Terms and Conditions – Waiheke Wine Tours

Pricing and Payment

All prices displayed for our services are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD) and include Goods and Services Tax (GST). Please note that ferry tickets are not included in our tour prices unless specifically arranged with our administration team. To secure your booking, all tours and transfers must be paid in full prior to departure.

Booking and Cancellation Policies

Private Tours and Corporate Groups

For private tours and corporate groups, our cancellation policy operates on a sliding scale based on the notice provided. Cancellations made more than 4 weeks before the scheduled departure will not incur a tour charge, although an administrative fee of $250 may apply, and any third-party costs already incurred by Waiheke Wine Tours will be charged. If cancellation occurs within 3 weeks of the booked pickup time, 50% of the confirmed price will be charged, along with 100% of any third-party costs. For cancellations within 48 hours of the scheduled pickup time, the full tour price (100%) will be charged.

For groups of 20 or more passengers, we require a 50% deposit to secure the date, driver, and vineyard bookings. The remaining balance must be paid in full one month prior to your tour date.

Shared Tours

Our shared tour cancellation policy requires full payment if the tour is cancelled or if passenger numbers decrease within 48 hours of the scheduled departure time. No charge will be applied for changes or cancellations made outside this period, and we will issue a credit or gift voucher for future use.

Tour Operations and Guest Responsibilities

It is essential that guests adhere to our scheduled departure times. We cannot provide refunds for missed tours or tastings. In the event that you miss your tour, you may arrange and pay for a taxi to the first winery at your own expense. Depending on our location and schedule, we may be able to arrange pickup, but this cannot be guaranteed.

For shared group tours, we may be able to arrange pickup from the main bus route in advance; please contact us by phone or email. Private tours include pickup from accommodation as a standard service.

Family Travel and Safety Requirements

Our standard group tours are not designed to accommodate children. Families travelling with children should book a private tour, where we can better cater to their needs. Children up to 12 years of age are eligible for reduced rates, and we can provide child car seats for an additional fee. Our policy requires all children under 7 years of age to be properly restrained in our vehicles for safety reasons and peace of mind.

Luggage and Personal Property

We request advance notification of any extra items requiring transport, as our vehicle luggage capacity varies. One of our vehicles has no dedicated luggage area, though backpacks can be accommodated. Please consult with our administration team regarding specific vehicle capacity. While we will make every effort to return lost items to their rightful owners, Waiheke Wine Tours cannot accept responsibility for personal belongings left in our vehicles or any loss or damage due to theft or negligence.

Conduct and Safety Standards

Smoking, vaping, and the consumption of alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited in all Waiheke Wine Tours vehicles. We maintain a professional environment and expect our guests to conduct themselves accordingly. Particularly for hen/stag parties, we do not permit raunchy behaviour or offensive accessories, as this may result in denied entry to vineyards and early termination of your tour without a refund.

Alcohol Consumption Guidelines

Vineyards operate under strict legal obligations regarding the service of alcohol to intoxicated persons. If a vineyard declines service due to intoxication, no refund will be provided for the tour or tasting. Similarly, if our staff suspect heavy alcohol consumption prior to the tour, we reserve the right to refuse service and return guests to the ferry or their accommodation without a refund.

Liability and Damages

The hirer assumes responsibility for any damage to the vehicle during the hire period. Waiheke Wine Tours Limited is not liable for any damage caused to people or property, whether intentional or otherwise. The tour organizer will be held responsible for any additional costs incurred. A cleaning fee of up to $300 will be charged for any vomit or significant spills in vehicle interiors.

Force Majeure and Extraordinary Circumstances

In the event of environmental “Acts of God” (such as earthquakes or severe weather), global emergencies (including wars or pandemics), or operational disruptions (unexpected traffic events or civil disruptions), Waiheke Wine Tours will make best efforts to deliver our services but cannot guarantee timely delivery. Under such circumstances, we will gladly assist in rebooking your tour for a more suitable time.

For situations beyond our control, we reserve the right to convert affected bookings into open-dated, transferrable tickets without a refund. These tickets remain valid for 24 months and may be transferred to family or friends.

Photography and Media

By participating in our tours, you acknowledge and agree that any photographs or videos taken by the Waiheke Wine Tours team during your experience may be used and shared on our social media platforms, website, and other promotional materials. While we strive to capture and share the joy of your wine tour experience, please inform our team if you have any specific privacy concerns.

Environmental Commitment and Additional Services

As part of our commitment to environmental sustainability, we no longer provide plastic water bottles. Instead, we offer branded stainless steel water bottles for purchase at $20, which can be refilled throughout your tour.

Gift Vouchers and Vineyard Services

Our gift vouchers are non-refundable but fully transferable with no expiration date. Please note that tour prices may change over time, potentially requiring additional payment to book specific tours.

Unless explicitly stated, our tours do not include lunch. Guests are responsible for any expenses incurred at vineyards for food, drinks, or additional activities. All vineyard bookings are subject to their respective terms and conditions, including any fees for changes, cancellations, or no-shows, which will be passed on to the guest.