traveller for any costs associated with such a decision and the traveller will not be refunded for any part of the tour. 

GPT Coach Captain and Tour Leader (Crew)

The Coach Captain is responsible for driving and maintaining the coach and for providing commentary throughout the tour. The Tour Leader (or Coach Captain when Tour Leader is not allocated) is responsible for the traveller’s wellbeing and for co-ordinating all the accommodation and activities. It is important while on tour that travellers follow GPT Coach Captain and/or Tour Leader instructions. 

Holiday Duration

The first and last day of most structured holidays is considered a travelling day and therefore may not necessarily be a touring day. Dinner is not included for travellers arriving after 8pm on Day 1. 

Internet

Most hotels have internet access available. Not all hotels offer free Wi-Fi, charges may apply. GPT do not have any influence over hotel Wi-Fi access and related costs. The Ultimate Small Group Touring and Signature Mid-Size Group Touring coaches include a daily allowance of free Wi-Fi. Due to New Zealand’s terrain, connection may not be available at times. 

Lost Property

GPT does not accept responsibility for the retrieval of lost or misplaced property. All costs associated in the retrieval of lost or misplaced property is at the travellers’ expense.

Luggage Limits

Each traveller is entitled to travel with ONE suitcase on tour measuring (length + width + depth) no more than 150cm (59”). Ultimate Small Group Touring travellers may bring up to TWO suitcases if airline ticket permits. Weight limits also apply to luggage due to Occupational Health and Safety issues. The maximum suitcase weight allowed is 23kg (50lbs). If a traveller brings more than the allocated limit of luggage, any additional arrangements made to get their luggage to the final destination, will be at their own expense. Please be aware that oversized or overweight luggage may be refused to be carried by coach companies. Each traveller is supplied with a GPT Travel Bag for personal and small items which can be carried on the coach when travelling. The travel bag is designed to carry a maximum of 6kg (13lbs). Due to limited space on board the coach, please ensure carry-on bags are approximately (length + width + depth) 81cm (32”) with a maximum weight restriction of 6kg (13lbs). All luggage carried is entirely at the travellers’ risk, GPT takes no responsibility for accidental damage or loss. 

Medical Assistance

Whilst on tour, if you require medical assistance the Coach Captain and/or Tour Leader will assist with the recommendation of local medical services. Travellers are fully responsible for all charges pertaining to medical treatment and GPT will not be held liable for the level of service or treatment provided. The Coach Captain and/or Tour Leader are not bound to accompany travellers to seek medical treatment. 

GPT does not provide face masks on tour. It is the travellers’ responsibility to provide and wear a face mask as required or appropriate. Varying outbreak levels may require the mandatory wearing of masks, this will be a mandate imposed by the New Zealand Government.

Module Tours

The Classic/Affordable North and South Island tours are modules of longer duration tours meaning travellers will arrive and depart throughout the tour. The 14 Day Affordable Panorama is a module of the 16 Day Affordable Highlights, travellers on the 14 Day module will depart the tour in Auckland on Day 13 and not continue with the group to the Bay of Islands. No extensions can be administered whilst on tour. 

New Zealand Airport Transfers

Airport transfers in New Zealand are included on the first and last day of your GPT tour. This includes any pre or post tour accommodation directly linked with the tour hotel. For transfers to be administered flight details are to be provided no later than time of final payment. Transfers cannot be re-routed to other pick-up points or destinations; cannot be provided in tandem with car hire pick-up and drop-offs; and no refund can be provided for unused transfers. Inter-terminal airport transfers are not included. If your flight details have changed, please contact your Travel Agent or on the day of departure, contact GPT Australia. Transfer vehicles will wait up to 1 hour after the flight lands in New Zealand. If you miss your pre-booked transfer for any reason or require assistance when in New Zealand, you can contact our North Island or South Island Operations. All emergency contact numbers can be located on your tour itinerary or on the Emergency Contact Card located in your ticket wallet. Depending on the situation either a replacement transfer will be arranged, or travellers may be required to make their own way to/from the GPT tour hotel at their own expense. 

Optional Activities

These activities are to be booked with the Coach Captain and / or Tour Leader whilst on tour. Payment is direct to the operator of the activity. GPT does not operate these activities, as such no person employed or associated with GPT has any connection with the operators of these activities. Accordingly, GPT cannot and do not take any responsibility for any injury, action, loss, or damage of any type, arising in any manner from these activities. Optional Activities are subject to availability, once booked cancellation fees may apply. 

Optional Supa-$aver Coupons

 These activities are to be booked and paid directly with the tour operator. Our recommendation is to book in advance, prior to your arrival into New Zealand to avoid disappointment. GPT does not operate these activities. As such, no person employed or associated with GPT has any connection with the operators of these activities. Accordingly, GPT cannot and do not take any responsibility for any injury, action, loss, or damage of any type, arising in any manner from these activities. Each Supa-$aver activity is subject to availability, once booked cancellation fees may apply. 

Smoking Laws

Smoking is not permitted in any indoor spaces in New Zealand hospitality venues. This means you cannot smoke inside places such as bars, gaming venues, clubs, hotel rooms and restaurants. 

Tipping and Gratuities

As GPT Coach Captain’s and/or Tour Leader’s work exceptionally hard to provide all travellers a memorable holiday, tipping is appreciated for extra special service. Many tours arrange an envelope to be circulated for a farewell group presentation to the Coach Captain and/or Tour Leader with any contributions based on individual appreciation. 

Wine Time

GPT promote Wine Time (discounted drinks) as an initiative for travellers to gather and socialise at a designated time prior to dinner on selected days of the itinerary when dinner is included at the hotel. The discounted beverage price is at the hotels’ discretion and subject to change at any time. Travellers must wear a GPT branded name badge to be identified by bar staff. GPT strongly encourages responsible drinking. 

Client Trust Account

GPT run a Trust Account holding clients’ monies until tour payments are settled. All tours are prepaid to New Zealand hotels and attractions. 

Disclaimer

Travel is personal and an individual’s expectations and enjoyment of included activities may differ. GPT will not be bound by, or liable for, any description, photograph, representation, or warranty made by or provided by any third-party sales representative, Travel Agent, or other person or entity relating to any tour offered by GPT. 

Dispute

The law of this contract is the law of the State of Victoria and where applicable the law of the Commonwealth of Australia and New Zealand. 

Force Majeure

Except where otherwise expressly stated in these booking conditions we regret that we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by reason of circumstances amounting to ‘force majeure’. In these booking conditions, ‘force majeure’ means any event which we or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include war or threat of war, riots, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, nuclear or natural disaster (including but not limited to flooding, fire, earthquake, landslide, road closures), adverse weather conditions, government action including border closures, national emergency, epidemic, pandemic and all similar events outside our control. 

Should a tour be suspended for any reason out of our control, an Administration Fee may be charged to cover irrecoverable costs. 

Privacy

Use of any personal data that you provide to GPT for your booking is governed by the GPT Privacy Policy. By providing personal information to GPT, you consent to GPT collecting, holding, using and disclosing your personal information as detailed in the GPT Privacy Policy. In particular, you agree that in certain circumstances, GPT are permitted to disclose your personal information to overseas recipients in connection with your booking committed by the operators of airlines, hotels, attractions, cruise vessels and transportation companies used in connection with the tours. The supplier may also have their own privacy policy that covers how they handle your personal information. Please contact the supplier directly for information on their privacy policy. GPT do not keep a record of any credit card or bank account details of their travellers. 

Responsibilities of Service

GPT advises that the service it provides is for the booking and packaging of goods and services provided by other operators such as hotels, attractions, cruise vessels and transportation companies. Travellers are advised to familiarise themselves with the terms and conditions on which these services are supplied. Accordingly, GPT will not be responsible and will be excluded from liability for any loss, damage, omission, or acts being negligent or otherwise, committed by these operators used in connection with the tours. 

Traveller Demographic

GPT’s demographic of traveller is generally aged 50 + or for those who prefer a low impact itinerary. All travellers should have a good level of fitness and health to cope with full days of travel which may include walking and climbing stairs. We recommend travellers visit their doctor and dentist before travelling. To ensure you see the best New Zealand has to offer, most touring days depart following breakfast and arrive at the new destination just prior to dinner. 

The 11 Day Ultimate Top of the South Island and 11 Day Signature Top of the South Island requires a moderate level of fitness as several short walks of up to 1 hour are included. The walks are scenic and not excessive but can include slight inclines and uneven surfaces. Please ensure you feel comfortable with this level of fitness before making a booking. 

Variation

GPT reserves the right to cancel or to vary the content of its tours including the replacement of the Ultimate and Signature coaches should the need arise under extenuating circumstances out of our control. Due to the limited number of Ultimate and Signature coaches available, any compensation will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, but not guaranteed. 

Validity

Booking Terms and Conditions are correct at time of publishing and subject to change without notice.