Terms and Conditions – Guided Motorcycle Tours (New Zealand)
These Terms and Conditions ("Agreement") apply to all guided motorcycle tours operated by New Zealand MotorCycle Tours Ltd ("the Company"). By booking and participating in a tour, the participant ("Rider" or "you") agrees to be bound by the terms set forth below.
We retain the right to amend any printing errors or omissions at any time. All unaffected sections remain valid and continue to uphold this agreement in its entirety. The nullification of any specific provision does not impact the overall validity of the agreement.
Any intention to alter these terms and conditions are only valid once confirmed in writing by us. These terms and conditions, together with the details provided in our brochures, website, or other media, form the complete agreement between you and us. No additional conditions, representations, or guarantees exist beyond those stated here.
A Liability Waiver Form will be sent out once a Booking has been made. This is required to be filled out and returned no later than 30 days before Tour start date.
1. Booking & Payment
Tour prices given are valid for the current season only
1.1 A non- refundable deposit of 25% of your selected Tour per rider is required at the time of booking to secure your place.
1.2 Full payment must be made at least 60 days prior to the tour departure date. If full payment is not received by this deadline, the Company reserves the right to cancel the booking and retain the deposit.
1.3 Payment can be made via WISE, Bank Transfer Direct Credit or Credit Card. Invoice payments made via Credit Card will incur a 2.9% surcharge
1.4 You authorise New Zealand Motorcycle Tours Ltd to obtain payment for any Traffic, parking or any other fines, debt collection or infringement costs that come in after the tour has ended and these will be charged to your Credit Card or deducted from the Bond
1.5 Your Booking, Deposit or Full payment is considered acceptance of these Terms & Conditions.
1.6 All prices are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD) and include GST
2. Cancellations & Refunds
2.1 Cancellations must be made in writing via email.
2.2 Cancellation fees:
More than 60 days before departure: full refund less deposit.
30–59 days before departure: 50% refund, less deposit.
Less than 30 days before departure: no refund.
2.3 The Company reserves the right to cancel any scheduled tour due to unforeseen circumstances, lack of participation, severe weather, natural disaster, world unrest, pandemic or any other given reason whatsoever. A full refund or alternative tour option will be offered.
If any tour is cancelled, New Zealand Motorcycle Tours Ltd will:
Immediately notify tour participants of any such occurrence, and
Offer the possibility of rescheduling another tour on another date, or will refund the tour deposit and tour balance less any deposits paid to cover pre-booked accommodation, activities and admin fees etc. which will constitute a full settlement.
Not be liable for any additional cost or losses incurred by the participant due to a cancellation of any tour. This may include, but not be limited to;
personal airline tickets,
other accommodation reservations,
any other pre-planned trips/travel and/or associated expenses.
3. Rider Requirements
3.1 Riders must hold a valid, full motorcycle licence that is recognised in New Zealand.
3.2 Riders must be at least 25 years of age.
3.3 All riders must have at least two years of recent riding experience on motorcycles of a similar engine size & nature to those used on the tour (Himalayan 450).
3.4 International riders must provide an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English.
4. Motorcycle Use & Damage
4.1 The motorcycles provided remain the property of the Company or its partners.
4.2 Riders are responsible for any damage to the motorcycle during the tour due to Rider negligence, misuse, or non-compliance with road rules.
4,3,a, At the commencement of the tour a bond of NZD$3,500.00 is required to be held for each motorcycle rental in the event of any damage or loss to either the motorcycle, any accessories or third party property. This sum is fully refundable if the motorcycle and any accessories are returned at the conclusion of the tour without any damage, loss or expense. Any damage will be deducted from the insurance bond with the balance being refunded. The hirers maximum liability is limited to the full insurance bond plus any cost of recovery of the motorcycle. (All damages paid by credit card will incur a 2.9% credit card surcharge.)
4,3,b, The bond may be taken in the form of a pre-authorisation on your Credit Card at the commencement of the tour and is held for the duration of your hire. Please ensure sufficient funds are available on your Credit Card for the bond pre-authorisation hold at the commencement of your tour. Note: Pre-Authorisation holds can only be charged to a Credit Card. Debit Cards are not valid.
4,3,c, After the bond hold pre-authorisation is cancelled it may take up to 3-5 working days for the funds to be available again on your Credit Card depending on your bank.
4,3,c, No transaction fees apply to Pre-Authorisation credit holds. If damage is deducted from the bond, a credit card surcharge fee of 2.9% will apply to the charged portion.
5. Insurance
5.1 Comprehensive motorcycle insurance is included with an excess (deductible) of $3,500
5.2 The excess can be reduced to $1,500 by purchasing the optional insurance upgrade at a cost of $450.
5.3 Personal travel insurance (including cover for medical emergencies, cancellation, and motorcycle riding activities) is strongly recommended and is the rider’s responsibility.
6. Tour Conduct
6.1 Riders must obey all New Zealand traffic laws and the instructions of the tour guide.
6.2 The Company reserves the right to remove any rider from the tour, without refund, if they pose a risk to themselves, other participants, or the general public through reckless or inappropriate behaviour.
6.3 We reserve the right to prevent any Tour Participant who is visibly under the influence, and/or clearly intoxicated beyond the Legal Limit in New Zealand, from riding the rented motorcycle. Any costs associated with the Rider, or the Motorcycle, continuing the Tour or returning to Base (Maraetai, Auckland) will be at the cost of the Rider and either charged to credit card or deducted from Bond. Insurance cover is voided when under the influence of Drugs or Alcohol.
6.4 If you leave or are unable to complete a tour for any reason, you are responsible for arranging your own transportation & lodgings. Any costs associated with recovering or transporting the motorcycle back to our Maraetai depot will be charged to your account or deducted from your Bond.
7. Itinerary & Changes
7.1 The Company will do its best to follow the advertised itinerary but reserves the right to make changes due to weather, road conditions, accommodation availability, or other operational requirements.
7.2 No refunds will be given for unused portions of the tour or if the participant chooses to leave early.
8. Liability Waiver in brief
8.1 The Rider participates at their own risk. Motorcycling is inherently dangerous and may result in injury or death.
8.2 The Company is not liable for any personal injury, loss, damage, or expenses incurred during the tour, except where required by New Zealand consumer law.
8.3 A signed liability waiver is required before tour commencement.
9. Equipment & Gear
9.1 Riders must wear an approved motorcycle helmet and protective riding gear at all times while riding.
9.2 Gear hire may be available on request; any items required must be requested at the time of booking.
10. Force Majeure
10.1 The Company is not responsible for delays or cancellations due to events outside of its control, including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemics, travel restrictions, or civil unrest.
11. Governing Law
11.1 These Terms are governed by the laws of New Zealand.
11.2 Any disputes shall be resolved through negotiation in good faith. If unresolved, they shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of New Zealand.